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!
Go celebrate the beginning of hummingbird migration season with a visit to the Arboretum! This time of year, the Arboretum hosts both Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds, the two most common species in Northern California. “The density of hummingbirds—the number per area in the Arboretum—is ridiculously high,” says Bruce Lyon, professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology […]
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.
Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes award-wining author Anne Fadiman (The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down) for a discussion about her latest book Frog: And Other Essays, a new collection of evocative personal essays. "Affecting and often humorous . . . Fadiman has a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, using everyday objects […]
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-5pm year round. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This […]
Trivia every Wednesday! Hosted at Front and Cooper inside of Abbott Square Market Go test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails! Brought to you by Hugging Porcupines Productions
The Watsonville Film Festival promotes Latin and indigenous cultural traditions with free events for the community throughout the year.
The Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering May through October, now running for over 30 years. We appreciate the dedicated customers who call this market a second home. Your support of regional agriculture and small, local businesses makes a difference. The Felton Farmers’ Market was started in 1987 and is the second oldest […]
Far West Fungi’s Santa Cruz Store & Café is launching Myco-Mixers - Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites, product samples, and happy hour discounts on café favorites. Guests can meet the Far West Fungi team, learn about unique mushroom products, and discover new flavors to take home. […]
Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes local author and florist Teresa Sabankaya back to the store to share her newest book Modern Floriography: Flowers, Gardens, and Gifts Inspired by the Language of Flowers, with a special demonstration of floral and bouquet techniques. A little bit of self-help, floral design, history, and gardening wrapped into one beautifully illustrated […]
The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Don't miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Bring your appetite as there are tons of delicious prepared foods to try.
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced […]
The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the University of California, Santa Cruz campus. Sitting on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt this […]
Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it […]
Just in time for some St. Patrick’s treats, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks […]
Join a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is […]
Davenport goes beyond a beautiful place to get away from it all. Just minutes north on the Pacific Coast Highway, Davenport has stunning sweeping ocean and cliff views, the first national monument in the county, some awesome restaurants to tempt the passerby, and an idyllic little town. This tiny two-cell jail was built in 1914 […]
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 […]
The Santa Cruz Mile is a road race for everyone – competitive racers, casual runners, clubs, walkers and joggers are all welcome. The Inaugural Santa Cruz Mile welcomes you participate in an exciting, new, family friendly event. This one-mile race starts near the iconic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and runs through downtown Santa Cruz on […]
Enjoy the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market every THIRD Sunday in 2026! Featuring 40+ local makers & artists, this market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods. Find some of your favorite Santa Cruz makers AND brand new ones...the variety of goods at the market is always exceptional. Friendly leashed pups are welcome! Check […]
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 […]
Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes bestselling author Karen Russell (Swamplandia!) for a discussion about her latest novel The Antidote, which will be available in paperback on the night of the event. "The Antidote blends speculative and fantasy elements with rich language and vivid characters in an effort not to escape reality but to comment even more […]
Cheer on your Santa Cruz Warriors, the most advanced players in the world outside of the NBA as they compete against the Vipers in a 3,200 seat facility near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Warriors also announced that all home games will have a giveaway for at least the first 1,000 fans in attendance.
Celebrate Qing Ming or Tomb-Sweeping Day. Begin by gathering at the MAH for some light refreshments and announcements. Then, head across the street to the Chinatown Dragon Archway for a historical talk. Folks are invited to walk to Evergreen Cemetery to commemorate Qing Ming and clean the gravesites while making ritual offerings. Schedule: 9:30 am: […]
This is an immersive, hands-on introduction to mushroom foraging and forest ecology led by local expert, Starlynn Hartnek. This workshop emphasizes real-world identification skills, seasonal species recognition, and understanding the trees and habitats mushrooms associate with. Expert guides will also point out other seasonal wild foods encountered along the route, Participants will practice observation and […]
Hop on over to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for an egg-citing Surfing Bunny Scavenger Hunt! Enjoy a fun-filled adventure as you search high and low for hidden bunnies scattered throughout the Boardwalk. Whether you’re hunting for bunnies or just soaking in the fun atmosphere, this event is sure to bring smiles to all ages. […]
The 2025 Roller Derby Season Opener. Head to the Civic Auditorium for the first home game of the season! Grab yourself a beer, sit on the sidelines and cheer on the local roller derby teams! The Santa Cruz Roller Derby will be taking the track against the Bay Area Roller Derby. Doors open at 6:16pm!
