Saturday, July 25 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm Stop procrastinating and start producing.
From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.
Live music, festivals, art walks, surf contests, trail days and everything in between.
In-person only, on purpose. Everything here is something you can actually show up to. No screens, no streams.
โ Featured this season
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Featured Event
Phamily Time!
Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโt want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS
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Featured
Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening โSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseโ
The DSAS Center for Leadership and Involvement and Summer Edge invite you to join us for our Movie Night Under the Stars event screening โSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseโ: Date: Tuesday, July 28th Screening Time: Event entry begins at 7:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Location: Stevenson College Knoll *Bring your own blanket! Limited chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.* Free movie snacks will be available! For any questions or accommodations, please email [email protected] . You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of Californiaโs nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeโwhether a student service, faculty program, or community eventโis designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .
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Featured
Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas! 2026 Lineup: May 21, 2026: Sambada May 28, 2026: Space Heater June 4, 2026: James Durbin & The Lost Boys June 11, 2026: Ancestree June 18, 2026: Jive Machine June 25, 2026: Cake by the Ocean July 2, 2026: Ripatti Rose Band July 9, 2026: Extra Large July 16, 2026: Fishhook July 23, 2026: Harry & The Hitmen July 30, 2026: Matt Masih & The Messengers August 6, 2026: The Houserockers August 13, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 20, 2026: La Familia August 27, 2026: Alex Lucero Band September 3, 2026: Sambada
Weed cowboy show
Bottomlined by chris
Coming up
Rivets & Rust
5:30-7:30pm Formed in 2022, Rivets & Rust are a Santa Cruz Rock, Folk, Americana Band. Their music encompasses a unique variety of singer-songwriter originals as well as a collection of classic covers. The band's delivery of a mellow vibe with soaring vocals and smoking guitar passages resonates with a wide range of audiences. Rivets & Rust are: Tim Bennett- Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals, Angela Bennett- Keys/Harmony Vocals, Glenn MacPherson- Lead Guitar, Jeff Arlt- Drums, and Mark Hull- Bass.
โ๏ธ Happening today
Saturday, July 2593 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
Showing 30 of 2549 upcoming events
Saturday, July 25 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Join a group of writers working together to improve their writing.
A theater production of the musical Dear Evan Hansen.
Bottomlined by chris
5:30-7:30pm Formed in 2022, Rivets & Rust are a Santa Cruz Rock, Folk, Americana Band. Their music encompasses a unique variety of singer-songwriter originals as well as a collection of classic covers. The band's delivery of a mellow vibe with soaring vocals and smoking guitar passages resonates with a wide range of audiences. Rivets & Rust are: Tim Bennett- Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals, Angela Bennett- Keys/Harmony Vocals, Glenn MacPherson- Lead Guitar, Jeff Arlt- Drums, and Mark Hull- Bass.
Jahtiva returns to Buena Vista Brewing Co
Queer Speed Dating @ Little Giant Collective
Queer Speed Dating is back after a brief hiatus! Skip the apps and come find some summer lovin' at our July event hosted at Little Giant Collective. All gender identities and sexual orientations welcome and encouraged to attend. This time we're trying something a little different... Our first round from 6:00-7:15pm will be for speed daters ages 35+ Our second round from 7:30-8:45 we will be for daters aged 25-40 We've got a packed schedule, so please arrive on time for the start corresponding with your age group! Priced on a sliding scale $5โ15 | NOTAFLOF Be kind, be respectful, be sexy! See y'all there ๐๐ Follow us @queerspeeddatingsc on instagram --- Little Giant Collective is located next to Mobo Sushi on115 River Street South, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Accessibility notes: Ground floor location, restrooms available (gendered single stalls, restrooms are shared with other businesses in the Galeria). Centrally located in downtown Santa Cruz.
