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!
Trick-or-Treating on Halloween Day (Friday, Oct. 31st) • Trick-or-Treat your way down the Wharf from 3PM to 6PM! Photo Booth on the Wharf Stage • Snap a festive photo with […]
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 […]
Monarch migration is variable and population numbers and dates are different each year. The monarchs typically begin arriving in mid-October and leave by mid-February. At Natural Bridges, late October and […]
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone […]
Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.
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. […]
Once a year for eight days local food culture is celebrated as chefs showcase their creative talents. Guests dining at participating restaurants can enjoy a fixed-price, three-course dinner menu for […]
Carlos Motta’s When Time Stands Still features new and recent installations, videos, and sculptures highlighting the artist’s preoccupation with the historical and aesthetic productions of difference and marginalization that shape the […]
“Ni de aquí, ni de allá” (“neither from here, nor there”), is a phrase commonly used by bilingual, bicultural communities. In the exhibition the phrase becomes a bold declaration of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! Experience the practical birthplace of performative liberalism and see Get Out, with a cocktail in your hand, in the historic […]
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 […]
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, […]
Join the county Sheriff's Department for their annual Trunk or Treat event! Decorated Trunks, candy, games, food vendors and more! Free parking and shuttle service will be provided at the […]
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 […]
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, […]
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, […]
Established in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, this market has become a seasonal treasure to the local community and to those visiting the area looking for a place […]
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 […]
Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis - visitors may sign up […]
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!
10:30 AM - 2:30, Saturdays and Sundays, October 4th and 5th, 11th and 12th, 26th and 24th, 26th.
Ticket price includes 1 pound of apples in addition to what you pick during your timed hour on the farm. Click the link in the orange button above to reserve […]
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and […]
Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about […]
Sample a variety of creative, mouthwatering vegan mac n’ cheese dishes made by talented local chefs! Attendees will taste and vote to decide who will take home the title of […]
This October look forward to another vibrant gathering to gather and celebrate life and death. For years, the team at the MAH has had the opportunity to experience, grow, and […]
Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860's cow barn, 1858 […]
Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860's cow barn, 1858 […]
Attention all ghouls and ghosts! 🧛♂️🕷️ Enjoy a hauntingly good time as you trick-or-treat your way through downtown Watsonville businesses! 🎃💀 Save the date and fill your bags with treats […]
She Sets the Table is Dream Inn Santa Cruz's intimate, multi-course dinner celebrating the creativity, talent, and stories of women in culinary. For this special evening, three accomplished culinary women […]
Surf City Line Dance with live music from Barnstormer at The Catalyst. All ages welcome! Lessons and social dancing 7 PM; Barnstormer 8–10 PM.
Enjoy a magical night of enchantment at the Brookdale Lodge. Get ready to dance under the moonlight, mingle with fellow witches, werewolves, vampires, zombies, and of course you never know […]
The Santa Cruz Marathon, Half, and 5k will be a run on the edge in every sense. Rugged bluffs, crashing breaks, and a boardwalk that’s weathered storms, bands, and even […]
Started in 2000, this neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved and depended on by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Here […]
Interested in observing and comparing old growth and second growth redwood forests? How about walking by the river and learning about what plants grow alongside it? Enjoy a guided stroll […]
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 […]
Whether you're a fan of fresh fades, spooky styles, or just want to vibe with the crowd, this is the place to be. Don your best Halloween costume and head […]
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long […]
Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring […]
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 […]
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, enjoy the Sixth Sense in a town that has been looking for dead people […]
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 […]
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each […]
Celebrate the day of the dead in beautiful downtown Watsonville. Enjoy family friendly activities, local arts vendors, community ofrendas, art installations and more October 30th from 3-7 pm. Coco screening […]
Enjoy a curated lineup of food vendors serving street food, desserts, and specialty drinks. With live entertainment and a curated maker market, every stop is built to be shared—friends, families, […]
Bring your family, friends, and picnic blankets for an evening packed with delicious food truck eats, live music by FIREPEACH, cold beer and wine, and community fun. Costumes are strongly […]
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 […]
Witches and Warlocks, come take over the Santa Cruz Harbor on Halloween!Prizes for best costumes. Just make sure it’s safe to paddle in. Witches have been known to melt if […]
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 […]
The Halloween Aptos Chamber Parade is creeping into town, and you won't want to miss it! Enjoy a fang-tastic time behind the New Leaf Community Market in the Aptos Village […]
Every Halloween, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the City of Santa Cruz close down Pacific Avenue for kids to trick or treat! Watch for signs in the windows of […]
Little witches, goblins, ghosts, superheroes and their parents can enjoy trick-o-treating on the beautiful Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll the Wharf and visit your favorite businesses for sweet surprises. Special guests […]
Experience a "spooktacular" evening of trick-or-treating at Santa Cruz Harbor! Wind your way through an eerie adventure, jump aboard the pirate-commandeered water taxi, and collect Halloween treats along the way! […]
It's your Fur Baby's time to shine!! Sign up your dog to model their costume on the Abbott Square stage during the Halloween Dog Costume Contest. Prizes for best costumes. […]
Bring the kiddos for trick-or-treating around the market With delicious food, festive drinks, live music, and plenty of Halloween cheer, this is one downtown celebration you won’t want to miss.
