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!
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, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach […]
Cruise starts at 8:30 AM Saturday at the Boardwalk to Capitola. Entire event in Capitola is 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday.
The Seymour Center will be pulling out all the stops with a jam-packed schedule both Saturday and Sunday! Santa Cruz Maker Studios will be there for kid-friendly hands-on projects as long as supplies last, such as: Dig for Fossils & Treasures Build and Test a Seawall Make a Wooden Sea Creature Create a Kelp Forest […]
Go shell-ebrate all things aquatic at Seacliff State Beach with: ocean-themed art vendors and info booths, kids’ activities, live music, and local food trucks! Park in the upper lot and make your way down the wooden stairs to enjoy a car-free experience at this beachside event. Handicapped parking will be available in the lower lot […]
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 repeats every 90-minutes throughout the day will surely have you falling head over heels with all the park has to offer! This 90-minute tour is […]
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 an art activity for all ages. Below are the games the MAH will play: June 15, 2026 - Spain vs. Cape Verde at 9AM - […]
Father’s Day Weekend seems like the perfect time for a little fun. Head to Nicholson Vineyards for their annual Father’s Day Patio Classic—a relaxed afternoon of great wine, classic games, and sunshine set alongside the vines. They will be bringing out a curated lineup of tabletop games and patio favorites—cornhole, giant Jenga, and more—with horseshoes […]
Salute Dad on Father’s Day by treating him to a ride on the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train and lunch. In addition, enjoy live music at the BBQ where Shanty Shack will be pouring the best local brew for sale.
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic'd board games 5 - 8 Trivia […]
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 38th Avenues. There will be bike parking available, and admission is free. There will be great music, fun for kids, vendors, a beer garden, great […]
America turns 250 — and Santa Cruz runs! Join us for one of the county's most beloved Fourth of July traditions, the Firecracker Run. The legendary 10K features the notorious "Thrill of the Hill" through Pogonip's redwoods. The flat, fast 5K is perfect for families and fully ADA/wheelchair accessible. The 1K Kids' Dash kicks off […]
Go see the Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade and Flyover! 9am-3pm- Kids zone free activities & food trucks Parade and Flyover starts at 11:00am. ADA Parking and Viewing is located at 5007 Scotts Valley Dr. Live music and food trucks continue after the parade until 3pm.
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 Drive to Parade St. Roads will close at 9:30am.
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Boulder Creek! Enjoy a parade, a block party with vendors, BBQ, and live music!
This Fourth of July, take either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Enjoy the nostalgic town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities, live music and a good ol’ American BBQ. ACTIVITIES Live Music Kids Club Activities Chuckwagon BBQ
12:00 PM
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 link in the orange button above. This is limited to 15 participants at each lesson. Walk-ins are welcome but space is limited. Santa Cruz Archers […]
The annual SCM Classic Car Show is a family-friendly event with over 50 amazing cars! This family friendly event has activities for the littles, live music, BBQ and full bar for the rest, and of course the best part of the day is viewing these amazing automobiles. Head out and enjoy a day in the […]
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
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 berry-infused treats like pizza, tacos, churros, popcorn, shortcake, beer, and more! Be sure to catch crowd favorites like the Pie-Eating Contest and Berry Best Dressed […]
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. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.
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 beach chairs, grab a treat from Capitola Village, and enjoy a summer afternoon of music, laughter, and community on the coast. Requests encouraged. Dancing inevitable. […]
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.
Taste, sip and tap your toes as you sample local eateries, farms, breweries, vintners and musicians of the Soquel neighborhood! Enjoy kids' games, prizes and more!
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 to break out your Halloween costume early, it is not required. Perhaps you will find some art or craft to enhance your entrance to Downtown […]
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
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. […]
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. Activities are planned throughout the Monterey Bay area in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, and Monterey. Check out the website linked below to register for field […]
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!
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 on a ride, you can purchase individual ride tickets or a Ride Wristband for unlimited rides all day. Games, attractions, and photos with Santa are […]
