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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

Cannabis
β˜… Featured Event Treehouse
Fri, Sep 4, 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†’
Promotional image for Boulder Creek Fire Department Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance β˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Boulder Creek Fire Department

Boulder Creek Fire Department Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance

The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance on Saturday, August 22. Firefighters serve a tri-tip and chicken dinner in the apparatus bay, and three live bands (Kentucky Mule, Barnstormers, Bootleg Country Band) play out back with dancing until 11 p.m. There’s a bounce house and face painting for kids. Tickets are $30 for dinner and dance, free for kids under 5. Proceeds buy rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department. Tickets and details: bcfd.com

Family πŸ“ San Lorenzo Valley
Promotional image for Zen Buddhist Meditation Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Zen Center

Zen Buddhist Meditation

Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Music
Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 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 Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Nicholson Vineyards

Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

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!

Food & Drink πŸ“ Aptos & Seacliff

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Saturday, August 22

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

12:00 AM
See listing
The Inner & Outer Audition, with Wilma Chandler
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre
Art & Culture
1:00 AM
See listing
ReView
πŸ“ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
Education
8:00 AM
FREE
Scotts Valley Farmers' Market
πŸ“ Joe and Linda Aliberti Boys and Girls Club
Markets
8:00 AM
FREE
Cabrillo Farmers Market
πŸ“ Cabrillo College
Markets
8:30 AM
FREE
Zen Buddhist Meditation
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Zen Center
Music
8:39 AM
FREE
Chamber Choir Now Auditioning
πŸ“ Westside Locations
Music
9:00 AM
$28.52
SPECTRUM FITNESS PRODUCTIONS 2026 NPC SANTA CRUZ CHAMPIONSHIPS
πŸ“ Civic Auditorium
Sports
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
UC Santa Cruz Farm U-Pick
πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
Food & Drink

What's happening

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22 upcoming events Β· Adults 21+ Β· from 2026-08-22 Β· to 2026-08-29

Aug
22

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.

Aug
22

Harvest Dinner at Rosscienda Vineyards

πŸ“ Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM Β· See listing

Nestled in the steep, coastal Santa Cruz mountains are the terraced, heritage vines of Rosscienda Vineyards - where the warm climate is met with morning mists that cool the vines. Enjoy balanced wines with distinct flavors that beautifully represent the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. Featuring Chef Brad Briske of HOME Restaurant. Experience a feast of summer flavor as we look ahead to the harvest season while dining al fresco on a beautiful August evening. Participating Wineries: to be announced Event Address: to be announced About the Taste of Terroir Dinner Series Explore the unique boutique wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains through the Taste of Terroir dinner series, an intimate culinary and wine experience of tasting salons and dinners held throughout the AVA. The dinners typically start with a 1.5 hour walk-around wine tasting reception followed by a seated full-course meal prepared by local chefs who pride themselves on sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Meet the winemakers and fellow wine enthusiasts! Tickets are $175* *All ticket pricing is inclusive of food, wines and gratuities. All events are open to the public and reserved for guests 21 and over. Tickets are non-refundable. Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains wine club members receive a 15% discount on up to 2 tickets - for more information, reach out to contact@scmwa.

Outdoors Adults 21+ Details β†’
Aug
22

Rosscienda Vineyard: Harvest Dinner

πŸ“ Rosscienda Vineyard
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· $175

Enjoy a Taste of Terroir Harvest Dinner at Rosscienda Vineyard. This will be an unforgettable evening featuring a walk-around tasting with several Santa Cruz Mountains wineries, followed by a seasonal al fresco dinner prepared by Chef Brad Briske of HOME Restaurant. Ticket pricing is inclusive of food, wines and gratuities. All events are open to the public and reserved for guests 21 and over. No dogs or children permitted. This is a rain-or-shine event. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a meandering mountain road leads you to the quiet, sun-kissed oasis of Rosscienda Vineyard. Generous sunshine and cool, coastal fog create the perfect growing conditions for producing outstanding wines. Enjoy balanced wines with distinct flavors that beautifully represent the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains grape-growing region.

Food & Drink Adults 21+ πŸ“ Aptos & Seacliff Details β†’
Aug
22

Chum!

