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πŸ“ 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.

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

β˜… Featured this season

Promotional image for Phamily Time! β˜… Featured Event
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 Β· 4:00 PM

Phamily Time!

πŸ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing Β· Downtown Santa Cruz Β· See listing

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

Music Festivals πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details β†’
Music
β˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 Β· Westside Locations

Chamber Choir Now Auditioning

Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.

Music πŸ“ Westside
Promotional image for WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy β˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 Β· London Nelson Community Center

WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy

The Tony Award-Winning San Francisco Mime Troupe Opens their 67th Season with: WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy July 3 – Sept. 7, 2026

Art & Culture
Promotional image for Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz Coming up
Fri, Jul 31, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz

The first annual Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz will take place Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, bringing together local musicians, hula schools, artists, food vendors, and community organizations for a weekend celebrating Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Pacific cultures. Gates open daily at 11 a.m. Admission to the festival is free. Donations are welcome. Parking will be available for $20 per vehicle. No in-and-out privileges will be allowed, and re-entry fees will be enforced. Produced by Victor Ohana Productions LLC, the festival aims to celebrate the Spirit of Aloha while creating a new cultural tradition for the Central Coast community. Organizers say the event was created to strengthen connections among local Polynesian communities, while offering residents and visitors a new summer cultural experience in Santa Cruz County. β€œThis festival is about bringing people together through music, dance, food, art, and community,” said Marie Victor, founder of Victor Ohana Productions. β€œSanta Cruz has deep cultural and historical connections to HawaiΚ»i through surf culture and the ocean lifestyle. We wanted to create an event that celebrates those shared influences while showcasing the incredible local talent we have here in Northern California.” Rather than featuring a national headliner, the festival will spotlight local bands and performers from throughout Santa Cruz County and the surrounding region. Organizers said the focus of the event is community participation and cultural authenticity. Festival attendees can expect: ● Food vendors featuring Pacific-inspired cuisine ● Local arts, crafts, and merchandise vendors ● Information booths from community nonprofits and organizations ● Family-friendly cultural activities and entertainment Local Live Music ● Victor Ohana 3 Generations ● Ho' Omana ● Hunawai ● Kanalu ● Laule'a Hawaiian Band ● Ka La'i O Mele ● George Kahumoku Jr (Grammy Award Winner in

Music πŸ“ Watsonville
Promotional image for County Fairgrounds: Aloha Music and Arts Festival Coming up
Fri, Jul 31, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

County Fairgrounds: Aloha Music and Arts Festival

Feel the rhythm of Hawaiian Music with live performances both Friday and Saturday. Enjoy Polynesian inspired dance and vibrant performances throughout the festival. Savor a curated selection of local food vendors serving up dishes and community favorites. Browse a vibrant marketplace of local artisans, handcrafted goods, and unique finds from vendors across the county. Open from noon to 6pm both Friday and Saturday. Although the event entry is free, parking at the venue is $20 per vehicle.

Festivals πŸ“ Watsonville

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Friday, July 31

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

1:00 AM
$500
The Dickens Universe featuring β€˜Bleak House’
πŸ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
Education
8:30 AM
$300
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Family
8:30 AM
FREE
Santa Cruz Creative Mornings
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Education
8:30 AM
$300
World of Birds Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
9:00 AM
$8600
Certified Massage Therapist Program
πŸ“ Cypress Health Institute
Community
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Birding Walk
πŸ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
Outdoors
9:30 AM
See listing
Evergreen Volunteer Days
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
CLAY INDEPENDENT LAB TIME
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Art & Culture

What's happening

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16 upcoming events Β· Adults 21+ Β· from 2026-07-31 Β· to 2026-08-07

Jul
31

Dickens Universe Turveydrop Gala

πŸ“ Stevenson Event Center
πŸ•’ 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM Β· $50

Join us for The Turveydrop Gala on July 31, 2026, as we celebrate the 46th Annual Dickens Universe Conference! Now open to the public, this enchanting evening invites community members to don their finest Victorian attire and enjoy a night of lively entertainmentβ€”including Victorian dance lessons, casino tables, a raffle, postprandial potations, and a live auction! Hosted by the Dickens Project, the Dickens Universe is a unique cultural event that brings together scholars, teachers, students, and members of the general public for a week of stimulating discussion and festive social activity on the beautiful Santa Cruz campus of the University of Californiaβ€”all focused on one or two Victorian novels, with this year’s novel being Charles Dickens’s Bleak House. The week-long conference culminates in The Turveydrop Galaβ€”a festive celebration that brings together conference attendees and community members. Purchases from the evening’s activities will support the Dickens Project’s educational programs. Gala Details: 6:30 PM: Doors Open 7:00-8:00 PM: Live Auction Bid on Dickens-related items, including a first-edition of Bleak House by Charles Dickens 8:00 PM: Announcement of the 2027 Dickens Universe Novel Purchase a copy from local bookseller Liz Pollock of the Cook's Bookcase 8:15-11:00 PM: Victorian Ball and Gaming Dance to nineteenth-century music performed by the Great Expectations Orchestra, with dances led by dance instructor Annie Laskey (This event is 21+) Questions about The Turveydrop Gala? Email: [email protected].

