Upcoming Events

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Downtown Where’s Waldo Game

Downtown Santa Cruz Info Kiosk 1130 Pacific Ave. K2, Santa Cruz, California

You'd think Waldo would know better than to get lost in Downtown Santa Cruz again, however... Find Waldo is back! This July, find Waldo in Downtown! Stop by Bookshop Santa Cruz, the Downtown Info Kiosk for your Waldo Passport and join in the fun!

Free
Event Series Santa Cruz Beach Train

Santa Cruz Beach Train

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

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 […]

$32 – $47

Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Guided Tour

Seymour Marine Discovery Center 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Head to the Seymour for spectacular coastal views and learn about why whales are key to a healthy ocean ecosystem. When you visit the 87-foot blue whale skeleton, you will also learn about the climate-friendly effort to restore her bones.   The Seymour’s welcoming and passionate docents can’t wait to share how local science is sparking […]

Free

Aptos: Hot Rods on the Green

Twin Lakes Church 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos, CA, United States

A fun event at Twin Lakes Church for the whole family.  Kingsmen have always had over 120 classic and modern cars and trucks to check out!  There will be a live DJ, food and vendors!

Free

Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track […]

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Agricultural History Project

Agricultural History Project Center and Museum 2601 East Lake Avenue, Hwy 152, Watsonville, CA, United States

Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even drive a tractor and go on a hayride.  Local Santa Cruz County 4-H clubs will be hosting their Annual Spring Fair.  This action-packed day is […]

Free

Brookdale Lodge: Classic Car Show

Brookdale Lodge 11570 Hwy 9, Brookdale, CA, United States

The fifth 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 of us and of course the best part of the day is viewing these amazing automobiles. Come out and enjoy a […]

Free

Skypark: Family Fun Day

Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, United States

Enjoy free admission to Family Fun Day at Skypark in Scotts Valley!  There will be fun-filled booths and games, multiple bounce houses, face painting, music, delicious food, refreshing drinks and so much more!

Free

SC Beach Boardwalk: National Carousel Day

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Celebrate National Carousel Day and our Looff Carousel’s 114th Anniversary. First 100 riders on the Carousel will receive a brass souvenir carousel ring. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.

$7.00 – $74.95

Wharf to Wharf Race

Capitola Wharf Wharf Road, Capitola, California, United States

8:30 AM, Please check website for event times

Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival

Historic Downtown Watsonville Main Street and E. Beach Street, Watsonville, CA, United States

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival provides a fun, family-friendly experience in historic downtown Watsonville. Head to the plaza for a full weekend of carnival attractions, live entertainment and delicious strawberry treats! Shop a variety of local artisans, businesses and specialty vendors for a unique shopping experience. Delicious foods, family activities, vendors, and live entertainment! At Watsonville […]

Free

Watsonville: Strawberry Jam Fun Run

Landmark Parking Lot Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, California, United States

This is a moderate hilly, fun course that begins and ends at the temporary location, Landmark Elementary School in Watsonville while Ramsay Park is being renovated. You will traverse Watsonville's famous sloughs with an out and back section on Ohlone Parkway. No dogs, but families and strollers are welcome. Register through the link below or […]

$10 – $40

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium: Family Concert

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

Enjoy a musical adventure the whole family will love! Dive into Karen LeFrak's Sleepover at the Museum, a playful symphonic scavenger hunt, and Frank Duarte's Xhnisa. Get up close with the orchestra and explore the magic of music— fun, interactive, and totally FREE (ticket required)!

Free

Roaring Camp Railroads: National BBQ Cook-Off

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

Nationally recognized Pit-Masters and local Grill Gurus alike battle it out for cash prizes, trophies and the honor of having their secret recipes voted Best BBQ at the Roaring Camp Cook-Off. Come hungry and vote for your favorite to win the People's Choice award. Want more than a taste? BBQ vendors will be ready to […]

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium: Youth Ensemble Concert

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

Hear the future of new music in this free chamber concert of original works programmed, produced, performed, and presented by the adventurous 16-24-year-old Youth Ensemble.  

Free

SC Beach Boardwalk: National Roller Coaster Day

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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.

Simpkins Swim: Parks and Rex Pool Party

Simpkins Family Swim Center 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Everyone will have a blast at this end-of-summer celebration – take the whole family, including your dog! Enjoy local craft beer, wine, great food, ice cream, games, music and fun in the pool for adults, children and your dog too! Sign up for your dog's swim time before the event.

