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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Quarry Amphitheater: Progressive Rock Group BEAT

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

BEAT is a prominent progressive rock supergroup formed to creatively reinterpret the 1980s music of King Crimson. Rather than a standard tribute act, the project features actual former King Crimson members alongside world-class instrumental virtuosos. The Quarry Amphitheater was carved from a former limestone quarry in the 1960’s. The unique terraced asymmetrical design allows for […]

$95.18 – $845.02

Mission Plaza Park: Japanese Cultural Fair

Mission Plaza Park 103 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Martial Arts Japanese Food Arts and Crafts Kids Activities Ikebana and Bonsai Live Music and Dance Free parking will be available at the Santa Cruz Government Center located in the designated parking area for the fair where you may access a free shuttle to the fair at the historical Mission Plaza.

Free

Seacliff Village: Street Fair

On Broadway between Center Ave and Santa Cruz Ave 4 Broadway, Aptos, CA, United States

Enjoy the best of Seacliff! Get ready for an afternoon of fun at the 6th Annual Seacliff Village Street Fair! The adorable Doggie Parade kicks off the fair at 11:30 AM Delicious bites from the food trucks, Local Vendor Stalls Live music by the Steven Graves Band and The Joint Chiefs. Crafts Ice Cream a […]

Free

Downtown Santa Cruz: Yoga In The Streets

Pacific Avenue at Cooper Street 1401-1407 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, United States

This celebration will transform Pacific Avenue, which will be closed at Cooper Street, creating a vibrant hub for healing and connection. Attendees will experience: yoga, meditation, live music, sound baths, and mindfulness activities This celebration available to the whole family will feature DJ Drez and Marti Nikko, the internationally recognized husband-and-wife duo known for blending […]

Free

Quarry Amphitheater: Acid Bath

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

Head to the Quarry Amphitheater to see the pioneers of Sludge Metal, Acid Bath! This historic reunion balances crushing guitar with haunting vocals. This gothic thriller set to music is stacked with Melvins, High on Fire, and Windhand. The Quarry Amphitheater was carved from a former limestone quarry in the 1960’s. The unique terraced asymmetrical […]

$95.18 – $164.40

Santa Cruz Civic Center: Bonnie Raitt

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

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Bonnie Raitt is returning to Santa Cruz! Fans can expect a setlist that balances her "present-day brilliance" from Just Like That... with timeless classics like "I Can't Make You Love Me," "Something to Talk About," and "Angel from Montgomery". Reviewers have praised her enduring vocal power and legendary slide […]

$207 – $389

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!

UCSC: Harvest Festival

UCSC CASFS Farm and Garden 152 Farm Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy the annual Harvest Festival! Activities for all ages include face painting, flower pressing, pumpkin painting, cider pressing, tractor rides, live music treats from local food trucks, an apple pie bake-off, and more! Admission is $5 for the general public, with cash preferred at the gate. Entry is free for current UC Santa Cruz, Hartnell […]

Free – $5

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

Peace United Church of Christ: Ernest Aines Folk Singer

Peace United Church of Christ 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Ernest Aines is an award-winning Australian alt-folk singer-songwriter known for his striking voice, intricate guitar work and emotionally rich songwriting. Since the release of his debut album Spiral Bound, Aines has built a growing audience through extensive touring. His recent tours have included multiple sold-out shows, with audiences responding with standing ovations along the way.

$49 – $89

Santa Cruz Civic Center: Musician Lyle Lovett

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

A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Among his many accolades, besides the four […]

$64.25 – $110.40
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! Music Lineup: • April 24 (Starts 4:30 PM) — Music by Shady Rest Band • May 29 — Music by The Swag Tones […]

Joe’s Bar: Halloween Dance Party

Joe's Bar California 9, Boulder Creek, California, United States

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 they balance themselves […]

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

Capitola: Plein Air Festival

New Brighton School Washburn Avenue, Capitola, California, United States

Artists set up their easels on the wharf, shore, and streets of beautiful Capitola, to paint live for four days. You'll find hundreds of paintings on display, for sale, and entered into competition. You can take home a piece of Capitola culture, vote for your favorites for the People's Choice Award, have a delicious meal […]

Free
The Crepe Place: Trolley Drops Jug Band

The Crepe Place: Trolley Drops Jug Band

The Crepe Place 1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy a Jug Band Jam hosted by the Trolley Drops Jug Band! It’s fun and it’s free. The songs they play are hokum blues, folk jazz & novelty tunes from the 1920-30s. That’s Jug Band Music! Song books will be passed out. Everyone is encouraged to bring your voices, ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, […]

Free

Downtown Boulder Creek: Giving Thanks Party

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to discover art and crafts for the season!  Enjoy live music as you stroll and find tasty food and drink to purchase along the way!

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