Art & Culture Adults 21+ Details β†’
Jul
31

Ashez & Kaipora

πŸ“ Felton Music Hall
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM Β· See listing

Ashez is an Auckland, New Zealand-based producer working in the bass genre and debuting in the late 2010s. On record, his primary mΓ©tier is the single. His two albumsβ€”2021’s Digital Human and the new-for-2026 Headwayβ€”are both remix collections. Named after Brazilian folklore’s protector of the rainforest, Kaipora is a Santa Clarita duo trafficking in bass and rhythmic soundscapes with processed vocals (both sung and rapped), deep grooves and glitchy synthesizer textures that are heavy and hypnotic. Regular fixtures on the festival circuit, both acts cultivate a musical atmosphere designed for dancing and other forms of communal celebration. -Bill Kopp; Good Times Santa Cruz

Jul
31

Moe's Alley Presents: Prezident Brown w/ Chalice

πŸ“ Moe's Alley
πŸ•’ 9:00 PM Β· See listing

Moes Alley presents Prezident Brown with none other than Jamaican reggae legends Chalice! Friday, July 31, 2026Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm$35 in advance / $40 day of show21+ * No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====PREZIDENT BROWNPrezident Brown, born Fitz Albert Cotterell, has been called, one of the most interesting cultural dee-jays since U Roy. Emphasizing positive messages, Prezident Brown has continued to pioneer his own direction, developing his own approach to dee-jaying that he calls, The chanting stylee. Born to a Seventh Day Adventist family in Colonel Ridge, Clarendon, Prezident Brown grew up in the small town of Oracabessa in the Parish of St. Mary, Jamaica.He was forced to leave school at a young age when his father died leaving him with his mother and three sisters. Prezident Brown launched his musical career at the age of fourteen, when he began dee-jaying for the Sound King Stereo Mix at the Bamboo Lounge. Initially known as Junior Ranking, Prezident Brown was dubbed, Slim Brown, by dee-jay Nicodemus. When he recorded his debut single in 1988 Prezident Brown was named, Dancehall Doctor. The late Jack Ruby, producer of Burning Spears albums, Marcus Garvey, and, Man In The Hills, bestowed the title, Prezident, upon him.In 1989, he joined Courtney Coles label, Roof International, and began performing and dee-jaying at the Rooftop Club in Ocho Rios. In 1990, Prezident Brown became involved with producers Barry OHare and Steven Stewart at Grove Music in Ocho Rios. It was Barry OHares X-Rated Record label that became Prezident Browns home base and it was X-Rated Records with Runn Records that launched his career in Europe. In Jamaica the X-Rated label took off as a massive roots revival swept across the country paving the way for Prezident Browns

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
1
β˜… Featured

Chamber Choir Now Auditioning

πŸ“ Westside Locations
πŸ•’ 8:39 AM – 8:39 AM Β· FREE

Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.

Sessiontapes Live Qiensave?, Spaghetti Cumbia, & DJ Baby Dizzle! This isnt just a concert, esto es un pinche pari. Whether youre coming to dance, skank, two-step, sing along, or simply enjoy a night out, this is your invitation to one of the hottest cumbia-punk nights of the summer. Grab your compas, lace up your dancing shoes, and join us at Moes Alley for a night of music y desmadre.Saturday, August 1, 2026Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm$20 in advance / $25 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====Qiensave?Rooted in Salinas and inspired by their Michoacn heritage, Qiensave? has become one of the leading voices in the modern cumbia movement. Their signature Cumbia Urbana sound blends traditional cumbia with rock, reggae, hip-hop, and urban influences, creating an energetic live experience that continues to connect with audiences across the country. Fresh off new releases and national touring, the band continues to push cumbia into new territory while staying true to their roots.Spaghetti CumbiaStraight out of Los Angeles, Spaghetti Cumbia serves up a high-energy mix of cumbia, punk rock, garage rock, and spaghetti western swagger. Known for turning every venue into a dance-fueled frenzy, the band delivers a unique sound that is equal parts baile and mosh pit. Their debut performance at Moes Alley promises to be one for the books.About DJ Baby DizzleSalinas native DJ Baby Dizzle has built a reputation for bringing good vibes and packed dance floors wherever she goes. From community celebrations and cultural events to night clubs and live music showcases, her eclectic sets blend cumbia, hip-hop, funk, and party favorites into an unforgettable experience. Whether youre warming up for the bands or closing out the night, Baby Dizzle has the soundtr

