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!

Live Music & Dance

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Hwy 17 Studios: Live Cure and Love and Rockets

Hwy 17 Studios 831 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz, United States

An Intimate Night with Lol Tolhurst & David J Legends: Live & Local is a new live music and storytelling series from Event Santa Cruz that connects iconic, world-famous musicians with local artists—creating once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, conversations, and performances. This official Legends: Live & Local event brings together two true pioneers of post-punk, Goth, and alternative […]

$50 – $90

SC Civic Auditorium: Violent Femmes

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

45 years ago, their self-titled album got so popular they went platinum, no thanks to mainstream chart success or radio play. In the 80's, everyone had a copy of the album on cassette, and their folk punk sound influenced numerous bands across genres like grunge, pop punk and indie rock. Artists from Pink to Keith […]

$72.14 – $244.92

Quarry Amphitheater: Lila Downs

The Quarry Ampitheater 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Head to the Quarry Amphitheater to see Latin Grammy Award Winner, Lila Downs! This singer-songwriter blends genres and rhythms like cumbia, jazz, and Mexican rancheras into her compositions. She sings in Spanish, English, and native languages, and has collaborated with artists like Juanes, Norah Jones, and Santana. Downs has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl and has released award […]

$67.50 – $118.26

Roaring Camp: Winter Warmer Festival

Bret Harte Hall 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

In addition to a day of great live music from some of our favorite Bay Area musicians, the festival will feature art vendors, full coffee bar, local craft beer & wine, free 10-minute massages, fresh churros, food artisans, family-friendly, supervised kids activities and most importantly, a S’mores Bar!

$60
Roberts Ranch Vineyards: Wine Tasting and Crushpad Concert

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

Pono Hawaiian Grill: Ledward Kaapana

Pono Hawaiian Grill 120 Union Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Led Kaapana’s mastery of stringed instruments, particularly slack key guitar, and his extraordinary baritone and leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) voices, have made him a musical legend. He has been thrilling audiences for more than 40 years. With easy-going style and kolohe (rascal) charm, he has built a loyal corps of Led Heads from Brussels to his […]

$39.19

Roaring Camp: Spring Barn Dance

Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Head to Bret Harte Opera Hall at Roaring Camp for the Spring Line Dance Party! Instructors will lead you in a variety of line dances to a multitude of hit songs performed by the live band. What's included: Onsite parking Admission into the venue 3 hours of line dance instruction and live music Snacks, non […]

$21.20

Quarry Amphitheater: The Garden

The Quarry Ampitheater 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Head to the Quarry Amphitheater to see the fast, punk-influenced two-piece guitar drum and synth band, The Garden! They have become known for their energetic and off the wall performances around the world. Their term, "vada vada" represents total freedom of expression without boundaries or guidelines of any sort. The Quarry Amphitheater was carved from […]

$49.04 – $72.11

Quarry Amphitheater: Drain and Friends

The Quarry Ampitheater 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Head to the Quarry Amphitheater to see hardcore punk band, Drain in their hometown! The intense crossover trash sound was formed right here in Santa Cruz and will be joined by bands No Pressure, Haywire and Secret World. Dolphin shorts and boogie boards are optional but encouraged. “When people come to Santa Cruz, they’re like, […]

$55.96

Santa Cruz Civic Center: Emmylou Harris

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

Emmylou Harris shook up country radio in the 1970's and established herself as the premiere songwriter of a generation selling more than 15 million records and garnering 14 Grammy Awards, 3 CMA awards, and 4 Americana Awards. Harris is one of the most admired and influential women in music. Here is your chance to join […]

$73.50 – $127
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!

Downtown Santa Cruz: Kids Day

Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

It's Kids Day in Downtown Santa Cruz! Exhibitors will be lined up on Cooper Street and Pacific Ave (between Church St. & Locust St.), along with performances and demonstrations at Abbott Square. Plus, many Downtown businesses will be offering discounts and specials just for kids.

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

Downtown Santa Cruz: Juneteenth Parade

Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Juneteenth is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people. Attend and enjoy music, poetry, dance, delicious soul food, arts & crafts, basketball skills contest, and the annual sack race. Festive dress encouraged!

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!

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: Fiesta en la Playa

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

Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community with mariachi, folklorico dancers, and a free beach concert. Enjoy Boardwalk rides and games plus fun food and beverage specials throughout the park. ¡Vamos a la playa!

SC Beach Boardwalk: Band Review

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

Go see an exciting musical parade as 55 Northern California high school and junior high school marching bands compete next to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the ONLY band review with warm sand, cool surf, and hot rides!