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
Fri, Oct 2, 2026 Β· 6:30 PM

Treehouse Dispensary First Friday

πŸ“ Treehouse Dispensary Β· Soquel Β· FREE

First Friday: Costume Party Edition πŸ‘» Friday, October 2 Β· 7–10 PM Β· 21+ Treehouse is hosting our first-ever cannabis consumption event, and we're kicking it off with a costume party. Come as you are, or come as someone (or something) else entirely. Spooky season starts here. Live music by Junebug (8–9:30 PM) Folk-fusion fingerstyle guitar from a one-woman band. Junebug also tap dances and plays harmonica, autoharp, kazoo, trumpet, ukulele, and banjo, so expect the unexpected. Artists & Makers Market (7–10 PM) Browse and shop work from local artists and makers: Art by Dejon, Cyanide Cyn, Mori Mysterium, Mountain Medusa, Stitch and Story, Penning Beads, WilderWilds, Corals Tiny World, Hermelinda, and Potato Studios. Stash Jar Making (7–10 PM) Puff, puff, craft. Stop by our free DIY station and decorate a one-of-a-kind stash jar to keep your favorite flower fresh and stylish. All supplies provided. Just bring your creativity. Cannabis Elixirs 🍹 Sip, sip, hooray. Enjoy refreshing cannabis elixirs while you get crafty and catch the show. Free to attend. Costumes strongly encouraged. Must be 21+ with valid ID. Treehouse Dispensary Β· 3651 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz 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 The Art Lande Trio Coming up
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 Β· Samper Recital Hall

The Art Lande Trio

Art Lande (piano) β€” GΓΌnter Wehinger (flute) β€” Tim Wendel (guitar) WILLIAM WINANT - Percussion

Music πŸ“ Soquel
Promotional image for Heather/Nelsen Duo Coming up
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 Β· Discretion Brewing

Heather/Nelsen Duo

3:00-5:00pm Heather Norquist has been singing as long as she can remember. She has performed at restaurants and cafes throughout Santa Cruz, and she enjoys singing a wide array of songs including classics from the swing era, bossa nova, French cafe music and pop classics. Heather's vocal style is subtle, warm and delicate as she shares these beautiful songs with her audience. Nelsen Hutchison is a guitarist, educator, and composer who regularly performs with luminaries of the gypsy jazz (Hot Club of SF), swing (Gunhild Carling), and straight-ahead jazz traditions. In addition to being an active performer, Nelsen also teaches courses in guitar at Skyline College and is pursuing his PhD in Cross-Cultural Musicology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Music πŸ“ Soquel
Promotional image for Karaoke with Moondog Coming up
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 Β· Fast Eddy's Billiards Dart Room

Karaoke with Moondog

Sing your heart out! We will start at 3pm....ends when the cops show up or when I throw in the towel....No way you can be too late to get into the rotation.....We use Karafun, so the artists who own the songs get paid ROYALTIES via BMI or ASCAP. Venmo & TIP JAR FOR THE KJ. Beer and Wine , Bar Food Menu. Plenty of free parking.

Music πŸ“ Capitola
Promotional image for Full Moon Meditation for September Coming up
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 Β· Spa Santangelo

Full Moon Meditation for September

πŸŒ• Full Moon Sound Bath & Guided Meditation 80-Minute Experience | Spa Santangelo, Felton, CA + Online Join Melissa at each Full Moon for a deeply restorative journey designed to help you reconnect, release, and restore your inner balance. Step into a serene, supportive space and allow yourself to fully unwind. This immersive experience combines the healing vibrations of a live sound bath, guided meditation, journaling, and fire release to bring a deeper sense of peace and balance. You’ll be guided through Melissa’s Mystic Meditationsβ€”a thoughtfully curated journey inspired by the energy of the Full Moon: πŸŒ• Full Moon β€” LET GO Release what no longer serves you, clear stagnant energy, and create space for what’s next. The Full Moon offers an opportunity to reflect on what has come to fruition and consciously release what you’re ready to leave behind. Through meditation, sound, journaling, and fire release, allow yourself to let go and make room for renewed balance and clarity. Whether you join us in person at Spa Santangelo in Felton, CA, or online from the comfort of your own home, come exactly as you are. In-person groups of up to 10 guests are welcome. Gather your friends, family, or community and share this beautiful experience together. πŸ“š Extend Your Wellness Journey Continue exploring your path with offerings from The Groovy Goddess, including: ✨ In-person & online sessions πŸ“š Books 🎧 Guided meditations 🌿 Online transformational courses ✨ Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter, grounded, peaceful, and renewedβ€”ready to move forward with greater clarity.