The beloved Top Dog Film Festival is back for another heartwarming season, with a brand-new line-up of short films that celebrate the extraordinary connection between dogs and humans. The Top Dog Film Festival features tales of adventure, resilience, and canine joy — reminding us why dogs truly are our best friends. This year’s curated collection […]
Head to West Cliff Drive to see a weekend full of amazing paddle sports ride the waves! The star event at the Santa Cruz Paddlefest (SCPF) is held at the world-famous Steamer Lane surf break found along West Cliff Drive in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Paddle surfers have flocked to Santa Cruz from […]
Hailing from Aptos, in Santa Cruz County, California, Big Bad Wolf howls with a special off-the-beaten-path brand of tasty and danceable blues-based classic rock from groups and artists like Creedence, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, Jon Hiatt, John Don’t Fogerty, The Hollies, and many more. A party with The Big Bad Wolf is […]
Cheer on your Santa Cruz Warriors, the most advanced players in the world outside of the NBA as they compete against the Texas Legends in a 3,200 seat facility near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Warriors also announced that all home games will have a giveaway for at least the first 1,000 fans in […]
Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Run a 1k or a 5k, on this flat course and then enjoy what the boardwalk has to offer, including rides, games, & the beach! 1K- Ages 12 and Under 5K- Ages 4 […]
Participants will learn to make their own syrups & shrubs for cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Use ingredients from the farm! This hands-on workshop focuses on making syrups and shrubs for cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks using ingredients sourced directly from the farm. Participants will learn basic techniques, flavor balancing, and safe storage while working with seasonal […]
The Swag Tones are an energetic, genre fluid, era fluid seven piece band consisting of seasoned pro musicians that will keep you dancing with funk, soul, disco and a sprinkling AM Gold classics. You will also be able to purchase El Vaquero’s award winning wines, and Chubby Tacos will be there with high quality Western […]
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 […]
Head to the Rio Theatre for a moving and provocative exploration of male friendship and loneliness, from New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and actor Andrew McCarthy as he crisscrosses the country to reconnect with his friends. Ticket price includes a signed hardcover edition of the book. Andrew McCarthy will present a talk to the […]
Enjoy a month-long celebration of new vegan dishes all over Santa Cruz! Businesses across the area will showcase exciting special vegan menu items for an entire month, giving everyone the opportunity to explore creative plant-based dishes crafted by talented local chefs. How It Works: 1- Visit participating restaurants across Santa Cruz listed in the link […]
If you fell in love with local artist, Marty O'Reilly on season 28 of The Voice, here is your chance to see him live! If you’re looking for music that feels real, that makes you stop and listen, Marty O’Reilly is someone you need to hear. He will be joined by the soulful Americana vocalist […]
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy […]
In addition to the Egg Walk, you will find unique arts and crafts at vendor booths throughout the downtown core, food trucks, and a kid zone on Forest St. There is no fee to attend! So, bring your family, friends and neighbors out to join in the fun!
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 […]
Spend the morning with resident and migratory birds of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! On this 1 mile stroll, which will last approximately 1.5 hours, participants have the opportunity to observe, and listen to, a handful of bird species in the park. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied […]
Just in time for Spring Break, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks the famous […]
First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your understanding of the Arboretum’s plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending on the time of year, the interests of the tour guide and the people who join in. You might learn more about the birds and […]
All ages are invited to the Bear Creek Community Center for the annual egg hunt! Put on your best boots and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors (rain or shine) under the redwoods and along the creek for some real egg hunting. Over 4000 eggs are hidden each year and filled with toys, candy, […]
The Agricultural History Project is hosting their annual Easter on the Farm to celebrate Easter and the beginning of Spring. Activities for children and adults include arts & crafts, hayrides, tractor driving, face painting, meeting a real bunny and enjoying a photo op with the Easter Bunny! This event is FREE! Donations appreciated.
