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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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Showing 30 of 135 upcoming events Β· Community Β· from 2026-07-31 Β· to 2026-08-07

Jul
31

Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience

πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Β· $59

Enjoy Dynomite Farm’s show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.

Community Outdoors Details β†’
Jul
31

Evergreen Volunteer Days

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
πŸ•’ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday from 9:30am-12pm. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email [email protected]

Jul
31

Resource Recovery Public Summer Tours

πŸ“ City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Β· FREE

Free Public Tours of the City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility are here. Don't miss this educational community favorite activity! Summer Public Tours Are Back! Public Tours of the Resource Recovery Facility will be offered every Friday at 10 AM from June 12th through August 14th, 2026. A single Saturday will also be offered on July 25th. Out of consideration for others, please only sign up on Saturday if Fridays are not an option for you. Come join us! Get ready to discover the journey your recycling and food scraps takeβ€”and see firsthand how your actions make a difference! Visitors will see what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of material that Santa Cruzians place into their blue recycle bins every single day. We will also learn why it is important to β€œrecycle right,” avoid β€œwish-cycling," and why we can't rely on a triangle and a blue bin anymore. Visitors will see a mountain of scrap metal, learn about the facility’s Household Hazardous Waste Program, and see the Food Scrap Pre-Processor Machine. Don’t miss out on this chance to become a waste reduction pro! Tours are limited to 20 people. Children must be at least 8 years old. Youth ages 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes 48 hours before the tour date. No Drop-Ins. Safety Notice: This tour includes stairs and standing/walking for approximately 45 minutes. On this tour, you may be exposed to loud noises, dust, or tight spaces. Please note that this is a working industrial facility with potential hazards, and your safety is our top priority. Please wear closed-toe sturdy shoes and long pants. We will provide safety vests, eye protection, ear protection, and hard hats. Please inform City staff before your tour date if you will need accommodations.

Community Free Details β†’
Jul
31

CreateAbility Hour

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Friday, July 31 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for an hour of fun, inclusive, and creative activities and social opportunities for adults with developmental differences and their caregivers every last Friday of the month!

Community Free Details β†’
Jul
31

Guided Tour

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Β· See listing

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.

Jul
31

Lego Friday Fun

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
πŸ•’ 4:30 PM Β· See listing

Friday, July 31 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.

Community Family Details β†’
Jul
31

Friday, July 31, 2026, 5:30 - 8 PM

πŸ“ Park Hall Community Center
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Β· $15

RSVP for Friday, July 31, 2026, 5:30 - 8 PM (Doors Open 5 PM) "Desperado: The Real Story" Tales of Rough Frontier Justice Film Written & Directed by Scott Deal Park Hall Community Center 9400 Mill Street, Ben Lomond, CA 95005 "Desperado: The Real Story" film shows crimes and cities where they happened. Mountain Community Theater actors and locals play Outlaws Black Bart, Juan Soto and Lewis Dreibelbis for their resemblance to historic villains, victims and lawmen. $20 General, $15 Senior & Youth ORDER TICKETS: [email protected] zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/desperado-the-real-story Website & QR Code: KSLV.tv *Concessions are available during the intermission. *Proceeds Benefit the Park Hall Sprinkler System. INVITE FRIENDS!

Jul
31

Cabrillo Crocker Theater: Sister Act, The Musical

πŸ“ Cabrillo College Crocker Theater
πŸ•’ 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Β· $20

Cabrillo Stage is a musical theatre company dedicated to presenting high-caliber, large-scale musical productions to the area. They are committed to the creation of musicals with Broadway-level production values. In this way, they foster educational opportunities while giving audiences the highest-quality family entertainment. They aim to be a destination point for the best of live theatre. Sister Act hits the stage with the force of a disco ball struck by divine inspiration. Deloris, a bold and big-hearted nightclub singer, lands in a convent for her own protection and winds up transforming a tuneless choir into a soulful powerhouse. Her energy shakes the dust off every pew as she teaches the nuns to sing with joy, courage, and a little sparkling attitude. By the finale, the once-quiet convent is radiating harmony, friendship, and unstoppable fun. Sister Act delivers a burst of laughter, heart, and high-energy music that leaves the audience glowing long after the curtain falls. Click β€œMore Event Dates” in orange above to see other showtimes, or follow the link in the orange button above to purchase tickets. Locals Love: Stunning, creative sets, talented live orchestras, and passionate performances, often at reasonable prices. First Timers Miss: The theater’s architecture beautifully complements the overall experience, designed for optimal viewing. Insights: Santa Cruz METRO bus lines 1, 2, 55, and 73 all service Cabrillo College, providing access to the campus and the Crocker Theater. If taking a car, parking in Lot L is free.

