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!

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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

Simpkins Swim Center: Floating Pumpkin Patch

Simpkins Family Swim Center 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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. 

$20

County Sheriff’s Office: Trunk or Treat

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United States +1 more

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!

Free

The 418 Project: The Lost Boys

The 418 Project 155 River Street South, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The classic 1987 vampire film shot in Santa Cruz, with Live Music and Q&A. In the summer of 1986, Hollywood arrived in Santa Cruz and transformed the town into Santa Carla, the fictional vampire capital of the world. What followed was The Lost Boys—a film that helped redefine the vampire genre and became one of […]

$39.19 – $49.87

Downtown Watsonville: Candy Crawl

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

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! For ages 13 and under. Please bring your own candy […]

Free

Brookdale Lodge: Witches Ball

Brookdale Lodge 11570 Hwy 9, Brookdale, CA, United States

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 […]

$55.20 – $59.57

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

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
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

Santa Cruz Civic Center: A Taste of Ireland Christmas

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

A Celtic Christmas is the gift nobody expects but everyone remembers. The night out you've been meaning to book. The memory you'll make with the people you love most. Whether you've got Irish in your blood, Ireland on your bucket list, or you're experiencing an Irish Christmas for the first time, A Celtic Christmas is […]

$39.90 – $79.90

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 […]

Hallcrest Vineyards: Holiday Market

Hallcrest Vineyards 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid's activities, Santa, wine and so much more! 

Free

Hotel Paradox: Holiday Market

Hotel Paradox 611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Get all of your Holiday Shopping needs in one spot! Have brunch at Solaire, grab a hot toddy and get shopping. There will be visits with Santa, photos, ornaments and all the gifts your little holiday heart can handle! The event is inside and parking onsite is free for the day! Just wander into the […]

Free