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!
Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather […]
Treat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Redwood Evening Dinner Train Party. Start with a hearty BBQ dinner while you enjoy live musical entertainment. After, get into the swing of things by line dancing or two-stepping the night away, followed by a leisurely train ride aboard vintage railway cars. The […]
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 […]
Death & Saxes is a collaboration between two of Santa Cruz's top jazz players. With John Bouwsma on saxophone and Joe Willis backing up on piano, they explore classic jazz, blues and contemporary styles. Locals Love: The Alley Oop! atmosphere of an intimate, windowless 50-seat speakeasy with leather booths, a 1952 Baldwin baby grand piano, […]
Presented at Peace United Church in Santa Cruz, Backroads of the Americas is an intimate solo concert with Latin Grammy-winning guitarist Diego García “Twanguero,” tracing a musical journey through Spain, Latin America, and the United States. Rooted in Spanish folk and shaped by years of travel, Diego’s music moves effortlessly between evocative melodies, Latin American […]
Head to the 5th floor Seaside Roof Deck at La Bahia to celebrate the end of summer. Enjoy live music from Cement Ship as chefs fire up a BBQ buffet featuring seasonal, locally sourced fare. Take in panoramic ocean views as the sky shifts from golden hour to dusk, high above the coastline. Ticket price […]
Head to the Aloha Terrace at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a festive 21+ celebration packed with live entertainment, dancing, games, great brews and wines, and delicious Bavarian bites. Slip into your lederhosen or dirndl for a chance to win best dressed prizes! Menu: Appetizer: Pretzels with dips Dinner: Spaetzle, Cabbage, Schnitzel with Mustard […]
Evening train and dinner excursion departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels along the San Lorenzo River through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, a delicious BBQ dinner awaits you. After dinner, get up and move to a live band. On the return trip to Santa Cruz, the train […]
The Surf City All-Stars are the only “tribute” group in which every member has played in The Beach Boys' band. Experience an unforgettable night of music featuring all the favorite Beach Boys classics, complete with those rich harmonies that made the group famous. This is a family-friendly event. Click the link in the orange button […]
Alex Lucero is a soulful singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based near Santa Cruz, California. He fronts the Alex Lucero Band alongside his wife and collaborator, Justina Lucero. Known for a genre-blending style of deep soul, blues, and boot-stomping Americana. Locals Love: The Alley Oop! atmosphere of an intimate, windowless 50-seat speakeasy with leather booths, a […]
The showstopping Santa Cruz County Fair returns September 16 - 20th for family fun, great entertainment, live shows, animal displays, carnival rides, and more!!!
Live music, food and wine overlooking the Lester Family Vineyards in the heart of Pleasant Valley. Friday, June 12 from 5-8pm: Music by Alex Lucero Band and Food by SnB Food Truck Friday, July 3 from 5-8pm: Music by B-Movie Kings and Food by Happy Dog Friday, July 10 from 5-8pm: Music by Bastard Sons […]
Scottish folk band, Old Blind Dogs has a line up that consists of some of Scotland's finest traditional musicians at the top of their game. Original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals) is joined by Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/vocals) and Donald Hay (percussion/vocals) and along with Mike Katz and/or Elias Alexander (pipes/whistles) they collectively comprise one of the […]
Go to the 23rd Annual Festival! It's the best little party in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Participate in an afternoon of tastings with local wineries & breweries, artist and craft vendors, food, music and dancing, wine pull, silent auction and all around good vibes. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Must be 21 or older […]
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 […]
The award-winning, multi-platinum country duo Thompson Square takes over the breathtaking courtyard at Chaminade Resort & Spa for a night that will feel bigger than a stadium show, with the kind of intimacy you cannot get anywhere else. With multiple number one hits, including “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” and a catalog of […]
6:30 AM - 9:00 PM See website for details.
Taste, sip and tap your toes as you sample local eateries, farms, breweries, vintners and musicians of the Soquel neighborhood! Enjoy kids' games, prizes and more!
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!
The Duck Island Festival is a family-friendly celebration in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz at San Lorenzo Park. There will be food trucks, a bar, vendors and more! The lineup: Mitchum Yacoub & The Brass Empire (Afrobeat, funk, and soul) Sonny & His Rhinestone Sunsets (Classic country-rock and honky-tonk shuffles) Trestles (Local rock and […]
Go celebrate Téada’s 25th Anniversary of touring as one of Ireland's leading traditional bands! The five members of the band are fiddle player Oisín Mac Diarmada, button accordion player Paul Finn, Damien Stenson performs on flute, Samantha Harvey, piano/dance, Seán Mc Elwain who switches between the bouzouki and guitar and bodhrán player Tristan Rosenstock. You […]
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, […]
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 […]
Santa Cruz Porchfest is a free, all-ages, one-day music event that turns downtown porches into stages. Wander the neighborhood, follow the sound, and discover your new favorite band on a neighbor’s front steps. On the day: Several bands playing on porches across downtown. (Including the Santa Cruz County Visitor Center) Music from 12 to 6pm, […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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!
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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, […]
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!
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 […]
