Skip to content
Santa Cruz County, CA

From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.

Live music, festivals, art walks, surf contests, trail days and everything in between.

πŸ“
In-person only, on purpose.

Every listing is something you can actually show up to, from Davenport down to Watsonville.

No webinars No livestreams Just show up βœ“

β˜… Featured this season

Cannabis β˜… Featured Event Treehouse
Fri, Aug 7, 2026 Β· 5:00 PM

Treehouse Dispensary First Friday

πŸ“ Treehouse Dispensary Β· Soquel Β· FREE

Treehouse Dispensary hosts a monthly First Friday event on the first Friday of every month. These events feature live music, local artists, makers, and an art market with up to 20 different vendors, along with shop-wide discounts and community activities. The shop is open 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM daily. We're proud to offer everyday savings for our community: New Members: 10% off your first order Wisdom Discount (65+): 5% off Medical Patients: 10% off Students & Teachers: 20% off with valid ID Veterans: 20% off *Please note that discounts do not stack with other deals. Ask staff for exclusions.

Cannabis Art & Culture πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
β˜… Featured
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 Β· SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

The Art of Building a Future (RSSC Discussion Group)

Join us 4th Wednesdays, 6-8pm at SubRosa for The Art of Building a Future - a cafΓ© for discussion and practice for creating the future we want to live in, now! Hosted by @rojavasc1 Bring your thoughts and experience and enjoy some light refreshments. Will be held in the courtyard weather permitting. COVID precautions encouraged. 6pm - 8pm // totally free! // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA Also part of the @freeskoolsantacruz 2026 session - more info about other class in bio at @freeskoolsantacruz and @subrosa_space β€”@@@@@β€” SubRosa is a collectively run anarchist community space - a place to meet people, share resources and ideas, challenge our assumptions and act on our passions. Let’s create together the world(s) we want to live in now. @subrosa_space And SubRosa is part of the Hub Community Center at 703 Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz - a constellation

Community πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
β˜… Featured
Sat, Sep 12, 2026 Β· Capitola Village

43rd Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival

Stroll the festival with friends and family, sipping exceptional wines from Santa Cruz Mountain wineries while admiring the artistic talents of over 100 fine artists. Sway to live music and be inspired by local dance groups while taking in the ocean breeze and breathtaking view of the Monterey Bay. Feed your cravings with tantalizing cuisine from local food purveyors, and cruise through the Artisans Marketplace for locally handcrafted goods. If that isn’t enough, Capitola Village is filled with restaurants for every taste and charming boutiques to satisfy a shopper’s dream. Art, wine, music, and gourmet cuisine in the enchanting beach-side setting of Capitola Village…summer’s last hurrah, and truly a weekend in paradise! This event is from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, September 12 and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, September 13. See link to the event in the orange box above.

Food & Drink πŸ“ Capitola
β˜… Featured
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 Β· The Cruz Room

The Cruz Room: Hosted Board Game Night

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 or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10

Family πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Tuesday, July 21

52 events on today. No plans required, just go.

12:00 AM
See listing
Bruno's Bar and Grill: Kick-Off Chaos!
πŸ“ Bruno's Bar & Grill
Food & Drink
8:30 AM
$400
Art and Science in Nature Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
9:00 AM
$345
Summer Production (1-week): Moana Jr.
πŸ“ All About Theatre
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
$895
Summer Production (3-weeks): Moana Jr
πŸ“ All About Theatre
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
See listing
Screaming Queens: The Riot of Compton’s Cafeteria documentary and discussion - Wisdom Workshops @ TDC
πŸ“ 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
LGBTQ+
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
11:00 AM
See listing
In-person Tech Help @ La Selva Beach
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:00 AM
See listing
Build Your Own Sensory Bin
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:00 AM
FREE
Backgammon @ the Library
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community

What's happening

Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.

Quick: Today This weekend Next 7 days Go somewhere

Showing 30 of 1938 upcoming events

Jul
21

B12 Shot Clinic

πŸ“ OneSource Compounding Pharmacy
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Β· See listing

Step into a realm of revitalization at our pharmacy, where we proudly introduce our exclusive hydration injection services. Designed to replenish your body’s essential fluids and nutrients swiftly and effectively, our hydration injections offer a rejuvenating experience that goes beyond traditional methods. Our skilled and caring professionals utilize cutting-edge techniques to administer a customized blend of hydration, vitamins, and minerals directly into your system, ensuring a rapid and targeted response. Whether you’re seeking a post-workout boost, recovering from illness, or simply aiming to enhance your overall well-being, our hydration injections provide a quick and convenient solution. Experience the transformative power of hydration at our pharmacy, where health and vitality converge for a renewed and invigorated you.