This is the one folks. Head out into the woods for some good ol' fashioned fun! Your night begins at the town of Roaring Camp with a delicious BBQ dinner and enjoy just-like-Grandma-made-it apple pie. After dinner, board the historic steam train and head to the top of the mountain for music and hot cider
Disneyโs Moana JR. is a musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tonyยฎ, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaโi, and Mark Mancina, including โHow Far Iโll Go,โ โShiny,โ and โYouโre Welcome.โ This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
Queer line dancing and honky tonk party
A story written by Capitolaโs very own, Joe Ortiz, comes to life at The SC Actors Theatre. Escaping Queens follows an immigrant family as they navigate the challenges of poverty and a fatherโs problems with gambling, alcohol, and women. This funny, edgy, ultimately hopeful musical paints a cast of colorful characters, from neighborhood bookies to a doo wop group to all the shades and personalities in a mixed Italian and Puerto Rican family. Based on Oritzโs own memoir, PastinaโMy Fatherโs Misfortune, My Motherโs Good Soup, the emotional turbulence of navigating an escape from New York is presented as a compelling and sophisticated story that asks if children are fated to repeat their parentsโ mistakes. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
Jurrasic Jungle Book โ A Three Hour Tour
Little Peopleโs Repertory Theatre Presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour Little Peopleโs Repertory Theatre (LPRT) presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour, an original rock musical by Jannine Chadwick, Directed by Daria Elise Troxell, Musical Direction Gabe House. During a sightseeing boat tour, seven passengers become castaways when their boat is shipwrecked on a tropical jungle island. The island is sparsely populated by talking jungle animals, Village People, Mowgli (a boy raised by wolves), Huntriz, three singing dino-hunters, four ninja turtles, and Indominus Khan, a tiger who became a mutant after a sinister group of โscientistsโ came to โstudyโ the island, with the hidden motive of transforming the island into a prehistoric theme park. This sweet and silly mash-up features more than twenty musical numbers. The cast includes children ages 7โ14 singing and dancing to parodies of contemporary pop songs and classic rock hits. Itโs alternative childrenโs musical theatre like no other! Shows regularly sell out, so reserve your tickets early. Ticket information and show times are available online at lprt.org. Performances will be held at Park Hall in Ben Lomond from July 15 through July 25. Please visit the website for specific show times.
LPRT Presents: Jurassic Jungle Book -A Three Hour Tour
Little People's Repertory Theatre Presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour Little People's Repertory Theatre (LPRT) presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour, an original rock musical by Jannine Chadwick, Directed by Daria Elise Troxell, Musical Direction Gabe House. During a sightseeing boat tour, seven passengers become castaways when their boat is shipwrecked on a tropical jungle island. The island is sparsely populated by talking jungle animals, Village People, Mowgli (a boy raised by wolves), Huntriz, three singing dino-hunters, four ninja turtles, and Indominus Khan, a tiger who became a mutant after a sinister group of โscientistsโ came to โstudyโ the island, with the hidden motive of transforming the island into a prehistoric theme park. This sweet and silly mash-up features more than twenty musical numbers. The cast includes children ages 7โ14 singing and dancing to parodies of contemporary pop songs and classic rock hits. It's alternative children's musical theatre like no other! Shows regularly sell out, so reserve your tickets early. Ticket information and show times are available online at lprt.org. Performances will be held at Park Hall in Ben Lomond from July 15 through July 25. Please visit the website for specific show times.