$20 – $30

Scotts Valley Skypark: Sidewalk Chalk Contest

Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, United States

Artists of all ages will be transforming the sidewalks of Skypark into a colorful outdoor gallery! There will be youth, adult and even group categories to enjoy! Want to know who won the contest?  Well, you will have to stick around for Music in the Park, enjoy live music, food vendors and other family activities! […]

Free

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Pawsh Retreat

Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Chaminade Resort & Spa welcomes you and your furry friends to our dog-friendly property for an afternoon of play, treats and pup-worthy pampering. Enjoy activities like Photo Booths, Pet Portraits, Paint-Your-Pet, a Fashion Show Competition, Pet Massage, Dog Pools, an Agility Course and more! Vendors/partners include Santa Cruz SPCA, Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, Peace of […]

Free

Watsonville Airport: Fire in the Sky

Watsonville Municipal Airport 100 Aviation Way # A, Watsonville, CA, United States

This free community event helps you kick off Labor Day weekend celebrations! Watsonville's Airport Open House includes first responder aviation assets, local agri-business flight departments, antique aircraft, flyovers, parachute flag jump, live music, free Kidz Zone, food vendors and a fireworks show! Parking and admission are free.

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

Felton Farmers Market: Apple-A-Day Festival

Felton Farmers' Market 120 Russell Ave, Felton, CA, United States

Apples grow all over Santa Cruz County and are delicious, hardy and loved for endless reasons. Celebrate them at the market where a flurry of activities ignites your pallet, curiosity and silliness. Santa Cruz Cider heads to Felton for apple cider pressing and tasting. Whether you are four or 94, you can have a turn […]

Free

Santa Cruz County Fair

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United States

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Wednesday - Friday 12:00-11:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Santa Cruz Wharf: 33rd Annual Aloha Outrigger Races

Santa Cruz Wharf 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Pu Pu 'O Hawaii Outrigger Club is ready to race! These short-course outrigger races are designed especially for the new or novice paddlers. Come out and support the racers as well as enjoy hula performances by Kūhai Hālau O Mehanakealohakalaua'eikapoli Pā 'Ōlapa Kahiko.    

Capitola: Beach Festival

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

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

Free

Soquel: Taste of Soquel Festival

Congregational Church - Soquel, Parish Hall 4951 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA, United States

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!

Free

Downtown Boulder Creek: Treat Walk

lille æske arthouse California 9, Boulder Creek, California, United States

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 […]

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

Santa Cruz County: Monterey Bay Festival of Birds

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 […]

Free – $30

Santa Cruz Wharf: T-Birds on the Wharf

Santa Cruz Wharf 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Check out the Classic, Vintage and Retro Thunderbirds on display then stick around to enjoy fabulous shopping and/or grab a bite at one of the many fine local eateries with the best views in Santa Cruz!

Free

Natural Bridges State Beach: Welcome Back Monarchs Day!

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy welcoming the monarch butterflies back to the park, where they will spend the winter. There will be arts and crafts, active games for kids, live music, information booths on monarch butterflies and butterfly gardens, and more!   *This event is free. Parking is $10 to park in the day-use lot. For more information, call […]

Free

Simpkins Swim Center: Floating Pumpkin Patch

Simpkins Family Swim Center 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department hosts an annual Floating Pumpkin Patch at Simpkins Family Swim Center in Santa Cruz, California. The event allows people to swim and dive for pumpkins, which they can then decorate at a station with crafts. The event also includes games, prizes, and open swim time. 

$5 – $7

SC Beach Boardwalk: Chili Cook-Off

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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!

Boulder Creek: Downtown Trick or Treat

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Put on your silliest, scariest or wackiest costume and join the Boulder Creek Downtown Trick or Treat on Halloween!  Go by the Business Association table in front of the Sheriff Substation - you might find a surprise!

Watsonville Plaza: Dia de los Muertos

Watsonville Civic Plaza 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA, United States

See community altars and live/dead performances. There will be family activities and a market of the dead. Celebrate this beautiful tradition featuring altars, live music and dance and hands-on activities.

Civic Auditorium: Cinderella World Ballet

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

Welcome to the magical world of Cinderella, coming to Santa Cruz this Fall!An enchanting story for all ages with a wonderful dose of humor, majesty of classical ballet and the promise of “happily ever after”.A part of the World Ballet Series, Cinderella is performed live by a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers gathered […]

$32 – $95

Downtown Santa Cruz: Holiday Parade

Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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 the whole community to show up and have a great time. The man of the hour is welcomed back to Downtown Santa Cruz. Bring the […]

Event Series Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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 Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute […]

SC Beach Boardwalk: Fun Run

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Run a 1k or a 5k, on this flat course and then enjoy what the boardwalk has to offer, including rides, games, & the beach! 1K- Ages 12 and Under 5K- Ages 4 […]