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πŸ“ 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.

In-person only, on purpose. Everything here is something you can actually show up to. No screens, no streams.

β˜… Featured this season

Promotional image for Phamily Time! β˜… Featured Event
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 Β· 4:00 PM

Phamily Time!

πŸ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing Β· Downtown Santa Cruz Β· See listing

Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you won’t want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS

Music Festivals πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details β†’
Promotional image for Ripatti Rose Band Coming up
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 Β· Chaminade Resort and Spa

Ripatti Rose Band

Ripatti & Rose - Live at Chaminade Resort & Spa

Music πŸ“ Midtown
Promotional image for 1st Thursday w/ Matt Hartle Coming up
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 Β· Discretion Brewing

1st Thursday w/ Matt Hartle

5:30-7:30pm As the lead guitarist for the China Cats and Painted Mandolin, Matt Hartle has established himself as the preeminent jam band guitarist for Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. You can also find him hosting a weekly deep dead jam, where he welcomes Bay Area players for Grateful Sunday shenanigans. Matt's unique voice and intricate playing style always gets the audience on their feet and feeling their groove. You'll be dancing to songs from legends like Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, as well as rock, blues, jazz, americana, and of course some Matt Hartle originals.

Music πŸ“ Soquel
Community
Coming up
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 Β· Crow’s Nest

The Houserockers

Free live music on the beach with a rock and blues band, paired with BBQ and cold drinks. A relaxed seaside evening for all.

Community πŸ“ Seabright & Harbor
Promotional image for Abbott Square: Jug Band Festival Coming up
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 Β· Abbott Square

Abbott Square: Jug Band Festival

Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected β€” The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument – or guitar, banjo, and brass – it’s the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! August 6 from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm: Pono Hawaiian Grill at 120 Union Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Museum of Art and History at 725 Front Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 8 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 9 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz

Festivals πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Thursday, August 6

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

12:00 AM
See listing
National IPA Day - Laughing Monk
πŸ“ Laughing Monk Brewing
Comedy
12:00 AM
See listing
Submerge - Going Deep in Dance
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Yoga
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
See listing
Joe Melendrez
πŸ“ Christian Retreat Center
Music
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
See listing
BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE SEWING (2/6)
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
CLAY INDEPENDENT LAB TIME
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
10:30 AM
See listing
Bilingual Toddler Storytime
πŸ“ Watsonville Civic Plaza
Family
11:00 AM
FREE
Guided Mindfulness for Queers and Friends Hosted by TDC @ TDC
πŸ“ 1117 Soquel Ave.
LGBTQ+

What's happening

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Showing 30 of 2624 upcoming events

Aug
6

Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Harbor
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· FREE

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 in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.

Outdoors Free Details β†’
Aug
6

Persephone Restaurant Thursday Night Pasta Special

πŸ“ Persephone Restaurant
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM Β· $40

Every Thursday along with our regular menu we offer a prix fixe pasta dinner! Enjoy three courses starting with a fresh farmers market mixed green salad, your choice of Pappardelle Bolognese, Truffled Tortiglioni or our seasonal risotto. Finish with a scoop of our housemade chocolate gelato or seasonal sorbet. Three courses for $40!

Markets Food & Drink πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
6

Santa Cruz Water Department Presents Aqua Cruz: The Water Challenge

πŸ“ Sword and Board Games
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Β· FREE

Play the new board game Aqua Cruz! There’s a lot that goes into keeping the water flowing in Santa Cruz, which is completely dependent on local rainfall for the City’s water supply. To show customers what it takes to plan for a reliable water future, the Santa Cruz Water Department has developed Aqua Cruz, a board game that puts players in charge. Every decision counts in the race to close the water supply gap. Aqua Cruz players will strategize which projects to pursue while navigating real-world challenges to keep the water flowing! The event is free to attend and no RSVP is necessary. Aqua Cruz is recommended for ages 13 and older.

