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!
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 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 […]
Trivia every Wednesday! Hosted at Front and Cooper inside of Abbott Square Market Go test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails! Brought to you by […]
“The Anatomy of Wonder: Photo Sculptures by Michael Garlington” invites visitors into the imaginative world of the renowned Burning Man artist, whose work blends photography with sculptural installation. Visitors enter […]
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 […]
Head to Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! There is no cover charge and wine by the glass and light snacks are […]
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 […]
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, […]
Tea is better when shared! Enjoy a lovely High Tea filled with flavorful teas, tasty finger sandwiches, and sweet pastries. Make it extra special by bringing along your son, daughter, […]
Stockwell Cellars does not offer flights or reservations on Friday evenings to make way for Sip, Savor and Sway! Enjoy live music for free! You will also be able to […]
Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS) is organizing a special spring engagement of Vincent, the acclaimed one-person play by Leonard Nimoy, starring SCS Artistic Director Charles Pasternak. Vincent is a compelling theatrical […]
Enjoy this live, multi-sensory musical experience of a string quartet playing Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at the Boardwalk's Grove under the gentle glow of candlelight. For 8 years old or […]
She.is.beautiful Santa Cruz Race welcomes all levels and abilities. This race event is female-focused and welcomes ALL PEOPLE. This is the perfect race to set a goal to work towards! […]
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 […]
During this program, you will be introduced to a craft used by indigenous peoples around the world: coiled basketry. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, […]
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 […]
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, […]
Explore an eclectic mix of vintage clothing, locally made art, jewelry, and handmade treasures. This event often includes live music from local DJs or bands, and unique additions like live […]
The Spring Art Market returns to the Tannery Arts Center just in time for Mother's Day! A full day of local art, live music, food, and open studios—bringing together artists, […]
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 […]
Starting in April, on both Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of each month, the City of Santa Cruz staff will lead tours of Loch Lomond Reservoir on the […]
Enjoy a Cottage Lunch on the winery Terrace and visit 3 workshop stations to make take-home gifts! Moms, mentors, friends welcome! Bring along the special gals in your life as […]
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 […]
Davenport goes beyond a beautiful place to get away from it all. Just minutes north on the Pacific Coast Highway, Davenport has stunning sweeping ocean and cliff views, the first […]
Begin with a scenic steam train ride to the top of Bear Mountain, then hike and forage your way back into town while learning the core skills of safe mushroom […]
Acoustic musical guests make for a lively accompaniment to the afternoon! Enjoy a tasting of 5 of the current Roberts Ranch wines complete with abundant charcuterie boards! Meats, cheeses, crackers, […]
David has been entertaining audiences with his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques. He is the master of satire and one of today's most observant writers addressing the human condition. […]
Head to The View Restaurant for a special Mother's Day Brunch Buffet overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Reservations required.
Treat Mom to something memorable on her special day with a delectable Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet accompanied with live music. After a lovely brunch, relax with a train ride through […]
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 […]
Treat Mom to brunch or dinner overlooking the river or beautiful gardens. Enter by cable car or do a leisurely walk down the garden path to your reservation. The Rock […]
Treat mom to an excursion at a brewery that uses solar energy and sustainable farming practices and hear the rich acoustic mix of varied musical genres of Wild Iris for […]
Musical Soulmates presents an intimate, gorgeous afternoon of chamber music, almost all written by prominent Black composers and offered in the Historic Black Church in Santa Cruz. Brought to you […]
Don't miss Jim Messina and band at the Santa Cruz Rio Theatre on Mother's Day! An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of […]
Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.
The Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering May through October, now running for over 30 years. We appreciate the dedicated customers who call this market a second home. […]
Bay Area ornithologist Alex Rinkert will lead a short interpretive hike around Loch Lomond with a focus on bird identification by sight and sound. This free event is a great […]
The City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture are pleased to partner together to present their 7th Annual Wine, Beer, and Art walk in historic […]
Kick-off summer at the first-ever Drone Show over Main Beach at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Come early for a fun day at the Boardwalk with thrilling rides, games, delicious […]
Head to Watsonville for this 33rd annual outrageously scenic road cycling event! Lunch will be provided on the 100-km and 100-mile rides, and snacks will be available at the rest […]
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 […]
Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Spring Wine Walk 2026! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast and taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Enjoy sipping while […]
Through up-close footage of whale rescues, the Whale Entanglement Team at Marine Life Studies will reveal how the lives of humans and whales intertwine in ways far beyond ropes and […]
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for […]
Step back into the days of steel, steam, and timber at Roaring Camp’s first annual Lumberjack Days, celebrating the heritage of West Coast logging. Watch skilled competitors face off in […]
Every year on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, head to the beautiful mountains for "Felton Remembers." This family event features a traditional parade honoring those who have served our country […]
The Santa Cruzer is the best way to get back and forth between the beach and downtown and avoid parking and traffic. The Santa Cruzer shuttle is convenient, all electric […]
The Santa Cruz Chorale is honored to bring you the cantatas of the immortal Johann Sebastian Bach, whose music speaks across the ages. The historic Holy Cross Church on Mission […]
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 […]
Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s stage! Every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and additional shows from […]
Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA […]
Head to Skypark in Scotts Valley for the area’s largest food truck festival! Lots of excitement, more food vendors, the fabulous SVEF Beer & Wine Garden, amazing Live Music and […]
Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors The summer series of free events will […]
Dance the day away to live music with your friends and family while enjoying tasty locally made food, cold beer, cider and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods […]
There will be over 50 unique artists & merchants for this Halloween inspired market! From art, jewelry, oddities, apparel, ceramic, & more there will be something strange & unusual just […]
Enjoy a conversation with British mycologist and author, Merlin Sheldrake with redwoods surrounding you! Merlin Sheldrake will discuss his New York Times bestseller, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make our Worlds, […]
Santa Cruz's most satisfying sensory experience is back! Museum of Discovery is transforming with massive tubs of gooey goodness delivering amazing ASMR vibes for one week only. This is THE […]
Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade […]
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 […]
Yes, you have heard this music before. At least the O Fortuna movement! Movies, commercials, and social media have used it over and over again to add drama. Now experience the […]
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 […]
Pono is your island-style fan zone! Catch the tournament live on our big screens with the best community vibes in Santa Cruz. Grab a plate lunch and cheer on your […]
Pono is your island oasis for the summer’s biggest matches! Catch every goal on our big screens with friends and family while enjoying our extensive tap list, full bar, and […]
Live music, food and wine overlooking the Lester Family Vineyards in the heart of Pleasant Valley. Friday, June 12 from 5-8pm: Music by Alex Lucero Band and Food by SnB […]
Every Friday night on the beach in front of the Colonnade, bring your family and your blanket or low-back chair to experience the ultimate movie night! Watch your favorite movies […]
Cruise starts at 8:30 AM Saturday at the Boardwalk to Capitola. Entire event in Capitola is 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday.
Take a scenic walk around Loch Lomond with City Water Resources Analyst, Michelle Tarian. They will be pointing out things to notice on your walk you may have never considered, […]
Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz County Parks are partnering to bring a fun filled weekend celebrating the excitement and global spirit of World Cup Soccer! Register your team for a […]
Juneteenth is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people. Attend and enjoy music, poetry, dance, delicious soul food, arts & crafts, basketball skills […]
Cheer on your favorite team at a game watch at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH). There will be complimentary popcorn (to throw at the screen?) and […]
Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by […]
Enjoy free live music every Thursday evening throughout the summer at the Boardwalk’s Colonnade Stage. Grab a bite, enjoy a refreshing drink, and dance along to a rotating lineup of […]
Every Friday night on the beach in front of the Colonnade, bring your family and your blanket or low-back chair to experience the ultimate movie night! Watch your favorite movies […]
Explore and discover the beauty of Deer Park Ranch with a 90-minute guided hike through the vineyards and ranch with Lester Estate brand ambassador, Steve Johnson. Get your heart pumping […]
Enjoy the global soccer tournament and come celebrate with Coasters Bar & Grill in the Boardwalk Bowl! Coasters Bar & Grill will have special themed food and drink specials for […]
Come join the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during the global soccer match tournament and unwind with a free movie on the beach. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will be playing […]
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 3:30 PM- Woodies Parade off the Wharf
Pleasure Point will be buzzing as the community takes to the street to enjoy the Pleasure Point Street Fair. This event will be held on Portola Drive between 41st and […]
Tour a historic Art Deco venue that still hosts festivals, concerts, expos, and even a roller derby! Step behind the scenes and experience a side of the venue few ever […]
There will be food trucks, beer, and wine for purchase. Live music includes The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin. Locals Love: The front row view from the cliffs for viewing talented […]
Welcome to the world's shortest parade this July Fourth! The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive and will continue along Soquel […]
Was the world’s shortest parade just too... short? Never fear! There is more fun to be had at Aptos Village Park! There will be activities for the whole family: games […]
Cabrillo Stage is a musical theatre company dedicated to presenting high-caliber, large-scale musical productions to the area. They are committed to the creation of musicals with Broadway-level production values. In […]
Enjoy a festive Summer Luau by the beach! Dress in your best Hawaiian attire and enjoy a tropical buffet, live music, hula dancers, and fun for all ages. Perfect for […]
This Loch Walk coincides with the international Secchi Dip-In annual event! Participate in citizen science recognized around the world by heading to the hidden gem of Loch Lomond in the […]
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much […]
Head to DeLavega Park to enjoy the full outdoor theatre experience! You can bring your own picnic basket and drinks to enjoy the picnic bluff area or check out concession […]
Go learn about the Santa Cruz Archery Range and archery in general at this event. This free opportunity includes two sections for lessons! Preregister to save your spot in the […]
Enjoy a relaxing and educational guided walk along the scenic San Lorenzo Riverwalk. This experience offers a chance to explore one of Santa Cruz’s most important natural corridors while learning […]
Celebrate National Carousel Day and our Looff Carousel’s 115th Anniversary. First 100 riders on the Carousel will receive a brass souvenir carousel ring. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.
