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

Santa Cruz County: Ripple Effect Arts Festival

All of Santa Cruz County

Enjoy 11 days of powerful performances, art, poetry, fashion, music, and cultural celebrations throughout Santa Cruz County. The Ripple Effect Arts Festival is brings you creativity and culture to reflect the unique artistic pulse of Santa Cruz County. Opening with Santa Cruz Dancing in the Streets from 5-9pm in Downtown Santa Cruz. 11 Days of […]

Free

Watsonville Civic Plaza: The Cultural District Unfolds

Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room 275 Main Street 4th Floor, Watsonville, United States

Downtown Watsonville is coming alive with art, music, and culture during the Ripple Effect Arts Festival! This vibrant celebration of creativity highlighting the city’s designation as a Cultural District. As part of Watsonville Second Saturday, downtown streets and venues will transform into an immersive arts experience featuring: live performances, interactive art activities, youth showcases, a […]

Free
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
Veterans Memorial Hall: One Man Play

Veterans Memorial Hall: One Man Play

Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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 portrait of Vincent van Gogh, drawn from a series of imagined letters between the artist and his brother Theo that illuminate the artist’s creative drive, […]

$22 – $63

Kuumbwa Jazz Center: ‘A Change is Gonna Come’

Kuumbwa Jazz Center 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

A Change is Gonna Come confronts our past and present and celebrates the act of protest as one of our most precious rights. The program includes arrangements of historic songs like Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan, new commissions by composers like Errollyn Wallen, and world premieres of new works by UCSC composers Siamak […]

$58.28 – $89.25

Wilder Ranch: Art in the Park

Wilder Ranch State Park 1842 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Artists and art-lovers, this one’s for you! Head to Wilder Ranch State Park for Art in the Park! Go celebrate the incredible artistic talent in Santa Cruz County, especially artists inspired by nature. Bring your art supply of choice and get creative, or take a peek at the park through an artists eyes if you’re […]

Free
Santa Cruz Baroque Festival

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival

Santa Cruz: Various Locations Santa Cruz, United States

Enjoy this annual celebration of early music as it sounded in its own time! Learn a bit about the joy of Baroque music with a festival that is an expedition through musical time. 2026 Season: January 31 @4pm: Musical Stories of Brass and Organ (532 Center St) February 8 @4pm: Organ Virtuoso Performance (126 High […]

Free – $50
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

Tannery Arts Center: Spring Art Market

Tannery Arts Center 1010 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Spring Art Market returns to the Tannery Arts Center just in time for Mother's Day! Shop local art and fresh flowers, dine with a variety of local food vendors, and enjoy live music and family-friendly activities. Discover everything from ceramics, jewelry, and paintings to candles, self-care products, and clothing. Live music Kids art activities […]

Free

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

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

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