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 β or guitar, banjo, and brass β itβs 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
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
Coming up
Gary Blackburn Band
Moes Alley Presents a rockin Sunday matinee with Gary Blackburn Band! Sunday, August 9, 2026Doors: 1pm / Show: 2pm$15 in advance / $20 day of the show21+* No Refunds | 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====Gary Blackburn BandGary Blackburn Band based in Santa Cruz, CA., and the Monterey Bay brings their high energy roots rock based in the Rock, Country, Blues genres. The Gary Blackburn Band currently performs at music venues up and down the Central Coast and Bay Area, blending old school with contemporary, the band will weave a musical journey up on the stage, and you will be dancing! Fronted by Santa Cruz local, and celebrated veteran singer songwriter, Gary Blackburn, the band performs familiar rocking covers along with a few of Garys originals. You can hear one of Garys country tunes, Carolina on KPIG 107.5 Freedom, California. With Gary on guitar and lead vocals, the band also features, Sean Woodward, lead guitar, mandolin, harmony vocals, Kevin Taylor, keyboards, harmony vocals, Dan Waller, bass, harmony vocals, and Tom Duncan, drums. The Gary Blackburn Band brings it yall, come have some fun!
Coming up
Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival
The Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival Thursday August 6th β Sunday August 9th, 2026 Free admission for all events! Contact [email protected] 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 - itβs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Calendar of events: Thursday August 6th, 5:45-7:30 pm at Pono Hawaiian Grill. 120 Union St. Downtown Santa Cruz. Β· Join the Trolley Drops at their monthly jug band sing and play along. Bring your voice and/or instruments and your good humor. Lyrics projected on the wall. Itβs free. Friday August 7th, 6-9 pm at Abbott Square Market and the MAH, 725 Front St. Santa Cruz Β· 6 pm in the MAH lecture hall: βThe Wild & Wacky History of Jug Band Musicβ, a presentation by the Trolley Drops. Β· 7 pm at Abbott Square: The Puffball Collective plays dance music, βProhibition to Psychedelia: Jug Band Roots as Rock.β Saturday August 8th, Noon-9 pm at Abbott Square. 725 Front St. Santa Cruz Β· Five bands will play one hour sets with sing-alongs or solo performances between sets. Β· Alphabetically the bands are: The Rivertown Skifflers The Quake City Jug Band The San Lorenzo Valley Ramblers The Trolley Drops The Washboard Rhythm Company Sunday August 9th, 2-5 pm at Shanty Shack Brewing. 138 Fern St. Santa Cruz. Β· Jug Band Happy Hour: various members of the five Jug Bands will perform some of their favorite songs in a more intimate setting.
Coming up
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 β or guitar, banjo, and brass β itβs 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
Coming up
Karaoke with Moondog
Sing your heart out! We will start at 3pm....ends when the cops show up or when I throw in the towel....No way you can be too late to get into the rotation.....We use Karafun, so the artists who own the songs get paid ROYALTIES via BMI or ASCAP. Venmo & TIP JAR FOR THE KJ. Beer and Wine , Bar Food Menu. Plenty of free parking.
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Sunday, August 953 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Showing 30 of 2362 upcoming events
Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival
The Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival Thursday August 6th β Sunday August 9th, 2026 Free admission for all events! Contact [email protected] 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 - itβs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Calendar of events: Thursday August 6th, 5:45-7:30 pm at Pono Hawaiian Grill. 120 Union St. Downtown Santa Cruz. Β· Join the Trolley Drops at their monthly jug band sing and play along. Bring your voice and/or instruments and your good humor. Lyrics projected on the wall. Itβs free. Friday August 7th, 6-9 pm at Abbott Square Market and the MAH, 725 Front St. Santa Cruz Β· 6 pm in the MAH lecture hall: βThe Wild & Wacky History of Jug Band Musicβ, a presentation by the Trolley Drops. Β· 7 pm at Abbott Square: The Puffball Collective plays dance music, βProhibition to Psychedelia: Jug Band Roots as Rock.β Saturday August 8th, Noon-9 pm at Abbott Square. 725 Front St. Santa Cruz Β· Five bands will play one hour sets with sing-alongs or solo performances between sets. Β· Alphabetically the bands are: The Rivertown Skifflers The Quake City Jug Band The San Lorenzo Valley Ramblers The Trolley Drops The Washboard Rhythm Company Sunday August 9th, 2-5 pm at Shanty Shack Brewing. 138 Fern St. Santa Cruz. Β· Jug Band Happy Hour: various members of the five Jug Bands will perform some of their favorite songs in a more intimate setting.
