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!
Año Nuevo State Park: Self-Guided Hikes in Seal Viewing Area
Año Nuevo State Park
650.879.2025 | www.parks.ca.gov
Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour self-guided trail! Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Bring water. Food, umbrellas, and strollers are not permitted inside the preserve.
No pets are allowed in the park. Free event. The vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, please call 650.879.2025.
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.
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
The Crow’s Nest: Thursday Beach BBQ Parties
Crow’s Nest Restaurant
831.476.4560 | crowsnest-santacruz.com
Each Summer on Thursday evenings the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment, right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage, and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQQ and outdoor bar, beach parties are a unique and popular event. Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge! After the sun sets the fun begins upstairs with dancing to the best of local live bands beginning at 8:30 pm with only a $5 cover charge
Free
CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA: Vine to View Dinner Series “Bargetto Winery”
Chaminade Resort and Spa
831.475.5600 | www.chaminade.com
This season’s Vine to View Dinner Series is better than ever! Join us on our patio from 6 pm – 9 pm for a four-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Avram Samuels and his culinary team. Enjoy locally sourced ingredients perfectly paired in an idyllic setting overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay featuring Bargetto Winery.
$142.00
Wilder Ranch State Park: Coastal Birding Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | thatsmypark.org
On this 2-hour walk, be prepared to hike 2 miles on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes.
Meet next to the park map in Wilder Ranch’s main parking lot. Rain cancels. The vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call 831.426.0505.
To register for this event on a different date visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
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.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Coastal Nature Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | thatsmypark.org
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour 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. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot.
Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Old Growth Redwood Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
831.335.7077 | thatsmypark.org
Are there different kinds of redwoods? How do coastal redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? Why are there so few old growth trees left? Learn the answer to these questions and more every Saturday when you take a walk through the wondrous old-growth forest with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic docent.
Tour Times:
- 11:00 am
- 2:00 pm
Meet at the visitor center. Free event. The vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Bubble Bonanza
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
Memorial Day Weekend, get ready to step onboard the Circus Bubble Train. Zillions of Bubbles will float through the air as you travel down the tracks through the Redwood Forest. Meet the Bubble Ubbles, Mr. Bigz Bubbles, and BB Bubbles on the train. Your train ticket also includes a show in the Circus Ring at Bret Harte Hall. Performances by stilters, jugglers, dancers, and world-renowned bubble magician, Tom Noddy.
ACTIVITIES
- Circus Show
- Circus Themed Activities
- Bubble Photos
- Kids Club Activities
Wilder Ranch State Park: Historic Ranch Ground Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | thatsmypark.org
Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me
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.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Historic Ranch Ground Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | thatsmypark.org
Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me
First Friday Santa Cruz
Various locations in Santa Cruz County
831.425.1234 | firstfridaysantacruz.com
FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR ✨
Every First Friday Evening from 5pm-9pm at various locations in Santa Cruz County.
Plan your First Friday night and visit participating venues in Downtown, the Tannery Arts Center, Midtown, Westside, Eastside, Felton, and Ben Lomond!
Get out and support the arts!
Find the full listing of participating artists and venues + all of the details on our website, firstfridaysantacruz.com
Popular First Friday Destinations Include:
Curated Pop-Up Gallery
Botanic & Luxe
The MAH
The Tannery Arts Center Galleries and Studios
Radius Gallery
Santa Cruz Art League
Treehouse Dispensary
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
*More details about all of the upcoming First Friday events can be found on our website, firstfridaysantacruz.com
Ready…ENGAGE!
First Friday is a free event and is perfect for enthusiastic Art Goers or those just looking to have a fun and enjoyable evening checking out the art scene is Santa Cruz. We are pleased to provide this opportunity and promote this event for the many talented Santa Cruz Artists exhibiting their work.
Free
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Birding for Beginners
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
831.335.7077 | thatsmypark.org
Join State Park Interpreter Dylan McManus for a tranquil morning filled with residents and migratory birds. Learn about the birds in our park and ways to participate in birding community science, receive a Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park birding brochure, and begin your hobby as an enthusiastic birder! Make sure to bring water, comfortable footwear, and a keen eye and/or ears!
Meet in the campground located off Graham Hill Road. Free event. The vehicle day-use fee is $10.
SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: Nature Club
Moore Creek Preserve
(831) 420-5270 | www.santacruzmuseum.org
Kick-off the beginning of summer with an awesome visit to the Moore Creek Preserve, exploring different communities found in one of our best local habitats during this month’s Nature Club for 6th-8th graders. Birds, deer, coyotes, rabbits, and much more call this place home, and we will learn all about the adaptations they need to survive in this environment.
Saturday, June 4 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Moore Creek Preserve
Ages: 6th-8th grade
$5 – $10
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Mountain Faire
Roaring Camp
831.335.4484 | www.redwoodmountainfaire.com
The annual Redwood Mountain Faire brings together a wide range of music styles on two stages. The Faire benefits a wide range of nonprofit and service organizations and is organized by the Valley Women’s Club of the San Lorenzo Valley.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Coastal Nature Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | thatsmypark.org
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour 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. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot.
Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Westside Marketplace
University Business Park (The Old Wrigley Building)
The Westside Marketplace — every First Sunday at The Wrigley!
Featuring LOCAL art, handmade & vintage shopping + Food Trucks & pop-ups, and LIVE MUSIC…all outdoors at the Old Wrigley Parking Lot, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz.
FREE admission!
FREE & easy parking!
Friendly leashed pups are welcome!
11-4
Presented by your friends at Food Trucks A Go Go & Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market.
For more info, foodtrucksagogo.com & scmmakersmarket.com
We’ll see you there!
Wilder Ranch State Park: Coastal Birding Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | thatsmypark.org
On this 2-hour walk, be prepared to hike 2 miles on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes.
Meet next to the park map in Wilder Ranch’s main parking lot. Rain cancels. The vehicle day-use fee is $10.
To register for this event on a different date visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
Free
Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show
Capitola Village
831.425.1234 | capitolacarshow.com
Watch these classic beauties cruise the coastline on Saturday morning from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to Capitola starting at 8:30 am.
Enjoy a weekend filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and family fun at the beach!
HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK: 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 the visitor center. Free event. The vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Free
West Cliff: Outdoor Market
Lighthouse Point
831.420.5270 | brotherspromotions.com
Come enjoy our outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. 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 Steamer Lane surf spot. The market will feature hand-crafted gifts, and admission is FREE!
We will also be giving away free tokens every hour to random shoppers. The tokens can be used towards any vendor of your choice. So come down and get your free gift!
Free
Castro Adobe State Historic Park: Open House
Castro Adobe State Historic Park
831.226.9669 | thatsmypark.org
Join us for Doors Open California! The Castro Adobe is one of more than 75 unique and fascinating historic places in all corners of the state being highlighted during the first-ever Doors Open California weekend, sponsored by the California Preservation Foundation. Our special tours will include all of the interior rooms of the two-story adobe, including the famous fandango room where celebrations were held, one of the very few remaining indoor cocinas in California, and a tour of the gardens. We will discuss the ongoing restoration and the creation of 2,400 adobe bricks that made it possible. Additionally, the tours will cover the history of the Castro family and the vaqueros who worked the rancho and background on the rancho period when the Castro Adobe was built.
Pre-registration for each participant is required at www.californiapreservation.org/doca. $20 flat rate per person for access to all Doors Open California events. Masks requested indoors. Active construction site, open only during scheduled events. Limited parking; carpooling encouraged. For more information, call (831) 226-9669. Event made possible by California Preservation Foundation, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, and California State Parks.
Free
Wilder Ranch State Park: Coastal Nature Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | thatsmypark.org
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour 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. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot.
Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Natural Bridges State Beach: Tidepool Exploration Tour
Natural Bridges State Beach
831.423.4609 | www.parks.ca.gov
Explore our spectacular tidepools with a State Parks interpreter or docent on this 1.5-hour guided tour. Bring layered clothing and good walking shoes.
Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet at the side porch of the visitor center. Children ages 7 and up are welcome, but parent or caregiver must attend with them. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Natural Bridges State Beach: Tidepool Exploration Tour
Natural Bridges State Beach
831.423.4609 | www.parks.ca.gov
Explore our spectacular tidepools with a State Parks interpreter or docent on this 1.5-hour guided tour. Bring layered clothing and good walking shoes.
Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet at the side porch of the visitor center. Children ages 7 and up are welcome, but parent or caregiver must attend with them. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Natural Bridges State Park: Family Rangers “Fantastic Frogs & Our Pond”
Natural Bridges State Beach
831.423.4609 | thatsmypark.org
This fun one-hour program for families teaches about a topic focused on Natural Bridges. Children ages 7 through 12 may use this program towards their Junior Ranger awards. Bring layered clothing and good walking shoes.
Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet at the side porch of the visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 423-0871. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Fall Creek Hike
Fall Creek Unit
831.335.7077 | thatsmypark.org
Hike through a young, 100-year-old forest to examine evidence of the logging history and discover how the Bay Area was built on this 4-mile, 4-hour hike. Join us at one of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park’s hidden treasures and explore the beauty of Fall Creek.
The vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Free
Capitola Summer Twilight Concerts “Sasha’s Money”
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
CHAMINADE RESORT: Nashville Nights Concert Series “Jenny Tolman”
Chaminade Resort and Spa
831.475.5600 | www.chaminade.com
Ranch 1917 and Chaminade Resort are bringing Nashville to Santa Cruz. Get up close and personal with some of Nashville’s hottest acts.
Experience an intimate concert in a songwriter’s format while watching the sunset over Monterey Bay!
FEATURED ARTIST: Jenny Tolman
$30.00
Natural Bridges State Beach: Tidepool Exploration Tour
Natural Bridges State Beach
831.423.4609 | www.parks.ca.gov
Explore our spectacular tidepools with a State Parks interpreter or docent on this 1.5-hour guided tour. Bring layered clothing and good walking shoes.
Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet at the side porch of the visitor center. Children ages 7 and up are welcome, but parent or caregiver must attend with them. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.