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๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz County, CA

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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.

โ˜… Featured this season

Promotional image for Soquel: Taste of Soquel Festival โ˜… Featured Event
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 ยท 11:00 AM

Soquel: Taste of Soquel Festival

๐Ÿ“ Congregational Church โ€“ Soquel, Parish Hall ยท Soquel ยท $21.51

Taste, sip and tap your toes as you sample local eateries, farms, breweries, vintners and musicians of the Soquel neighborhood! Enjoy kidsโ€™ games, prizes and more!

Family Food & Drink ๐Ÿ“ Soquel Details โ†’
Promotional image for Naturalist Night: Plankton 101 โ˜… Featured
Wed, Aug 19, 2026 ยท Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Naturalist Night: Plankton 101

Did you know that every other breath we take comes from phytoplankton? Dive into the hidden world of plankton and discover the tiny organisms that form the foundation of Monterey Bayโ€™s rich marine ecosystem. Join marine scientist and educator Jane Silberstein for an engaging introduction to phytoplankton, zooplankton, and the remarkable roles they play in supporting ocean life. After the talk, youโ€™ll have the opportunity to observe live plankton under a microscope and get an up-close look at these incredible microscopic organisms. Whether youโ€™re a curious beachgoer, an aspiring naturalist, or simply fascinated by the ocean, this lecture will leave you with a new appreciation for the life drifting just beneath the surface. These amazing organisms form the base of the marine food web, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, influence the color of the ocean, and support countless species throughout Monterey Bay and beyond. REGISTER HERE Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Ticket Price: $12 Discounts: $5 member discount About the Speaker : Jane Silberstein brings more than 40 years of experience studying and teaching about the marine life of Monterey Bay. She earned her undergraduate degree in science with an emphasis in marine science from UC Santa Cruz and her graduate degree in Invertebrate Marine Ecology from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. During her 33 years at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Jane worked on all three plankton guide stations, sharing the fascinating world of plankton with visitors from around the globe. She has also taught plankton through Cabrillo Collegeโ€™s Pacific Plankton Program for nearly six years, inspiring students to explore the remarkable microscopic organisms that support life in the ocean. Jane is passionate about making the microscopic world accessible to audiences of all ages and helping others discover the incredible diversity of life drifting just beneath the surface. Accessibility and Logistics : This program will take place

Education ๐Ÿ“ Seabright & Harbor
Promotional image for Steve Hawk โ˜… Featured
Wed, Aug 19, 2026 ยท Bookshop Santa Cruz

Steve Hawk

Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes Steve Hawk, the longest serving editor of Surfer (1991-1998), who will share his thrilling new novel Nearshore , a mix of literary suspense and coastal noir which follows an unlikely trio on the California coast who investigate a nuclear terrorist act. Hawk will be in conversation with Charles Duhigg at this event.

Family ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Motion Pacific- Beginning Hip Hop House Coming up
Wed, Aug 12, 2026 ยท The 418 Project

Motion Pacific- Beginning Hip Hop House

A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts Coming up
Wed, Aug 12, 2026 ยท Capitola Village

Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts

Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. 2026 Lineup: June 3, 2026: Rockinโ€™ Big Band Blues with The Delta Wires June 10, 2026: Surf/Garage Rock with The Trestles June 24, 2026: Originals and Quirky Covers with Coffee Zombie Collective July 1, 2026: Fun Rockโ€™n Party Music with Spun July 8, 2026: Classic Rock with B-Movie Kings July 15, 2026: Top 40/Dance 70โ€™s through today with Mercy & The Heartbeats July 22, 2026: Funky Mostly Original Pop with Extra Large July 29, 2026: Latin Rock & Salsa with Santa Cruz Latin Collective August 5, 2026: R&B, Soul & Funk with The Joint Chiefs Band August 12, 2026: Top 40โ€™s Dance with The Peelers August 19, 2026: Oldies Dance Band with The Digbeats

Community ๐Ÿ“ Capitola

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Wednesday, August 12

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

7:00 AM
See listing
Pinball Tournament โ€” 2026-08-12
๐Ÿ“ The Cruz Room
Music
9:00 AM
See listing
Busy
๐Ÿ“ The 418 Project
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$10
Pilates & Posture in the Pasture
๐Ÿ“ Beyond Liberty
Wellness
9:30 AM
See listing
Busy
๐Ÿ“ The 418 Project
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
See listing
Mobile Health Clinic
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
Baby Dance Jam
๐Ÿ“ The 418 Project
Art & Culture
10:30 AM
See listing
Bilingual Baby Laptime
๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Library
Family
11:00 AM
FREE
Local Specials
๐Ÿ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Food & Drink

What's happening

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Showing 30 of 2712 upcoming events

Aug
12

Wig Out Wednesday

๐Ÿ“ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room + Wine Bar
๐Ÿ•’ 4:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Every Wed from 4 to 8 pm at our Downtown Santa Cruz Tasting Room + Wine Bar Join us for a night of wigging out in Downtown Santa Cruz! Wear a wig, and weโ€™ll have a surprise for you. Weโ€™ll play cool music, games, trivia, and much more! Letโ€™s wig out and keep Santa Cruz weird! Wig Out Wednesday Special: 2 empanadas and a glass of wine (Riesling, Rose, or Homestead) for $19.

