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πŸ“ Santa Cruz County, CA

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

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

β˜… Featured this season

Community
Coming up
Sun, Aug 9, 2026 Β· SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

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. 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 of p

Community πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for SC Civic Auditorium: Music Festival Grand Finale Coming up
Sun, Aug 9, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

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 Bielawa’s 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 Lark’s deep roots in Appalachian fiddle traditions, the work evokes the spirit of folk dance and storytelling, blending vernacular musical language with Bielawa’s 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 Shepherdβ€˜s Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) closes the season with an homage to movement and belonging by β€œan exciting composer of the new American generation” (New York Times). A self-proclaimed β€œwell-treated vagabond,” 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 REFLECTIONβ€”following 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 Barber’s Adagio

Festivals πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for HOPE AS OUR BANNER - GRAND FINALE, 2026 CABRILLO FESTIVAL Coming up
Sun, Aug 9, 2026 Β· Civic Auditorium

HOPE AS OUR BANNER - GRAND FINALE, 2026 CABRILLO FESTIVAL

Conducted by Cristian MΔƒcelaru 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 Bielawa’s 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 Lark’s deep roots in Appalachian fiddle traditions, the work evokes the spirit of folk dance and storytelling, blending vernacular musical language with Bielawa’s 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 Shepherdβ€˜s Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) closes the season with an homage to movement and belonging by β€œan exciting composer of the new American generation” (New York Times). A self-proclaimed β€œwell-treated vagabond,” 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 – with support from Bookshop Santa C

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Rita Dove, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music Coming up
Sun, Aug 9, 2026 Β· Civic Auditorium

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...

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Sunday, August 9

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

12:00 AM
See listing
Summer Beer Sails
πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
Food & Drink
12:00 AM
See listing
Weekend with Shakespeare
πŸ“ UCSC Arboretum
Art & Culture
1:00 AM
See listing
Weekend With Shakespeare
πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
Education
8:00 AM
$102.2
Tri Santa Cruz
πŸ“ Cowell Beach
Community
9:00 AM
See listing
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Highlights Loop Guided Hike
πŸ“ Visitor Center | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Outdoors
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
Live Oak: Farmers Market
πŸ“ Live Oak Farmers’ Market
Markets
9:00 AM
FREE
Live Oak Farmers' Market
πŸ“ East Cliff Village
Markets
9:00 AM
See listing
Downtown Santa Cruz: Antiques Faire
πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire
Markets

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Showing 30 of 2351 upcoming events

Aug
9

A show

πŸ“ SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Β· See listing

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. 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 of p

Aug
9

Sunday Sound Bath + Reiki

πŸ“ Kula Connections
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· $25

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.

Aug
9

SC Civic Auditorium: Music Festival Grand Finale

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· $26

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 Bielawa’s 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 Lark’s deep roots in Appalachian fiddle traditions, the work evokes the spirit of folk dance and storytelling, blending vernacular musical language with Bielawa’s 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 Shepherdβ€˜s Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) closes the season with an homage to movement and belonging by β€œan exciting composer of the new American generation” (New York Times). A self-proclaimed β€œwell-treated vagabond,” 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 REFLECTIONβ€”following 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 Barber’s Adagio

Aug
9

HOPE AS OUR BANNER - GRAND FINALE, 2026 CABRILLO FESTIVAL

πŸ“ Civic Auditorium
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· $26

Conducted by Cristian MΔƒcelaru 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 Bielawa’s 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 Lark’s deep roots in Appalachian fiddle traditions, the work evokes the spirit of folk dance and storytelling, blending vernacular musical language with Bielawa’s 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 Shepherdβ€˜s Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) closes the season with an homage to movement and belonging by β€œan exciting composer of the new American generation” (New York Times). A self-proclaimed β€œwell-treated vagabond,” 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 – with support from Bookshop Santa C

Aug
9

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
9

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
9

The Beat Farmers w/ Gill Brothers Band

πŸ“ Moe's Alley
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM Β· See listing

Classic guitar riffs, bright percussion, and twangy vocals, The Beat Farmers’ 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

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
10

Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience

πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Β· $59

Enjoy Dynomite Farm’s 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.

Community Outdoors Details β†’
Aug
10

Natural Bridges Little Rangers Program

πŸ“ Natural Bridges State Beach
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Β· FREE

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.

Aug
10

Monthly Monday Meditation

πŸ“ Scotts Valley Branch Library
πŸ•’ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Β· See listing

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. You’ll 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.

Aug
10

Latte's and Learn

πŸ“ California Coffee
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Β· FREE

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!

Education Wellness πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
10

Monthly Monday Meditation

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
πŸ•’ 12:30 PM Β· See listing

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.

Community Wellness Details β†’
Aug
10

Paradigm Sport Defense Clinic

πŸ“ Jade Street Park
πŸ•’ 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Β· $250

A Softball specific weekly clinic designed to keep our gloves and our feet smooth on defense. This clinic is held once a week at Jade Street Park by our college level coaches that are working on fundamentals, form, and execution. Clinic is for 12+ athletes.

Aug
10

The Cruz Room: Hosted Board Game Night

πŸ“ The Cruz Room
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Β· FREE

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

2321 more events further out

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