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!

Santa Cruz: Vegan Chef Challenge

At participating businesses all over Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, United States

Enjoy a month-long celebration of new vegan dishes all over Santa Cruz! Businesses across the area will showcase exciting special vegan menu items for an entire month, giving everyone the opportunity to explore creative plant-based dishes crafted by talented local chefs. How It Works: 1- Visit participating restaurants across Santa Cruz listed in the link […]

$30 – $200
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

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
Stockwell Cellars: Sip Savor and Sway

Stockwell Cellars: Sip Savor and Sway

Stockwell Cellars 1100 Fair Avenue, Santa Cruz, United States

Stockwell Cellars does not offer flights or reservations on Friday evenings to make way for Sip, Savor and Sway! Enjoy live music for free! You will also be able to purchase Slight of Hand pizza catering, and of course, Stockwell's boutique, handcrafted, unmanipulated, single varietal wines and blends. Musician Lineup: April 10: Jenny O'Leary Quartet […]

Free

Capitola Village: Sip & Stroll

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

Enjoy sipping local wines and beers while strolling through our charming shops and boutiques in Capitola by the Sea. Pre-registration includes: – Capitola Village Sip & Stroll commemorative glass – 12 two-ounce pour tickets to be used as you shop – A map to locate which Village shops are hosting Be a part of this […]

$55.20

Cowell Hay Barn: Perennial Foods Discussion

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy a conversation with co-editors Liz Carlisle and Aubrey Streit Krug and contributor Tim Crews about their new book Living Roots: The Promise of Perennial Foods. Following the conversation, we’ll enjoy a tasting of perennial treats, and copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

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 June 4, 2026: Alex Lucero June […]

Free

Simpkins Center: High Tea Party

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

Tea is better when shared! Enjoy a lovely High Tea filled with flavorful teas, tasty finger sandwiches, and sweet pastries. Make it extra special by bringing along your son, daughter, or grandchildren and enjoy a meaningful afternoon together. Dress up with your favorite hat or pearls (optional!) and come ready for great conversation and warm […]

Free

Tannery Arts Center: Spring Art Market

Tannery Arts Center 1010 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Spring Art Market returns to the Tannery Arts Center just in time for Mother's Day! A full day of local art, live music, food, and open studios—bringing together artists, makers, and community across Santa Cruz County. 🎶 La Otra Banda (12–2 PM) 🎶 Yellowcat (3–5 PM) 🍴 Santa Cruz Eatery + Olio’s (coffee, food, […]

Free

Roberts Ranch: Mother’s Day Workshops

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

Enjoy a Cottage Lunch on the winery Terrace and visit 3 workshop stations to make take-home gifts! Moms, mentors, friends welcome! Bring along the special gals in your life as you celebrate Mom's Weekend at Roberts Ranch with a Cottage Lunch & Wine on the Terrace and a Triple Mini Workshop down at the Crush […]

$87.21

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 – $44.52

Roaring Camp Railroads: Mother’s Day Brunch

Roaring Camp Railroads 5400 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

Treat Mom to something memorable on her special day with a delectable Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet accompanied with live music. After a lovely brunch, relax with a train ride through the towering redwoods. ACTIVITIES: Hallcrest Vineyards Brunch at Bret Harte Hall Live Music from Rory Lynch NEW! Tintype family portraits by the Midnight Oil Collective […]

$33.87 – $49.87

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

Downtown Santa Cruz: Spring Wine Walk

Oswald Restaurant 121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, United States

Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Spring Wine Walk 2026! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast and taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Enjoy sipping 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 […]

$40 – $50

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
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 […]

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

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

Lighthouse Point Lawn: Free Music Concert

Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

There will be food trucks, beer, and wine for purchase. Live music includes The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin. Locals Love: The front row view from the cliffs for viewing talented surfers. First Timers Miss: The lighthouse itself is a free museum for the history of surfing. Insights: There are public e-bike stations in front of […]

Free
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!

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 […]

Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival

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

This free, family-friendly festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, kids’ activities, local artisans, business and specialty vendors, and a mouthwatering variety of food. Strawberry lovers can look forward to creative berry-infused treats like pizza, tacos, churros, popcorn, shortcake, beer, and more! Don’t miss the Driscoll’s Flavor Taste Tent, where you can sample fresh berries, and […]

Free

Downtown Boulder Creek: Summer Carnival

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Enjoy games with prizes all along downtown Boulder Creek! There will be a kid zone, photo booth, vendors and more!

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

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

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

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!!!

Capitola: Beach Festival

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

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

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!

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.