Jul
21

Teen Taste Off

πŸ“ Sego Lily Events
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Β· See listing

Teens are invited to channel their inner food critic at our monthly Teen Taste-Off Program ~ each month will feature a new snack in a variety of flavors that they will get to taste and vote on their favorite. This program will take place every third Tuesday of the month at the Main Library from 4:00-5:00pm. Audience: Teens Invitamos a los jΓ³venes ser un crΓ­tico de comida ~ participa en nuestro programa mensual Concurso de Sabores para JΓ³venes. Cada mes presentaremos un nuevo bocadillo en distintos sabores para que lo prueben y voten por su favorito. Este programa se llevarΓ‘ a cabo el tercer martes de cada mes en la Biblioteca Principal de 4:00-5:00pm. Audiencia: Adolescentes

Food & Drink Family πŸ“ Watsonville Details β†’
Jul
21

Sewing Classes

πŸ“ Freedom Branch Library
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Β· See listing

✨ Free Sewing Classes ✨ Ready to unleash your creativity and learn a new skill? Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced sewer, our free sewing classes are for you. Join us for a fun, hands-on experience where you can: Learn sewing basics - no experience required. Build your skills - Pick the project that matches your skill level. Meet new friends - all ages and backgrounds encouraged. Bring your own projects - get help with what you want to create. This program will take place on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm at the Freedom Library, Creative Cafe. All ages & skill levels welcome. These classes will be facilitated in English. https://www.watsonville.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=7326

Jul
21

Sewing Classes

πŸ“ Watsonville Library
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Β· See listing

Event date: July 21, 2026 Event Time: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM Location: 2021 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 Watsonville, CA 95076 Description: ✨ Free Sewing Classes ✨ Ready to unleash your creativity and learn a new skill? Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced sewer, our free sewing classes are for you. Join us for a fun, hands-on experience where you can: Learn sewing basics - no experience required. Build your skills - Pick the project that matches your skill level. Meet new friends - all ages and backgrounds encouraged. Bring your own projects - get help with what you want to create. This program will take place on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm at the Freedom Library, Creative Cafe. All ages & skill levels welcome. These classes will be facilitated in English.

Jul
21

Open Mic with Featured Poet Kaily Dorfman

πŸ“ Satori Arts
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring Kaily Dorfman Are you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on July 21, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct , a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring poet Kaily Dorfman. Kaily Dorfman was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, and completed her MFA in poetry at UC Irvine and her PhD in English and literary arts at the University of Denver. Her work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and the Best New Poets anthology, and is published or forthcoming at journals including New England Review, Tar River Poetry, Painted Bride Quarterly, The New Criterion, and Summerset Review. Come share your spoken word work or poetry with the community, or come out to support our local readers! Sign up to read starting at 6:30 pm. Limited seating. For more information, visit https://www.satoriarts.org/upcoming-events. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Free. Satori Arts, 815 Almar, #9, Santa Cruz (warehouse building near the back, follow signs)

Jul
21

Tacos & Trivia

πŸ“ Bruno's Bar & Grill
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

As with everything we do, we bring the fun! This isn’t your average ordinary trivia. It’s β€œBruno’s Style”. We sing, we play instruments, we dance and we drink. Fill up on Tacos and Margs and get ready for a night of fun! ​ If you’re looking for a quiet night with boring trivia for the brainiacs you won’t find it at Bruno’s. With musical clues for our players – we have the most fun trivia around. We turn the music up loud and we make a lot of noise! It’s free to play with prizes for the winners. With $3 tacos and the buy a Margarita or Modelo and get a free taco deal, you’re going to have a great night at the best bar in town. Bring your friends and form a team or come by yourself and make some new friends, you’ll have a blast!

Jul
21

Ocean Vuong – The Emperor of Gladness

πŸ“ Rio Theater
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· See listing

The hardest thing in the world is to live only once… Bookshop Santa Cruz and The Humanities Institute are pleased to welcome critically acclaimed author and staff favorite Ocean Vuong ( Time Is a Mother, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous ) for an event celebrating the paperback release of The Emperor of Gladness , Vuong’s bighearted novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive. Vuong will be in conversation with UC Santa Cruz Professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, The Emperor of Gladness shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul. Hallmarks of Ocean Vuong’s writingβ€”formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tendernessβ€”are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: a second chance. Ocean Vuong is the author of the critically acclaimed poetry collections Night Sky with Exit Wounds and Time Is a Mother , as well as the New York Times bestselling novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous . A recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and the American Book Award, he was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and currently splits his time between western Massachusetts and New York City. The Emperor of Gladness is his latest novel. More information at: Bookshop Santa Cruz – Ocean Vuong Co-Sponsored by The Humanities Institute

Education Community πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Jul
21

Ocean Vuong - The Emperor of Gladness

πŸ“ Rio Theatre for the Performing Arts
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· See listing

The hardest thing in the world is to live only once… Bookshop Santa Cruz and The Humanities Institute are pleased to welcome critically acclaimed author and staff favorite Ocean Vuong (Time Is a Mother, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous) for an event celebrating the paperback release of The Emperor of Gladness, Vuong’s bighearted novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive. Vuong will be in conversation with UC Santa Cruz Professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, The Emperor of Gladness shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul. Hallmarks of Ocean Vuong’s writingβ€”formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tendernessβ€”are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: a second chance. Ocean Vuong is the author of the critically acclaimed poetry collections Night Sky with Exit Wounds and Time Is a Mother, as well as the New York Times bestselling novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. A recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and the American Book Award, he was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and currently splits his time between western Massachusetts and New York City. The Emperor of Gladness is his latest novel. More information at: Bookshop Santa Cruz – Ocean Vuong Co-Sponsored by The Humanities Institute

