Take a guided tour of the MAH by one of our staff members! At the MAH, our tours don't just take you through art and history. They immerse you in it and connect you to Santa Cruz and beyond. If you're ready to dive into a new perspective, join us every Friday for an informative private tour free with admission. Art experts, historians, and educators are here to help. Plus, stick around to meet new people or check out our new gift shop. If you are an educator and interested in booking a tour for your class or group, browse our educational field trips here.
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
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Featured Event
Phamily Time!
Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonβt want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS
Jazz at the Library
Friday, August 07 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians.
Coming up
Creative Kontrol: AI and the Future of Music
On August 8th, composer Clarice Assadβs new commissioned work, Kontrol, will premiere at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. The afternoon before, Assad will join D. Riley Nicholson, Executive Director of the Cabrillo Festival, and Pranav Anand, Faculty Director of The Humanities Institute, for a pre-rehearsal discussion about the inspirations for the piece, which explores impacts of AI on musical creation and performance, both now and in the near future. Stay afterward for the final rehearsal of Kontrol before the premiere on the 8th. Free and open to the public.
Coming up
Community Bridges WIC 19th Annual Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair
We invite you to join us for our 19th Annual WIC Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair, on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 3pm. We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and sharing information about our services and those of our community partners. There will be fun activities for the whole family, music, healthy snacks, raffle prizes, and more. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world to highlight the importance of human milk and it's impact on health.
Coming up
First Friday, Live Music, Local Artists and Art Lounge Creative Experience!
First Friday at The Painted Cork β Live Music, Art Lounge & Local Art Celebrate First Friday with us at our vibrant Westside Santa Cruz studio! From 3β8 PM, enjoy an evening filled with creativity, community, and live music. πΌοΈ Local Art Showcase Browse artwork created by local Santa Cruz artists throughout the studio β a perfect way to support and connect with our creative community. πΊ Local Beer & Wine Sip on favorites from Santa Cruz breweries and wineries while you enjoy the music and art. πΆ Live Music β No Cover Weβre excited to welcome Wasabi Santa Cruz, performing alongside a cover band for a full afternoon of great local music. Come relax, sip, and enjoy β no charge for the music. π¨ Art Lounge (DIY Creative Experience) Explore your creativity in our Art Lounge! Choose from a variety of DIY painting and craft projects while enjoying a drink from our beer and wine bar. All supplies included Written instructions or video tutorials Social, selfβpaced experience Kitchen open until 7 PM Reserve your project online and weβll have everything ready when you arrive. Bar seating is firstβcome, firstβserved (no project purchase required). Join us for a lively, creative First Friday celebration on the Westside!
βοΈ Happening today
Friday, August 7106 events on today. No plans required, just go.
What's happening
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
Showing 30 of 2578 upcoming events
Friday, August 07 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians.
Friday, August 07 2026 12:30pm - 2:30pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Creative Kontrol: AI and the Future of Music
On August 8th, composer Clarice Assadβs new commissioned work, Kontrol, will premiere at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. The afternoon before, Assad will join D. Riley Nicholson, Executive Director of the Cabrillo Festival, and Pranav Anand, Faculty Director of The Humanities Institute, for a pre-rehearsal discussion about the inspirations for the piece, which explores impacts of AI on musical creation and performance, both now and in the near future. Stay afterward for the final rehearsal of Kontrol before the premiere on the 8th. Free and open to the public.
Watsonville Farmers' Market
Event date: August 7, 2026 Event Time: 02:00 PM - 09:00 PM Location: Peck Street and Union Street Watsonville, CA 95077
The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Donβt miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Bring your appetite as there are tons of delicious prepared foods to try.
Friday, August 07 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Sharpen your word skills and enjoy friendly competition at our Scrabble Club - fun for all levels.
First Friday, Live Music, Local Artists and Art Lounge Creative Experience!
First Friday at The Painted Cork β Live Music, Art Lounge & Local Art Celebrate First Friday with us at our vibrant Westside Santa Cruz studio! From 3β8 PM, enjoy an evening filled with creativity, community, and live music. πΌοΈ Local Art Showcase Browse artwork created by local Santa Cruz artists throughout the studio β a perfect way to support and connect with our creative community. πΊ Local Beer & Wine Sip on favorites from Santa Cruz breweries and wineries while you enjoy the music and art. πΆ Live Music β No Cover Weβre excited to welcome Wasabi Santa Cruz, performing alongside a cover band for a full afternoon of great local music. Come relax, sip, and enjoy β no charge for the music. π¨ Art Lounge (DIY Creative Experience) Explore your creativity in our Art Lounge! Choose from a variety of DIY painting and craft projects while enjoying a drink from our beer and wine bar. All supplies included Written instructions or video tutorials Social, selfβpaced experience Kitchen open until 7 PM Reserve your project online and weβll have everything ready when you arrive. Bar seating is firstβcome, firstβserved (no project purchase required). Join us for a lively, creative First Friday celebration on the Westside!
