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!

Nicholson Vineyards: Father’s Day Patio Games

Nicholson Vineyards 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, CA, United States

Father’s Day Weekend seems like the perfect time for a little fun. Head to Nicholson Vineyards for their annual Father’s Day Patio Classic—a relaxed afternoon of great wine, classic games, and sunshine set alongside the vines. They will be bringing out a curated lineup of tabletop games and patio favorites—cornhole, giant Jenga, and more—with horseshoes […]

$20

Roaring Camp: Father’s Day BBQ

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

Salute Dad on Father’s Day by treating him to a ride on the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train and lunch. In addition, enjoy live music at the BBQ where Shanty Shack will be pouring the best local brew for sale. 

$27 – $45
Santa Cruz Sunrise Firecracker Run 10k/5K/1K

Harvey West Park: Firecracker Run

Harvey West Park 326 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

America turns 250 — and Santa Cruz runs! Join us for one of the county's most beloved Fourth of July traditions, the Firecracker Run. The legendary 10K features the notorious "Thrill of the Hill" through Pogonip's redwoods. The flat, fast 5K is perfect for families and fully ADA/wheelchair accessible. The 1K Kids' Dash kicks off […]

$11.60 – $42.40

Scotts Valley: Fourth of July Parade and Flyover

Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Go see the Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade and Flyover! 9am-3pm- Kids zone free activities & food trucks Parade and Flyover starts at 11:00am. ADA Parking and Viewing is located at 5007 Scotts Valley Dr. Live music and food trucks continue after the parade until 3pm.

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.

Seabright: 4th of July Parade

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Would your family enjoy a parade with beach views and grey whale statues the kids can climb along the parade route? You could park at the Boardwalk and cross the scenic footbridge to the parade start! After the parade, explore the shops and restaurants along Seabright Avenue with very little car traffic to interrupt your […]

Free

Roaring Camp Railroads: 4th of July Weekend

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

This Fourth of July, take either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Enjoy the nostalgic town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities, live music and a good ol’ American BBQ. ACTIVITIES Live Music Kids Club Activities Chuckwagon BBQ

$32 – $47

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 […]

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