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!
Santa Cruz Beach Train
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz.
Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz.
The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz.
Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information.
Please note that the 4:15 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
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)
Get Into Your Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt!
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
831-647-4201 | montereybay.noaa.gov
GET INTO YOUR SANCTUARY SCAVENGER HUNT!
You and your family can have a fun Get Into Your Sanctuary experience that doesn’t require getting wet! We have two scavenger hunt locations to choose from: along the Santa Cruz Wharf or at San Simeon Cove.
For approximately one hour, you and your family can participate in a walking, land-based virtual scavenger hunt to find clues that will guide you to each of the seven destinations and using your smartphone to scan QR codes, each clue will be revealed. Complete your “Get Into Your Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt” anytime between Monday, August 2nd, 9:00 a.m. and Sunday, August 8th at 4:00 p.m. Each team that completes all the scavenger hunt destinations and submits responses to each clue will have the chance to win a Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gift basket filled with over $100 worth of ocean-themed merchandise!
Earth & Fire
Virtual
Ceramics and glasswork have at least two important things in common. They both start with elements of the earth and are changed by fire. Our first in-gallery exhibit of 2021 features both ceramic and glass. Sculptural, functional, wall hangings, jewelry, mosaics, or a mixture of both mediums. See what we do with earth and fire!
Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market
Downtown Farmers’ Market
831.454.0566 | santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Our largest and oldest market is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. In addition to a substantial variety of farm products, this market offers a great selection of local artisan foodstuffs, delicious baked goods, and currently many unique, high-quality options for grab-and-go lunch and dinner. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support local farms and bring home the best produce available.
Capitola Summer Twilight Concerts “Mike Hammar and the Nails”
Esplanade Park
831.475.7300 | www.cityofcapitola.org
Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand.
Visit our local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating.
*No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach.
Free
Wednesday Night Sailboat Races
Santa Cruz Harbor
831.475.6161 | www.santacruzharbor.org
Wednesday Night Sailboat Races begin in April and run through fall ending in October. Wednesday Night Races begin at 6:30 pm – 8 pm.
Harbor restaurants & the beach are great viewing areas to watch the sailboat races against the setting sun.
Free
Cinema Chaminade: Wine Down Wednesday “Sixteen Candles”
Chaminade Resort and Spa
831.475.5600 | www.facebook.com
Join us for Wine Down Wednesday and sip your favorite wines while watching classic films overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay.
Drive-up the hill to Chaminade for a bottle of wine, delicious bites, and free showings of classic flicks!
Event Details:
-Free Entry to Movie (Limited Seating)
-Food and Beverage Available for Purchase
-Seating begins at 5 pm (first come, first served)
-No outside food and beverage is allowed
-Free Entry to Movie (Limited Seating)
-Food and Beverage Available for Purchase
-Seating begins at 5 pm (first come, first served)
-No outside food and beverage is allowed
Santa Cruz Shakespeare: RII
Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
The story that sets the Wars of the Roses in motion, Jessica Kubzansky’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard II tells the story of that king’s ill-fated reign using only three actors. What is our responsibility when a bad leader rightfully occupies the throne? This exploration of divine right, capricious leadership, and bloody insurrection is packed with contemporary political relevance. A critic’s choice pick when it premiered at the Boston Court Theatre in Los Angeles, Charles McNulty, critic for the LA Times, called the playa “feat of ingenious stagecraft.”
$25
Santa Cruz Shakespeare: The Agitators
Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
This play tells the story of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. Over the 45 volatile years, they knew one another, they were friends, allies, and adversaries. Their hopes and dreams for equality brought them to common ground and political battlefields. As agitators, they were not content to let either our nation or each other rest in complacency, and their respective fights for racial justice and gender equity continue to this day.
Venue, Streaming, and Ticket Information:
Santa Cruz Shakespeare performances take place in The Audrey Stanley Grove (The Grove) at Upper DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz.
$25
Año Nuevo State Park: Self-Guided Hikes in Seal Viewing Area
Año Nuevo State Park
650.879.2025 | bit.ly
After 15 months of closure, Año Nuevo State Park is excited to re-open our seal viewing area! The Natural Preserve will be open Fridays through Mondays for self-guided hiking. A free permit is required—permits are available between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm at the park. The Natural Preserve closes at 5 pm. Northern elephant seals come ashore during the spring and summer months to shed their outer layer of skin and fur. Docents will be at the viewing area to welcome you and answer questions. The roundtrip hike to the seals is about 3 to 4 miles. While you’re at the park, enjoy our beautiful wildflowers, picnic areas, Marine Education Center and Store, and stunning views of the ocean. Dress in layers and bring sun protection, sturdy shoes, and water. No umbrellas, strollers, or pets. Free permits. The vehicle day-use fee is $10.
For more information, call 650.879.2025, or for recorded information, call 650.879.0227. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.
New Brighton Little Rangers
New Brighton State Beach
831.464.6329 | thatsmypark.org
Any and all 3 to 6 year olds are invited to play games, listen to stories and songs, and learn about nature! Smiles, laughter, and good times abound at this program, and it’s a fantastic way to begin your morning in the park. Meet at the campground Ramada. For more information, call 831.685.6444.