Audrey Stanley Grove: Much Ado About Nothing
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeareβs Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzβs DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeareβs wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeareβs Much Ado About Nothing. Of all the couples in Shakespeare, perhaps none is more widely loved than Beatrice and Benedick. Their battle of wits; their antagonism turned to eroticism; their history. Before the play begins, they already seem to define each other. The audience, like the other characters in the play, wait with excitement as their wits clash, and eventually, as their love blossoms. Much Ado About Nothing runs July 11 β August 30. More information or to purchase tickets, follow the link in the orange above, or contact the box office Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4pm at the number listed above.
Moes Alley Presents a rockin Sunday matinee with Gary Blackburn Band! Sunday, August 9, 2026Doors: 1pm / Show: 2pm$15 in advance / $20 day of the show21+* No Refunds | 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====Gary Blackburn BandGary Blackburn Band based in Santa Cruz, CA., and the Monterey Bay brings their high energy roots rock based in the Rock, Country, Blues genres. The Gary Blackburn Band currently performs at music venues up and down the Central Coast and Bay Area, blending old school with contemporary, the band will weave a musical journey up on the stage, and you will be dancing! Fronted by Santa Cruz local, and celebrated veteran singer songwriter, Gary Blackburn, the band performs familiar rocking covers along with a few of Garys originals. You can hear one of Garys country tunes, Carolina on KPIG 107.5 Freedom, California. With Gary on guitar and lead vocals, the band also features, Sean Woodward, lead guitar, mandolin, harmony vocals, Kevin Taylor, keyboards, harmony vocals, Dan Waller, bass, harmony vocals, and Tom Duncan, drums. The Gary Blackburn Band brings it yall, come have some fun!
Join Coleen Douglas--biologist turned nature communicator--for this FREE event. This 90-minute experience features a brief discussion indoors, then a short walk outside the library on paved pathways to be with the trees and to practice communicating. Author of the book "Nature Spirits Want To Talk With Us," Coleen provides practical step-by-step guidance and a sense of magic and fun to lead you into deeper connection with nature. www.coleendouglas.com
Local non-profit American Sign Language Services Community hosting a bingo fundraiser at the Aptos Grange on Sunday's 3PM - 8PM , Monday's 5PM to 10PM.
3:00-5:00pm JADe is an Acoustic Trio performing in the Santa Cruz / Bay Area, playing acoustic rock, adult contemporary, beautiful ballads and more from the 60's to present. They feature 3 lead vocals with fabulous harmonies, 2 guitars, flute and melodica.
Sing your heart out! We will start at 3pm....ends when the cops show up or when I throw in the towel....No way you can be too late to get into the rotation.....We use Karafun, so the artists who own the songs get paid ROYALTIES via BMI or ASCAP. Venmo & TIP JAR FOR THE KJ. Beer and Wine , Bar Food Menu. Plenty of free parking.
Read to the Rescues β¨with Pregnant Mare Rescue π΄πGive your little one a magical experienceβ¦ reading aloud alongside a gentle rescue horse. This peaceful moment helps kids build confidence, grow empathy, and create a special bond with our beautiful horses.ππ¬ Itβs a one-on-one reading time in a calm, supportive space; perfect for young readers and parents whoβd love to learn more about our sanctuary.
