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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 The Kick Off - Sonivore Listening Lounge β˜… Featured Event
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 Β· 7:00 PM

The Kick Off - Sonivore Listening Lounge

πŸ“ Sonivore Β· Downtown Santa Cruz Β· $25

THE KICK OFF is a one-night fundraiser for the Sonivore Listening Lounge at 701 Front Street. DJs, live performances, visual art by Made Fresh Crew, and a first taste of Sonivore β€” just days before our Kickstarter closes. Donation-based entry. To RSVP in advance, pledge at least the minimum tier on Kickstarter, or Venmo a donation to @sonivoremusic with β€œFundraiser” in the note. You can also donate at the door. Come through and help us bring the lounge to life.

Art & Culture Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details β†’
Promotional image for Afrobeats Nite at the IAS β˜… Featured
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 Β· Institute of the Arts and Sciences

Afrobeats Nite at the IAS

Join us for a night of dancing, joy, and community organized by Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz featuring DJ Mai Girl and DJ Monk Earl. In addition to music, there will be vendors, food trucks, and late night showings of the exhibitions Victor β€œMarka27” QuiΓ±onez: Ni de AquΓ­, Ni de AllΓ‘ and Carlos Motta: When Time Stands Still . This event is FREE and open to the public. Afrobeats Nite at the IAS is a collaboration with Visualizing Abolition , an arts-based initiative that reaches across prison borders to contribute to the unfolding collective story and alternative imagining underway to create a future free of prisons. Jase β€œMonk” Earl is a Santa Cruz–based DJ, curator, cultural producer, educator, and writer whose understanding of community is rooted in Hip Hop culture and shaped by his upbringing in the immigrant-rich neighborhood of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. As the founder of Afroscope Promotions and founder, curator, and resident DJ of Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz, he creates public spaces where African and diasporic music become catalysts for connection, cultural exchange, and collective celebration. DJ Mai Girl plays festivals, clubs, shows, and private events all over the West Coast and beyond. Her unique blend of genres and hand-picked selections– whether it be hip hop, soul, house, jazzy vibes, old school jams, Afro, Caribbean or Latin rhythms– keep people moving all night. She consistently plays one Stevie or Prince song every set to remind herself of why she started DJing in the first place.

Education πŸ“ Westside
Promotional image for Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Adventure Night β˜… Featured
Sat, Oct 10, 2026 Β· Rio Theatre

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Adventure Night

Rio Theatre & Sante Adairius Midtown Portal team up to support Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship Join us for the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Adventure Night October 10th at 7 pm, Rio Theatre Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Join us when we screen this all new Adventure line up of films featuring BEST DAY EVER, the Audience Choice Award Winner and Best Film: Mountain Sports along with five other audience favorites. This year’s films are bound to showcase an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. The Rio Theatre has been hosting the annual adventure night since 2013. Guaranteed to sell out! Visit https://www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2026/10/10/banffcentremountain for a complete list of films and tickets.

Art & Culture πŸ“ Midtown
Promotional image for Kishi Bashi:: Rio Theatre Santa Cruz 10/6 Coming up
Tue, Oct 6, 2026 Β· Rio Theatre for the Performing Arts

Kishi Bashi:: Rio Theatre Santa Cruz 10/6

(((folkYEAH!))) presents KISHI BASHI Rio Theatre Santa Cruz, CA October 6, 2026 Doors 7pm / Show 8pm All Ages

Music πŸ“ Midtown
Promotional image for Dual Demons - CLASS Coming up
Tue, Oct 6, 2026 Β· The 418 Project

Dual Demons - CLASS

A recurring dance class in Santa Cruz. Check with the venue for specific style and level.

Education πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Tuesday, October 6

55 events on today. No plans required, just go. See the full day β†’

7:00 AM
$48.84
Kishi Bashi:: Rio Theatre Santa Cruz 10/6
πŸ“ Rio Theatre for the Performing Arts
Music
8:30 AM
FREE
Advancing Urban Forest Management Through Technology
πŸ“ Clubhouse at Harvey West Park
Outdoors
9:00 AM
$198
Pastel Painting Class
πŸ“ Community Through Art
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
See listing
Mobile Health Clinic
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
9:00 AM
See listing
Community Tuesday at the UCSC Arboretum
πŸ“ Arboretum
Education
9:00 AM
FREE
Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum
πŸ“ UCSC Arboretum
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
Wisdom Workshops @ TDC: Frames for TDOR with Zoey
πŸ“ 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
LGBTQ+
10:00 AM
See listing
Quilting with Friends
πŸ“ Boulder Creek Branch Library
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
In-person Tech Help @ Garfield Park
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community

What's happening

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Quick: Today This weekend Next 7 days Area Clear all

17 upcoming events Β· Adults 21+ Β· from 2026-10-06 Β· to 2026-10-13

Oct
6

Moe's Alley Presents: The Animeros

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

Moes Alley Presents Austins psychedelic Latin groove-makers, The Animeros! Tuesday, October 6, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$20 in advance / $25 Day of the show21+* Tickets on sale Friday, July 24th 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 ANIMEROSWith musical notes that span well beyond genres like bolero, psychedelic, and cumbia, The Animeros not only make their audience hit the dance floor, but they also invite their listeners and tastemakers alike to a glimpse of their rich cultural upbringing. The group who is made up of Nick Tozzo (drummer and percussionist), Nicolas Sanchez (bassist), and Mauro Lopez (guitarist) craft a genre-blending sound that drifts between the lush jungles of Colombia, the palm-lined streets of 1960s coastal Mexico, and the dusty cantinas of West Texas.Sanchezs Colombian roots, growing up listening to his parents beloved salsa and cumbia; Lopezs parents Mexican and American discography, which spanned from traditional Tejano to improvised jazz; and Tozzos love for jazz and salsa music, the latter stemming from his college years, leading him to study and live in Colombia to experience music greats first-handedly. All of this, paired with their undeniable chemistry and meshed with their now hometown Austins innovative creative sounds has led them to create the unique sonic movement that is The Animeros, a name inspired by Colombian shamans who would usher lost souls to their peace.Their journey took an unexpected turn when their music reached the ears of Dan Auerbach, the Grammy Award winning producer, songwriter, and frontman of The Black Keys. Auerbach first heard them by chance, music floating from an open hotel window that stopped him in his tracks. Captivated, he made a note to track them down, and within a yea

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Oct
7

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.