Aug
6

Mariposa de la Comunidad LGBTQ+ De Watsonville (Hosted by TDC @ Watsonville Library)

πŸ“ Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St STE 100, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Β· FREE

Biblioteca Watsonville Primer jueves del mes, 5:30-7:30pm Facilitado por Roselyn Macias el primer jueves de cada mes Β‘Bienvenidos al grupo Mariposa de la Comunidad LGBTQ+ de Watsonville del Centro de Diversidad! ΒΏTiene 18 aΓ±os o mΓ‘s, se siente solo, sin apoyo? O quieres conocer a otros como tΓΊ. Lo encontraste. AquΓ­ obtendrΓ‘ recursos, apoyo, capacitaciones y tendrΓ‘ nuevas conexiones en la comunidad. Watsonville Library Every first Thursday of the month, 5:30-7:30pm Facilitated by Roselyn Macias on the first Thursday of the month Welcome to The Diversity Center’s Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ support group in Watsonville ! Are you 18 or older, feel alone, unsupported, or want to meet others like yourself? You found us. Here you will get resources, support, trainings, and make new connections in your community.

Aug
6

1st Thursday w/ Matt Hartle

πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Β· See listing

5:30-7:30pm As the lead guitarist for the China Cats and Painted Mandolin, Matt Hartle has established himself as the preeminent jam band guitarist for Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. You can also find him hosting a weekly deep dead jam, where he welcomes Bay Area players for Grateful Sunday shenanigans. Matt's unique voice and intricate playing style always gets the audience on their feet and feeling their groove. You'll be dancing to songs from legends like Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, as well as rock, blues, jazz, americana, and of course some Matt Hartle originals.

Music Food & Drink πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
6

Crow’s Nest: Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Harbor Beach
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Β· FREE

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

Aug
6

Abbott Square: Jug Band Festival

πŸ“ Abbott Square
πŸ•’ 5:45 PM – 7:30 PM Β· FREE

Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected β€” The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument – or guitar, banjo, and brass – it’s the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! August 6 from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm: Pono Hawaiian Grill at 120 Union Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Museum of Art and History at 725 Front Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 8 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 9 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz

Aug
6

Abbott Square: Jug Band Festival

πŸ“ Visit Santa Cruz County
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Β· FREE

Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected β€” The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument – or guitar, banjo, and brass – it’s the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Click the link in the orange button above for more details. August 6 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Pono Hawaiian Grill at 120 Union Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Museum of Art and History at 725 Front Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 8 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 9 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Shanty Shack Brewing at 138 Fern Street in Santa Cruz

Festivals Free Details β†’
Aug
6

Bargetto Winery: Music in the Courtyard

πŸ“ Bargetto Winery
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· FREE

Head to Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! There is no cover charge and wine by the glass and light snacks are available for purchase. May 7, 2026: Alex Lucero May 14, 2026: James Durbin May 21, 2026: The Joint Chiefs May 28, 2026: Sambada June 4, 2026: Alex Lucero June 11, 2026: The Breaux Show June 18, 2026: Beach Cowboys June 25, 2026: The Joint Chiefs July 2, 2026: Alex Lucero July 9, 2026: James Durbin July 16, 2026: 10 O’Clock Lunch Band July 23, 2026: Highwater Blues July 30, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 6, 2026: TBD August 13, 2026: TBD August 20, 2026: TBD August 27, 2026: TBD September 3, 2026: TBD

Food & Drink Free πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
6

Drop-In Drawing at the MAH

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· See listing

Ever been inspired to drop everything and create when visiting an exhibition at the MAH? Join us for a Drop-In Drawing session in the gallery from 6-8pm on the first Thursday of every month. This is not a formal lesson, but an opportunity to bring in your own art supplies and sketch what you see. Dry media only (no markers or paint). All ages welcome. Free with admission. The museum will provide stools, feel free to bring a cushion or folding chair if space allows. Groups of 5+ please give advanced notice by emailing [email protected] . Drop-In Drawing Calendar 2025 September 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home October 2 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home November 6 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home December 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home 2026 January 1 - NONE (New Years Day) February 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship March 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship Comment end

Aug
6

Bargetto Winery's Thursday Night Music

πŸ“ Bargetto Winery
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· FREE

Join us at Bargetto Winery in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! 6-8PM No cover charge. Wine by-the-glass for purchase. Food will be available for purchase. Open seating, no reservations required. No outside food is permitted. For more info please call: (831) 475-2258