Frontier Sunday: Craig Rayburn Band
Frontier Sunday: Craig Rayburn Band
Join us for an unforgettable evening of jazz and stories from Ukraine at the Songrise Andrey Chmut Benefit Concert at the picturesque Bargetto Winery. All proceeds will benefit Songrise Internationalβs vital music programs and initiatives for youth globally. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon with live jazz, a festive dinner, fine wines, silent and live auctions, and the chance to make a meaningful difference!
A show
Sunday August 9th - SubRosa presents a fantfabulous show with... * Lashfull - brown n proud centcal 2 piece - @lashfull.ca ** Half Calf - 2-piece what are we?-core queer emo based in Oakland - @halfcalfca *** Egress - Oakland emo I think - @egress510 **** seeyouatwork! - emo shit? East Oakland - @seey0uatwork ***** Gay Eldest Daughter - queer folk from the central coast - @gayeldestdaughter Doors 6pm & Music 7pm // $15 at door - notaflof!* // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! *no one turned away for lack of funds SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA 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. Letβs 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 of p
Silent meditation.
Presented by: Ruby Hernandez, Adron Beene, Susan von Thun or Erin Carlson-Jones with Joyce Leonard. Each Sunday, one of the musicians performs a sound bath. This is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in sound vibrations produced by instruments like gongs and singing bowls. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity by allowing the sounds to wash over the body and mind. Joyce offers Reiki, providing a moment of personal attention, inviting you to settle more fully into stillness and the healing experience.
SC Civic Auditorium: Music Festival Grand Finale
The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music season concludes with a luminous program looking toward collective possibility, resilience, and belonging. Ascending Creatures (West Coast premiere) by Festival newcomer, Eunike Tanzil, draws inspiration from the coordinated flight of birds, exploring the interplay between individuality and unity through motion and sound. Through interlocking musical lines and evolving textures, Tanzil emphasizes the power of collective movement. Lisa Bielawaβs Pulse (West Coast premiere), featuring violinist Tessa Lark, unfolds as a driving, heartbeat-like concerto, weaving rhythmic intensity and American musical threads into a shared sense of motion and momentum. Drawing on Larkβs deep roots in Appalachian fiddle traditions, the work evokes the spirit of folk dance and storytelling, blending vernacular musical language with Bielawaβs contemporary orchestral voice. Celebrating marriage equality with both joy and remembrance, Rainbow Promise (U.S. premiere) honors the struggle that made it possible. Composed by Elena Kats-Chernin, the piece rings with a spirit of pure celebration and joy, but not without offering reflection on the struggle that made such celebration possible. Sean Shepherdβs Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) closes the season with an homage to movement and belonging by βan exciting composer of the new American generationβ (New York Times). A self-proclaimed βwell-treated vagabond,β Shepherd composed Wanderlust as an homage to his cosmopolitan experiences across the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, representing both his paradoxical, palpable sense of rootlessness and his desire to sink roots, pulling inspiration from disparate places and searching for the idea of home. POST-SEASON REFLECTIONβfollowing the Grand Finale Former (1993-1995) U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove joins the Festival for a special closing reflection, performing original poetry honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. alongside Samuel Barberβs Adagio
A comedy night at Crow's Nest, featuring stand-up performances.
