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.
★ Featured Event
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
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Sacred Return Retreat offers a trauma-informed container for ceremony, breathwork, yoga, sound healing, and deep inner work. Facilitated in collaboration with Dr. Leta Jussila and Dallas McKenzie at Sacred Owl Land, this immersive retreat supports healing, transformation, and personal growth through intentional preparation, ceremony, and integration.
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Enjoy a full day of 60’s nostalgic vibes including storytelling, family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, and music! 10:30am: Storytelling 11:30am: Birthday Song & Dessert 12:00pm: Activities, Booths, Food Trucks and Fun
Coming up
Celebrate 60 Years of Scotts Valley! Join us as we celebrate Scotts Valley's 60th Birthday Bash on Sunday, August 2nd at Skypark for an unforgettable community celebration! Event Highlights: Share Your Story (submit at [email protected]) Birthday Song & Birthday Dessert, Live Music, Roller Skating, Food Trucks, Kids Activities, Interactive History, Family Fun for All Ages! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we celebrate six decades of community, memories, and hometown pride. Whether you've lived here your whole life or are new to Scotts Valley, this is the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate everything that makes our city so special. Sunday, August 2, 2026 Skypark – Scotts Valley 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM FREE Event Let's make history together as we celebrate 60 incredible years of Scotts Valley! We can't wait to see you there!
Coming up
The Watsonville Strawberry Festival returns to historic downtown Watsonville on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2! This free, family-friendly festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, kid's activities, local artisans, business and specialty vendors and a mouthwatering variety of food. Strawberry lovers can look forward to creative berry-infused treats like pizza, tacos, churros, popcorn, shortcake, beer and more! Be sure to catch crowd favorites like the Pie-Eating Content and Berry Best Dressed Contest. Don't miss this cherished Watsonville tradition that celebrates community, creativity and all things strawberry. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a weekend packed with fun, food and festivities! For more info: **watsonvillestrawberryfestival.com** or IG/FB @watsonvillestrawberryfestival Saturday, August 1 | 11AM-8 PM Sunday, August 2 | 11 AM-7 PM
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Showing 30 of 127 upcoming events · Community · from 2026-08-02 · to 2026-08-09
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.
Join us for Sunday drop-in Meditations 9-10 am weekly. In person only– in the Gompa at Land of Medicine Buddha with Venerable Yangchen! Venerable Yangchen's guided meditations bring together a refreshing and precious combination of simplicity, depth, and accessibility. These weekly, hour-long sessions are of great relevance and value to long-term Buddhist practitioners as well as to complete newcomers to meditation. The practice begins with brief instruction, 10 minutes of silent meditation, followed by guided analytical meditation and discussion based on the theme of the week.
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition at Castro Adobe State Historic Park Join us for a special Open House commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Second Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition, the historic journey that brought the Castro family to California and helped shape the future of Alta California. The connection is especially meaningful at the Castro Adobe. Joaquín Isidro Castro, grandfather of adobe builder Juan José Castro, traveled with the 1775–1776 Anza Expedition. His family's journey would eventually lead to the establishment of Rancho San Andrés and the construction of the magnificent two-story adobe hacienda that stands today. Featured Guest Speakers 11:00 AM – Jennifer Lucido, M.A., RPA Historical Archaeologist • CSUMB Lecturer • Scholar of Spanish Colonial California Presenting the fascinating story of Feliciana Arballo, "The Bold Widow," one of the most remarkable women of the Anza Expedition. 1:00 PM – Greg Bernal-Mendoza Smestad, PhD Anza Expedition Scholar • Author • Descendant Sharing insights into the Anza Expedition, its route, its people, and its lasting impact on California history. Throughout the day, enjoy live music in the garden, children's crafts, knowledgeable docents, and the opportunity to explore the fully restored 176-year-old, adobe hacienda of the Castro family. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day surrounded by history, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the Watsonville countryside. FREE EVENT! Parking is limited RSVP is encouraged: https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse Hosted by California State Parks & Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Sunday, August 02 2026 10:30am - 3:00pm Come celebrate Scotts Valley's 60th birthday at Skypark!
