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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Various SC Theaters: Santa Cruz Film Festival 2026

Colligan Theater 1010 River St, Santa Cruz, CA, United States +3 more

The Santa Cruz Film Festival is not the kind of festival where you simply watch a movie, clap politely, and head home. Step inside the wonderfully unpredictable world of independent film—where original stories, fearless filmmakers, curious audiences, and the creative spirit of Santa Cruz come together for five unforgettable days. Explore narrative films, documentaries, animation, […]

$20 – $400

UCSC: Harvest Festival

UCSC CASFS Farm and Garden 152 Farm Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy the annual Harvest Festival! Activities for all ages include face painting, flower pressing, pumpkin painting, cider pressing, tractor rides, live music treats from local food trucks, an apple pie bake-off, and more! Admission is $5 for the general public, with cash preferred at the gate. Entry is free for current UC Santa Cruz, Hartnell […]

Free – $5

Santa Cruz: Comedy Festival

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

Don't miss the Comedy Festival Grand Finale! See all the headliners in one place. 2 hours. 13 headliners. One night only. The 2026 Santa Cruz Comedy Festival is lucky 13! With 13 venues over six days. 75 comedians will take over Santa Cruz from October 12th to 17th, culminating downtown on Saturday, October 17th. Ticketed […]

$28.52

Santa Cruz MAH: Dia de los Muertos

Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This October look forward to another vibrant gathering to gather and celebrate life and death. For years, the team at the MAH has had the opportunity to experience, grow, and share Día de los Muertos with more and more of Santa Cruz County.  Plan ahead for the Día de los Muertos community celebration of traditional […]

Free

The Grove: Sea Glass and Ocean Art Festival

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

Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival 60 Authentic Sea Glass and Ocean Artists plus ceramics, fabric art, mosaics, resin art and so much more. Located at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk inside at the historic Grove Sun & Bay View rooms overlooking the beach. Admission includes a chance to win a spectacular gift-basket. […]

$5

Seymour Center: Marine Science Festival

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

Ms. Blue is back! The Great Blue Whale skeleton’s return to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center with a day of ocean discovery, hands-on activities, and family fun! Get curious and ask a scientist about whales, the ocean, and the work happening at the Seymour Center. Get creative with a community mural and hands-on art activities. […]

$12.96 – $18.67

La Selva Beach: Holiday Fair

La Selva Beach Clubhouse 314 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, United States

Over 50 craft vendors will offer unique jewelry, art, bags, pottery, candles, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, clothing, books and more. Friends of the Library Book Sale offers books for gifting and winter reading for all ages and interests. Local food trucks Tacos el Jesse and S&B will sell street food favorites. Free admission. For […]

Free