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!

Downtown Boulder Creek: Free Egg Walk

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

In addition to the Egg Walk, you will find unique arts and crafts at vendor booths throughout the downtown core, food trucks, and a kid zone on Forest St. There is no fee to attend! So, bring your family, friends and neighbors out to join in the fun!

Free

Downtown Santa Cruz: Earth Day Celebrations

Abbott Square 118 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Earth Day 2026 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper St, Pacific and Abbott Square. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education. Enjoy live music from SambaDá, FREE face painting and photo booth fun, flower crown making, hands-on Earth Day activities, and […]

Free

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Independent Bookstore Day

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

It's the kind of festival an introvert can truly enjoy without an extrovert complaint! If you purchase an Independent Bookstore Day exclusive item while they last, you will get to spin their prize wheel for a chance to win books, coupons, gift cards and more. Follow the link in the orange button above to follow […]

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

Downtown Boulder Creek: Chalk it Up

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Participate in street chalk drawing, or just admire the art!  Enjoy live music, great food, local shops, vendors and artists of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Downtown Boulder Creek.

Free

Downtown Santa Cruz: Kids Day

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

It's Kids Day in Downtown Santa Cruz! Exhibitors will be lined up on Cooper Street and Pacific Ave (between Church St. & Locust St.), along with performances and demonstrations at Abbott Square. Plus, many Downtown businesses will be offering discounts and specials just for kids.

Free

Watsonville: Wine, Beer and Art Walk

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

The City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture are pleased to partner together to present their 7th Annual Wine, Beer, and Art walk in historic downtown Watsonville. This event is a great way for visitors to experience great local wines, craft beers, delicious food, and artwork by talented local artists […]

$45

Felton Parade and Covered Bridge Festival

Felton Covered Bridge Park Covered Bridge Road, Felton, CA, United States

Every year on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, head to the beautiful mountains for "Felton Remembers." This family event features a traditional parade honoring those who have served our country in the military service. After the parade, the Covered Bridge Festival is held at Covered Bridge Park, featuring live music, and vendors who sell food, […]

Free

Roaring Camp: Redwood Mountain Faire

Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Dance the day away to live music with your friends and family while enjoying tasty locally made food, cold beer, cider and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

$50 – $185

Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show

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

Cruise starts at 8:30 AM Saturday at the Boardwalk to Capitola. Entire event in Capitola is 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday.

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 […]

Capitola: Beach Festival

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

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

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