With a wide range of free events taking place year-around, there’s always something to celebrate in Santa Cruz County every weekend. Choose an art and wine festival, a beer or music festival, a summer concert or movie on the beach, or an art and culture event like First Friday or Open Studios Art Tour. Enjoy a timeless event like Woodies on the Wharf, Fourth of July Fireworks, or Thomas the Tank Engine. Want to play? Run the Wharf to Wharf or go to a birding festival. Check out all the fun on tap!
CASFS Farmstand at UCSC
Cowell Ranch Hay Barn
831-459-3762 | calendar.ucsc.edu
Organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers are grown at the UCSC Farm & Garden are sold weekly at the CASFS Farmstand, starting June 15 and continuing through November 23, 2021. Proceeds support educational programs of the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS)
Roaring Camp: Redwood Forest Steam Train
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the forest. (One hour roundtrip).
In the 1880s, narrow-gauge steam locomotives were used to haul giant redwood logs out of the mountains. Roaring Camp’s steam engines date from 1890 and are among the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines providing regularly scheduled passenger service in America.
*Check website for train departure times and tickets
Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours
Natural Bridges State Beach
831.423.4609 | www.parks.ca.gov
Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk!
The monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park to find out the current population. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
Free
Pajaro Valley Arts: Mi Casa es Tu Casa
Pajaro Valley Arts
831.722.3062 | pvarts.org
Mi Casa es Tu Casa is PVA’s annual exhibit inspired by Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead, a traditional holiday in Mexico that commemorates community members and family who have passed away. Altars/Ofrendas are built in homes, churches, schools, cemeteries, and museums that honor and remember the dead. PVA invites you into “our home”.
Mi Casa es Tu Casa is PVA’s annual exhibit inspired by Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead, a traditional holiday in Mexico that commemorates community members and family who have passed away. Altars/Ofrendas are built in homes, churches, schools, cemeteries, and museums that honor and remember the dead. PVA invites you into “our home”.
This year the exhibit is focusing on three themes. The 500- year commemoration of the Mexican Pandemic (1521-1600), family and community members who have passed during this past pandemic year and La Cultura Cura/Healing.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Lights
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
831.724.5671 | fairgrounds-foundation.org
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2021 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 19, 2021 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in November and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS is over a 1/2 mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience.
The event is open on Hours from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. We will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Evening to add to your Holiday Festivities.
NEW THIS YEAR: Walk-THru Holiday Lights happening December 3rd and 4th!
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Departs from Beach Boardwalk
831.423.5590 | www.roaringcamp.com
The seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.
Holiday Lights Train runs on November 26-27, December 4-5, December 11-12, December 17-23.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
831.423.5590 | beachboardwalk.com
Get in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach!
Activities Include
- Selection of Boardwalk Rides, Games, and Arcades
- Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!)
- Photos with Santa
- Delicious Boardwalk Treats
- Boardwalk Racers: Pedal Karts in the Main Plaza!
- Fire Pit Rentals & Holiday S’Mores
- Holiday Fun Package (includes MyBoardwalk Card and a photo with Santa)
- Holiday Shopping
- Classic Holiday Movies (Rotated at Neptune’s Stage 5–7pm)
- And don’t forget the breathtaking beach view!
Hours and Dates
12pm – 5pm
- November 26 – 28 (Friday – Sunday)
- December 4 – 19 (Saturday & Sunday)
- December 20 – 24 (Monday – Thursday)
- December 26 – January 2 (Sunday – Sunday)
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Departs from Beach Boardwalk
831.423.5590 | www.roaringcamp.com
Itinerary:
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz at 5:00pm, 6:30, and 8:00 pm for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Departure times added without notice. Click HERE to check for day/time availability.
Ticket Prices:
Canopy Cars
Adults: $35
Kids: $30
Private Coach Cars. Call us at 831-335-4484 for booking.
$2500 – A Dickens Christmas – 50 Guests
$2500 – Winter Wonderland – 50 Guests
$1250 – Victorian Christmas – 25 Guest
Dates:
Nov. 26-27, Dec 4-5, 11-12, 17-23
Roaring Camp Railroads: Holiday Tree Walk
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cocoa while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter-themed activities.
Dates:
- November 27 – 28
- December 4 – 5
- December 11 – 12
- December 18 – 19
Santa Cruz Warriors vs. South Bay Lakers
Kaiser Permanente Arena
831.713.4400 | santacruz.gleague.nba.com
Cheer on your Santa Cruz Warriors, the most advanced players in the world outside of the NBA as they compete against the South Bay Lakers in a 3,200 seat facility near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Greater Purpose Brewery: Comedy Night
Greater Purpose Brewing Co
(831) 713-5540 | dnascomedylab.com
Every Friday night at Greater Purpose Brewery, DNA and Chree Powell, bring you the very best of California comedy.