πŸ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Β· See listing

Get ready for a night of epic jams and deep grooves as Chum, Northern California’s premier Phish tribute band, takes the stage at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing. Known for their spot-on musicianship, high-energy performances, and a deep love for improvisation, Chum brings the full Phish experience to life, capturing the essence of the legendary band’s live shows. Expect soaring guitar solos, tight rhythmic interplay, and plenty of surprises as they deliver a set filled with fan favorites, deep cuts, and extended jams. Whether you're a longtime Phish fan or just looking for an unforgettable night of live music, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Come grab a beer, settle in, and get ready for a night of pure musical exploration at Woodhouse. Get your tickets now! TICKETS HERE

Aug
22

Coyote Island

πŸ“ Felton Music Hall
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM Β· $22.12

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
22

(((folkYEAH!))) Presents: Earthless w/ Primitive Ring

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

For a quarter of this new century, San Diego stoner/hesher/trippy/shamen Earthless have been percolating the underground. Earthless is more than just a wall of sound, their tidal wave of ripping guitar solos and pounding backbeat and rhythms have made them a true below the radar sensation. This time around, drummer Mario Rubalcaba, frontman and guitarist Isaiah Mitchell and bassist Mike Eginton earthed up an 800-year-old Japanese legend. The Hyakki Yagyō, or the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, tells of a parade of demons who, if you have the misfortune to see, erase you from this world. You can listen safely at Moe’s and a big up to FolkYeah. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
23

Mighty Mike Schermer and Friends - 60th Birthday Celebration!

πŸ“ Moe's Alley
πŸ•’ 3:00 PM Β· See listing

Moes Alley presents a special outdoor blues matinee featuring Mighty Mike Schermer and Friends 60th Birthday Celebration, with special guests to be announced! Sunday, August 23, 2026Doors: 2pm / Show: 3pm$25 in advance / $30 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====Mighty Mike SchermerMighty Mike Schermer was a fixture on the Bay Area blues scene for over 20 years when he relocated to Austin TX in 2009 and joined the touring band of swamp-boogie piano legend Marcia Ball. He had carved out a solid solo career, with four critically acclaimed CDs, an award winning single and thousands of performances at festivals and nightclubs the world over. He also became the go to guy sideman for such heavyweights as Elvin Bishop, Maria Muldaur, Angela Strehli, Bonnie Raitt, Howard Tate, Charlie Musselwhite, Sista Monica, Shana Morrison and many, many more. Oh yeswe may be judged by the company we keep, but when the spotlight shines a solo artist also must be able to bring the goods all on his own.

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
25

Adult Ceramics Class

πŸ“ Community Through Art
πŸ•’ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Β· $250

Beginning adult ceramics with instructor Nora Sarkissian. Learn the basics of hand building, pinch, and coil. Nora will provide demos and projects as well as time for independent clay creation. Class is held at Redwood and Ranunculus downtown Felton. Tuesdays, 6-8:30 PM $234 for 6 weeks (7% service fee due at checkout) plus a $20 material fee due to instructor at first class Clay, glazes, and tools provided. Session I: August 18, 25, Sept 1, 8, 15, 22 Session II: Sept 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3

Art & Culture Adults 21+ πŸ“ San Lorenzo Valley Details β†’
Aug
26

Wig Out Wednesday

πŸ“ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room + Wine Bar
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· 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 we’ll have a surprise for you. We’ll play cool music, games, trivia, and much more! Let’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
27

Moe's Alley & Do It Ourselves Present: Joe Kaplow w/ Emily Afton

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

Moes Alley and Do It Ourselves present Joe Kaplow with special guest Emily Afton! Thursday, August 27, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$15 in advance / $20 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====JOE KAPLOWPosh, Poodle, Krystal and Toe is the third full length album from Santa Cruz based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Kaplow. Appropriately named after his bandmates nicknames, this record is a more cohesive band statement than his previous self-recorded work. Most tracks were cut over a five day span, performed live at the OK Theater in Enterprise, OR with engineer Bart Budwig. They were learned and workshopped on the spot, thus capturing very honest, energetic, and fly by the seat of your pants moments. The record was mixed underground at Vin Christophers studio, Heavy Meadow in Portland, Oregon.Posh, Poodle, Krystal and Toe takes Kaplows singularly unique, honest and raw songwriting style and propels it forward with spontaneous collaboration, undeniable rhythm, and sound imagery. The record will be released on 5.17.24 on Fluff and Gravy Records.EMILY AFTONEmily Afton makes timeless alt-pop for the zeitgeist. Described by NPR as Utterly charming electro-folk... Her songs seem wary of life, but still positive, Afton is following her 2024 album CIRCAA, with a new alt-country EP that trades polished beats for pedal steel, while retaining the vulnerability and emotional honesty that have become her signature. Her new EP begins rolling out with the title track, Its You, available on all platforms July 24. Stay tuned for more shows and releases from Emily Afton!

