Skip to content
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 Abbott Square: Comedy Night Coming up
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 Β· Abbott Square Market

Abbott Square: Comedy Night

Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.

Comedy πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Keyon Harrold Coming up
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 Β· Kuumbwa Jazz

Keyon Harrold

β€œKeyon Harrold is the future of the trumpet” – Wynton Marsalis Keyon Harrold is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Harrold first came into the international spotlight for his critically acclaimed album, The Mugician, and his work as the trumpet voice behind the GRAMMY winning Don Cheadle film Miles Ahead. As a bandleader, he has created a compelling new statement with a riveting mix of jazz, Afrobeat, soul, spoken word, hip-hop, blues, rock, and American folk. As a soloist, his distinctly warm trumpet sound simmers in the middle register; creating drama without aggrandizing, and mesmerizing live audiences with an emotionally charged concert presentation. Harrold has collaborated with many of the top hip hop and pop artists including: Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Eminem, Maxwell, and Anthony Hamilton, as well as rock legends Keith Richards and Jeff Beck. His current touring ensemble can best be described as β€˜Bop Pop Hip-Hop Jazz.’ Rooted in jazz, the band freestyles and solos with authority and weaves the spectrum of African American music into a sonic expression. Keyon Harrold – Foreverland will showcase his GRAMMY nominated recording Foreverland, an acclaimed crossover success, which features a bevy of collaborators, along with the single β€œBeautiful Day” which received world-wide radio play.

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Contact Improv Coming up
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 Β· The 418 Project

Contact Improv

Contact Improv dance session at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, offered weekly on Mondays.

Comedy πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Music
Coming up
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 Β· The Cruz Room

Trivia Night β€” 2026-08-24

8 - 10pm Β· Weekly trivia night β€” gather your team and come test your knowledge!

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Monday, August 24

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

1:00 AM
See listing
ReView
πŸ“ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
Education
1:00 AM
See listing
R.E.A.D: Reach Every Amazing Detail Sign Ups Start Today
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
10:30 AM
$26.45
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Cultural Event
11:30 AM
See listing
Mahjong Club @ Branciforte
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:30 AM
See listing
Seniors Share @ Felton Library
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:30 AM
See listing
Aptos Bridge Club
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
12:00 PM
FREE
The Spoken Experience
πŸ“ Capitola Branch Library
Art & Culture

What's happening

Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.

Quick: Today This weekend Next 7 days Area Clear all

Showing 30 of 73 upcoming events Β· Art & Culture Β· from 2026-08-24 Β· to 2026-08-31

Aug
24

The Spoken Experience

πŸ“ Capitola Branch Library
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Β· FREE

Next up for The Spoken Experience: the poetry of Lucille Clifton. Come, join this community of readers who meet up to enjoy a featured poet's work. The next gathering happens Monday, August 24 at noon, in the front room of the Capitola Branch Library. Hope to see you. (Facilitated by local poets Paola Bruni, Elaine Fletcher Chapman and Jessica Cohn)

Art & Culture Free πŸ“ Capitola Details β†’
Aug
24

Reading Poems Together

πŸ“ Capitola Branch Library
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Β· See listing

Come join a community of readers who meet the 4th Monday of each month to hear poetry and discuss its curious powers. Come join a community of readers who meet the 4th Monday of each month to hear poetry and discuss its curious powers. Discussions facilitated by Paola Bruni, Elaine Fletcher Chapman, and Jessica Cohn. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/14321587 Poets in 2026 January 26 Joy Harjo February 23 Billy Collins March 23 Eavan Boland April 27 Arthur Sze May 18 * Emily Dickinson June 22 Gary Snyder July 27 Dean Young August 24 Lucille Clifton September 28 Sharon Olds October 26 Juan Felipe Herrera November 23 Ada Limon December 28 Jericho Brown *Note: Third Monday in May because of Memorial Day

Art & Culture Community πŸ“ Capitola Details β†’
Aug
25

Pastel Painting Class

πŸ“ Community Through Art
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Β· $198

Soft Pastel Painting runs in six week intervals taught by instructor Sarah Orre. A short demo will be taught the first class meeting with reference photos that will teach color theory, underpainting, texture, layering, and movement. Students are encouraged to bring additional reference photos for inspiration. Participants bring their own soft pastels (not oils), and sanded paper. The remainder of the class meetings are used for studio time. The last day we have a group peer review to discuss our work and give and receive feedback.

Aug
25

Youth Studio Art

πŸ“ Community Through Art
πŸ•’ 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Β· $255

Youth Bloom Studio Art with Sarah Orre, nurtures creativity, confidence, and curiosity through hands-on learning. Each class encourages young artists to explore new materials, techniques, and ideas while building foundational art skills in a supportive studio environment. From painting and drawing to air dry clay and mixed media, students learn to see like artists and express their own unique voice. Enroll in as many sessions as you like!

