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
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 — 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 “Fundraiser” in the note. You can also donate at the door. Come through and help us bring the lounge to life.
★ Featured
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 “Marka27” Quiñonez: Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá 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 “Monk” 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.
★ Featured
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.
Coming up
(((folkYEAH!))) presents KISHI BASHI Rio Theatre Santa Cruz, CA October 6, 2026 Doors 7pm / Show 8pm All Ages
Coming up
A recurring dance class in Santa Cruz. Check with the venue for specific style and level.
55 events on today. No plans required, just go. See the full day →
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
Showing 30 of 211 upcoming events · Community · from 2026-10-06 · to 2026-10-13
Tuesday, October 06 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.
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.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Join us at the Boulder Creek Library for Quilting with Friends every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month (subject to holiday closures) All levels of quilting expertise are welcome, from accomplished quilters to those new to the craft. Participants bring their own supplies to work on individual projects, share knowledge and create community. Registration is not required. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=quilting&r=range&start=2025-09-15&end=2025-12-29
Tuesday, October 06 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Tuesday, October 06 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
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. October Activities: October 6: Frames for TDOR with Zoey Join us for arts and crafts for a cause! Make frames to memorialize trans lives for Trans Day of Remembrance October 13: “The Celluloid Closet” screening & Discussion Join us for a viewing of the classic documentary, “The Celluloid Closet” and revisit the ongoing issue of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. October 20: Warming our hearts & minds Mental health Workshop Join Cybele and our mental health trainees for a seasonal-change workshop focused on strengthening connection and gratitude practices. October 27: Halloween Party with Nic Join in the spooky fun for a round of Halloween music bingo, a game of haunted trivia,
Tuesday, October 06 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us Tuesdays at Aptos Library to learn, play, and compete in Backgammon! All skill levels welcome - enjoy strategy, fun, and friendly competition in a relaxed social setting.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Baby Story Time is a sweet introduction to stories, songs, rhymes, and lap play, thoughtfully designed to nurture early literacy and bonding.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Learn to plan bus trips, ride safely, apply for discounted fares, use the Transit app, and access free mobility training to travel confidently and independently.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 11:00am - 11:45am Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Scotts Valley Library Branch every Tuesday at 11am.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Puppets, Songs and toys, Oh My!
Tuesday, October 06 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm Housing navigation services for people experiencing homelessness.
A tech-focused gathering for those interested in STEM, offering opportunities to explore technology and innovation.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm The Travelling Book Club welcomes local author Nina Simon to discuss her newest book, My Sister is Going to Kill Me.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Would you bet your life on the accuracy of your family tree? Robert Givens will walk you through a way to verify those parts lacking documentation or just don't seem right.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Practice your English and make new friends!
Tuesday, October 06 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Join us for process-focused art workshops using various mediums, prompts, and mindfulness to boost wellbeing and ease stress. No experience needed; materials provided.
(OUTSIDE GROUP ) The Older Lesbians’ Group: Where in All The World Are The Lesbians? First and Third Tuesday, August 4, 2:00 - 3:30 pm (RSVP for location) Topics are chosen at the beginning of each meeting. Share your most compelling topic about navigating life as an older lesbian, in a safe, confidential environment. Join us if you are an older (you decide what age that is), self-identified lesbian, interested in sharing your journey with others. Meetings are held at a group member’s home. RSVP to [email protected] prior to each meeting for the address.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12. By appointment only. Please, no drop-ins! To make an appointment, call 831-427-7713
Tuesday, October 06 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12. R.E.A.D. ofrece instrucción individual de comprensión lectora para los grados 1 a 12.
Fall Semester Maker Classes (August 11 – December 20, 2026) Join us for a semester of hands-on creativity at SC Maker Studios! Students explore 3D printing, laser engraving, woodworking, sewing, robotics, beading, arts & crafts, and more, creating projects to take home each week. All materials are included (except electronic robot components). Weekly Class Times: Youth (Ages 6½–12) Tuesdays: 3:00–5:00 PM Wednesdays: 1:00–3:00 PM & 3:00–5:00 PM Thursdays: 3:00–5:00 PM Sundays: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Teens (Ages 11–17) Sundays: 12:30–2:30 PM Register for the full semester to reserve your spot [https://scmakerstudios.com/fall-semester-2026/], or join us for individual Maker Sunday drop-in sessions [https://scmakerstudios.com/sunday-maker-registration/]. Spaces are limited!
Tuesday, October 06 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Aptos Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18 with knowledge of basic rules (how the pieces move). Instructor is Chess Master Dana Mackenzie.
Tuesday, October 06 2026 3:45pm - 5:45pm An exciting four-week STEM adventure designed for kids 8-12! This four-week series meets weekly from September 22nd through October 13th. Registration is required.
4 booked, 3 available Kathryn Pierno
Wednesday, October 07 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm Dignity Mobile Wellness Clinic and Santa Cruz Public Libraries are partnering to offer services that support the health of patrons with weekly Wednesday visits to the Scotts Valley branch library.
1 booked, 14 available Noelle Lightbourne
This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens. Are you 55+ and want or need to re-enter the paid work force? This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens as well as arm you with the strategies, resources and confidence to support you in approaching and succeeding in today’s job market. Join a dedicated cohort of participants who will commit to attendance at each session, as each session builds on the previous session’s work. Please plan to bring your laptop (library will provide laptops for those who don’t have one). Registration is required and space is limited. Monday and Wednesday sessions are 10 am to 1pm. Friday sessions begin at 11 am. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=what+got+you&r=range&start=2026-08-24&end=2026-10-10 Session 1: Monday September 28 (10-1) Introductions, Self -Assessment with an emphasis on transferable skills, and possibility thinking. The case for hiring older workers. Session 2: Wednesday September 30 (10-1) Building the resume with accomplishment statements, background summaries, and cover letters. Deep dive into the use of CANVA. Nancy Jones and Nadine Burke Session 3: Friday October 2 (11-2) Incorporating AI and LinkedIn into your search with guest speakers David Dennis from Microsoft and Alex Murchison from LinkedIn. Session 4: Monday October 5 (10-1) Resume review Session 5: Wednesday October 7 (10-1) Surfacing job opportunities. Session 6: Friday October 9 (11-3) Interviewing skills. Launching the process. About the Facilitator and Guest Speakers Nancy Jones has worked in the field of adult career, leadership and talent development for more than 20 years. She has extensive experience in corporate, nonprofit and academic settings. David Dennis is Principal Program/Product Manager at Microsoft Alex Murchison is Senior Lead Product Counsel at LinkedIn Nadine Burke is a retired
Wednesday, October 07 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens.
Wednesday, October 07 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm A 12 week series on Wednesdays from 10:30AM-12PM that introduces foundational digital literacy concepts and teaches useful digital skills. Classes conducted in-person with an instructor via Zoom.
181 more events further out
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 →