Friday, August 07 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Community Bridges WIC 19th Annual Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair
We invite you to join us for our 19th Annual WIC Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair, on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 3pm. We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and sharing information about our services and those of our community partners. There will be fun activities for the whole family, music, healthy snacks, raffle prizes, and more. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world to highlight the importance of human milk and it's impact on health.
Jim Phillips Iconic Original pen and ink drawings and posters
Extended by popular demand world renowned artist Jim Phillips presents his first ever one-man show of new artworks with newly added original pen and ink drawings. βThe show is a culmination of many years of dedication to my art.β Phillips said. βHaving the show in Santa Cruz is perfect. Itβs the place where I honed my skllls on a variety of jobs for local venues, and established my mark internationally.β Jimβs graphics and surf and skate-themed artworks are a global cultural phenomenon, with millions of fans drawn to Santa Cruz Red Dot and the Screaming Hand, which he created in 1985. FIrst Friday August 7, 4-7 pm Gallery Hours: Thursday β Saturday, 1-4 p Exhibit runs through October 31
Disabled, Chronically Ill and Neurodivergent Artists Group Show
Please enjoy a group show from local artists that are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent. Some art may talk about the life experiences of the artists, and some are simply the authentic expression of a disabled person. We hosted an art party on the principles of Disability Justice in July, and some of those art pieces will be in the show. First Friday Opening: 8/7 from 4-8pm. We are a small gallery. For anyone who has sensitivity to crowds, we recommend visiting us during our open hours during the week: w-th 2-6pm f: 4-8pm s-s: 1-5pm Snacks provided by Annies Cashew Dip and Trini Badillas Salsa www.thevisionsanctuary.com Participating Artists: β Tyler βEpitimus Primeβ Gettner β Cherryy β Erin Harmon β Marley Calamity β Enigma β Alias, et al. β Sunny Mackey β Cazoshay Marie β Alicia Wyneken β Star Flower β Jessica Ann Roberts β Water Woody β Franki β ArteMacabre β Indigo Knightly β Rosebud Wild β Ember Katzirah
Natural World Photographer & Silver Mountain Wine
Kara is an award-winning natural world photographer who lives in the Pleasure Point Neighborhood of Santa Cruz. She learned the love of travel at a young age and was given her first camera at the age of ten. Ever since sheβs traveled the world making photos. While she loves traveling to faraway places to photograph endangered species, her main love is where she lives. She recently published a childrenβs book of her photos showing the Monterey Bay with its unique diversity from its mountains to the sea. Meet Kara at our First Friday reception, Aug. 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Silver Mountain Tasting Room, 328 D Ingalls St. Enjoy a glass of wine while chatting with Kara about her extensive travels and stunning photography.
Please, join us every Friday this month, as we are open late and will be showcasing ALL our local Fine Artists that are hanging around this summer including, Nick Conte, Lupe Santos, Sylvia Valentine, Maylene Rasmussen, Sally Bookman, Beth Shields, Thomas Kinkade, Salvador Dali, and Michelle Nicely. We are also happy to announce we will be keeping the famed Rock n Roll photography of Jay Blakesberg. He has shot for Rolling Stone Magazine for over 40 years and is sole photographer for Dead and Company. Now, in the Grammy Museum. Look for our upcoming private event September, First Friday.
Join us for First Friday Gallery Night and Live Music at The Green Spot! We are excited to continue our gallery spotlight in-store with featured artist Leah Rose. Trianna will kick things off with live music, playing guitar and singing to set a warm, chill vibe for the evening. Come by, enjoy our classic charcuterie trays, and browse the gallery at your own pace. You can purchase Leah Roseβs art all month long, and First Friday is the perfect time to meet the artist spotlight and take something home. We would love to see you, so stop by the Green Spot for a welcoming night of art, music, and good bites!
Friday, August 07 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.
βEpiphanies β Solo exhibition by Zara Kand
βEpiphanies β Solo exhibition by Zara Kand July 3-August 28 Receptions : July 3 and Aug 7 Gallery Hours : Thurs-Sun , 11-6pm Zara Kand is a south California Artist who paints dreamy emotional themes with dark psychological undertones .