SambaDรก returns to downtown Santa Cruz for a free outdoor show at Abbott Square! Expect infectious Brazilian grooves, Afro-Latin rhythms, powerful vocals, and plenty of opportunities to dance. Grab dinner, bring your friends and family, and join us for a beautiful summer night of music in the heart of Santa Cruz. ๐ Abbott Square, Santa Cruz, CA ๐ July 25 ๐ Free โข All Ages โข Outdoor Show
In the early 1990s, young composer and pianist Fernando Ortega, classically trained and musically complex, entered the Christian music scene. His distinctively earthy sound perplexed and even defied the pop status quo. Descended from eight generations of Mexican weavers, this son of the Rio Grande entwined thoughtful melodies with Celtic, bluegrass, classical and Latin American influences to create something unique and rare. Today, Fernando is one of Christian musicโs most respected artists, his works encompassing modern hymns, liturgical songs, and Inspirational and praise & worship favorites. With three Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Award to his credit, Fernandoโs Christian radio hits include โThis Good Day,โ โJesus, King of Angelsโ and โSleepless Night.โ Renowned for his stirring arrangements of beloved hymnsโ โGive Me Jesusโ and โBe Thou My Vision,โ among othersโ his solo discography features 18 projects in a heralded career spanning more than 25 years. His latest offering, the much-anticipated The Crucifixion of Jesus, follows the same devotional trajectory of 2011โs Come Down O Love Divine, this time centering on the events of Holy Week. Co-produced with Bernard Chadwick in a customized recording space in Fernandoโs Albuquerque home, itโs the most intentionally devotional project heโs ever released, a meticulous labor of love. Engineered and mixed by GRAMMYยฎ Award-winner Brandon Bell, the project was an epiphany of sorts for Fernando. โIt was about finding my way through the mystery of Holy Week,โ he explains, โworking my way through the events leading up to Christโs death, the betrayal, the communionโฆall of it a meditation.โ Featuring 11 contemplative songs and six readings, the album is a sweeping narrative which carries the listener from Palm Sunday to the Crucifixion. In stark and stunning compositions like โIn My Fatherโs Kingdomโ (the Last Supper), โStay With Me Hereโ (Garden of Getsemane), โAh Holy Jesus, How Have You
A milonga, or social tango dance, with DJ Sharon at the 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Cabrillo Crocker Theater: Sister Act, The Musical
Cabrillo Stage is a musical theatre company dedicated to presenting high-caliber, large-scale musical productions to the area. They are committed to the creation of musicals with Broadway-level production values. In this way, they foster educational opportunities while giving audiences the highest-quality family entertainment. They aim to be a destination point for the best of live theatre. Sister Act hits the stage with the force of a disco ball struck by divine inspiration. Deloris, a bold and big-hearted nightclub singer, lands in a convent for her own protection and winds up transforming a tuneless choir into a soulful powerhouse. Her energy shakes the dust off every pew as she teaches the nuns to sing with joy, courage, and a little sparkling attitude. By the finale, the once-quiet convent is radiating harmony, friendship, and unstoppable fun. Sister Act delivers a burst of laughter, heart, and high-energy music that leaves the audience glowing long after the curtain falls. Click โMore Event Datesโ in orange above to see other showtimes, or follow the link in the orange button above to purchase tickets. Locals Love: Stunning, creative sets, talented live orchestras, and passionate performances, often at reasonable prices. First Timers Miss: The theaterโs architecture beautifully complements the overall experience, designed for optimal viewing. Insights: Santa Cruz METRO bus lines 1, 2, 55, and 73 all service Cabrillo College, providing access to the campus and the Crocker Theater. If taking a car, parking in Lot L is free.
Shug Shack July Show & Madd-Dogg 20/20's Bday!
Get ready to sashay into The Shug Shack Drag Show, where fierce performers and fabulous entertainment will leave you gagging for more!
Redwood Records Presents: Loveshadow, EDGAR & People's Disco
Redwood Records Presents: Loveshadow, EDGAR & People's Disco
Macbeth, presented by Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Something wicked this way comes, indeed. Starting this weekend and running through August 30th, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents one of The Bardโs most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the playโs first ever performance is believed to have been in 1606 marking this as the 420th anniversary, which is very Santa Cruz. And for anyone familiar with Macbeth, itโs easy to see why itโs lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as โBlood will have blood,โ and โthe wine of life is drawn.โ -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
After the Dark Starts series at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz features hip hop, rap, and R&B artists celebrating authenticity and community. A late-night immersive music experience.
Love Creek plays at Crow's Nest in Santa Cruz, California, for an evening of live music by the coast.
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, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Campโs resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Campโs food services and gift shop will be open.