Aug
12

BioCharger & Vibrational Sound Table Healing Happy Hour

๐Ÿ“ Soulcare Studios
๐Ÿ•’ 4:30 PM โ€“ 6:00 PM ยท $25

Take a midweek pause and recharge your energy โœจ Join us for BioCharger & Vibrational Sound Table Healing Happy Hourโ€”a unique experience designed to support relaxation, recovery, and energetic balance. This drop-in session allows you to unwind, reset your nervous system, and leave feeling refreshed and aligned. ๐Ÿ•’ Wednesdays | 4:30โ€“6:00 PM ๐Ÿ’ฒ $25 per session โš ๏ธ Limited to 15 spotsโ€”reserve early

Aug
12

Paradigm Sport Fall Softball Offense Clinic

๐Ÿ“ Jade Street Park
๐Ÿ•’ 4:30 PM โ€“ 6:00 PM ยท $250

This is a clinic for Softball Athletes 12+, designed specific to athletes by athletes. Throughout three 4-week sessions, athletes will focus on every aspect of becoming a complete offensive player. We'll cover hitting mechanics, swing fundamentals, approach at the plate, pitch selection, live pitching, front toss, situational execution, base running, and the mental side of the game.

Aug
12

Valley Women's Network Mixer

๐Ÿ“ Adorable French Bakery
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 7:30 PM ยท See listing

For the past 3 years, weโ€™ve been bringing together local professional women, entrepreneurs, and business owners to build meaningful connections, support one another, and grow both personally and professionally on the 2nd Wednesday of each month here in Scotts Valley. Whether youโ€™re looking to expand your professional network, make new friends, or simply connect with inspiring women in the community, weโ€™ll make you feel welcome! Women with businesses that serve Scotts Valley, the San Lorenzo Valley, and surrounding Santa Cruz communities โ€“ weโ€™d love to see you! Bring a friend, grab a drink or a treat, and join us for an evening of networking, conversation, and community! HOSTED BY: Maaliea Wilbur of TherapyWorks Jenny Boffy of Cross Country Mortgage

Aug
12

Gay Beach Volleyball (Outside Community Series)

๐Ÿ“ Court 16, Santa Cruz Main Beach Volleyball, 270 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท FREE

Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball Date : Wednesdays, last session October 28 Time : 5:30 - 10:00 pm Location : Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) Cost : Free Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball has been fabulizing Main Beach since 1979. We meet at 5:30 pm on Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) every Wednesday evening during Daylight Saving Time and play till it's too dark or too cold or we're just hungry. All skill levels - including no skill at all - are welcome. We're here to have fun, connect and yes, sometimes even play surprisingly good volleyball. Socializing on the sidelines is often as busy as the playing on our courts. Afterwards we head to dinner at a local restaurant or sometimes a potluck. Free to participate. ALL (yes, we mean you!) are welcome. Come out and play! .

Aug
12

Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts

๐Ÿ“ Capitola Village
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท FREE

Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. 2026 Lineup: June 3, 2026: Rockinโ€™ Big Band Blues with The Delta Wires June 10, 2026: Surf/Garage Rock with The Trestles June 24, 2026: Originals and Quirky Covers with Coffee Zombie Collective July 1, 2026: Fun Rockโ€™n Party Music with Spun July 8, 2026: Classic Rock with B-Movie Kings July 15, 2026: Top 40/Dance 70โ€™s through today with Mercy & The Heartbeats July 22, 2026: Funky Mostly Original Pop with Extra Large July 29, 2026: Latin Rock & Salsa with Santa Cruz Latin Collective August 5, 2026: R&B, Soul & Funk with The Joint Chiefs Band August 12, 2026: Top 40โ€™s Dance with The Peelers August 19, 2026: Oldies Dance Band with The Digbeats

Aug
12

Trivia

๐Ÿ“ Bargetto Winery
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 8:07 PM ยท See listing

Join us every Wednesday from 6:30โ€“8pm for a lively evening of brain-teasing fun, hosted by Michael Gaither ! Outside food welcome after 5:30pm โ€” bring your favorite bites, sip on Bargetto wine, and enjoy an evening of laughter and friendly competition. โœจ Two trivia rounds โ€” two chances to win prizes! --- This weekโ€™s themes are: local trivia and general trivia --- No cover, just great wine and great company! Soquel Tasting Room Wednesdays | Trivia 6:30โ€“8pm

Aug
12

Santa Cruz: Wednesday Night Sailboat Races

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Harbor
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Santa Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it is no surprise that the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club have become a nexus for the sailing community, with a calendar packed with activities and a weekly regatta, which brings out even the biggest land lover to admire the race every Wednesday.