Jul
31

SC Beach Boardwalk: Evenings on the Colonnade

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
πŸ•’ 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Β· FREE

Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 – Free showing of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 – Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 – Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,

Aug
1

Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience

πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Β· $59

Enjoy Dynomite Farm’s show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.

Community Outdoors Details β†’
Aug
1

Buddhist Psychology for Modern Times

πŸ“ Land of Medicine Buddha
πŸ•’ 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Β· $40

Join teachers Karuna Cayton and Geshe Tenzin Legtsok for a practical introduction into Buddhist psychology. In this day long retreat, we will learn how to become more observant of our thoughts and emotions, and distinguish what patterns cause joy vs harm.

Community Wellness πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
1

Santa Cruz Mission SHP Guided Adobe Tour

πŸ“ Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Staff offers a guided adobe tour centered on the experiences of Native communities in the Santa Cruz mission providing insight into daily life, cultural change, and the impacts of the mission system. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and enduring presence of Indigenous people in the region. Reservation Link:

Community BIPOC Details β†’
Aug
1

Books & Brews

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM Β· See listing

Saturday, August 01 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm Enjoy shopping for books and crafts, live music, food trucks, local craft beers, and more at the Books & Brews event at the the La Selva Beach Clubhouse and Florido Lawn from 10 am to 4 pm.

Community Food & Drink Details β†’
Aug
1

Are You Game? Lancelot's Merry Band of Gamers

πŸ“ Capitola Branch Library
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Β· See listing

Adults need playtime, too! Come play some new or old favorite tabletop games. Bring your favorite board game or play some of Lancelot's games. No prior gaming experience is necessary. This program is for adults 18+. We will meet every first and third Saturday of the month in the Barbara Gorson Multipurpose Room at the Capitola Branch Library.

Aug
1

SANTA CRUZ TRANS POTLUCK

πŸ“ SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Β· FREE

SANTA CRUZ TRANS POTLUCK - Saturday May 2nd, 12pm - 3pm at SubRosa (703 Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz). Trans ppl!!! Bring ur friends! * Make Trans Friends * Share Food * Build Community Community announcements at 2pm. This can include things like board game nights or dinners, more formal planned events, or a milestone you feel like sharing with the community! This is a dry space (no alcohol) - Masks encouraged (available at SubRosa). Send feedback or suggestions to: [email protected] β€”@@@@@β€” SubRosa is a collectively run anarchist community space - a place to meet people, share resources and ideas, challenge our assumptions and act on our passions. Let’s create together the world(s) we want to live in now. @subrosa_space And SubRosa is part of the Hub Community Center at 703 Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz - a constellation of projects that support skill-sharing, appropriate re/use of resources, and interconnected, creative communities - since 1994! More about the Hub i

Aug
1

Annieglass Craftbar: Glass Coasters Workshop

πŸ“ Annieglass
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Β· $85

Make your own beautiful set of four glass coasters with Smithsonian artist, Annie Morhauser. Everything you need will be providedβ€”glass, stencils, colorful glass enamels, adhesive feet, and expert guidance throughout the process. You’ll design and decorate 4β€³ glass squares, then load them into the kilns (don’t worryβ€”they’ll be off!). Annieglass will fire your pieces for you, and you can have them shipped to your home. Want a full set of eight? Book two workshops! You’ll also receive 15% off Annieglass first-quality pieces on the day of the event. Sparkling waters provided. Half bottles & bottles of wine available for purchase.

Community Art & Culture πŸ“ Watsonville Details β†’

105 more events further out

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