Each week is a brand new line-up with comedians from Comedy Central and headliners from the SF Punchline and more.
*Proof of vax required, so we can all laugh together safely.
$10
California King Tides
Various locations in Santa Cruz County
831.425.1234 | www.santacruz.org
“King Tides” are high tides that occur when the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon are in alignment. When these tides happen at the same time as stormy weather, water levels can rise even higher. California King Tides are coming to Santa Cruz County! King Tides mean the highest tides of the year, but also the lowest, most dramatic negative tides. These extreme low tides pose prime conditions for tide pooling, miles of beach walking, and extended beach exploration. Photo Credit: Rachel Endsley.
Free
Henry Cowell: Tea Party
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
831.335.7077 | thatsmypark.org
Drop by to warm up and learn more about a few of the herbs found in Santa Cruz County. Three teas will be prepared for your enjoyment and delight! Casually discuss the properties of these herbs, how to identify them, and where to find them with a State Parks interpreter.
Please bring a personal mug. Meet at visitor center. Free event.
Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 335-7077.
Free
Westside Farmers’ Market
Westside Farmers’ Market
831.454.0566 | santacruzfarmersmarket.org
The Westside Farmers’ Market is open for business! Come see us at the corner of Hwy 1 & Western Drive for a wide selection of fruits and veggies, medicinal tinctures and salves, tasty breakfast, sustainable seafood, and more! Open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
Tannery Arts Center: Winter Art Market
Tannery Arts Center
831.475.9600 | www.tanneryartscenter.org
The Winter Art Market at the Tannery Arts Center returns the first weekend of December! Find the perfect holiday gift as you peruse one-of-a-kind creations by local artists.
Enjoy live music and on-site food truck as you explore the Small Works show at Radius Gallery, art demonstrations, and over 15 open artist studios. Find everything from ceramics, jewelry, and sculpture to painting, prints, and apparel.
The Market is on, rain or shine, with plenty of available parking and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Free
Bargetto Winery: Art in the Cellars
Bargetto Winery
831.475.2258 | bargetto.com
Join us for our Annual Art in the Cellars Holiday Festival. Over 20 local artists will have their art on display in our cellars; sip wine while you stroll the historic cellars and enjoy the beautiful artwork. Admission is free, wine tasting with the purchase of a festival glass, food available for purchase.
Free
Roaring Camp Railroads: DRIVE IN MOVIES “Polar Express”
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
Join us on Saturday, December 4 for the movie “Polar Express”!
Roaring Camp Railroads is proud to present Drive-In Movie Nights in the Redwoods. We will be showing your favorite family-friendly movies, surrounded by the beautiful redwood forest, in the heart of Roaring Camp. Be sure to dress warmly. Movie dates will be weather-dependent. Must tune into a radio station to listen. Movie refreshments will be available for purchase.
Santa Cruz Warriors vs. South Bay Lakers
Kaiser Permanente Arena
831.713.4400 | santacruz.gleague.nba.com
Cheer on your Santa Cruz Warriors, the most advanced players in the world outside of the NBA as they compete against the South Bay Lakers in a 3,200 seat facility near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Corralitos Farm & Garden Market
Corralitos Cultural Center
831.254.2669 | corralitoscultural.org
The Farm & Garden Market is a small, friendly, open-air market made up of local farmers and gardeners who grow within about a five-mile radius of Corralitos.
The market is open to all of our friends and neighbors who grow anything from a garden to a good backyard fruit tree.
The Westside Marketplace: Holiday Edition
University Business Park (The Old Wrigley Building)
It’s our LAST WEEKEND at the Wrigley for 2021!
Bring your Holiday List and shop amongst the one-of-a-kind creations from our 40+ artists/makers/vintage – all while getting your food truck fix on!
Michael Gaither & Friends is performing LIVE from 1-4pm.
All this is happening at the Old Wrigley Parking Lot in Santa Cruz, 2801 Mission Street.
FREE admission!
FREE & Easy Parking!
Friendly leashed pups are welcome!
Presented by your friends at SCM Makers Market & Food Trucks A Go Go.
Sponsored by New Leaf Markets.
Participating Food Vendors:
Pana
Mattia’s Pizza
Taquizas Gabriel
Aunt LaLi
For the full listing of vendors and more details visit www.scmmakersmarket.com or www.foodtrucksagogo.com & keep an eye on our social media!
On behalf of ALL of our vendors — Thank You for staying local & supporting local .. we can’t wait to see you!
Free
Solaire Restaurant & Bar: Jazz up your Fridays with Brian Fitzgerald!
Hotel Paradox (Solaire Restaurant and Bar)
831.600.4545 | www.hotelparadox.com
Brian Fitzgerald makes time between running the educational program & booking artists at Kuumbwa Jazz to fill our space with his musical stylings! Join us on Fridays to fill your cup with joy!
