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!

Audrey Stanley Grove: Shakespeare In The Park

Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park 501 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Head to DeLavega Park to enjoy the full outdoor theatre experience! You can bring your own picnic basket and drinks to enjoy the picnic bluff area or check out concession options before you go! Why not grab some wine from the Santa Cruz mountains and a curated charcuterie box to make it a picnic and […]

Roaring Camp Railroads: National BBQ Cook-Off

Roaring Camp Railroads 5400 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 […]

Free
Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

Nicholson Vineyards 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, CA, United States

Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards!  Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists  Sundays from 1pm to 4pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather […]

$25 – $50
Far West Fungi: Myco-Mixer

Far West Fungi: Myco-Mixer

Far West Fungi 224 Laurel St APT A101, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Far West Fungi’s Santa Cruz Store & Café is launching Myco-Mixers - Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites, product samples, and happy hour discounts on café favorites. Guests can meet the Far West Fungi team, learn about unique mushroom products, and discover new flavors to take home. […]

Free

Crow’s Nest: Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

Santa Cruz Harbor Beach 2222 E Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton […]

Free
Bargetto Winery: Music in the Courtyard

Bargetto Winery: Music in the Courtyard

Bargetto Winery 3535 N Main Street, Soquel, CA, United States

Head to Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! There is no cover charge and wine by the glass and light snacks are available for purchase. May 7, 2026: Alex Lucero May 14, 2026: James Durbin May 21, 2026: The Joint Chiefs May 28, 2026: Sambada June 4, […]

Free
Lester Estate Wines: Summer Sundowner Concerts

Lester Estate Wines: Summer Sundowner Concerts

Lester Estate Wines 2000 Pleasant Valley Rd, Aptos, CA, Aptos, CA, United States

Live music, food and wine overlooking the Lester Family Vineyards in the heart of Pleasant Valley. Friday, June 12 from 5-8pm: Music by Alex Lucero Band⁠ and Food by SnB Food Truck Friday, July 3 from 5-8pm: Music by B-Movie Kings and Food by Happy Dog Friday, July 10 from 5-8pm: Music by Bastard Sons […]

$25
Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties

Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties

Midtown Block Party Lot 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday!  Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors  The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the […]

Free

Scotts Valley: Art, Wine, and Beer Festival

Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, United States

Scotts Valley Art, Wine, and Beer Festival is back in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. This premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains has something fun for everyone! The fun includes over 100 artists, live music, kid zone, food trucks, Cops Car Show on Saturday, Dog Day on Sunday, beer, […]

Free

Rosscienda Vineyard: Harvest Dinner

Rosscienda Vineyard 1170 Redwood Heights Rd, Aptos, United States

Enjoy a Taste of Terroir Harvest Dinner at Rosscienda Vineyard. This will be an unforgettable evening featuring a walk-around tasting with several Santa Cruz Mountains wineries, followed by a seasonal al fresco dinner prepared by Chef Brad Briske of HOME Restaurant. Ticket pricing is inclusive of food, wines and gratuities. All events are open to the […]

$175

Roaring Camp Railroads: Starlight Evening Dinner Party

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

Evening train and dinner excursion departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels along the San Lorenzo River through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, a delicious BBQ dinner awaits you. After dinner, get up and move to a live band. On the return trip to Santa Cruz, the train […]

$57 – $75

Roaring Camp Railroads: Moonlight Train Dinner Party

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

Treat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Redwood Evening Dinner Train Party. Start with a hearty BBQ dinner while you enjoy live musical entertainment. After, get into the swing of things by line dancing or two-stepping the night away, followed by a leisurely train ride aboard vintage railway cars. The […]

$75.15 – $100.65
Skypark: Food Truck Friday

Skypark: Food Truck Friday

Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, United States

Head to Skypark in Scotts Valley for the area’s largest food truck festival! Lots of excitement, more food vendors, the fabulous SVEF Beer & Wine Garden, amazing Live Music and face painting! Music Lineup: • April 24 (Starts 4:30 PM) — Music by Shady Rest Band • May 29 — Music by The Swag Tones […]

UCSC: Farm to Fork Dinner

(UCSC Farm) Farm Road, Santa Cruz, California 95064 Farm Road, Santa Cruz, United States +1 more

Enjoy a reception and dinner on the UCSC Farm followed by dancing in the Hay Barn! This event will feature music, appetizers, tours, and local wine followed by a four-course, family-style dinner on the farm provided by Feel Good Foods. As the sun sets, head down to the Hay Barn for music, dancing, and dessert. […]

$30 – $225

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 Dog Pools & Lounge Area, Agility Course & Games (with Bed & Biscuits), Pet Portraits (with DOG Photography), Puppy Picasso Painting (with The Painted Cork), Dog Fashion Show Competition […]

Free

Downtown Boulder Creek: Block Party

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Enjoy a shop and swap market throughout downtown Boulder Creek with deals and trades, live craft demos, a kid zone and more!

Free

Hwy 17 Studios: All-Star Food Fest

Hwy 17 Studios 831 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz, United States

Collective Santa Cruz and DoubleMeatPlease from Instagram are brining together some of the best restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, food trucks, pop ups, and local makers from all over Santa Cruz County. And they're packing them in a BRAND NEW VENUE that’s 20,0000sq ft! Your favorite food spots/makers, and so many bangers you can't wait to […]

Free

Cooper Street: Festival Brasileiro

Pacific Avenue at Cooper Street 1401-1407 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, United States

Head to Downtown Santa Cruz for a Brazilian Festival! Enjoy an afternoon filled with music, traditions, and community spirit—free admission!