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
28

Bash at the Shack: Birthday Party and Concert

πŸ“ Shanty Shack Brewing
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Β· $10

Bash at the Shack It's Juan Urteaga’s Birthday Extravaganza; featuring East Bay Soup Kitchen, Spitworm and Trianna Feruza & the Heavy Hitters. Join us for Bash at the Shack, a funkin' rockin' birthday concert honoring legendary heavy metal producer, audio engineer, and Trident Recording Studios maestro, Juan Urteaga. We are turning up the volume with an unforgettable, high-energy lineup that spans from raw punk-funk to rock to a soulful neo-funk fusion. Help us celebrate a NorCal music icon the only way we know howβ€”with loud music, great vibes, and an enthusiastic community of music lovers! East Bay Soup KitchenHailing from Concord, CA, East Bay Soup Kitchen delivers a high-octane menu of tunes. Cooking up that early '90s punk-funk fusion sound, they put on "dinner and a show" complete with high energy, brass highlights, and deep grooves. Spitworm Fronted by Bay Area thrasher Jim Settle (Hand of Fire) this rock band brings a raw edge and blistering energy to the stage. Spitworm delivers a heavy-hitting performance that will keep the crowd moving and the birthday energy peaking. This is also the birthday boy's band so be sure to say happy birthday to him during their set! Trianna Feruza and The Heavy Hitters Rooted in Santa Cruz, Trianna Feruza & the Heavy Hitters are a powerhouse Neo-Soul/Indie-Funk group. Fronted by the magnetic vocal delivery of Trianna Feruza, they blend deep-pocket sassiness and rich R&B soul for a full-blown, groove-driven live experience. But who the funk is Juan Urteaga? Juan Urteaga is an acclaimed American heavy metal music producer, audio engineer, and musician. Best known as the owner and chief engineer of Trident Recording Studios in California, Urteaga has shaped the sound of legendary thrash and death metal bands for nearly three decades. Before fully committing to the mixing board, he was an active vocalist and musician. He performed in several underground metal acts, including Thanatopsis, Lords of Chaos, and Mudslinger. Most notably

Music Adults 21+ Details β†’
Aug
28

Tokyo Hot Tub!

πŸ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Β· See listing

Tokyo Hot Tub Party at Woodhouse – A Night of Pure Vibes Santa Cruz, get ready. Tokyo Hot Tub is bringing the heat back to Woodhouse Blending & Brewing for another night of high-energy beats, deep grooves, and an atmosphere like no other. Expect a seamless blend of house, disco, and electronic sounds, setting the stage for an immersive dancefloor experience. Whether you're a dedicated music lover or just looking for a place to let loose, this is the kind of night that keeps Santa Cruz moving. The lineup will be announced soon, featuring a carefully curated selection of DJs who know how to push the energy to the next level. Come for the music, stay for the magic. Tokyo Hot Tub is more than just a partyβ€”it’s a movement. See you on the dance floor!

Aug
28

W.I.T.C.H.

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
28

Moe's Alley Presents: Mestizo Beat

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

There’s something about the Santa Ana winds, the crystal blue skies, and the proximity to the border that infuse LA bands with a certain viscosity. Mestizo Beat is an ensemble whose well-oiled collective brings the sounds of the early 1970s to life. The brothers MagaΓ±a, Lito and Gus fill out the guitar and drums. The groove is hard, raw, fierce, and steady. Jose Castro on bass looks like he time-traveled here from ’72. Those three alone could bring any room to its feet. Add in Pedro Flores on percussion and the horn men, Mestizo Beat is world-class and ready to engage. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
29

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.

Aug
29

Moe's Alley Presents: The Greyboy Allstars

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

Moes Alley presents The Greyboy Allstars!Saturday, August 29, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$40 in advance / $45 day of the show21+* Tickets on sale Friday, May 29th at 10am PT ** 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====THE GREYBOY ALLSTARSLegendary California jazz-funk revivalists The Greyboy Allstars first played together at San Diegos Green Circle Bar in 1994, when DJ Greyboy assembled an all-star combo of local players to join him onstage. With Greyboy as producer, provocateur, and namesake for the new group, they honed their take on the revolutionary funk of Grant Green, Idris Muhammad, and James Browns infamous J.B.s. While Greyboy himself moved on to other projects, the band preserved his visionary spirit, with each Allstar contributing a legacy of their own. Saxophonist and flutist Karl Denson first turned heads playing on essential Lenny Kravitz albums Let Love Rule and Mama Said, then led Karl Densons Tiny Universe. Hes toured as a member of The Rolling Stones since 2014 and appeared as the Sexual Chocolate sax player in Eddie Murphys iconic Coming to America. Guitarist Michael Andrewsor Elgin Park, if you preferis a noted film composer whose work on Donnie Darko (with his signature cover of Tears for Fears Mad World) remains central to its cult status. Keyboardist Robert Walter leads Robert Walters 20th Congress, and plays with Mike Gordon from Phish. Bassist Chris Stillwell and drummer Aaron Redfield are in-demand session standouts, with credits alongside Sia, Elton John, CeeLo, and Charli XCX

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

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