Aptos St BBQ: Kim Wilson
Aptos St BBQ
831-662-1721 | aptosstbbq.com
Come enjoy live blues at Aptos St BBQ with special guest Kim Wilson. No Cover / Free posters available at the door.
Free
West Cliff Holiday Outdoor Market 2021
Lighthouse and Surfers Parking Lots
The holidays are upon us and what better to celebrate! Come enjoy West Cliff Holiday Outdoor Market which will feature unique artisans and local food trucks. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks the famous Steamers Lane surf spot. Enjoy the fresh air as you stroll among many artisan booths and specialty food while taking in the view. Come enjoy the LIVE MUSIC and admission is FREE!
See you on the cliffs for some holiday cheer!
Free
Agricultural History Project: 2nd Saturday on the Farm
Agricultural History Project Center and Museum
831.724.5898 | aghistoryproject.org
2nd Saturday on the Farm, a family event that focuses on a particular area of agriculture. Visitors can participate in the regular activities of the Ag History Project plus others related to the day’s special focus. We host over 2,500 visitors each year at 2nd Saturday on the Farm.
Free
Wilder Ranch: Holiday Living History Event
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | thatsmypark.org
Join us for a family-friendly event with holiday-themed old-fashioned activities, crafts, and living history demonstrations. Step back in time with costumed docents as we turn back the clock to over 100 years ago. Watch machine shop and blacksmith demonstrations or take a tour of the 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse and 1897 Victorian home and 1960’s cow barn. Rain cancels. Food will NOT be available. Free event.
Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.
Roaring Camp Railroads: DRIVE IN MOVIES “A Christmas Story”
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
Join us on Saturday, December 11 for the movie “A Christmas Story”!
Roaring Camp Railroads is proud to present Drive-In Movie Nights in the Redwoods. We will be showing your favorite family-friendly movies, surrounded by the beautiful redwood forest, in the heart of Roaring Camp. Be sure to dress warmly. Movie dates will be weather-dependent. Must tune into a radio station to listen. Movie refreshments will be available for purchase.
Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Street Faire
Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire
“Original” Downtown Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items.
Dates:
- Sunday, August 8, 2021
- Sunday, September 12, 2021
- Sunday, October 10, 2021
- Sunday, November 14, 2021
- Sunday, December 12, 2021
*Weather permitting.
Free
Santa Cruz Warriors vs. G League Ignite
Kaiser Permanente Arena
831.713.4400 | santacruz.gleague.nba.com
Cheer on your Santa Cruz Warriors, the most advanced players in the world outside of the NBA as they compete against the G League Ignite in a 3,200 seat facility near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz Dance Guild: Nutcracker Performance
Cabrillo Crocker Theater
831.479.6154 | nutcrackersantacruz.com
Join us for our annual Santa Cruz Nutcracker performance! Featuring dancers from all ages and backgrounds, we’ve come together to offer you this spectacular show. Many members of our beloved staff, including Studio Director Shannon Chipman and ballet teacher Vicki Bergland, performed in the original Santa Cruz Nutcracker Production. Even more, they continue to dance and teach to this day. Invite in the holiday spirit and come enjoy Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with our talented dancers, right in Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater.
Roaring Camp Railroads: DRIVE IN MOVIES “Dr. Suess’ The Grinch”
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
Join us on Saturday, December 18 for the movie “Dr. Suess’ The Grinch”!
Roaring Camp Railroads is proud to present Drive-In Movie Nights in the Redwoods. We will be showing your favorite family-friendly movies, surrounded by the beautiful redwood forest, in the heart of Roaring Camp. Be sure to dress warm. Movie dates will be weather dependent. Must tune into a radio station to listen. Movie refreshments will be available for purchase.
Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market
Downtown Santa Cruz: Pacific Ave. between Cathcart St & Lincoln St
831.246.0926 | scmmakersmarket.com
Come on out and support local artists and makers at the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market every THIRD Sunday of the month! 10am-5pm (Raindate to following Sunday)
We are now on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln Streets near New Leaf and alongside so many amazing downtown restaurants.
Support local and shop small with over 30 Santa Cruz County artists and makers! AND don’t forget to stop in and visit the downtown merchants and grab a bite to eat from the downtown restaurants.
Remember to social distance as you shop & wear your mask 🙂 If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. There will be hand sanitizing stations at the market and signs to remind you about all these things!
Friendly leashed pups are welcome!
#supportlocalartists and shop local!
Sponsored by Farm Fresh to You & Supported by Downtown Santa Cruz. Presented by SCM Makers Market.
Free
Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce
Kaiser Permanente Arena
831.713.4400 | santacruz.gleague.nba.com
Cheer on your Santa Cruz Warriors, the most advanced players in the world outside of the NBA as they compete against the Sioux Falls Skyforce in a 3,200 seat facility near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.