Outdoors Free Details โ†’
Aug
12

comedy night at santa cruz mtn brewing

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Mtn Brewing
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM ยท FREE

Another banger of a comedy show this week! What are you going to do Wednesday night? Eat ice cream over the sink and cry about how lonely you are? F*@ยฃK all that noise! Come have a laugh and a cold beer in this beautiful weather with your delicious friendos, ya dig? ๐Ÿ›ธ๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐ŸŒณ @scmbrew

Comedy Free Details โ†’
Aug
12

(((folkYEAH))) Presents: JOHN-ROBERT

๐Ÿ“ The Crepe Place
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Sometimes, musical prodigies pop up in unlikely places. John-Roberts made his first TV appearance at 13-years-old on The Ellen Show. The last two years have been locked in at warped speed and John-Robert is traveling the stages of the world. Playing traditional folk and Appalachian country and peppering it with the vernacular of the 21st Century, the songs range from stripped down ballads into sonic explorations. This isnโ€™t the Cosmic Cowboy of The Burrito Brothers, but more the cool Lyle Lovett of younger years. John-Roberts makes it all his own with vocals that crackle and sparkle. With Maryland singer/songwriter MyKey. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Aug
12

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's Fences

๐Ÿ“ Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Rd, 95065
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท See listing

August Wilson joins the Santa Cruz Shakespeare stage for the first time in 45 years. Fences is the perfect offering, wonderfully in line with the seasonโ€™s theme: Till Death Do Us Part. Troy Maxson is one of Wilsonโ€™s great creations; Shakespearean in scope; a wordsmith and brilliant storyteller. He has survived the terrible trauma of his past and built himself a good life. But the backbone of that life, the spine that keeps it standing strong, is his wife Rose. Like all of Wilsonโ€™s best work, Fences is both mythic and intimate; the questions it asks both human and eternal. Fences runs July 28 โ€“ August 28. Tickets available for purchase starting May 1. More information at https://santacruzshakespeare.org/tickets/ Seasonal box office hours beginning May 1 are Tuesday through Friday from 12p.m. to 4p.m. Call 831-460-6399.

Aug
12

Audrey Stanley Grove: Live Drama in the Redwoods

๐Ÿ“ Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท $25

Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience August Wilsonโ€™s Fences, under the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโ€™s DeLaveaga Park this summer. Fences By August Wilson Directed by Susan Dalian August Wilson joins the Santa Cruz Shakespeare stage for the first time in 45 years. Fences is the perfect offering, wonderfully in line with the Santa Cruz Shakespeare seasonโ€™s theme: Till Death Do Us Part. Troy Maxson is one of Wilsonโ€™s great creations; Shakespearean in scope; a wordsmith and brilliant storyteller. He has survived the terrible trauma of his past and built himself a good life. But the backbone of that life, the spine that keeps it standing strong, is his wife Rose. Like all of Wilsonโ€™s best work, Fences is both mythic and intimate; the questions it asks both human and eternal. Fences runs July 28 โ€“ August 28. Tickets available for purchase starting May 1. More information through the link in the orange button above. Seasonal box office hours beginning May 1 are Tuesday through Friday from 12p.m. to 4p.m. Call the number above.

Aug
12

Henflings Flingo Night

๐Ÿ“ Henflings
๐Ÿ•’ 7:30 PM โ€“ 11:00 PM ยท See listing

Henflings Flingo! A mountain tradition! What happens at bingo stays at bingo! Come on down and get your FLINGO ON!! Great prizes!! Great peeps!! ๐Ÿบ๐Ÿท๐ŸŽฒ๐ŸŽฐ๐ŸŽฑ Henflings Flingo! Mountain Bingo! Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. No cover! Full bar! Kitchen open late! ๐Ÿบ๐Ÿ”๐ŸŒฎ

Aug
12

(((folkYEAH!))) Presents: Angelo De Augustine

๐Ÿ“ Kuumbwa Jazz
๐Ÿ•’ 7:30 PM ยท See listing

Angelo De Augustine returns with Angel in Plainclothes, his fifth album and most inspired work yetโ€”a deeply felt rendering of his multi-year journey of healing and renewal. The record showcases De Augustineโ€™s powerful melodies and poignant lyrics across tracks like the haunting elegy โ€œEmpty Shell,โ€ the hopeful โ€œSpirit of the Unknown,โ€ and standout psychedelic country piece โ€œMirror Mirror.โ€ Themes explore lifeโ€™s fragility, second chances, and picking up the pieces after an undiagnosed illness forced him to re-learn basic abilities: โ€œIโ€™m trying to figure out who I am now,โ€ De Augustine says. โ€œI feel like I may have been given a second chance at life, and Iโ€™d like to live it.โ€ Angelo De Augustine Website (((folkYEAH!))) Website info/tickets/questions: [email protected]

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