Upcoming Events

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!

Front And Cooper: Holiday Miracle Pop Up

Front & Cooper 725 Front St., Santa Cruz, United States

They're decking the halls at Front & Cooper in the Abbott Square Marketplace in Santa Cruz. The Miracle Christmas pop up opens for a second year. So pull out those ugly sweaters and get ready to imbibe some fancy drinks in kitschy themed glassware. With its twinkling lights and over-the-top holiday decorations, Miracle was a […]

Free

Gayle’s Bakery: Pre-Order Thanksgiving

Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria Bay Avenue, Capitola, California, United States

Gayle’s will start taking Thanksgiving orders on October 3rd.  There are limited quantities, so make sure you order early! They have everything from traditional turkey dinners, sides & appetizers, dinner rolls & rustic breads to handmade pies and holiday desserts.  View their menu online at the link in the orange button above. 

$6 – $450

Ideal Bar and Grill: Thanksgiving Feast

Ideal Bar & Grill 106 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Take your friends and family to a beachside Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast!  Please follow the link in the bottom left-hand corner to go to the website and reserve your spot due to limited availability.

$37.95

Gilda’s: Thanksgiving Feast

Gilda's on the Wharf Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Take your friends and family to Gilda’s on Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast on the wharf with views! They will have a traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal and their dessert specials will be a classic pumpkin pie or apple pie.  They even have a special fun "Cranberry Sauced" drink for adults! Call today at (831) 423-2010 […]

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

Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta: Nightmare Pizza Spinner Show

Kianti's Pizza and Pasta Bar Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Kianti’s is bringing “The Nightmare Before Christmas” back to life. This holiday performance features Jack Skellington, pizza spinners, dancing staff and a flame-raising kitchen. Shows every Friday & Saturday night October 10 thru the New Year. Shows approximately 6:00 and 8:00 pm. Click the link in the orange button above to make reservations!

$30 – $66

Capitola: Holiday Cookie Walk

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

Take a walk around historic Capitola Village and fill your box with delicious holiday cookies from participating stores!  Enjoy this family friendly stroll! Follow the link in the orange button above for the Eventbrite tickets to purchase ahead of time, or go to the Capitola Candy Company on 205 Capitola Ave to purchase your box […]

$23.18
Mount Hermon: Christmas Boutiques and Concerts

Mount Hermon: Christmas Boutiques and Concerts

Mount Hermon Conference Center 37 Conference Dr, Felton, United States

This holiday, immerse yourself in the joy of the season with the annual Mount Hermon Christmas Concerts, buffet dinner (or Sunday lunch), and Christmas Craft Boutique. Friday and Saturday concert starts at 7:30pm, and the Sunday concert at 2:30pm. Buffet seating precedes the concert.

$20 – $42

Santa Cruz Dream Inn: Breakfast With Santa

Dream Inn Santa Cruz 175 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

9:00am Breakfast starts | 9:45AM Program Begins Enjoy full ocean views, breakfast buffet, full bar (for the parents, not the elves) cookie decorating, arts & crafts, face painting, story time, a visit and songs with Santa!

$25.31 – $57.33

Roberts Ranch Vineyards: Holiday Merriment

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

Enjoy the Steve Abrams Jazz Trio as you merry at the Holiday Wine and Charcuterie celebration.  Go get your first pour and plate at the crush pad, then find a comfy spot to enjoy the views!  Attended children and well-behaved pups are welcome to join.  Just make sure you get a kid's ticket through the […]

$12.51 – $49.87

Vino by the Sea: NYE with Spun

Vino by the Sea 55 Municipal Wharf Ste B, santa cruz, CA, United States

Vino by the Sea, upstairs at the Santa Cruz Wharf, is having a  New Years Eve party with live music from Spun! Enjoy a night of dancing with Spun, balloon drop, champagne toast, plus two drinks of your choice. Or, add in a dinner that includes: Appetizer Salad Champagne Risotto Champagne Mouse Paired with Wine

$25 – $60.54

Chaminade Resort and Spa: New Year’s Eve

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

Dance the night away to live music by The Alex Lucero Band at Chaminade's 21+ New Year's Eve Party. Spend your evening ringing in 2026 while enjoying a champagne toast, assorted light bite desserts and a cash bar.

$108.40

London Nelson Community Center: Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

London Nelson Community Center 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The 2026 celebration will be at the London Nelson Community Center and feature hundreds of fascinating species from the area, uniquely displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition will offer three days of fun, demonstrations, informative speakers, and fungus-forward activities for the whole family. 2-5pm on Friday. 9am to 5pm on […]

$10

45th 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 45th 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.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk: Summer Luau

Santa Cruz Boardwalk: Summer Luau

The Grove 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, United States

Enjoy a festive Summer Luau by the beach! Dress in your best Hawaiian attire and enjoy a tropical buffet, live music, hula dancers, and fun for all ages. Perfect for families, date nights, or just wrapping up a fun day the the Boardwalk!

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!!!

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!