Aug
6

Cat Love: Celebrating Cats Through Art & Story with Teresa Mallen

πŸ“ Capitola Branch Library
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Β· FREE

Join us for an evening dedicated to the beauty and charm of our feline companions. Well-loved Santa Cruz artist and author Teresa Mallen will present from her latest book, sharing personal stories alongside those of her friends. This unique presentation seamlessly blends prose, poetry, and visual arts, featuring vibrant artwork by Mallen herself alongside literary gems from celebrated poets. In addition to celebrating all things feline, Teresa will introduce attendees to the creative journeys behind her other two books, The Artist’s Path and Illuminations. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended, and walk-ins are welcome. Register at https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16584778 or call 831-427-7705.

Art & Culture Free πŸ“ Capitola Details β†’
Aug
6

Sylvia Cuenca's Bridging Generations feat. Wallace Roney Jr

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

In 2026, jazz is often considered an old person’s genre. Let’s face it, it’s not like the jazz clubs are the hot spots all the kids are clamoring to get into. However, Sylvia Cuenca is trying to change that. A powerhouse drummer from the San Francisco and New York scenes, Cuenca is bringing together multiple generations of musicians together to play original numbers as well as standards throughout America’s past. Featuring saxophonist Rico Jones, pianist David Kikoski, Wallace Roney Jr. on trumpet, and bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, they are showing every generation why jazz will never go out of style. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Aug
6

Learn to Line Dance

πŸ“ Bruno's Bar & Grill
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us for Coaster Stomp Line Dance at Bruno’s Bar and Grill! The fun starts at 7pm with two lessons and plenty of open dancing. Join their expert instructors as they guide you through a night filled with plenty of boot-scootin’ boogie. Stay for a little while or the whole event! $10 cover charge

Aug
6

Macbeth, presented by Santa Cruz Shakespeare

πŸ“ The Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM Β· See listing

Something wicked this way comes, indeed. Starting this weekend and running through August 30th, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents one of The Bard’s most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the play’s 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, it’s easy to see why it’s lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as β€œBlood will have blood,” and β€œthe wine of life is drawn.” -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Art & Culture Outdoors πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
6

The Rocky Horror Show

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Veteran's Hall
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM Β· $15

A young, wholesome, and seemingly normal couple, Brad and Jan, set out to visit their old professor, but their plans change when a large storm causes their car to go flat. Desperate to get out of the rain, they find an old castle that is home to Dr. Frank-N-Furter. From there, the night only becomes weirder. That night will be one they and the audience will not forget. This cult classic continues to entertain crowds, and this run is no different. Audience members can purchase interactive goodie bags with their tickets and participate in a costume contest. Goes until August 22.

Aug
6

Young and Dead

πŸ“ Felton Music Hall
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM Β· See listing

Purchase tickets here Show 8pm // 21+ ***This is a standing room general admissions show. There will be a limited number of chairs located in the back of the concert hall. Seating will be first come first served. Bar and food will be open at 5pm.

Aug
6

Seabright Summer Movie Nights

πŸ“ Murray Street at the corner of Seabright Ave
πŸ•’ 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Β· FREE

Thursday Night Movie Nights, a six-week outdoor movie series held Thursday nights on Murray Street starting July 9 through August 13. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for free outdoor screenings. The event series is free to attend and will feature family-friendly programming throughout the summer. July 23: Minecraft Movie July 30: Shrek August 6: Hoppers August 13: Goat

Aug
6

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,

Aug
6

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Free Live Music

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

Enjoy free live music every Thursday evening throughout the summer at the Boardwalk’s Colonnade Stage. Grab a bite, enjoy a refreshing drink, and dance along to a rotating lineup of bands and talented artists with the ocean as your backdrop. 2026 Lineup: β€’ June 18, 2026: Fire Peach β€’ July 2, 2026: El Brick β€’ July 9, 2026: Shawn Yanez β€’ July 16, 2026: Flaco El Jandro β€’ July 23, 2026: Papiba & Friends β€’ July 30, 2026: The Deadlies β€’ August 6, 2026: Anthony Arya

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