HOPE AS OUR BANNER - GRAND FINALE, 2026 CABRILLO FESTIVAL
Conducted by Cristian MΔcelaru Eunike Tanzil: Ascending Creatures (West Coast premiere) Lisa Bielawa: Pulse (Tessa Lark, Violin) (West Coast premiere) Elena Kats-Chernin: Rainbow Promise (U.S. premiere) Sean Shepherd: Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) The season concludes with a luminous program looking toward collective possibility, resilience, and belonging. Ascending Creatures (West Coast premiere) by Festival newcomer, Eunike Tanzil, draws inspiration from the coordinated flight of birds, exploring the interplay between individuality and unity through motion and sound. Through interlocking musical lines and evolving textures, Tanzil emphasizes the power of collective movement. Lisa Bielawaβs Pulse (West Coast premiere), featuring violinist Tessa Lark, unfolds as a driving, heartbeat-like concerto, weaving rhythmic intensity and American musical threads into a shared sense of motion and momentum. Drawing on Larkβs deep roots in Appalachian fiddle traditions, the work evokes the spirit of folk dance and storytelling, blending vernacular musical language with Bielawaβs contemporary orchestral voice. Celebrating marriage equality with both joy and remembrance, Rainbow Promise (U.S. premiere) honors the struggle that made it possible. Composed by Elena Kats-Chernin, the piece rings with a spirit of pure celebration and joy, but not without offering reflection on the struggle that made such celebration possible. Sean Shepherdβs Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) closes the season with an homage to movement and belonging by βan exciting composer of the new American generationβ (New York Times). A self-proclaimed βwell-treated vagabond,β Shepherd composed Wanderlust as an homage to his cosmopolitan experiences across the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, representing both his paradoxical, palpable sense of rootlessness and his desire to sink roots, pulling inspiration from disparate places and searching for the idea of home. SEASON REFLECTION β with support from Bookshop Santa C
Rita Dove, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music
TICKETED EVENT AT THE CIVIC: The 2026 Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music concludes with a special appearance by poet Rita Dove, presented with the support of Bookshop Santa Cruz in honor of ou...
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 Bardβs most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the playβs 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, itβs easy to see why itβs lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as βBlood will have blood,β and βthe wine of life is drawn.β -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
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.
Classic guitar riffs, bright percussion, and twangy vocals, The Beat Farmersβ discography holds a seminal place in the 1980s Roots Rock and Americana scene. Beginning in 1983 in San Diego, the band played bar gigs, refining their craft before catching the attention of a Los Angeles audience. Carrying a sense of play, often leaning into goofy lyricism and a boozey stage-presence, their musicianship shines through uninhibited sets. The original lineup was spearheaded by legendary Country Dick Montana, who passed in 1995. The band carries on his spirit with Joey Harris leading vocals, Jarry Raney on guitar, Rolle Love on bass, and Joel Kmak on drums. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
Enjoy Dynomite Farmβs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
Natural Bridges Little Rangers Program
Little Rangers programs at Natural Bridges State Beach are happening this summer! This free program is best for 3 to 6-year-old kids and includes hands-on activities, play-acting and sharing. Parents or caregivers are required to stay and encouraged to help facilitate the fun and games. Themes this summer include insects, beach exploring, bird watching and nature art. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park. One reservation per family and please write in the names and ages of participating children.
Monday, August 10 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Join us Mondays 10:30am-12pm at Aptos Library for social Bridge! All skill levels welcome. Enjoy fun, friendship, and mental stimulation.
Monthly Monday Meditation
In this practice group, you'll get an introduction to many different approaches to meditation and receive guidance on which practices might be best suited for you. Second Monday of the month meetings. Youβll have an opportunity to practice with a group and get the support you need to start a regular practice of your own. Claire is a certified meditation teacher and Stanford CCARE Ambassador of Compassion.
Monday, August 10 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm Play Mahjong with fellow enthusiasts! Beginners welcome with weekly Hong Kong Style lessons. Other styles offered too. Tiles provided or bring your own.
Monday, August 10 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Join seniors like you every Monday for an hour of gathering and sharing about getting older. We will focus on a different topic each week.
Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!
Monday, August 10 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm In this practice group, you'll get an introduction to many different approaches to meditation and receive guidance on which practices might be best suited for you. Second Monday of the month meetings.
Loops at the Library - Knit/Crochet @ Garfield Park Branch
Monday, August 10 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm Join us every 2nd Monday at the Garfield Park Branch for a yarn party.
2332 more events further out
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