Art & Culture Education πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Jul
21

Master Class: Michel Petrucciani's β€˜Kuumbwa' - The Story Behind the Album

πŸ“ Kuumbwa Jazz
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM Β· See listing

On May 11, 1987, pianist Michel Petrucciani, bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Eliot Zigmund took the Kuumbwa stage for a remarkable concert – a special stop on the trio’s only tour – which featured these three giants of modern jazz in peak creative form. Petrucciani passed away in 1999, but his legacy shines in the new lovingly-restored release of this historic night. The never-before-released recording, titled Kuumbwa is available now from Elemental Music in deluxe edition as a 2-LP 180-gram vinyl set, with a sixteen-page booklet of liner notes and rare photos. We will celebrate the release of this Petrucciani masterstroke with β€˜Kuumbwa’ – The Story Behind the Album, featuring a conversation between Kuumbwa Co-Founder Tim Jackson, and the album’s producer Zev Feldman. You’ll hear about the concert itself, the rediscovery and preparation of the tapes, the release production, as well as hear samples of the album. Can’t make it in-person? You can stream it! Click here to register.

Jul
21

Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion

πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
πŸ•’ 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us for Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion! Every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm Hosted by Michael Cahalan Pair one of our 16 beers on tap with some lively Trivia, every Tuesday at 6:30pm. No sign-ups required - just come a little early to snag a table in the beer garden. Free to play | Prizes | Up to 6 per team

Food & Drink Free πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Jul
21

SC Beach Boardwalk: Evenings on the Colonnade

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
πŸ•’ 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Β· FREE

Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 – Free showing of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 – Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 – Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,

Jul
21

Summer Camp (ages 7-12) Santa Cruz Maker Studios

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Maker Studios
πŸ•’ 9:00 PM – 2:00 PM Β· $720

Join us this summer for a maker experience where students (ages 7 – 12) design and build custom creations they can proudly take home. Our summer camps combine creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship in a supportive studio environment designed for both first time makers and returning students. Each camp week provides access to our 3D printing, woodworking, and textiles stations, with dedicated instructors in each area guiding students through tools, techniques, and projects. Every week also features a themed focus that inspires ideas across our maker zones and gives students a starting point for their creations. While themes provide structure, students are encouraged to explore projects that interest them, combine ideas across weeks, or pursue custom builds with instructor support. Camp Schedule and Daily Flow Summer camp runs from May 29 through July 31, 2026, with ten themed camp sessions offered throughout the season. Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Camps are designed for students ages 7 to 12 and take place at Santa Cruz Maker Studios, located at 427 A. Swift Street in Santa Cruz. Session 1: May 27 & 29 (Two-Day Camp) Choose Your Mini Project – $144.00 This one day camp is designed for creative exploration and flexibility. Students choose a mini project based on their interests and skill level and spend the day designing, building, and finishing something they are excited about. Projects may include woodworking builds, simple robots, sewing projects, laser cut designs, or 3D printed creations. This session is a great introduction for new students and a fun option for returning makers looking to try something new. Session 2: June 1 – June 5 Arcades and Games – $720.00 Students step into the role of game designers and builders. Using woodworking, laser cutting, and 3D printing, campers create playable arcade style games such as a mini foosball table and mini-golf course. Others may design custom board games, chess boards and pieces,

Jul
22

Bruno's Bar and Grill: Kick-Off Chaos!

πŸ“ Bruno's Bar & Grill
πŸ•’ 12:00 AM Β· See listing

Watch every match, every day except Mondays (we are closed) on our 13 large screen TVs and 130β€³ TV wall with two full bars and plenty of room for fans. Specials: β€œThe Hat Trick Stack”, a burger, fries & a beer $22. β€œNo Mercy Wings”, wings & any beer $20. Thursdays: $2 off drafts and appetizers upstairs. Sundays: All day happy hour $2 off beer, wine and well drinks. Tuesdays: $3 tacos or buy a Modelo or margarita and get a free taco. Wednesdays: $7 whiskey & $7 wings!

Jul
22

Art and Science in Nature Summer Camp

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Β· $400

Calling young artists and scientists curious about nature! This summer, young explorers can join us on a journey to investigate symmetries, patterns, and curiosities in the natural world. Spend the week exploring nearby beach, creek, and garden habitats, and making all sorts of art inspired by what we discover.

1908 more events further out

Never miss a beach day, show, or street fair.

Join the Santa Cruz Scene newsletter for local discounts, community highlights, and the best curated events delivered to your inbox each month.

No spam, just the Scene. Curious who we are? Read our story.

Hosting something rad?

If it's happening in person anywhere in Santa Cruz County, whether it's a show, a market, a paddle-out, or a gallery night, we want it on the calendar. Submissions are free and reviewed by our editors.

Submit your event β†’