Minnow Arts Presents: F U Tattoo and Extended Friends
For Augustβs First Friday, Minnow Arts is presenting the work of F U Tattoo artists and their extended friends! Swing by for an evening filled with socializing with the artists and viewing their work. The type of work includes paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. DJ @chicano_electric will be providing music for the event. We hope to see you there!
Fresh Catch β Woodcut and Linocut Prints by Tina Fuller Somers
About the Process: These woodcut and linocut block prints are made by hand using direct references of fish caught locally by my husband and sons. Once theyβve brought their fresh catch home, I make quick study drawings, take measurements, and reference photos before they prep it for dinner. I can then develop a life-size drawing of the fish and transfer it onto a block of wood or a block of linoleum. I carve out these blocks using a variety of small gouges, and roll ink over the entire block to reveal my final image by pressing paper (using small hand tools) on top. They are often confused with Gyotaku prints (the traditional Japanese method of printing fish by applying ink directly to the fish itself). My relief printing method allows me to have more creative freedom, enhance detail where I need, and to print multiple versions. I have been particularly interested in pairing and adding in other block print details, like floral motifs, to provide a visual contrast. About the artist: Tina Fuller Somers is a Santa Cruz-based multi-disciplinary artist whose work blends art, nature, and science. Through her freelance work as Hawk & Hammer Studio, she creates art and illustration with the purpose of connecting, engaging, and inspiring. Projects and works include interpretive panels, woodblock prints, watercolor illustrations, and murals. In addition to her freelance work, Tina is an instructor at the Science Illustration Certification Program at California State University Monterey Bay. View more at www.hawkandhammer.com or follow @hawkandhammergram. Join us for a welcoming reception in celebration of Tinaβs show here at Stripe! Drinks and snacks will be served.
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
Land Trust Offices: Birds First Friday
Join the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for a special bird- themed First Friday celebrating the incredible birds that call Santa Cruz County home. Meet local bird experts, connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, and discover how protecting open spaces helps birds thrive. Throughout the evening, expect: π¦ Live raptors π A local author π· A Wildlife photographer πͺΆ An interactive nature museum πͺ΄ Native Plant Sale by the UCSC Arboretum π¦ The Bird School Project ποΈ Free admission There is limited free street parking on Union Street and Chestnut Street. Paid parking options include metered parking on most downtown Santa Cruz streets, as well as the nearest parking garage on Locust Street.
Susan Brown PaintingsββThe Other Santa Cruzβ βat Gabriella Cafe
I invite you to explore Susan Brownβs world, at Gabriella Cafe, First Friday, August 7, 5β7 PM. Susan Brownβs works capture the essence of Santa Cruz downtown, neighborhoods, and nearby towns and favorite local destinations. Youβll see Santa Cruz County in a different way! Many of her well known paintings give life to lesser known places, such as βjust a street.β Her Santa Cruz County paintings are not typical βcoastal or beach scenes;βsuch as her acrylic painting, βDavenport Evening,β (shown in the San Diego Museum of Art Exhibition, March 2025-November 2026); which poses questions for the viewer; asking where the road may lead, and evoking a sense of recognition or deja vu, whether or not one has actually been there. Susan uses technique, color and perspective to give the viewer a sense of place that somehow feels both familiar and new at the same time. We look forward to showing you the βOther Santa Cruz.β
95th Annual California Landscape Exhibition
We are thrilled to host the landmark 95th California Landscape Exhibition! This year, we invite you to join our team, our volunteers, and our community alongside distinguished juror Warren Chang to honor the stunning, diverse scenes that define California. Awards for first, second, third, and honorable mentions will be announced around 6 to 6:30pm.
Beth Shields, Lynne Todaro, Melissa West, Linda Fillhardt and Joan Hellenthal show their diverse work for August First Friday!
Gallery 125 at The Tannery is open for First Friday from 5 to 8pm on August 7th. We have paintings, prints, cards, sculpture, jewelry, pastels, assemblage, etc. in all sizes and prices to meet everyoneβs taste and budget. Come visit us! Showing the work of Beth Shields, Lynne Todaro, Melissa West, Linda Fillhardt and Joan Hellenthal.
