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!
Welcome the fall and its fading light with free pumpkin decoration! At this annual tradition kids and adults alike will sit down to celebrate the harvest season, the coming holidays and the joy of playing with food. Rodoni pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be dressed up with veggies, string, pipe cleaners, buttons and […]
The Festival of Monsters is an academic conference on the social and artistic research surrounding monsters. The festival opens with Philosophy professor David Livingstone Smith, author of Making Monsters: The Uncanny Power of Dehumanization. He will give a free public keynote 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of Art and History. There will be a day […]
Enter if you DARE! Take a walk around the shadowy paths of Bear Creek Estates and prepare to be spooked! From creepy corners to haunted surprises, you’ll find thrills and chills around every turn. An amazing haunted walk throughout the property you won’t want to miss! The haunted walk is suggested for ages 8+ […]
10:30 AM - 2:30, Saturdays and Sundays, October 4th and 5th, 11th and 12th, 26th and 24th, 26th.
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! Event Schedule: 12:00 - 4:00 pm - Mask Making and Carnival Games 12:30 pm - Nightmares - […]
The Santa Cruz County Parks Department hosts an annual Floating Pumpkin Patch at Simpkins Family Swim Center in Santa Cruz, California. The event allows people to swim and dive for pumpkins, which they can then decorate at a station with crafts. The event also includes games, prizes, and open swim time.
Enjoy 13 days of frightful fun on the Santa Cruz Wharf! Take part in the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, snap a photo at our scenic photo booth, and enjoy festive Wharf specials ALL 13 days! It all kicks off October 19! The Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt - All 13 Days Join the the Great Pumpkin BINGO […]
Go to the ballet in your Halloween costume! It doesn’t have to be a Nutcracker-related. There will be a Costume Contest, and the winner will get an awesome prize! So be sure to dress to impress for this nightmarish event. While their usual Nutcracker Production includes all ages from 4 to 104, this event has […]
The LAST Food Truck Friday of 2025 in Scotts Valley is always an EPIC Party! Enjoy a Halloween style Food Truck party with live music from local fave: The Dadbeats. Scotts Valley Parks & Rec will also be hosting a Halloween themed movie starting just after the party in the field. There will be Tacos […]
Join the county Sheriff's Department for their annual Trunk or Treat event! Decorated Trunks, candy, games, food vendors and more! Free parking and shuttle service will be provided at the Capitola Mall for the Live Oak location and this year they are expanding to the County Fairgrounds too!
The Santa Cruz Port District is excited to announce that Haunted Harbor will return this year for an evening of spooky fun and trick-or-treating. Participating in trick-or-treating qualifies for a Harboropoly stamp, so be sure to double up your fun!
For this 21+ Halloween party, go in your spookiest-themed attire and enjoy cauldron-concocted cocktails, creepy curiosities, and a costume contest for best dressed. As additional show-stoppers, this year there will be live animals, a DJ, a 3D photo booth, and a movie in the park using an inflatable movie screen. Event Festivities: Showing of Twilight […]
Enjoy a magical night of enchantment at the Brookdale Lodge. Get ready to dance under the moonlight, mingle with fellow witches, werewolves, vampires, zombies, and of course you never know when you might see Marilyn Monroe (it could happen), and enjoy mystical cocktails. Don't forget to wear your most bewitching outfit for a chance to […]
Celebrate Halloween on Saturday, the 26th 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 […]
Bring the family to Santa Cruz Maker Studios for an afternoon full of Halloween fun. Kids and parents alike can come in costume, enjoy free snacks and drinks, and dive into hands-on crafts you’ll get to take home. We’ll have four exciting projects to choose from: Haunted House Building – Make your very own spooky, […]