Aug
25

Seaweed Sip & Paint

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us for an evening of creativity inspired by the beauty of our local coastline! Sip a glass of wine while local artist Calene Luczo Fletcher guides you through watercolor techniques to create your own kelp and seaweed painting. Whether you’re an experienced artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, you’ll learn approachable watercolor techniques in a relaxed, welcoming environment. By the end of the evening, you’ll leave with a finished piece of artwork inspired by the vibrant forms and colors of our marine forests. Program sold out, please email [email protected] to join the waitlist All materials are provided, along with wine and light refreshments. Capacity : 20 Ticket Price : $35 Discounts : $5 Member discount Age limit : 12+ Location : Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Refund Policy

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
25

Winter in America (Still

πŸ“ Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· See listing

To celebrate the release of Winter in America (Still, the Bookshop Santa Cruz will be gathering local poets. This release is a sequel anthology and features various voices responding to this moment in history. It is not meant to be reactionary. It aims to bring forward the β€œquieter reverberations” of how all the events swirling around affect the daily lives of Americans. It aims to bring people together, putting compassion forward. It dives deep into the actual impact and consequences of the 2024 election. Through these reflections, the anthology may help shed light on the direction we are going and what we will become. -Isabella Marie Sangaline; Good Times Santa Cruz

Art & Culture Free Details β†’
Aug
25

Audrey Stanley Grove: Live Drama in the Redwoods

πŸ“ Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Β· $25

Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience August Wilson’s Fences, under the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruz’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 season’s theme: Till Death Do Us Part. Troy Maxson is one of Wilson’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 Wilson’s best work, Fences is both mythic and intimate; the questions it asks both human and eternal. Fences runs July 28 – 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.

Outdoors Art & Culture πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
25

Celebrating Veterans with Joseph Jason Santiago LaCour at SatoriArts

πŸ“ Satori Arts
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· FREE

Writers of Color hosts a monthly Open Mic reading at Satori Arts featuring writers of poetry, prose, one-act plays, and on occasion, music. This month, we celebrate Veterans of all Wars. This month we feature Joseph Jason Santiago Lacour, a local spoken word artist and writer, and a special appearance by General Phlint, a Santa Cruz local poet, DJ, and musician. Bring your writing for Open Mic to share for a 5-minute segment.

Art & Culture Cultural Event πŸ“ Westside Details β†’
Aug
26

Cyber-Seniors Digital Literacy Series

πŸ“ Scotts Valley Branch Library
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

A 12 week series on Wednesdays from 10:30AM-12PM that introduces foundational digital literacy concepts and teaches useful digital skills. August 19: What is a VPN and Do You Need One? August 26: Smartwatches Made Simple September 2: AI Powered Art September 9: Music Streaming Made Simple September 16: Podcasts Made Easy: Listen to Your Favorite Topics Anytime September 23: Your Story, Your Legacy: Preserving Memories with Spoken Records September 30: Tech Settings That Help With Accessibility October 7: Using Emergency Features on Your Phone October 14: Intro to Facebook October 21: Intro to Instagram Registration required. Must register for each class individually. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=cyber+seniors&d=2026-07-30&r=range&start=2026-08-01&end=2026-11-01 Come join Dara Brady, a local instructor with the digital literacy organization Cyber-Seniors, for a weekly digital literacy course! Each class includes a lesson on the topics below, Q&A time, and one-on-one tech support. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook, pen/pencil, and whatever tech device they want to learn on: (a laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone) and the charger for that device. If they don't have a device, they can still participate and Dara can get them one to use for the class. All classes run on Wednesday mornings from 10:30AM to 12PM in the Fireside Room except for the first and last sessions, which will take place in Study Room A.

Art & Culture Education πŸ“ Scotts Valley Details β†’
Aug
26

Felton Community Crafters

πŸ“ Felton Branch Library
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Β· See listing

Join us each 4th Wednesday of the month for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors. The Community Crafters are a diverse group of makers and they love to share their knowledge. We weave, spin yarn, make baskets, felt, and so much more. All crafters are welcome! We hope you will join us in creating community and beautiful things!

Aug
26

Built to Spill :: Rio Theatre :: Santa Cruz 8/26

πŸ“ Rio Theatre for the Performing Arts
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM Β· $55.58

After 34 years, Built to Spill is one band that needs no introduction. Since 1992, this powerhouse of an act has had a rotating door of musicians that carried the band through a plethora of genres. While many would call them β€œindie rock,” it’s kind of a vague catch-all like β€œAmericana.” Their audiences consist of hipsters and hippies, jam band aficionados and punks. Not to mention they were signed to major label Warner Brothers for two decades, which kind of deflates the whole β€œindie” part. Regardless, it’s amazing that this band has not only lasted the test of time but continues to keep old fans coming out while earning new ones every tour and album. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Art & Culture Music πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
27

Felton Community Crafters

πŸ“ Felton Branch Library
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM Β· See listing

Join us each 4th Wednesday of the month for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors. The Community Crafters are a diverse group of makers and they love to share their knowledge. We weave, spin yarn, make baskets, felt, and so much more. All crafters are welcome! We hope you will join us in creating community and beautiful things!

43 more events further out

Never miss a beach day, show, or street fair.

Join the Santa Cruz Scene newsletter for local discounts, community highlights, and the best curated events delivered to your inbox each month.

We use your email only to send the newsletter. How we handle your info

No spam, just the Scene. Curious who we are? Read our story.

Hosting something rad?

If it's happening in person anywhere in Santa Cruz County, whether it's a show, a market, a paddle-out, or a gallery night, we want it on the calendar. Submissions are free and reviewed by our editors.

Submit your event β†’