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!

Cowell Beach: Accessible Day on the Beach

Cowell Beach 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Shared Adventures presents its annual Day on the Beach event at Cowell Beach, Saturday, July 11, 2026. Each year, over 300 people with special needs participate in adaptive ocean sports with the help of over 250 enthusiastic volunteers creating life-changing memories.

Free
Santa Cruz: WEDNESDAY NIGHT SAILBOAT RACES

Santa Cruz: Wednesday Night Sailboat Races

Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Santa Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it […]

Free

Brookdale Lodge: Classic Car Show

Brookdale Lodge 11570 Hwy 9, Brookdale, CA, United States

The annual SCM Classic Car Show is a family-friendly event with over 50 amazing cars! This family friendly event has activities for the littles, live music, BBQ and full bar for the rest, and of course the best part of the day is viewing these amazing automobiles. Head out and enjoy a day in the […]

Free

SC Beach Boardwalk: National Carousel Day

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

Celebrate National Carousel Day and our Looff Carousel’s 115th Anniversary. First 100 riders on the Carousel will receive a brass souvenir carousel ring. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.

$7.00 – $74.95

SC Beach Boardwalk: National Roller Coaster Day

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

Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by taking a spin on our National Historic Landmark, the Giant Dipper. First 100 riders on the Giant Dipper will receive a Boardwalk Souvenir Cup. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.

Forest Therapy

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Forest Therapy

Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Reconnect with yourself beneath the redwoods on one of the area's first certified Forest Therapy Trails at Chaminade Resort & Spa. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), this guided experience combines mindfulness in nature, sensory awareness, and gentle invitations designed to calm the nervous system, restore attention, and relieve stress. Perfect for […]

$35

UCSC: Farm to Fork Dinner

(UCSC Farm) Farm Road, Santa Cruz, California 95064 Farm Road, Santa Cruz, United States +1 more

Enjoy a reception and dinner on the UCSC Farm followed by dancing in the Hay Barn! This event will feature music, appetizers, tours, and local wine followed by a four-course, family-style dinner on the farm provided by Feel Good Foods. As the sun sets, head down to the Hay Barn for music, dancing, and dessert. […]

$30 – $225

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!!!

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!

Scotts Valley: Multicultural Fair

Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, United States

The Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair is a free celebration aimed at broadening our understanding and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity. There will be: Live musical acts from all different backgrounds and influences. Dance troupes performing captivating routines; with audience participation encouraged! Food vendors to explore. A fashion show to show-case traditional clothing of different cultures. […]

Free

SC Beach Boardwalk: Chili Cook-Off

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

Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!