Spaces are limited and early pre-registration is recommended. Attendees are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when pre-registering. Masks and social distancing are also required at all programs. To register, visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
First Friday: Speed Wheel Exhibition Opening
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
831.429.1964 | www.santacruzmah.org
Explore all three floors of exhibitions and see the new exhibition, The Art of the Santa Cruz Speed Wheel. Check out a heat press activity with NHS and Herschel. Grab a creativity kit for the children (or inner children) in your life. Then, stay into the night dancing to live music out in Abbott Square.
*Due to Covid there will be limited capacity within the museum and masks are required.
**Suggested Admission $10; FREE for members
Free
Junior Rangers: New Brighton
New Brighton State Beach
831.464.6329 | bit.ly
This fun one-hour program offers kids, ages 7 to 12, an opportunity to earn prizes while learning about birds, sea life, and local park animals, playing games, and doing arts and crafts. Meet at the campground Ramada. For more information, call 831.685.6444.
Spaces are limited and early pre-registration is recommended. Attendees are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when pre-registering. Masks and social distancing are also required at all programs. To register, visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
1111 Soquel Ave
Come Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at our Summer Block Party, happening every Friday!
Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors
Head over to Event Santa Cruz for this weeks food and vendor lineup.
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 corner of Hwy 1 & Western Drive for s wide selection of fruits and veggies, medicinal tinctures and salves, tasty breakfast, sustainable seafood, and more! Open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market
Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market
831.454.0566 | santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Started in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, the market hosts over 30 farmers and specialty food purveyors every Saturday, 9am-1pm. This local market is the place for the the Scotts Valley community to get their fill of fresh, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised eggs and meats and local and sustainably caught seafood. In addition find ready-to-eat cuisine, baked goods and a full coffee and espresso bar. The market provides unlimited free parking and is located at the Scotts Valley Square Shopping Center in the old KMART parking lot.
Nicholson Vineyards: Food Truck Saturdays “Mattia Pizza”
Nicholson Vineyards
831.724.7071 | www.nicholsonvineyards.com
Our Summer Series is here! Check out the fun lineup of local food vendors every Saturday through August 28th.
*Reservations are strongly recommended. Please note the start time for food & music when booking your reservation.
Guided Coastal Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | bit.ly
On this 2.5 mile family-friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Meet next to the park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. The vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call 831.426.0505.
Spaces are limited and early pre-registration is recommended. Attendees are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when pre-registering. Masks and social distancing are also required at all programs. To register, visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
Violins of Hope/Intonations Discussion
Virtual
This panel discussion about the Violins of Hope and the new work INTONATIONS: Songs from the Violins of Hope features composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer, Violins of Hope author James Grymes, and mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke; plus Bay Area violinist Cookie Segelstein with a brief history of Jewish musical life.
Don’t miss the 7pm concert featuring INTONATIONS: Songs from the Violins of Hope!
Event Sponsors: The Humanities Institute and Neufeld Levin Chair of Holocaust Studies at University of California Santa Cruz
Event Co-Sponsors: Temple Beth El of Aptos
2021 Virtual Season Sponsors: The Humanities Institute at UCSC, Santa Cruz County Bank, Redtree Partners
Free
Seymour Center Outdoors!
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Activities Include:
Tide Pool Investigation: Hone your observation skills and watch animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, and hermit crabs gracefully move in their environment.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt: Explore the Pathway of Giants and find nine outdoor objects hidden around the Seymour Center.
Larval Fish Geocache: Why do baby fish look so different from their adult forms? What kinds of strategies do fish use for raising their young? And just what kind of fish live in Monterey Bay, anyway? Find the answers to these questions in five secret containers located throughout the Coastal Science Campus.
Marine Animal Selfie Station: Grab a selfie with one of our life-sized wooden marine animals—be sure to use #SeymourCenter on your social media profiles.
Blue Whale Skeleton. Meet Ms. Blue: Come face-to-face with one of the largest skeletons of any kind, displayed anywhere in the world.
Gray Whale Skeleton. Gray Whale Feeding Frenzy: Curious how gray whales find food? Learn more about their unique feeding posture and more.
Breathtaking Views: Stop by the overlook to experience stunning vistas of the Monterey Bay.
And Lots More!
Free
Historic Ranch Ground Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | bit.ly
Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, barns, and other historic buildings. The vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call 831.426.0505.
Spaces are limited and early pre-registration is recommended. Attendees are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when pre-registering. Masks and social distancing are also required at all programs. To register, visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
Castle Rock Guided Hike
Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance at Castle Rock State Park
650.949.1453 | bit.ly
Rocks, ridges, and redwoods- this park has it all! Join our experienced interpretive staff and volunteers as we highlight different features of Castle Rock SP each Saturday and Sunday! Keep in mind most hikes are somewhat strenuous due to the ridgeline nature of the park and may include long sunny stretches without shade. Bring closed-toe shoes, plenty of water, snacks, and a camera (if that’s your thing!) Meet at the Kirkwood Entrance, near the office. The vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Spaces are limited and early pre-registration is recommended. Attendees are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when pre-registering. Masks and social distancing are also required at all programs. Visit www.santacruzstateparks.as.me to make online reservations.