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
6

Young and Dead

πŸ“ Felton Music Hall
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM Β· See listing

Purchase tickets here Show 8pm // 21+ ***This is a standing room general admissions show. There will be a limited number of chairs located in the back of the concert hall. Seating will be first come first served. Bar and food will be open at 5pm.

Aug
7

The Art Work of Harry Hat

πŸ“ Cat Alley Street
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM Β· See listing

Currently, Cat Alley Street has local artist Harry Hat displaying his fun, whimsical drawings/painting on our walls, along with other pictures that fit our aesthetic. Cat Alley Street is a swanky 1920s themed vampire nightclub, located at the Catalyst upstairs. We have a full bar, beautiful lounge, and great DJs playing electronic dance music Thursday thru Sunday, usually with no cover. This venue is 21+. Occasionally we have live jazz or bluegrass in the Sun Room. The bar & lounge open at 6pm, DJs start at 9. We will soon have food service at the Catalyst downstairs food counter, which can be brought upstairs. Our intention is all about creating an atmosphere that feels beautiful, safe, and genuinely welcoming.

Art & Culture Adults 21+ πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details β†’
Aug
7

Little Giant Collective presents Thread Bare

πŸ“ Little Giant Collective
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

Thread Bare: Erotic Textiles Make your way to LGC Friday August 7th from 6-9pm for a collection of suggestive pieces from local sewists, weavers, knitters, crotcheters, and embroidery artists. Ranging from the lighthearted to lewd, this collection is sure to be entertaining and titillating. Featuring works by Amanda Payne Ann Altstatt Arden Rosenthal Bobby Gordon Colette Rabin Derek Pratt Haley Ricci J Atencio Juliette Saux Lisa Sprinkle Martabel Wasserman Pete Brook Sophie Bassett LGC is an inclusive space and all are welcome, be aware of adult themes when bringing in younger viewers. 115 river st S Next to Mobo Sushi

Art & Culture Adults 21+ Details β†’
Aug
7

3rd Rail

πŸ“ Cat Alley Street
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM Β· FREE

Every first and third Fridays at Cat Alley Street, our beat conductors take you on a high-style ride showcasing underground street sounds- Brought to you by Subterrestrials Records. Doors and Bar open at 6pm, Music at 9pm. No Cover, 21+

Aug
7

Vine To View Winemaker's Dinner Series

πŸ“ Chaminade Resort & Spa
πŸ•’ 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us from May to October as Chef Samuels and his culinary team create gourmet four-course dinners expertly paired with wines from local California vineyards. Enjoy a romantic evening in the Chaminade courtyard overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. 21+ only. Tickets and Overnight Packages (two tickets included) on sale now. See 2026 calendar below. Friday, May 1 in partnership with Beauregard Vineyards Friday, June 5 in partnership with Caymus Vineyards Friday, July 10 in partnership with Wente Vineyards Friday, July 24 in partnership with Storrs Winery Friday, August 7 in partnership with Fableist Wine Co. Friday, September 11 in partnership with Serial Wines October Date TBD in partnership with Alfaro Family Vineyards

Food & Drink Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
7

Moe's Alley Presents: Eric Lindell & The Westside Summer League

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

Moes Alley presents the soulful sounds of Eric Lindell & The Westside Summer League! Friday, August 7, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$30 in advance / $35 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====ERIC LINDELLBorn in San Mateo, California in 1969, Lindell spent countless hours in San Francisco, soaking up the musical sounds of the city, eventually leading him to pick up first the bass and then the guitar and harmonica. With a love of music and skateboarding, Lindell formed a few punky garage bands early on while his musical horizons expanded. He listened to the deep blues of Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Jimmy Reed and Albert King before drifting toward the R&B sounds of The Impressions, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, soaking up the soul and learning how to craft a song. After performing at bars on the West Coast with a few short-lived bands, Eric formed his own group in 1993. He quickly gained a loyal Northern California audience thanks to countless performances and many late-night jam sessions. Established stars like Charlie Musselwhite and Tom Waits attended his shows, as did overflow crowds of music fans.

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

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