8:30 AM, Please check website for event times
In late July and early August each year, audiences are joined by both preeminent and emerging composers, spectacular guest artists, and an orchestra of dedicated professional musicians from across the globe to give […]
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience August Wilson’s Fences, under the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park this summer. Fences By August […]
This free, family-friendly festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, kids’ activities, local artisans, business and specialty vendors, and a mouthwatering variety of food. Strawberry lovers can look forward to creative […]
Take your heritage tourism to the biological level! Maintain and nurture native plant specimens and give the state park garden an overall sprucing-up! Participants should be prepared to get their […]
Enjoy games with prizes all along downtown Boulder Creek! There will be a kid zone, photo booth, vendors and more!
Every Friday night (Except 3rd of July this year) on the beach in front of the Colonnade, bring your family and your blanket or low-back chair to experience the ultimate […]
Explore a western pond with City Water Resources Analyst, Jenny Viera. As essential ecosystem engineers, turtles maintain ecological balance, such as cycling nutrients and creating burrows for other wildlife. Protecting […]
Scotts Valley Art, Wine, and Beer Festival is back in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. This premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains has something […]
Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani DiFranco is the mother of the DIY movement, being one of the first artists to create her own record label, Righteous Babe […]
Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by taking a spin on our National Historic Landmark, the Giant Dipper. First 100 riders on the Giant Dipper will receive a Boardwalk Souvenir Cup. […]
Free & family-friendly! Two talented pianists face off in a musical showdown full of crowd favorites, sing-alongs, and spontaneous comedy. You bring the requests, they bring the show! Bring your […]
Head to Esplanade Park bandstand stage and see a movie on the beach! The movie will begin at dusk. Bring your own low back chairs and blankets to get comfy. […]
Enjoy a shop and swap market throughout downtown Boulder Creek with deals and trades, live craft demos, a kid zone and more!
Head to Esplanade Park bandstand stage and see a movie on the beach! The movie will begin at dusk. Bring your own low back chairs and blankets to get comfy. […]
After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed post-punk originators Public Image Ltd (PiL). Widely regarded as one of the most innovative bands of all time, their music and vision […]
Consulting Ornithologist Alex Rinkert will lead a short interpretive hike around Loch Lomond with a focus on bird identification by sight and sound. This free event is a great opportunity […]
Stroll the festival with friends and family, sipping exceptional wines from Santa Cruz Mountain wineries while admiring the artistic talents of over 100 fine artists. Sway to live music and […]
The showstopping Santa Cruz County Fair returns September 16 - 20th for family fun, great entertainment, live shows, animal displays, carnival rides, and more!!!
6:30 AM - 9:00 PM See website for details.
Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community with mariachi, folklorico dancers, and a free beach concert. Enjoy Boardwalk rides and games plus fun food and beverage specials throughout […]
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to enjoy the 4th Annual Treat Walk where both artists and merchants will be handing out candy and treats to the kiddos. Although you are welcome […]
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
Mark the fall migration at one of the most beautiful places on the planet for the Monterey Bay Festival of Birds featuring field trips, workshops, family-fun activities, and keynote speakers. […]
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Bonnie Raitt is returning to Santa Cruz! Fans can expect a setlist that balances her "present-day brilliance" from Just Like That... with timeless classics […]
Go see an exciting musical parade as 55 Northern California high school and junior high school marching bands compete next to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the ONLY […]
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
Enjoy this FREE annual event! Bring the family for a creative day of mask making, carnival games, Thriller performances plus Nightmares - A Stage Spooktacular. This event has been a […]
Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun! It's always free to enter the Boardwalk, but if you would like to receive a collectible Boardwalk bag with […]
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!
Kids enter free to the Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival. The festival features genuine sea glass and artist-made creations while benefiting our local marine environment. This year […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