Junior Rangers: Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach
Explore, hike and play games as you learn about plants, animals, and more. This 1-hour program is for kids ages 7-12 only. Please meet at the Campfire Center 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play (closed-toe shoes).
Spaces are limited and early pre-registration is recommended. Attendees are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when pre-registering. Masks and social distancing are also required at all programs. To register, visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
Intonations Concert
Virtual
Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s INTONATIONS: Songs from the Violins of Hope features mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, violinist Benjamin Beilman, the St. Lawrence String Quartet, and youth violinist Thais Chernyavski filmed on location in Richmond, CA by Frazer Bradshaw; and the Cabrillo Festival Virtual Orchestra. Followed by a Post-Concert Q&A.
L’dor Vador – From Generation to Generation
In recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz, and to the memory of those who found strength, solace and hope in music during the Holocaust.
Please also join us for the 11am Violins of Hope/Intonations panel discussion to hear from composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer, Violins of Hope author James Grymes, and mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke.
2021 Virtual Season Sponsors: The Humanities Institute at UCSC, Santa Cruz County Bank, Redtree Partners
Photo by Claudine Gossett Photography
Free
Tri Santa Cruz
Depot Park
831.420.5270 | https://www.trisignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/TriSantaCruz
Come play at of one of the most fun and scenic events on the west coast. This race has a sprint and international (Olympic) distance triathlon, with relays and Aquabike categories for both races. Clydesdale and Athena registration categories are available. There is a special, non-competitive Family & Friends wave for people who are new to triathlon or just want to race with family and friends regardless of age or gender. Sheltered swim and flat bike and run course make this a perfect place for your first race or a PR. Voted one of the best late season triathlons in the country. The bike ride is a totally closed course and both the bike and run courses follow the coastline to create one of the most scenic races around!
The sprint distance course at Tri Santa Cruz is a designated USAT Paratriathlon friendly course. In 2018 it was host to the USAT Paratriathlon Nationals prior to the Olympic Games. This year we are proud to host the USAT Western Regional Paratriathlon Championship.
26th Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival
Downtown Watsonville
831 768-3240 | www.celebratestrawberries.com
Delicious foods, family activities, vendors, and live entertainment!
Nicholson Vineyards: Music Sundays “Bob Burnett and Tammi Brown”
Nicholson Vineyards
831.724.7071 | www.nicholsonvineyards.com
Our Summer Series is here! Check out the fun lineup of local musicians’ vendors every Sunday through August 29th.
*Reservations are strongly recommended. Please note the start time for food & music when booking your reservation.
Camille Seaman Interview
Virtual
An interview with National Geographic photographer Camille Seaman, in which she speaks with Nikki Silva of NPR’s Kitchen Sisters about her experience as climate change documentarian and witness to melting glaciers.
Don’t miss the 7pm concert set with images and video by Camille Seaman!
Event Sponsors: The Humanities Institute at UCSC, New Leaf Community Markets
2021 Virtual Season Sponsors: The Humanities Institute at UCSC, Santa Cruz County Bank, Redtree Partners
Photo by Camille Seaman
Free
Melt + Sprout Concert
Virtual
The final concert of Cabrillo Festival’s 2021 Virtual Season features two works by composer Sean Shepherd. First is Melt, set with images and video by National Geographic photographer Camille Seaman. Then, a sequel—Sprout reflects on the resilience of the forest after a wildfire, presented in two versions: one for virtual orchestra, and one animated by David Murakami. Followed by a Post-Concert Q&A.
Don’t miss the 11am Camille Seaman interview, in which she speaks with Nikki Silva of NPR’s Kitchen Sisters!
2021 Virtual Season Sponsors: The Humanities Institute at UCSC, Santa Cruz County Bank, Redtree Partners
Photo by Camille Seaman and David Murakami
Free
Little Rangers: Natural Bridges
Natural Bridges State Beach
831.423.4609 | bit.ly
Participants are invited to play games, listen to stories and songs, and learn about nature! Activities and games vary from week to week but always cover a topic relevant to Natural Bridges. Meet at the side porch of the Visitor Center. Parents or caregivers are required to stay and encouraged to help facilitate the fun and games. Day-use fee for vehicles is $10. For more information, call 831.423.0871.
Spaces are limited and early pre-registration is recommended. Attendees are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when pre-registering. Masks and social distancing are also required at all programs. To register, visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
Felton Farmers’ Market
Felton Farmers’ Market
831.454.0566 | santacruzfarmersmarket.org
The Felton Farmers’ Market was started in 1987 and is the second oldest market in Santa Cruz County. SCCFM took over operations in 2009 and our team has developed deep ties to the community. Every Tuesday through October a quality collection of regional farms and food businesses throw up their tents to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, seafood and other staple foods. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Felton Market is an essential part of the regional food system as well as a resource for nutritious organic foods and basic agricultural education.