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!

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“The Anatomy of Wonder: Photo Sculptures by Michael Garlington”

M.K. Contemporary: Photo Sculptures

m.k. contemporary art gallery Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

“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 the gallery through his striking photographic “temple,” stepping into a surreal landscape of layered imagery, symbolism, and wonder. April 11th from 4-6PM for an artist […]

Free
First Friday Santa Cruz

First Friday Santa Cruz

Multiple locations throughout Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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 party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy […]

Free

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Baseball Legend Dusty Baker

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Bookshop Santa Cruz is delighted to host legendary and beloved baseball player and manager Dusty Baker for the launch of his book Crossroads: A Memoir in Baseball and Life. Baker will be in conversation with Steve Kettmann, co-author of Crossroads. The free book talk will be followed by a ticketed photo opportunity with Dusty. Ticket […]

$39.93
Davenport: Go To Jail

Davenport: Go To Jail

Davenport Jail 70 Center St, Davenport, CA, United States

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 national monument in the county, some awesome restaurants to tempt the passerby, and an idyllic little town. This tiny two-cell jail was built in 1914 […]

Free

Pono Hawaiian Grill: Dinner and Show With Alan Frog

Pono Hawaiian Grill 120 Union Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Want to have dinner and watch a lives singing put on by Jamison Newlander (the actor who played Alan Frog in Lost Boys) and Santa Cruz's own comic book store owner, Joe Ferrara? Tickets must be purchased in person at Atlantis Fantasy World. Your ticket gets you dinner, the show, an Exclusive Lost Boys print, […]

$25
Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market

Downtown Santa Cruz: Makers Market

Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market 1100 Block Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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 of your favorite Santa Cruz makers AND brand new ones...the variety of goods at the market is always exceptional. Friendly leashed pups are welcome! Check […]

Free
Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

Nicholson Vineyards 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, CA, United States

Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards!  Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists  Sundays from 1pm to 4pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather […]

$25 – $50
Audrey Stanley Grove: Much Ado About Nothing

Audrey Stanley Grove: Much Ado About Nothing

Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park 501 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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 Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeare’s wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeare’s […]

$25 – $98

SC Civic Auditorium: Festival of Contemporary Music

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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 voice to works which are rarely more than a year or two old, and sometimes still wet on the page. The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary […]

43rd Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival

Capitola Village Capitola Village, Esplanade Park, Capitola, CA, United States

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 be inspired by local dance groups while taking in the ocean breeze and breathtaking view of the Monterey Bay. Feed your cravings with tantalizing cuisine […]

Free

Bonny Doon: Art Wine and Beer Festival

Crest Ranch Empire Grade, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Go to the 23rd Annual Festival! It's the best little party in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Participate in an afternoon of tastings with local wineries & breweries, artist and craft vendors, food, music and dancing, wine pull, silent auction and all around good vibes.   Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Must be 21 or older […]

Free

Capitola: Beach Festival

Capitola Village Capitola Village, Esplanade Park, Capitola, CA, United States

6:30 AM - 9:00 PM See website for details.

Free

Open Studios Art Tour: South County

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

Free

Scotts Valley: Multicultural Fair

Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, United States

The Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair is a free celebration aimed at broadening our understanding and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity. There will be: Live musical acts from all different backgrounds and influences. Dance troupes performing captivating routines; with audience participation encouraged! Food vendors to explore. A fashion show to show-case traditional clothing of different cultures. […]

Free

Open Studios Art Tour: North County

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

Free

Open Studios Art Tour: All County

All of Santa Cruz County

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

Free

The Grove: Sea Glass and Ocean Art Festival

The Grove 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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 the festival celebrates its 17th anniversary. Open 10am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday. Over 50 talented artists are bringing their boutique works to the […]

$5