The Easter Bunny makes a stop at Roaring Camp. After riding either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train, your kids will have a blast participating in Easter activities in Town. ACTIVITIES: Easter Crafts Gold Panning (call to reserve) Candle Making Blacksmith Easter Bunny Jumbo Easter Egg With Candy & Prizes […]
Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza is a family-friendly event filled with arts & crafts, games, food trucks, an egg hunt, and more! Kids aged 3 to 13 years old are invited to participate in the egg hunt. Registration is not required for this event. Please bring your own basket or container for the egg hunt.
Have you found the redwood forests of Santa Cruz County inspiring? Go see bestselling author Suzanne Simard, a scientist raised in a family of loggers committed to sensible forest stewardship discuss her new book, When the Forest Breathes. Your ticket price includes a copy of her new book. Suzanne will discuss what the natural world […]
Enjoy a lavish Easter Day brunch buffet at Chaminade Resort & Spa from 9 am - 6 pm. Brunch & resort guests enjoy four Easter egg hunts (10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm & 3 pm). Reservations required. $95++ per person $35++ (ages 4 - 12) FREE (ages 3 & under) ++ plus tax & […]
As soon as March 6, 2026, you can make a reservation for your April 5 Easter Feast at Shadowbrook. Enjoy delicious food, romantic views and transportation that makes travel part of the experience! Dress up nicely and enjoy a free shuttle service in a vintage taxi if your hotel is within a 3-mile radius of […]
Enjoy an Easter Brunch Buffet! Sevy's buffet will include traditional breakfast offerings alongside a Create Your Own Omelet and Pancake Bar, charcuterie tables, roasted vegetable platters & salad bar. They will also be offering a Carving Station with hot entrees & sides, assorted desserts + non-alcoholic beverages.
It's spring! That cold, nutrient rich water upwelling from the canyon bigger than the Grand Canyon may make it hard to explore the "redwood forest of the ocean". Instead, head to Bookshop Santa Cruz and do an exploration with author Josie Iselin and illustrator Ellen Litwiller. They will be discussing their beautiful new book The […]
Check out this micro tour of Felton, CA! Grab a coffee, explore downtown Felton and enjoy this classic car show! This free event will have old cars galore to show off in the new Ace Hardware parking lot. Why not combine a peek of the cars with a peek of this gorgeous downtown area?
Starting in April, on both Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of each month, the City of Santa Cruz staff will lead tours of Loch Lomond Reservoir on the Newell Jewell (pontoon boat). The tours start at 11AM on both days and lasts about an hour. Attendance is limited to 25 people and is […]
The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.
Head to Abbott Square every second Sunday of the month for free live music while you browse handmade jewelry, soap, clothing, and much more! There is always something at these events that has your name on it!
Forget Milan, go see Santa Cruz, vintage and thrift central. What better way to celebrate upcycle culture, than with the first annual Vintage Walk Fashion Show? Contestants for the Vintage Walk Fashion Shown will have acquired their threads in the Downtown Santa Cruz Vintage Walk the same weekend. Each strut, hop, or walk on the […]
Chef Reilly was destined for the kitchen. From his childhood years in Santa Cruz County, foraging blackberries for homemade pies, to learning the ropes at an early age in the kitchen of his father’s restaurant, it’s been all food, all the time. After an illustrious education and career, Reilly Meehan returns to his hometown to […]
Enjoy 11 days of powerful performances, art, poetry, fashion, music, and cultural celebrations throughout Santa Cruz County. The Ripple Effect Arts Festival is brings you creativity and culture to reflect the unique artistic pulse of Santa Cruz County. Opening with Santa Cruz Dancing in the Streets from 5-9pm in Downtown Santa Cruz. 11 Days of […]
Earth Day 2026 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper St, Pacific and Abbott Square. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education. 🎶 Groove to live music by SambaDá 🎭 Be amazed by samba stilt walkers 👗 Get inspired by zero waste […]
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 […]
Unplug & reconnect where ocean and forest meet. This two-night weekend wellness retreat at Chaminade Resort & Spa (Santa Cruz, Ca) invites you to lean into the steady heartbeat of the redwoods and soothing rhythm of the Pacific Ocean for a lasting reset. Dive into the healing properties of the forest and ocean - returning […]
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!
Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS) is organizing a special spring engagement of Vincent, the acclaimed one-person play by Leonard Nimoy, starring SCS Artistic Director Charles Pasternak. Vincent is a compelling theatrical portrait of Vincent van Gogh, drawn from a series of imagined letters between the artist and his brother Theo that illuminate the artist’s creative drive, […]
This month’s nature hike at Loch Lomond Recreation Area will feature noted botanist Andy Werner, who will discuss native plant species found in the Newell Creek watershed. In addition to native plant species, park rangers will provide information on water system operations and watershed lands management. The monthly “Loch Walks” are included in the entry […]
It's the kind of festival an introvert can truly enjoy without an extrovert complaint! If you purchase an Independent Bookstore Day exclusive item while they last, you will get to spin their prize wheel for a chance to win books, coupons, gift cards and more. Follow the link in the orange button above to follow […]
Open at 10am for both Saturday and Sunday, and staying open until 5pm on Saturday. Visitors will experience an impressive display of expertly grown cacti, succulents, and bonsai — from sculptural desert giants to delicate, living miniatures. Members will present their finest specimens in a judged show competition, featuring many rare and stunning plants seldom […]
Enjoy this annual celebration of early music as it sounded in its own time! Learn a bit about the joy of Baroque music with a festival that is an expedition through musical time. 2026 Season: January 31 @4pm: Musical Stories of Brass and Organ (532 Center St) February 8 @4pm: Organ Virtuoso Performance (126 High […]
Participate in street chalk drawing, or just admire the art! Enjoy live music, great food, local shops, vendors and artists of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Downtown Boulder Creek.
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.
Enjoy this live, multi-sensory musical experience of a string quartet playing Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at the Boardwalk's Grove under the gentle glow of candlelight. For 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tentative Program Coldplay - Clocks Imagine Dragons - Radioactive Coldplay - Adventure […]
She.is.beautiful Santa Cruz Race welcomes all levels and abilities. This race event is female-focused and welcomes ALL PEOPLE. This is the perfect race to set a goal to work towards! Great place to make memories with your friends and family, or a solo gratitude moment! Register to gain free access to all community meet-ups leading […]
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 […]
Enjoy a Cottage Lunch on the winery Terrace and visit 3 workshop stations to make take-home gifts! Moms, mentors, friends welcome! Bring along the special gals in your life as you celebrate Mom's Weekend at Roberts Ranch with a Cottage Lunch & Wine on the Terrace and a Triple Mini Workshop down at the Crush […]
David has been entertaining audiences with his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques. He is the master of satire and one of today's most observant writers addressing the human condition. There's no right way to keep a diary, but if there's an entertaining way, David Sedaris seems to have mastered it. He may seem confessional, […]
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 […]
Bay Area ornithologist Alex Rinkert will lead a short interpretive hike around Loch Lomond with a focus on bird identification by sight and sound. This free event is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced ornithologist! See the many perching birds, raptors, and waterfowl that frequent Loch Lomond. Layered clothing, snacks, water, bird guidebooks […]
Celebrate the beginning of the summer season with a free fireworks show in front of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk!
Head to Watsonville for this 33rd annual outrageously scenic road cycling event! Lunch will be provided on the 100-km and 100-mile rides, and snacks will be available at the rest stops. SAG support is available for equipment and physical breakdowns. There will be an after-party! There will be tables under a covered patio area for […]
Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Spring Wine Walk 2026! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast and taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Enjoy sipping while strolling through many favorite Downtown Santa Cruz shops. At Check-in, receive your glass, and a map of the pouring locations, and enjoy an afternoon of […]
Every year on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, head to the beautiful mountains for "Felton Remembers." This family event features a traditional parade honoring those who have served our country in the military service. After the parade, the Covered Bridge Festival is held at Covered Bridge Park, featuring live music, and vendors who sell food, […]
The Santa Cruzer is the best way to get back and forth between the beach and downtown and avoid parking and traffic. The Santa Cruzer shuttle is convenient, all electric and eco-friendly, ADA-accessible and an enjoyable way to experience what Santa Cruz has to offer for all ages. Stops to board the Santa Cruzer: Downtown […]
Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port District’s website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations […]
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.
