With a wide range of free events taking place year-around, there’s always something to celebrate in Santa Cruz County every weekend. See what’s happening in Santa Cruz County and check out events here!
Artists set up their easels on the wharf, shore, and streets of beautiful Capitola, to paint live for four days. You'll find hundreds of paintings on display, for sale, and […]
The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Don't miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, […]
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block […]
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to discover art and crafts for the season! Enjoy live music as you stroll and find tasty food and drink to purchase along the way!
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, […]
Established in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, this market has become a seasonal treasure to the local community and to those visiting the area looking for a place […]
Check out hundreds of sweet hot rods, street rods, vintage, muscle, custom, and classic cars in the Boardwalk Parking Lot. Free admission!
The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa […]
Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis - visitors may sign up […]
Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival 60 Authentic Sea Glass and Ocean Artists plus ceramics, fabric art, mosaics, resin art and so much more. Located at the Santa […]
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 […]
First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your understanding of the Arboretum’s plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending […]
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Monarch migration is variable and population numbers and dates are different each year. The monarchs typically begin arriving in mid-October and leave by mid-February. At Natural Bridges, late October and […]
Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about […]
Carlos Motta’s When Time Stands Still features new and recent installations, videos, and sculptures highlighting the artist’s preoccupation with the historical and aesthetic productions of difference and marginalization that shape the […]
“Ni de aquí, ni de allá” (“neither from here, nor there”), is a phrase commonly used by bilingual, bicultural communities. In the exhibition the phrase becomes a bold declaration of […]
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 1860's cow barn, 1858 […]
Started in 2000, this neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved and depended on by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Here […]
The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles […]
Ms. Blue is back! The Great Blue Whale skeleton’s return to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center with a day of ocean discovery, hands-on activities, and family fun! Get curious and […]
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 1860's cow barn, 1858 […]
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long […]
Head to the Henry J. Mello Center to honor all who served! 10:00 AM - Open to the public 10:15 AM - Watsonville Band Performance 11:00 AM - Ringing of […]
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-5pm year round. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off […]
Far West Fungi’s Santa Cruz Store & Café is launching Myco-Mixers - Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites, product samples, and happy […]
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each […]
Check website for times of operation.
🎻 Head to the beautiful mountains of Ben Lomond to experience Contra Dancing! 💃🕺 A contra dance event is a social dance that one can attend without a partner. The […]
Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the […]
Over 50 craft vendors will offer unique jewelry, art, bags, pottery, candles, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, clothing, books and more. Friends of the Library Book Sale offers books for […]
Make your holidays extra special with our DIY Christmas ornaments! Decorate 4 frosted glass holiday-shaped ornaments with gold & silver decorations. Take them home with you that day! Finished ornaments […]
Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. Head to the Rio Theatre and explore themes […]
Enjoy the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market every THIRD Sunday in 2026! Featuring 40+ local makers & artists, this market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods. Find some […]
Head to the Paradox Hotel for an Ocean Themed Art and Sea Glass Fair, with an edge! Vendors will be on theme with local art, ocean themes, sea glass like […]
As a volunteer docent for the County of Santa Cruz Park system, Richard James has researched the colorful history of Quail Hollow Ranch for years. His new tour, “Within These […]
Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Fall Wine Walk 2025! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast to taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Sip while strolling […]
Head to the Rio Theatre for a screening of TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing, followed by a conversation with one of the film’s directors and producers, […]
"Stand up, Armando!" is a comedy show where stand up comedians try out new material and improvisers use the material as inspiration for comedy scenes. It's a fun show with […]
If you love California history and our state’s cultural heritage, come celebrate with us at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park! Visit at the next open house. This tour that […]
Enjoy wines from small, local boutique wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains poured in various designated tasting locations up and down Swift Street in Santa Cruz. Check in for your […]
California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores […]
Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring […]
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Chaminade with a world-class festive buffet overlooking Santa Cruz & the Monterey Bay. $95++ per person (Ages 13+) $35++ per person (Ages 3 - 12) ++ Plus […]
Enjoy Sevy's for our annual Thanksgiving Buffet! Offerings this year include a Carving Station, Salad Bars, Traditional Thanksgiving Sides, Desserts and a table of Children's items. There will be three […]
Celebrate Thanksgiving at High Tide with a thoughtfully curated four-course menu inspired by the warmth and tradition of the season. Begin with roasted butternut squash soup and a roasted D’Anjou […]
Get in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach! Enjoy a festive stroll through dazzling holiday lights and decorations at no cost. If you’d like to hop […]
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride a Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. […]
Just in time for holiday shopping, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in […]
Drop your letter to Santa in the North Pole mailbox on Pacific Avenue near Walnut Avenue, in front of Super Silver. Santa wants to hear from you: What’s at the […]
A 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 […]
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2026 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 27, 2026 – Holiday Lights […]
Interested in observing and comparing old growth and second growth redwood forests? How about walking by the river and learning about what plants grow alongside it? Enjoy a guided stroll […]
A Celtic Christmas is the gift nobody expects but everyone remembers. The night out you've been meaning to book. The memory you'll make with the people you love most. Whether […]
Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents A Christmas Carol Tickets are on sale for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s production of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, a festive holiday tradition for the whole family. […]
Join the Trolley Drops Holiday Jug Band as they perform their “Twistmas Carols,” holiday songs they have written by taking “standards” from folk, jazz, pop, and rock genres, keeping the […]
Enjoy a Jug Band Jam hosted by the Trolley Drops Jug Band! It’s fun and it’s free. The songs they play are hokum blues, folk jazz & novelty tunes from […]
Bundle up in the tackiest sweater you’ve ever been gifted for the holidays and head to the redwoods! As you look through arts and crafts, you will be treated to […]
If you wish the era of 1970’s jazz-rock and progressive rock never ended, then this is the band for you! Joshua Cedar (guitar) transcribed and charted some of the most […]
Go meet and get your picture taken with Santa and his friends at the Chaminade as you enjoy a festive brunch and beautiful views of the Monterey Bay.
