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.
★ Featured Event
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
★ Featured
The DSAS Center for Leadership and Involvement and Summer Edge invite you to join us for our Movie Night Under the Stars event screening “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”: 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 California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .
★ Featured
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
Coming up
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeare’s wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeare’s 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 – 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.
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Showing 30 of 2566 upcoming events
Saturday, July 25 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Adults need playtime, too! Come play some new or old favorite tabletop games.Bring your favorite board game or play some of the library's games. No prior gaming experience is necessary.
Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather selections. Book your reservation today! July 11 & 12: The Clay Chalet and music by Dos Bros July 18 & 19: Indigo and Vine and music by Jo Coleman July 25 & 26: Sour Sammy Sourdough and music by Six String Mixtape August 1 & 2: Scout and Sea and music by Half Pass August 8 & 9: Lili Arnold Studios and music by Eden Edell August 15 & 16: Desert Moon Design and music by Kip Allert August 22 & 23: Papelline Jewelry and music by Zach Bailey August 29 & 30: Anna Gail Designs and music by Jeff Smith September 5 & 6: All You Knead and music by Cake Party!
LGBTQ+ Gamers Group Date: Saturday, July 25 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Ages: 18+ For gamers of all types, to socialize and game. Join for our monthly meetup, and bring your favorite board games and card games to play! In the group’s Discord we discuss event times, computer games, and other gaming topics.
Dive into colors and creativity with Suzanne McCourt as you craft your own unique collage masterpiece!
Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions?Call (669)758-1963or email [email protected]
Make your own beautiful set of four glass coasters with Smithsonian artist, Annie Morhauser. Everything you need will be provided—glass, stencils, colorful glass enamels, adhesive feet, and expert guidance throughout the process. You’ll design and decorate 4″ glass squares, then load them into the kilns (don’t worry—they’ll be off!). Annieglass will fire your pieces for you, and you can have them shipped to your home. Want a full set of eight? Book two workshops! You’ll also receive 15% off Annieglass first-quality pieces on the day of the event. Sparkling waters provided. Half bottles & bottles of wine available for purchase.
Get your hands dirty with award-winning artist Suzanne McCourt. Suzanne will be hands-on to help create a mixed media canvas 12 x 12” along with a small practice canvas. Explore color theory collage on canvas which include spray paint stencils, layering paper, painting with acrylic, collages and getting as creative as possible! Unravel the mysteries of color theory and have a great time. Be sure to bring your apron or paint t-shirt. You’ll also receive 15% off Annieglass first-quality pieces on the day of the event. Sparkling waters provided. Half bottles & bottles of wine available for purchase.
Join us for an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, art, science, comedy, character building, and audience participation. The show also includes storytelling and information about didgeridoo history and crafting. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16224944
Join us for an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, art, science, comedy, character building, and audience participation. The show also includes storytelling and information about didgeridoo history and crafting. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16224944
In today’s world of screens and deadlines, many people often don’t have the time to unplug and immerse themselves in nature. Here in Monterey County, there are so many opportunities to do so if we put our mind to it. The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a perfect place to unwind and live in the moment while surrounded by the natural world. That’s the theme of a monthly “mindfulness tour” led by docent Renate Funke. She’s been exploring this area for 30 years, and she is happy to share the wonders of the reserve with others while encouraging them to use their senses. The two-mile, easy- to moderate-grade trail offers a chance to see, touch, hear and smell the scenery. But don’t try to taste anything. [EC] 2-4pm Saturday, July 25. Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Royal Oaks. Free. (831) 728-2822, elkhornslough.org.
Daniel reads from his powerful book of poetry, SIX is for 6enocide. Copies of the book are available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended. Join us as Daniel Reyes reads from his book SIX is for 6enocide, which is dedicated to the Alaydi family in Gaza, Palestine. Local Palestinian poet Howla Jardali will read a poem and introduce Daniel. Professor Stephen Zunes, Program Director of USF's Middle Eastern Studies Program will be present to answer any questions about the history and politics of the region. Registration required. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16418611
Through the hands-on exploration of a bustling beehive on Chaminade's grounds, you will learn about the intriguing world of honey bees in a way that very few get to experience. Your hive tour, led by Northern Roots Bee Co.’s professional beekeepers, will include suiting up in beekeeping attire and learning about the different roles and contributions that bees make in the colony. We’ll finish the experience with a honey tasting where participants delight in the nuanced flavors of varietal honeys. This experience is open to overnight resort guests and community members.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeare’s wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeare’s 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 – 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.
Saturday, July 25 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm Enjoy a fun, interactive show featuring Australian music, culture, storytelling, and didgeridoo.
Saturday, July 25 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm Downtown Library Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18. Instructor is Chess Master Gjon Feinstein.
Saturday, July 25 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm Daniel reads from his powerful book of poetry, SIX is for 6enocide. Copies of the book are available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended.
Learning about different tree species? How in-tree-guing! During this 1 mile walk, we'll be chattin' about a handful of trees that reside in the park, and giving you the tools you need to identify species during your future park visits. Beleaf us, it'll be a great time! This free program will meet in front of the Visitor Center and meander down River Trail and back through the Redwood Grove. Hard rain cancels! Hope to see you there! Click here to RSVP.
Saturday, July 25 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm Stop procrastinating and start producing.
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 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 $5–15 | NOTAFLOF Be kind, be respectful, be sexy! See y'all there 🍉💋 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
Disney’s 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 Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.” 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 Capitola’s 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 father’s 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 Oritz’s own memoir, Pastina—My Father’s Misfortune, My Mother’s 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 parents’ mistakes. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
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 “scientists” came to “study” 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 7–14 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.
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 “scientists” came to “study” 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 7–14 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.
2536 more events further out
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