Sean and the Skinwalkers is a blues rock trio from Monterey County California. Just as comfortable playing traditional blues as they are tearing through a psychedelic rock song, the common thread is always the blues and the intensity that they bring to every performance. No two performances are ever the same as everything is raw and changes on the fly, with improvised wild guitar solos that often take place in the audience. Sometimes compared to the legends of the 70s blues rock scene, Sean and the Skinwalkers does cover a wide range of music in addition to playing originals. You'll hear covers and inspiration from artists like Led Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, Free, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, David Bowie, Marcus King, Stray Cats, Jeff Healey, Tab Benoit and more, but always with the Skinwalker's unique flavor. Keep your camera ready as you never know what to expect, Sean is likely to jump into the audience and use your beer bottle to play slide guitar or ask you to hit the strings while he frets notes for a solo and has a conversation with you about your day. Nobody ever forgets a Sean and the Skinwalkers performance! Original music on every streaming platform, with a new album releasing soon! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wolfmanblues/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AQRQZEOJxIlim78Gi7HIt?si=9htrXeE1RXG2cVjmWyFnbQ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa2wGtmVpbPZNtThEKxERS_PTsXxzYZIK
SC Beach Boardwalk: Evenings on the Colonnade
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 โ Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 โ Free showing of Ferris Buellerโs Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ 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 โ Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ 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 โ Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 โ Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Star Walk Tour
Star Walks - Astronomy-based program where participants are guided up to the observation deck, where they will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet in the campfire center of the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park campground. RSVP for this hike here .
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Guided Star Walk
Enjoy this astronomy-based guided hike where you will be guided up to the Observation Deck, perched on an ancient seabed, over 800 feet above sea level and 17 miles from the beach. You will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. Follow the link in the orange button above to RSVP. Although this event is free, it costs $10 to park at State Parks. If you plan to visit any other state park earlier in the day, hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park for the day, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!
Fully Fullwood Band ft. Ginger Roots w/ Militia of Love
Moes Alley presents Fully Fullwood Band ft. Ginger Roots, plus Militia of Love! Saturday, July 25, 2026Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm$25 in advance / $30 day of show21+ * All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====FULLY FULLWOODA truly well-earned recognition as being one of the Greats of the music industry, deeply creative and positively innovative, we introduce Fully Fullwood. Fully Fullwood is one of the most popular and well-known bass players in the world and has worked and recorded with every major artist out of Jamaica. His list of credits reads like a whos-who of the twentieth centurys most important musical artists. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Michael Rose, Mikey Dread, The Mighty Diamonds, Black Uhuru, Joe Higgs, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Frankie Paul, Big Youth, U-Roy, Sister Carol, John Holt, Judy Mowatt, Ken Boothe, Andrew Tosh, Delroy Wilson, and many more have utilized the outstanding talents of this absolutely amazing composer, producer and musician. The originator and leader of the Soul Syndicate Band, Fully Fullwood has the distinction of also being a member of reggae superstar Peter Toshs famous band, Word, Sound and Power whom he recorded with and also toured with extensively until the singers untimely passing.
Those familiar with the darker, seedier, drunker corners of the Santa Cruz music scene probably already know Lawnmower. For everyone else, listen up! Formed in 2024, Lawnmower is a degenerate trio of punks who play a โwho cares about practicingโ brand of the genre mixed with a tinge of downbeat sludge. In all honesty they actually do practice and write some of the funniest-without-being-satire songs currently in the scene. Lawnmower is raw with hoarse vocals screamed with all the fury and honesty of someone who identifies with Michael Douglas in Falling Down. This band rules and their show at the Jury Room with Total Joke and Apricot Court will be anything but a buzzkill. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
The Dickens Project at UC Santa Cruz invites the community to the 2026 Dickens Universe, held July 26โAugust 1, a weeklong scholarly gathering devoted to Charles Dickensโs Bleak House. The Universe brings together scholars, students, teachers, and lifelong learners for lectures, discussion groups, film screenings, Victorian tea, festive dance, and a variety of other immersive experiencesโall set among the redwoods on the UCSC campus. This retreat celebrates the power of literature to build community, spark conversation, and connect readers across generations. For more information please visit: 2026 Dickens Universe
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