Oct
7

The Grove: Killer Klowns from Outer Space

πŸ“ The Grove
πŸ•’ 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Β· $18

Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, enjoy this scary movie filmed in Watsonville and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, in the historic Grove ballroom. Your entry fee includes one hosted drink ticket! A full bar featuring signature drinks (ID’s will be checked at entrance. 21+ only.) Snacks will be available for purchase Banquet chair seating. Premium seating is sold out.

Art & Culture Adults 21+ πŸ“ Beach & Boardwalk Details β†’
Oct
9

Moe's Alley Presents: The Breaks

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

Moes Alley presents The Breaks a convergence of three groove masters of modern funk and soul-jazz: Eddie Roberts, Stanton Moore, and Robert Walter!Friday October 9, 2026Doors: 8:00 PM / Show: 9:00 PM$35 in advance / $40 day of the show21+*Tickets on sale July 31st at 10am PST** 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 Breaks Roberts Walter Moore When three modern groove masters of modern funk and soul-jazz converge, sparks are bound to fly. The Breaks brings together guitarist Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), drummer Stanton Moore (Galactic), and organist Robert Walter (The Greyboy Allstars)three musicians whose collective groove has shaped the sound of contemporary funk for over two decades.Rooted in the tradition of late-60s organ trios and hard-hitting boogaloo, The Breaks pushes the sound forward with deep-pocket rhythms, tight arrangements, and fearless improvisation. Eddie Roberts sharp, melodic guitar work dances effortlessly over Stanton Moores explosive New Orleans-infused drum grooves, while Robert Walters signature Hammond organ tones tie it all together with grit and soul.Between them, theyve logged countless tours, recorded landmark albums, and collaborated with a whos-who of the modern jam, funk, and jazz worlds. But in The Breaks, the chemistry feels spontaneousthree kindred spirits locking into a groove and letting it ride.From sweaty club sets to major festival stages, The Breaks deliver a sound thats both deeply rooted and constantly evolvinga raw, joyful celebration of rhythm and musical conversation.

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Oct
10

Damien Jurado

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.

Oct
10

Moe's Alley Presents: Coffee Zombie Collective w/ special guests

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

It's the triumphant return of the outrageously amazing sounds of Coffee Zombie Collective! Dance to your favorite hits that have been completely reimagined and blended together for your enjoyment. Saturday, October 10, 2026 Doors: 8pm // Show: 9pm $15 in advance // $20 day of the show 21+ * 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 ==== COFFEE ZOMBIE COLLECTIVE Coffee Zombie Collective formed in 2010 as a loose group of sleep-deprived musicians playing their favorite lesser-heard songs alongside karaoke barn burner hits. The band has continued to evolve, mixing in their own originals alongside twisted acoustic reimaginings of contemporary pop hits such as Lourde's "Royals" and cult classics such as Motârhead's "Ace of Spades." Coffee Zombie Collective takes the songs you love, or love to hate, and weaves them into medlies, or upside-down interpretations that always leaves audiences smiling. The band's high-energy stage performances whip audiences into a sing-along dance frenzy. The repeated on-stage mantra is "If you know the words, sing along. If you don't know the words, sing louder!" If you're at the show, you're part of the collective, and highly encouraged to contribute in the frisky, sweaty, ad-libbed sound explosion that is Coffee Zombie Collective. It's never the same show twice.

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Oct
11

Summer Beer Sails

πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
πŸ•’ 12:00 AM Β· See listing

Enjoy Discretion on a boat! For schedule of beer cruises & tickets, visit the links below. We'll see you out on the ocean… Chardonnay Sailing Charters Discretion sails on 5/27, 8/26, 9/16, 10/21 O'Neill Yacht Charters Discretion sails on 6/27, 7/30, 8/9, 9/19, 10/11

Food & Drink Adults 21+ πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Oct
11

AC Myles & Band: Stratocaster Masters

πŸ“ Moe's Alley
πŸ•’ 2:00 PM Β· See listing

Moes Alley presents AC Myles & Band: Stratocaster Masters! Sunday, October 11, 2026Doors: 1pm / Show: 2pm$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====AC MYLESAC Myles is an American blues-rock guitarist, vocalist, and recording artist known for his commanding live shows and road-tested sound. Originally from California, he built his career the traditional wayonstagetouring extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad, earning a reputation as a seasoned live performer.Myles has performed at major festivals and venues across North America and Europe, including Lucerne Blues Festival (Switzerland), Cognac Blues Passions (France), and stages like House of Blues and Davies Symphony Hall. He has also shared the stage with artists such as Buddy Guy, Zac Brown Band, and Elvin Bishop.His albumsReconsider Me (2014), Rush to Red (2015), With These Blues (2017), and Transitory (2021)have received worldwide airplay, showcasing a sound rooted in electric blues, southern rock, and soul, defined by expressive vocals and standout guitar work.

Music Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Oct
12

Nekrogoblikon

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.

Oct
13

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†’
Oct
13

Lakeview

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.

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