There will be over 50 unique artists & merchants for this Halloween inspired market! From art, jewelry, oddities, apparel, ceramic, & more there will be something strange & unusual just for you! Open for all ages, and admission is FREE!
Cruise starts at 8:30 AM Saturday at the Boardwalk to Capitola. Entire event in Capitola is 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday.
Take a scenic walk around Loch Lomond with City Water Resources Analyst, Michelle Tarian. They will be pointing out things to notice on your walk you may have never considered, discussing what has happened with invasive species throughout Santa Cruz County. They will talk about actions being taken at Loch Lomond for native species. This […]
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!
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 3:30 PM- Woodies Parade off the Wharf
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!
This Loch Walk coincides with the international Secchi Dip-In annual event! Participate in citizen science recognized around the world by heading to the hidden gem of Loch Lomond in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Simple enough for children to use, the Secchi Disk is a diagnostic tool created in 1865 to measure water clarity. Participants in […]
Head to DeLavega Park to enjoy the full outdoor theatre experience! You can bring your own picnic basket and drinks to enjoy the picnic bluff area or check out concession options before you go! Why not grab some wine from the Santa Cruz mountains and a curated charcuterie box to make it a picnic and […]
In late July and early August each year, audiences are joined by both preeminent and emerging composers, spectacular guest artists, and an orchestra of dedicated professional musicians from across the globe to give voice to works which are rarely more than a year or two old, and sometimes still wet on the page. The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary […]
Enjoy games with prizes all along downtown Boulder Creek! There will be a kid zone, photo booth, vendors and more!
Explore a western pond with City Water Resources Analyst, Jenny Viera. As essential ecosystem engineers, turtles maintain ecological balance, such as cycling nutrients and creating burrows for other wildlife. Protecting them also preserves biodiversity and cultural heritage. The monthly “Loch Walks” are included in the entry fee for the Recreation Area. There is a $10.00 […]
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 […]
Consulting Ornithologist Alex Rinkert will lead a short interpretive hike around Loch Lomond with a focus on bird identification by sight and sound. This free event is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced ornithologist! See the many perching birds, raptors, and waterfowl that frequent Loch Lomond. Layered clothing, snacks, water, bird guidebooks and […]
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!
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
Mark the fall migration at one of the most beautiful places on the planet for the Monterey Bay Festival of Birds featuring field trips, workshops, family-fun activities, and keynote speakers. Activities are planned throughout the Monterey Bay area in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, and Monterey. Check out the website linked below to register for field […]
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
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!
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
Enjoy this FREE annual event! Bring the family for a creative day of mask making, carnival games, Thriller performances plus Nightmares - A Stage Spooktacular. This event has been a Halloween tradition for families for over 25 years! Mask Making Halloween Games Thriller the World Santa Cruz Performance Theater Performances
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!
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun! It's always free to enter the Boardwalk, but if you would like to receive a collectible Boardwalk bag with a punch card for trick-or-treating, follow the link in the orange button above! Head to the Main Entrance photo op banner to take a costume […]
Kids enter free to the Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival. The festival features genuine sea glass and artist-made creations while benefiting our local marine environment. This year the festival celebrates its 17th anniversary. Open 10am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday. Over 50 talented artists are bringing their boutique works to the […]
California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and create an even more dramatic coastline. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The […]
This village-wide shopping event offers a unique opportunity to explore local boutiques under the enchanting night sky. Experience the holiday charm of Capitola while several stores staying open late—perfect for picking out special gifts for your loved ones. Stroll through our quaint village streets, enjoy the twinkling lights, and discover one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers, artisan gifts, […]
If you love California history and our state’s cultural heritage, come celebrate with us at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park! Visit at the next open house. This tour that repeats every 90-minutes throughout the day will surely have you falling head over heels with all the park has to offer! This 90-minute tour is […]