The Institute of the Arts and Science(IAS) is excited to announce our August first Friday event! Friday, August 7th join us at the IAS and enjoy after hours viewing of the exhibition, exhibition related activities like letter writing to those included in Libia Posadaβs βBlue Portraitsβ and much more Time: 5:00 p.m. β 7:00 p.m. When: Friday, August 7th, 2026 Where: Institute of the Arts and Sciences 100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Eucharizz, (euchawrist) β paintings by Connor OβNeill
Calvary Cultural Center is excited to present Connor OβNeillβs whimsical, jazzy artwork. Connorβs art screams of lyrical adventure, inviting the viewer to stay for a while and explore. Please join us for this solo artist event and reception. Read about Connor and his work in Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine https://www.scvibesmagazine.com/stories/connor-oneill or check out his clothing line Pen Pal at http://www.instagram.com/penpalsocialmedia.
CURIOUS SISTERS: FRAGMENTS OF MEMORY & WONDER with JUDY STABILE & WENDY AIKIN
As sisters, we have spent our lives collecting thingsβobjects, stories, memories, fragments of the ordinary and the extraordinary. While our artistic paths have taken different forms, we share a fascination with making connections and finding meaning in unexpected places. In this exhibition, textiles, assemblage, found objects, and artifacts become vehicles for exploration. Familiar materials are transformed through stitching, layering, arranging, and reimagining. A discarded object becomes a relic. An eye chart becomes a chair. A faded photograph becomes the beginning of a story. Neither of us is interested in providing answers. Instead, we are drawn to questions: What stories do objects carry? What do we choose to remember? What do we overlook? How does meaning change when something is removed from its original purpose and given a new life? Curious Sisters celebrates wonder, discovery, and the pleasure of seeing the world through a lens of possibility. It is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and follow your own sense of curiosity wherever it may lead About Judy & Wendy: Judy Stabile has never met a piece of fabric, an old eye chart, or an intriguing object she couldnβt imagine becoming something else. Originally trained as a sculptor, she now works primarily with textiles, printmaking, and surface design, creating one-of-a-kind garments, furnishings, and mixed-media pieces that blur the line between art, clothing, and storytelling. She is fascinated by pattern, repetition, stitching, printing, and the endless possibilities hidden inside ordinary materials. Judy approaches her studio like a laboratory for curiosity. A medical diagram might become a chair. An eye exam might become a coat. A scrap of cloth might spark an entirely new narrative. Her work is playful, thoughtful, and driven by a belief that the most interesting discoveries often begin with the simple question: βWhat would happen ifβ¦?β As one of the Curious Sisters, Judy shares with her sister Wen
Gallery 125 at The Tannery is open for First Friday from 5 to 8pm on August 7th. We have paintings, prints, cards, sculpture, jewelry, pastels, assemblage, etc. in all sizes and prices to meet everyoneβs taste and budget. Come visit us! Showing the work of Beth Shields, Lynne Todaro, Melissa West, Linda Fillhardt and Joan Hellenthal.
Photo: Bella by Brittany Costanzo FIRST FRIDAY at TREEHOUSE! Celebrate the Summer with us! Community over everything. <3 Stop by & enjoy great music, great deals on cannabis, great gift opportunities from local artisans, & great community. π We offer specials on our featured cannabis brands, discounts on artists who have work on display, and a penny wheel for you to spin when you spend over $50! Specials run all day! Event is from 5 β 8p! Live Music by Billy Reese from 6-7:30pm! NEW Resident Artists on Display: Cole Lemke (aka Chump Magic), Ariel Taylor, Brittany Costanzo, & Mio Kamstra-Brown Featured Local Artisans: β’ Penning Beads β’ IrieCycle Arts β’ Stitch and Story β’ Baked By Cupc8ke β’ Holly Waldie β’ K'an Artisinal β’ Rainbow.Dot Arts β’ Jen Raynes Art β’ NML Sustainable Designs β’ Featured Cannabis Brands (Some will be here in person!): β’ Arcata Fire β’ BLOOM β’ CLSICS β’ Daze Off β’ Give Thanks β’ Greenline β’ Habitat β’ Heavy Hitters β’ Jetty β’ Kwik Ease β’ Maven Genetics β’ Not Your Fathers β’ Pabst β’ Pacific Stone β’ PLUS β’ Raw Garden β’ Shooters β’ Space Craft β’ St. Ides β’ UpNorth β’ Follow us on Instagram @treehousedispensary_sc! Head to our website for all the details! www.OurTreehouse.io Β· (831) 471-8289 Β· 3651 Soquel Drive, Soquel CA Β· C10-0000105-LIC Β· 21+ only please We can't wait to see you there! π Swing by to look at the art on our walls & take advantage of our dope deals!
First Friday Open House
The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center opens its doors for a monthly First Friday open house.
2548 more events further out
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