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!
Stockwell Cellars does not offer flights or reservations on Friday evenings to make way for Sip, Savor and Sway! Enjoy live music for free! You will also be able to purchase Slight of Hand pizza catering, and of course, Stockwell's boutique, handcrafted, unmanipulated, single varietal wines and blends. Musician Lineup: April 10: Jenny O'Leary Quartet […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Head to the Quarry Amphitheater to see the acoustic duo, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings! Their spare, often dark sound, which has been called "at once innovative and obliquely reminiscent of past rural forms", blends Appalachian, bluegrass, country and Americana. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s 1981 live acoustic album, Reckoning, the tour […]
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 […]
A Change is Gonna Come confronts our past and present and celebrates the act of protest as one of our most precious rights. The program includes arrangements of historic songs like Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan, new commissions by composers like Errollyn Wallen, and world premieres of new works by UCSC composers Siamak […]
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.
Head to the Quarry Amphitheater to see the chewed bubble gum pop band, Peach Pit! They are widely recognized for blending "sad pop" lyrics with upbeat, surf-rock-inspired melodies. Expect a setlist heavily featuring tracks from their Beatles inspired 2024 album Magpie, as well as fan favorites like "Alrighty Aphrodite" and "Shampoo Bottles". The Quarry Amphitheater […]
Head to Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! There is no cover charge and wine by the glass and light snacks are available for purchase. May 7, 2026: Alex Lucero May 14, 2026: James Durbin May 21, 2026: The Joint Chiefs June 4, 2026: Alex Lucero June […]
The Spring Art Market returns to the Tannery Arts Center just in time for Mother's Day! Shop local art and fresh flowers, dine with a variety of local food vendors, and enjoy live music and family-friendly activities. Discover everything from ceramics, jewelry, and paintings to candles, self-care products, and clothing. Live music Kids art activities […]
Treat Mom to something memorable on her special day with a delectable Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet accompanied with live music. After a lovely brunch, relax with a train ride through the towering redwoods. ACTIVITIES: Hallcrest Vineyards Brunch at Bret Harte Hall Live Music from Rory Lynch NEW! Tintype family portraits by the Midnight Oil Collective […]
Don't miss Jim Messina and band at the Santa Cruz Rio Theatre on Mother's Day! An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career including Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins & Messina. Grab your tickets today through […]
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton […]
Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s stage! Every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and additional shows from 6 to 8pm. Check out Wharf Business pop ups, or make a dinner reservation before the shows. Be sure to bring a chair or wear […]
Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the […]
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.
Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic […]
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!
Pleasure Point will be buzzing as the community takes to the street to enjoy the Pleasure Point Street Fair. This event will be held on Portola Drive between 41st and 38th Avenues. There will be bike parking available, and admission is free. There will be great music, fun for kids, vendors, a beer garden, great […]
There will be food trucks, beer, and wine for purchase. Live music includes The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin. Locals Love: The front row view from the cliffs for viewing talented surfers. First Timers Miss: The lighthouse itself is a free museum for the history of surfing. Insights: There are public e-bike stations in front of […]
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!
8:30 AM, Please check website for event times
Scotts Valley Art, Wine, and Beer Festival is back in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. This premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains has something fun for everyone! The fun includes over 100 artists, live music, kid zone, food trucks, Cops Car Show on Saturday, Dog Day on Sunday, beer, […]
Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani DiFranco is the mother of the DIY movement, being one of the first artists to create her own record label, Righteous Babe Records, in 1990. She has released 23 albums traversing folk, punk, hip-hop, soul and electronic genres and addressing a range of autobiographical, political and social […]
Free & family-friendly! Two talented pianists face off in a musical showdown full of crowd favorites, sing-alongs, and spontaneous comedy. You bring the requests, they bring the show! Bring your beach chairs, grab a treat from Capitola Village, and enjoy a summer afternoon of music, laughter, and community on the coast. Requests encouraged. Dancing inevitable. […]
Enjoy a shop and swap market throughout downtown Boulder Creek with deals and trades, live craft demos, a kid zone and more!
The showstopping Santa Cruz County Fair returns September 16 - 20th for family fun, great entertainment, live shows, animal displays, carnival rides, and more!!!
6:30 AM - 9:00 PM See website for details.
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!
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to enjoy the 4th Annual Treat Walk where both artists and merchants will be handing out candy and treats to the kiddos. Although you are welcome to break out your Halloween costume early, it is not required. Perhaps you will find some art or craft to enhance your entrance to Downtown […]
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 […]
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!
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!
