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!

Aptos: “World’s Shortest Parade”

Aptos Village 448 Granite Way, Aptos, CA, United States

Welcome to the world's shortest parade this July Fourth! The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive and will continue along Soquel Drive to Parade St. Roads will close at 9:30am.

Aptos Village Park: Party in the Park

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

Was the world’s shortest parade just too... short?  Never fear! There is more fun to be had at Aptos Village Park!  There will be activities for the whole family: games food trucks vendors beer for sale to parents live music

$5

Downtown Santa Cruz: Halloween Mask Making Festival

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

Enjoy this FREE annual event! Bring the family for a creative day of mask making, carnival games, Thriller performances plus Nightmares - A Stage Spooktacular. This event has been a Halloween tradition for families for over 25 years! Mask Making Halloween Games Thriller the World Santa Cruz Performance Theater Performances

Free

SC Beach Boardwalk: Halloween

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

Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun! It's always free to enter the Boardwalk, but if you would like to receive a collectible Boardwalk bag with a punch card for trick-or-treating, follow the link in the orange button above! Head to the Main Entrance photo op banner to take a costume […]

Santa Cruz Harbor: Trick-Or-Treat

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

Experience a "spooktacular" evening of trick-or-treating at Santa Cruz Harbor! Wind your way through an eerie adventure, jump aboard the pirate-commandeered water taxi, and collect Halloween treats along the way! Follow the link in the orange button for more information.

Free
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland

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

Get in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach! Enjoy a festive stroll through dazzling holiday lights and decorations at no cost. If you’d like to hop on a ride, you can purchase individual ride tickets or a Ride Wristband for unlimited rides all day. Games, attractions, and photos with Santa are […]

Free

Downtown Boulder Creek: Market and Ugly Sweater Contest

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Bundle up in the tackiest sweater you’ve ever been gifted for the holidays and head to the redwoods!  As you look through arts and crafts, you will be treated to live music.  There will be food and drink to purchase while you are there and watch out for the First Friday Boulder Creek Folks!  You […]

Free

Santa Cruz Harbor: Lighted Boat Parade

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

The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor launch ramp, and from a variety of harbor paths. Charter boats are available. Remember to bring a reusable mug for the hot drinks and snacks […]