Ghosts, goblins, boys, and ghouls...join us for the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade! Lineup begins at 1:30pm in the lower Beach & Village Parking Lot 2 behind the Capitola Police Department. The parade begins promptly at 2pm. The parade will head down Capitola Avenue, wind through Capitola Village to the Esplanade, ending at Esplanade Park, […]
Attention all ghouls and ghosts! 🧛♂️🕷️ Enjoy a hauntingly good time as you trick-or-treat your way through downtown Watsonville businesses! 🎃💀 Save the date and fill your bags with treats and memories that will last a lifetime! No pre-registration is required -- just show up! Please bring your own candy carrying container. If you would […]
Bring your 21 and older friends for a night of fun and frights! Enjoy this classic horror and suspense film that pays homage to an earlier classic horror and suspense film in the Boardwalk's historic Grove ballroom. Your ticket includes your first drink from the full bar featuring signature drinks. You are encouraged to come […]
Go see "The Citizen Kane of horror movies" on the eve of all hallows eve, or the eve of witches new year for a fantastic evening! The cult classic horror film The Wicker Man (1973) will be shown. This screening will be prefaced by a short 20-minute lecture on the History of Folk Horror by […]
Every year on Halloween, dozens of women dress up as witches and glide along Monterey Bay on stand-up-paddleboards. In silhouette, their paddles look like brooms as they magically glide along the water. Head out to the Capitola Beach and Wharf to enjoy a crisp fall morning and start your Halloween right!
Every Halloween, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the City of Santa Cruz close down Pacific Avenue for kids to trick or treat! Watch for signs in the windows of participating businesses.
The Halloween Aptos Chamber Parade is creeping into town, and you won't want to miss it! Enjoy a fang-tastic time behind the New Leaf Community Market in the Aptos Village as the ghouls and goblins take over the streets. Dress up in your most creative and spine-chilling costumes and bring your family and friends. There […]
Little witches, goblins, ghosts, superheroes and their parents can enjoy trick-o-treating on the beautiful Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll the Wharf and visit your favorite businesses for sweet surprises. Special guests will hand out candy and provide photo opportunities galore for kids (and kids at heart)! Snap a scenic family photo at the photo booth overlooking […]
It's your Fur Baby's time to shine!! Sign up your dog to model their costume on the Abbott Square stage during the Halloween Dog Costume Contest. Prizes for best costumes. Follow the link in the orange button above for more details as the date gets closer.
Put on your silliest, scariest or wackiest costume and join the Boulder Creek Downtown Trick or Treat on Halloween! Go by the Business Association table in front of the Sheriff Substation - you might find a surprise!
Get ready for a spooktacular evening at the Abbott Square Market Halloween Bash! Hosted by Afrobeats Nite SC, this community celebration brings festive fun for all ages. -Enjoy live music by Floratura - Enter your furry friends in the Fur Baby Costume Contest -Show off your best look in the Adult Costume Contest for a […]
There will be complimentary Chili and Cornbread served from 8pm until they run out. The costume contest will have 1st,2nd and 3rd place prizes. Judging between 11:30 and midnight. Must be present to win. High wire is a rock and blues cover band. There's a fine line between rock and blues where we balance ourselves […]
See community altars and live/dead performances. There will be family activities and a market of the dead. Celebrate this beautiful tradition featuring altars, live music and dance and hands-on activities.
This special Día de los Muertos edition of Calles Libres (Open Streets) will transform downtown Watsonville into a joyful space where the streets belong to the people. Bring your bike, skates, sneakers, stroller — or just your open heart — and come celebrate a free, family-friendly, car-free street celebration.
