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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
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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 – 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,

Community πŸ“ Beach & Boardwalk
β˜… Featured
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Enthusiastic Bird Watchers @ La Selva Beach

Tuesday, July 21 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm Join us for a bird talk and guided walk in La Selva Beach to spot local birds and enjoy nature together!

Community πŸ“ Aptos & Seacliff
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˜€οΈ Happening today

Monday, July 20

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

12:00 AM
See listing
Experiments in Nature Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
12:00 AM
See listing
Art and Science in Nature Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
12:00 AM
See listing
Bruno's Bar and Grill: Kick-Off Chaos!
πŸ“ Bruno's Bar & Grill
Food & Drink
6:00 AM
See listing
The Jury Room World Cup Watch Party
πŸ“ Jury Room
Sports
8:30 AM
$400
Art and Science in Nature Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
9:00 AM
$895
Summer Production (3-weeks): Moana Jr
πŸ“ All About Theatre
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
$345
Summer Production (1-week): Moana Jr.
πŸ“ All About Theatre
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
$8600
Certified Massage Therapist Program
πŸ“ Cypress Health Institute
Community
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family

What's happening

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

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Showing 30 of 1980 upcoming events

Jul
20

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

Jul
20

Community Talks: Gardening & Nature Connections

πŸ“ Watsonville
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Β· See listing

Deepen your connections to nature and your community ~ Join us for a pair of talks with guest speakers from local organizations focused on community building and our environment. Learn from Watsonville Wetlands Watch in an interactive activity connecting nature, community, and collective action. Discover how our community is working together to reduce food waste, care for urban trees, restore local wetlands, and how you can be a part of larger efforts to protect and improve our shared environment. This presentation will take place on Monday, July 13, at 5:30pm at the Main Library. Hear about the Homeless Garden Project’s work to make a difference through organic gardening. Learn about the organization’s social impact, community building efforts, and sustainable gardening practices. This presentation will take place on Monday, July 20, at 5:30pm at the Main Library. Audience: All ages ESPAΓ‘OL Profundiza su conexiΓ³n con la naturaleza y su comunidad ~ AcompÑñanos en una serie de charlas con invitados de organizaciones locales dedicadas al desarrollo comunitario y al medio ambiente. Aprende con Watsonville Wetlands Watch en una actividad interactiva que une la naturaleza, la comunidad y la acciΓ³n colectiva. Descubre cΓ³mo nuestra comunidad estΓ‘ trabajando en conjunto para reducir el desperdicio de alimentos, cuidar los Γ‘rboles urbanos, restaurar los humedales locales, y cΓ³mo puedes formar parte de iniciativas mΓ‘s amplias para proteger y mejorar nuestro entorno comΓΊn. Esta presentaciΓ³n se llevarΓ‘ a cabo el lunes, 13 de julio a las 5:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal. Descubre la labor del Homeless Garden Project a travΓ©s de la jardinerΓ­a orgΓ‘nica. Conoce el impacto social de la organizaciΓ³n, sus iniciativas de fortalecimiento comunitario y sus prΓ‘cticas de jardinerΓ­a sostenible. Esta presentaciΓ³n se llevarΓ‘ a cabo el lunes, 20 de julio a las 5:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal. Audiencia: Para todas las edades

Jul
20

Queer & Trans Yoga Hosted by Sapphire Yoga Collective @ TDC

πŸ“ The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM Β· FREE

Queer & Trans Yoga by Sapphire Yoga Collective Weekly Yoga Class @ TDC Mondays from 6:00 PM -7:15 PM This is a trauma-sensitive, all-levels, all-bodies/abilities class taught by a rotating queer-identifying yoga teacher each week. We highlight self nurturance through yoga asana and meditation, a somatic and mindfulness healing practice that resources us for our own resilience as well as community care. No prior yoga experience necessary. Ultimately, this is a brave space for LGBTQIA++ identifying folks to gather and take deep care. Please bring your our yoga mat and water bottle. Cost: $10-20 suggested donation. No one turned away for lack of funds! @sapphireyogacollective and @yogaforallmovement Questions? Contact Tara Maxon, Well-being Coordinator email: tara.maxon @diversitycenter.org

Jul
20

Pink Ladies of the Sonnets

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

Santa Cruz Shakespeare leans into drag’s theatre roots with full sequined conviction. Pink Ladies of the Sonnets brings some of the Bay Area’s most talented drag queens and kings to the park for an evening where Shakespearean poetry, comedy, and drama meet the glittery cabaret of drag. Drawing inspiration from the sonnets, these performers carry on a tradition of gender play that runs through Shakespeare’s work from the very beginning This one-night extravaganza of Shakespearean proportions is sure to have the audience laughing, dancing, and singing along. Enjoy the show in drag, denim, however, feels right. After all, the Bard was always fabulous. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz

Art & Culture LGBTQ+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Jul
20

Keshav Batish & Friends in Sonic Kinship - Album Release Celebration

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

Keshav Batish is a performer, composer, and educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is trained in Hindustani classical and South Asian folk music by his father, Pandit Ashwin Batish, and his aunt, Shrimati Meena Batish. Batish’s debut album, Binaries in Cycle, was recognized in 2021 as one of 10 Best Bay Area albums by KQED and received critical acclaim from JazzTimes, DownBeat, and the Brooklyn Rail. Batish recently received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of California, Santa Cruz, for which he recorded his third album, Sonic Kinship. Sonic Kinship melds ragas – the melodic forms of Hindustani music – with the rhythmic ensemble dynamics of the likes of Andrew Hill and Masabumi Kikuchi to find new musical vistas through ancient forms. The album grew from his sense that β€œevery musical note carries a character shaped by its relationship with others, and that closer attention to timing and tuning can deepen the feeling of music to foster healing through sound.” Batish experimented with how to translate the effect of shruti, the Sanskritic idea referring to the discernible difference between notes, from solo-centric Hindustani music to a group of many musicians by employing its practical vehicle known as meend. Meend traditionally sounds like a gliding movement between notes and is heard across South Asian musical practices. Sonic Kinship reimagines the dialogue between the two concepts, such that meend balances the shrutis of many notes so they float together in succession to create a blissful sonic space. Batish is joined on this performance by Bay Area luminaries Kristen Strom on tenor saxophone, Shay Salhov on alto saxophone, Scott Sorkin on guitar, Stan Poplin on double bass, and Dahveed Behroozi on piano in an album release celebration for Sonic Kinship. Keshav Batish Website (Ticket Includes 5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax)

Jul
20
β˜… Featured

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
20

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
21

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
21

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.

Jul
21

Screaming Queens: The Riot of Compton’s Cafeteria documentary and discussion - Wisdom Workshops @ TDC

πŸ“ 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Date: Every Tuesday, except Holidays Time: 10am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Event Description: Join your community every Tuesday between 10am-12pm at the Diversity Center. Nic is ready with a different activity or workshop each week, and volunteers are on hand with snacks, beverages, and community. July Activities: July 7: Santa Cruz MAH Queer History Tour! To cap off Pride season, we are going to take a field trip to the MAH to visit the Queer Santa Cruz exhibit. Meet us at the MAH at 10:00 am (tour starts at 10:05). This event is free to attend. Carpooling is encouraged due to limited downtown parking. July 14: Trauma-informed Chair Yoga with Irene Easeful, playful, all-levels chair yoga July 21: Screaming Queens: The Riot of Compton’s Cafeteria documentary and discussion Watch a one hour documentary about the LGBTQ+ uprising in the Bay Area that happened 3 years before Stonewall and discuss afterwards July 28 : Karaoke Sing-a-long Music Bingo Tea Party with Juno and Ta

LGBTQ+ Community πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Jul
21

Santa Cruz Beach Train

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Β· $32

From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.

Jul
21

Backgammon @ the Library

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM Β· FREE

Tuesday, July 21 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us Tuesdays at Aptos Library to learn, play, and compete in Backgammon! All skill levels welcome - enjoy strategy, fun, and friendly competition in a relaxed social setting.

Community Free Details β†’
Jul
21

Sensory Play

πŸ“ Watsonville
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Looking for interactive and engaging activities for your child? Join us for Sensory Play at the Main Library on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11am. Each month will feature a different theme and new ways to stimulate your growing child’s senses. Activities may include: water play, kinetic sand, touch-and-see tables, slime, finger painting, instrument exploration, aromatic experiences, and new tastes. Audience: Children aged 1-5 and their caregivers. ΒΏBusca actividades interactivas y entretenidas para su hijo? Se les invita a participar en nuestro programa EstΓ­mulo Sensorial en la Biblioteca Principal el tercer martes de cada mes a las 11 am. Cada mes habrΓ‘ un tema diferente y nuevas formas de estimular los sentidos de su hijo. Las actividades pueden incluir: juegos con agua, arena cinΓ©tica, mesas para tocar y ver, slime, pintar con los dedos, exploraciΓ³n de instrumentos, experiencias aromΓ‘ticas y nuevos sabores. Audiencia: NiΓ±os de 1 a 5 aΓ±os y sus cuidadores.

Jul
21

Spa Day Passes

πŸ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM Β· $54

A notable new offering for the property, La Bahia has introduced Spa Day Passes, now available via ResortPass (based on availability), granting both travelers and locals access to enjoy the property’s serene spa amenities for a restorative escape by the sea.

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