The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect […]
Head to the Aptos Village Green to see local craft vendors, sip coffee or hot chocolate with your cookies and have a picture with Santa. Enjoy music, performances, and of […]
A free to enter community event showcasing the magic of Downtown Boulder Creek. Enjoy the holidays brought to you in just one day! Snag some unique gifts when holiday shopping […]
The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor […]
Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid's activities, Santa, wine and so much more!
Who's ready to get their holiday craft on? On Sunday, December 6, from 1-4pm, head to Abbott Square Market for a fun and FREE holiday craft session. -Paint a wooden […]
Tis' the season for an evening of joy and holiday cheer inside The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center! Enjoy exclusive time with Santa, cookie decorating, and a viewing of the […]
Get into the holiday spirit and explore Santa Cruz’s creative heart at the Annual Winter Art Market, presented by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Enjoy live music, tasty food, […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Step into the magic of Christmas in 1920’s Santa Cruz! Santa Cruz Dance Theater presents a spectacular new vision of The Nutcracker, transporting audiences to the Santa Cruz of a […]
Enjoy the Steve Abrams Jazz Trio as you merry at the Holiday Wine and Charcuterie celebration. Go get your first pour and plate at the crush pad, then find a […]
Come enjoy holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine!🎅 📸Take photos with Santa! ☃️ Checkout Wharf Business Specials! ❄️Play in the […]
Join the Trolley Drops Holiday Jug Band as they perform a show of “Twistmas Carols,” holiday songs they have written by taking “standards” from folk, jazz, pop, and rock genres, […]
The annual tradition of the Felton Holiday Market will again take place on the historic covered bridge. ACTIVITIES: Arts & crafts Delicious food & beverages Music Holiday lights And other […]
During the winter season, Año Nuevo State Park requires the usual self guided elephant seal viewing to be only led by a tour guide. This is because the winter season […]
Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy this beloved annual pop-up exhibit at the MAH. Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be […]
Flynn Creek Circus is an all-human spectacle. Look for the big tent at the Capitola Mall parking lot. Limited, free parking for attendees is available. Follow the link in the […]
Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas recreates the joy and innocence of a night before Christmas in a remote farmhouse in his native parish of Teampall an Ghleanntáin in the west […]
Kick-off your holidays with JOY! Add sparkle to the season with the magic only the Santa Cruz City Ballet Nutcracker can bring. From the youngest dancing gingerbread cookies to aspiring […]
Get all of your Holiday Shopping needs in one spot! Have brunch at Solaire, grab a hot toddy and get shopping. There will be visits with Santa, photos, ornaments and […]
The Annual Reindeer Run in Boulder Creek will be on Christmas eve! Go work off that plum pudding and promote togetherness, silliness, and active lifestyle. Bring your family. Bring your […]
Looking for somewhere to enjoy a delicious Christmas meal this year? Sevy’s Bar + Kitchen at Seacliff Inn is offering a Christmas Day Buffet. Indulge in a holiday buffet with […]
Bring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz. Light-up hula hoopers […]
Harlem Globetrotters: Rivalry Tour, set to play in Santa Cruz. This tour is unlike any other in 100 years, with a whole new game, a new lineup of rivals, and […]
Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 46th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston […]
The Watsonville Film Festival promotes Latin and indigenous cultural traditions with free events for the community throughout the year.
A spectacular World Premiere production, Alice in Wonderland reimagines Lewis Carroll's beloved story through a bold, wildly imaginative artistic vision — featuring breathtaking sets and costumes designed in collaboration with […]