Enjoy a night of danza, prayer, food, and music. This cultural and family event is free and open to all! There will be processions of sugar calaveras (skulls), papel picado (cut paper), Pan de Muertos, cempazuchitl (marigolds), and celosia or cresta del gallo (rooster comb). The Quarry Amphitheater was carved from a former limestone quarry […]
Go on. Earn that feast! Flat, fast out and back courses that begin & end on Delaware Street by the back entrance to Natural Bridges. A run with spectacular ocean views! 10k, 5k, and kids 1k all offered. Signature Santa Cruz Track Club finisher socks for all 5k and 10k finishers. Prizes for top three […]
Following a sold out run in 2024, A Christmas Carol returns as a holiday tradition for the whole family! Audiences can expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic play in the heart of Santa Cruz. Directed by Charles Pasternak and Alicia Gibson, A Christmas Carol stars Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with returning […]
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter-themed activities. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Hot Cider Winter Themed Activities DATES November 28 - 30 December 6 - 7 December 13 […]
Santa has lost his reindeer, but you can help find them! Pick up a map at the Downtown Santa Cruz Information Kiosk, located at 1130 Pacific Avenue K2, the corner of Pacific and Soquel Avenues or at Pacific Cookie Company to find participating businesses, and then visit them all to search for the beautiful hidden […]
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute […]
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2025 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 28, 2025 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Christmas Eve. HOLIDAY LIGHTS is over a 1/2 mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted […]
This is a walk-in Christmas display located in the midtown of Santa Cruz, CA. Their exhibit is very traditional: lots of Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, miniature village’s, and a log cabin that Santa uses for his rest stops. Being Irish, where you have elves you have fairies, so there is a fairy […]
Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair returns for its 47th season! Go see what has become the official start of the holiday season in the Pajaro Valley. With three big buildings to shop, you will find crafts, gifts, antiques, collectibles, toys and much more. Many crafters have been regular appearances here for years. Great food […]
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 […]
Music for the Feast of Christmas -- the way to begin your Holiday! The Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus will present its annual Music for the Feast of Christmas performance. Performance starts at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 4pm on Sunday.
Go meet and get your picture taken with Santa and his friends at the Chaminade as you enjoy a festive brunch and beautiful views of the Monterey Bay.
The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect the whole community to show up and have a great time. The man of the hour is welcomed back to Downtown Santa Cruz. Bring the […]
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 […]
Go check out the Sea to Sky farm house, and learn to make a beautiful locally sourced, seasonal wreath to adorn your home for the winter months. They will have a base, wire, and all the greenery and floral materials on hand for use, and of course, expert help and instruction on hand!
Head to the Aptos Village Green to see local craft vendors, sip coffee or hot chocolate with your cookies and have a picture with Santa. Enjoy music, performances, and of course the tree lighting ceremony!
The Boulder Creek Winter Festival is a celebration of the holiday season, bringing together families and friends to enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment. From the enchanting tree lighting to the joyful music, hayrides, and crafts, there's something for everyone to create lasting memories. There will be live music, photos with Santa, a food […]
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 […]
Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid's activities, Santa, wine and so much more!
Get ready for a festive extravaganza at the Holiday Market Winter Wonderland! Building on the success of last year’s Splash with Santa event, The County Parks and Rec are bringing you even more excitement this year. Explore their market filled with local vendors offering colorful and festive art and gifts for purchase, enjoy the live […]
Get into the holiday spirit and explore Santa Cruz’s creative heart at the Annual Winter Art Market, presented by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Enjoy live music, tasty food, and festive family-friendly activities. Browse over 20 artist studios filled with handmade holiday gifts and meet guest artists and makers offering unique treasures. Highlights Live […]
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 […]
Experience the magic of the season at the Wee Kirk Holiday Market, a special evening celebration inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. Enjoy an enchanting night of festive lights, local artisans, crafts, and seasonal delights. Shop for handcrafted gifts, savor warm drinks and delicious holiday treats, and enjoy the sounds of live music. With cozy […]
Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy this beloved annual pop-up exhibit at the MAH. Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be on hand to once again share their amazing collection of toy trains at the MAH. The public is invited to view Toy Trains in the […]
Come enjoy holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine!🎅 📸Take photos with Santa! ☃️ Checkout Wharf Business Specials! ❄️Play in the snow area with Elsa and Anna from Disney's Frozen! 🎈Enjoy custom balloon designs from Lee Balloons! 🎨 Get your face painted or feathers in your […]