Sunday, August 02 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) is the SCPL young adult advisory group. ACT is open to all Santa Cruz County young adults, ages 12-18.
Exhibition titled 'Connections' at the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center.
Sunday, August 02 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
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 “More 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.
All during July, Waldo will be hiding out in twenty-seven downtown businesses-including Bookshop Santa Cruz! On Sunday afternoon, August 2nd, from 2:00 to 3:30 we will celebrate Waldo and th...
Sunday, August 02 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm Come join the magical world of D&D storytelling, where you can be a bard, a wizard, or a barbarian for a few hours and let your creativity run free.
Local non-profit American Sign Language Services Community hosting a bingo fundraiser at the Aptos Grange on Sunday's 3PM - 8PM , Monday's 5PM to 10PM.
Join a diverse group of cyber security enthusiasts every 3rd Friday of the month from 1-3PM or on the 1st Sunday of the month from 3-5PM. Join a group of folks who have a passion for cyber security. Group members have a broad range of interests and skill within the field and invite other people interested in cybersecurity to this public space where we can hangout, share new ideas, projects, and socialize. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=cyber+security&r=range&start=2026-06-02&end=2026-09-30
Sunday, August 02 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Join a diverse group of cyber security enthusiasts every 3rd Friday of the month from 1-3PM or on the 1st Sunday of the month from 3-5PM.
Hardcore in Santa Cruz on August 2nd at SubRosa presented by @saladbowlstyle with… * Damnata - San Francisco hardcore - @damnata415 (on tour) ** Final Fate - you’ll find out! *** Adherence - without a doubt! **** Crimson Hues - metallic hardcore - 408 - @crimsonhues_sjhc 6m - 10pm // $10 at door - notaflof!* // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! *no one turned away for lack of funds SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA —@@@@@— 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
Silent meditation.
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,
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.
Monday, August 03 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Join seniors like you every Monday for an hour of gathering and sharing about getting older. We will focus on a different topic each week.
Monday, August 03 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Join us Mondays 10:30am-12pm at Aptos Library for social Bridge! All skill levels welcome. Enjoy fun, friendship, and mental stimulation.
Monday, August 03 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm Play Mahjong with fellow enthusiasts! Beginners welcome with weekly Hong Kong Style lessons. Other styles offered too. Tiles provided or bring your own.
Monday, August 03 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm Join us every Monday at the Felton Branch for a knitting party. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome.
Monday, August 03 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Local non-profit American Sign Language Services Community hosting a bingo fundraiser at the Aptos Grange on Sunday's 3PM - 8PM , Monday's 5PM to 10PM.
Monday, August 03 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm A poetry workshop anyone who would like to establish a writing practice in a safe and encouraging environment.
-Natalie
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,
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.
The Arboretum opens its gates to the community free of charge on the first Tuesday of every month. Come enjoy our gardens and wildlife. Don't forget to stop by our wonderful gift shop and retail plant nursery. Community Days are popular; please consider carpooling or using alternative transportation.
Date: Every Tuesday, except Holidays Time: 10am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Event Description: Join your community every Tuesday between 10am-12pm at the Diversity Center. Nic is ready with a different activity or workshop each week, and volunteers are on hand with snacks, beverages, and community. August Activities: August 4: Tote Bag Painting activity with Nic Get your beach bag ready and customize your own tote bag with Nic. All supplies provided. August 11: Qigong with Tara Settle the mind and body and engage in gently movement. All levels welcome. August 18: “Word is Out - Stories from Some of Our Lives” (1977) documentary viewing and discussion with Nic One of the most important LGBTQ+ documentaries ever made, it is considered the first documentary about gay people by gay people. Though it is criminally under-watched, Word is Out had a huge impact, even on pioneers like Vito Russo. This film was made by six LGBTQ+ filmmakers and features interviews with 26 LGBTQ+ pe
Tuesday, August 04 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm Dignity Mobile Wellness Clinic provides evaluations, screenings, and treatment and connects you to services that support physical and mental health on 1st & 3rd Tuesdays. Hrs: 9-12 & 1-3. Bilingual.
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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.
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