This is a 21+ event, because some of the libations are even scarier than the costumes. Live music comes courtesy of Space Heater and Batucada Allstars, two acts guaranteed to […]
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 […]
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 […]
Calles Libres transforms downtown Watsonville into a vibrant, car-free space where people of all ages can walk, bike, roll, dance, connect, and celebrate everything that makes Watsonville unique. Inspired by […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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!
Check out hundreds of sweet hot rods, street rods, vintage, muscle, custom, and classic cars in the Boardwalk Parking Lot. Free admission!
Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival 60 Authentic Sea Glass and Ocean Artists plus ceramics, fabric art, mosaics, resin art and so much more. Located at the Santa […]
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 […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
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 […]
Ms. Blue is back! The Great Blue Whale skeleton’s return to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center with a day of ocean discovery, hands-on activities, and family fun! Get curious and […]
Check website for times of operation.
🎻 Head to the beautiful mountains of Ben Lomond to experience Contra Dancing! 💃🕺 A contra dance event is a social dance that one can attend without a partner. The […]
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 […]
Over 50 craft vendors will offer unique jewelry, art, bags, pottery, candles, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, clothing, books and more. Friends of the Library Book Sale offers books for […]
Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. Head to the Rio Theatre and explore themes […]
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 […]
Head to the Paradox Hotel for an Ocean Themed Art and Sea Glass Fair, with an edge! Vendors will be on theme with local art, ocean themes, sea glass like […]
As a volunteer docent for the County of Santa Cruz Park system, Richard James has researched the colorful history of Quail Hollow Ranch for years. His new tour, “Within These […]
Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Fall Wine Walk 2025! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast to taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Sip while strolling […]
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 […]
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Chaminade with a world-class festive buffet overlooking Santa Cruz & the Monterey Bay. $95++ per person (Ages 13+) $35++ per person (Ages 3 - 12) ++ Plus […]
Get in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach! Enjoy a festive stroll through dazzling holiday lights and decorations at no cost. If you’d like to hop […]
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride a Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. […]
Just in time for holiday shopping, 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 […]
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of […]
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2026 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 27, 2026 – Holiday Lights […]
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 […]
Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents A Christmas Carol Tickets are on sale for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s production of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, a festive holiday tradition for the whole family. […]
Bundle up in the tackiest sweater you’ve ever been gifted for the holidays and head to the redwoods! As you look through arts and crafts, you will be treated to […]
The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect […]
Head to the Aptos Village Green to see local craft vendors, sip coffee or hot chocolate with your cookies and have a picture with Santa. Enjoy music, performances, and of […]
The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor […]
Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid's activities, Santa, wine and so much more!
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Come enjoy holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine!🎅 📸Take photos with Santa! ☃️ Checkout Wharf Business Specials! ❄️Play in the […]
Go meet and get your picture taken with Santa and his friends at the Chaminade as you enjoy a festive brunch and beautiful views of the Monterey Bay.
Flynn Creek Circus is an all-human spectacle. Look for the big tent at the Capitola Mall parking lot. Limited, free parking for attendees is available. Follow the link in the […]
Kick-off your holidays with JOY! Add sparkle to the season with the magic only the Santa Cruz City Ballet Nutcracker can bring. From the youngest dancing gingerbread cookies to aspiring […]
Get all of your Holiday Shopping needs in one spot! Have brunch at Solaire, grab a hot toddy and get shopping. There will be visits with Santa, photos, ornaments and […]
The Annual Reindeer Run in Boulder Creek will be on Christmas eve! Go work off that plum pudding and promote togetherness, silliness, and active lifestyle. Bring your family. Bring your […]
Harlem Globetrotters: Rivalry Tour, set to play in Santa Cruz. This tour is unlike any other in 100 years, with a whole new game, a new lineup of rivals, and […]
Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 46th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston […]
The Watsonville Film Festival promotes Latin and indigenous cultural traditions with free events for the community throughout the year.
A spectacular World Premiere production, Alice in Wonderland reimagines Lewis Carroll's beloved story through a bold, wildly imaginative artistic vision — featuring breathtaking sets and costumes designed in collaboration with […]