Free

Roberts Ranch: Wine Tasting and Crushpad Concert

Roberts Ranch Vineyards 875 Roberts Road, Ben Lomond, CA, United States

Acoustic musical guests make for a lively accompaniment to the afternoon!  Enjoy a tasting of 5 of the current Roberts Ranch wines complete with abundant charcuterie boards! Meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, chocolate and even warm appetizers make appearances at this lovely and casual tasting experience. (See Seltzer & Charcuterie option for those not partaking […]

$12.51 – $49.87

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

SC Beach Boardwalk: Octoberfest

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

Head to the Aloha Terrace at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a festive 21+ celebration packed with live entertainment, dancing, games, great brews and wines, and delicious Bavarian bites. Slip into your lederhosen or dirndl for a chance to win best dressed prizes! Menu: Appetizer: Pretzels with dips Dinner: Spaetzle, Cabbage, Schnitzel with Mustard […]

$89.95

Chardonnay Charters: Luau Sail

Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Hawaiian shirts and tropical attire are welcome with your layers to enjoy this evening sail! Your tickets include 2 complimentary drinks. Your meal will feature teriyaki chicken, poke salad, and mini tropical desserts.

$65.49 – $109.89

Santa Cruz County Fair

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

The showstopping Santa Cruz County Fair returns September 16 - 20th for family fun, great entertainment, live shows, animal displays, carnival rides,  and more!!!

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Moon Dinner

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

An annual outdoor dinner series celebrating the scientific wonder of our moon, universe and beyond. Enjoy a chef-curated dinner and discussion with planetary science educators from UC Santa Cruz followed by a telescope viewing overlooking the Monterey Bay. Program: UC Santa Cruz educator Raja GuhaThakurta will discuss his research on how galaxies form and evolve […]

$93.07

Bonny Doon: Art Wine and Beer Festival

Crest Ranch Empire Grade, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Go to the 23rd Annual Festival! It's the best little party in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Participate in an afternoon of tastings with local wineries & breweries, artist and craft vendors, food, music and dancing, wine pull, silent auction and all around good vibes.   Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Must be 21 or older […]

Free

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Thompson Square

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

The award-winning, multi-platinum country duo Thompson Square takes over the breathtaking courtyard at Chaminade Resort & Spa for a night that will feel bigger than a stadium show, with the kind of intimacy you cannot get anywhere else. With multiple number one hits, including “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” and a catalog of […]

$89.73 – $172.45

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!

$21.51 – $33.85
Lester Estate Wines: Guided Hike

Lester Estate Wines: Guided Hike

Lester Estate Wines 2000 Pleasant Valley Rd, Aptos, CA, Aptos, CA, United States

Explore and discover the beauty of Deer Park Ranch with a 90-minute guided hike through the vineyards and ranch with Lester Estate brand ambassador, Steve Johnson. Get your heart pumping as you hear about the wine’s journey from soil to glass. Learn about the winery’s history & vineyard practices while taking in 360-degree views of […]

$75

Aptos Village Park: Gourmet Grazing on the Green

Aptos Village County Park 100 Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, United States

Held at beautiful Aptos Village Park, Gourmet Grazing on the Green is a fabulous day of fine wine, craft beer, gourmet food and live music! Spend the afternoon sampling the delicious flavors from dozens of the finest local restaurants, wineries and breweries.

$65.87 – $107.48

Downtown Santa Cruz: Harvest Festival

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

Harvest Festival returns to Downtown Santa Cruz. There will be throwing up tents, popping popcorn, stacking hay bales and setting up a slew of silly, throw-back games and fun activities for all of you. Think of a sweet nook version of county fair meets a school fair but, filled with local farms and businesses. The […]

Free

Mission Plaza Park: Japanese Cultural Fair

Mission Plaza Park 103 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Martial Arts Japanese Food Arts and Crafts Kids Activities Ikebana and Bonsai Live Music and Dance Free parking will be available at the Santa Cruz Government Center located in the designated parking area for the fair where you may access a free shuttle to the fair at the historical Mission Plaza.

Free

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!

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: 805 Night Market

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

Enjoy a curated lineup of food vendors serving street food, desserts, and specialty drinks. With live entertainment and a curated maker market, every stop is built to be shared—friends, families, and first-timers welcome. You’ll find: 🍜 Street food + global-inspired eats 🍧 Desserts worth the stop (and the comeback) 🧋 Specialty drinks & refreshing sips […]

$6.40

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Vampire Ball

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

Sink your teeth into the most enchanting party of the spooky season! Dress in your finest attire or costumes (not required) and prepare for a night that will awaken your inner vampire. 21+ only event. Tickets and Overnight Package available. Enjoy a cash bar, a heavy bites station, a vampire DJ, dancing, a costume contest, […]

$82

Downtown Santa Cruz: Fall Wine Walk

Oswald Restaurant 121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, United States

Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Fall Wine Walk 2025! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast to taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Sip while strolling through many favorite Downtown Santa Cruz shops. At Check-in, receive your glass and a map of the pouring locations, and enjoy an afternoon of tasting […]

$33.85 – $45

46th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off

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

Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 46th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston and Manhattan Clam Chowder, and you can help pick a winner each day. Rain or Shine! Tasting kit proceeds benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.