Festivals πŸ“ San Lorenzo Valley

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Sunday, September 27

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

12:00 AM
See listing
Take In: Featured Artist
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Community
12:00 AM
See listing
Santa Cruz Triathlon
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Wharf
Outdoors
6:00 AM
$3000
The Art of Unwinding Wellness Retreat
πŸ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Wellness
8:00 AM
See listing
Capitola Beach Festival
πŸ“ Capitola Village
Festivals
9:00 AM
$65
Bio-Vibe Table: Sound & Vibration Wellness Sessions
πŸ“ Soulcare Studios
Wellness
9:00 AM
See listing
Drop-in Meditation
πŸ“ Land of Medicine Buddha – In the Gompa
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
Live Oak: Farmers Market
πŸ“ Live Oak Farmers’ Market
Markets
9:00 AM
FREE
Live Oak Farmers' Market
πŸ“ East Cliff Village
Markets
10:00 AM
$245
Youth Robot Series - Santa Cruz Maker Studios
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Maker Studios
Family

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 561 upcoming events Β· Education

Sep
28

Environmental Studies Seminar Series | Lightning Talks by ENVS Faculty

πŸ“ Interdisciplinary Sciences Building
πŸ•’ 1:25 PM – 2:30 PM Β· See listing

In person and via Zoom ( Meeting ID : 978 5545 8946, Passcode : 454736) . If you are unable to stream the talk live and need to access a recorded version, please contact Stacy Philpott at [email protected] . A UC Santa Cruz email address is required to access the recording. Host: Natalia Ocampo-PeΓ±uela Speaker #1: Hannah Waterhouse Title: Building Cover Cropping Communities of Practice on California’s Central Coast Abstract: California’s agricultural communities face the dual challenges of increasingly variable and limited irrigation water supplies, alongside persistent groundwater quality degradation from nitrate leaching that has imperiled drinking water for nearly one million residents of rural communities in the state. These challenges come together most acutely in California’s Central Coast region, the β€œSalad Bowl” of the U.S., where intensive, high-value vegetable and berry production dominates. The benefits provided by adding winter cover crops to these annual cropping systems are considered essential to improving groundwater quality, but perceptions among farmers and policymakers that cover crops consume too much water make a formidable barrier to adoption in this Mediterranean climate. Indeed, less than 5% of cropland on the Central Coast is cover cropped, with the majority left fallow over the winter season to devastating effects including erosion and loss of fertility, pollution of surface and groundwater, and flooded fields which can delay agronomic operations. In this research we address the question of how farmers in Mediterranean, semi-arid climatic regions can implement cover cropping in a water scarce environment while meeting water quality regulatory goals. Through both controlled trials and on-farm, participatory research, we aim to determine how different cover crop management practices affect the balance between water regulation and provisioning and water quality protection, as well as the supply of nitrogen (N) for cash crops. We have formed a

Education Free πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Sep
28

PAWS Afterschool Program

πŸ“ Santa Cruz SPCA
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Β· $75

PAWS Afterschool Club (Ages 7–10) Looking for something fun to do after school? Love animals? Join PAWS and discover what it takes to care for shelter animals while making new friends and learning through hands-on activities! Each week, children enjoy one hour of fun animal-themed education and activities, followed by one hour socializing with our shelter animals. They’ll learn about animal behavior, responsible pet care, shelter life, and safe animal handling before putting their new knowledge into practice by spending quality time helping our cats and dogs feel loved and confident. Children begin with PAWS Foundations, a three-week introductory program. After graduating, they become PAWS Ambassadors, returning for additional sessions to build new skills, spend more time with the animals, and take on greater responsibilities as they progress toward becoming future Santa Cruz SPCA volunteers. PAWS Foundations: Monday 4pm-6pm (September – May) PAWS Ambassadors: Wednesday 4pm-6pm (September – May)

Family Education Details β†’
Sep
28

Paradigm Sport Defense Clinic

πŸ“ Jade Street Park
πŸ•’ 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Β· $250

A Softball specific weekly clinic designed to keep our gloves and our feet smooth on defense. This clinic is held once a week at Jade Street Park by our college level coaches that are working on fundamentals, form, and execution. Clinic is for 12+ athletes.

Sep
28

Reportback on Border Wall Resistance in Lochiel, AZ

πŸ“ Sub Rosa
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Β· See listing

Come and learn about the flourishing resistance camp currently halting border wall construction along the so-called US-Mexico border in southern Arizona! We will give a timeline around the events taking place at the border, the tactics used by protesters, and what we can learn from the fight to save Grandmother Tree. Masking encouraged. -Elle

Sep
28

Enhancing Energy, Increasing Vitality - Bodywork & Self-care Exercises

πŸ“ Hummingbird Valley Retreat Center
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Β· $20

A new 6-week series, beginning Monday, September 14. Each session builds on the one before it, inviting you to let go of tension, balance your nervous system, and learn how you can move through life without draining your energy during unexpected or uncomfortable events. It’s for the busy parent who feels depleted, the professional who is chronically tired, those healing from a stressful time of life, and anyone wishing to relate to life with more positivity, energy and enthusiasm. In the non-judgmental atmosphere of Breema, the series will support you to: β€”notice where you drain energy and fall into habitual patterns, relationships, fear, and anxiety β€”discover new, more harmonious ways of relating to these aspects of ourselves β€”learn simple bodywork treatments that support you to be present, and that you can practice on friends and family, and Self-Breema exercises that you can do during the day $20 per class or $100/series Open to all levels You’ll need to be reasonably comfortable moving and working on a padded floor with other participants. Wear comfortable long pants and socks. No fragrances, please. Class dates include: 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19, 10/26. Please note no class 10/12 due to Breema Intensive in Oakland. For more information, please contact Hummingbird Valley Retreat Center at (510) 455-8008, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Continuing Education may be available for this event. Visit breema.info/ce for more information and to sign up. Instructors: Alexandra Johnson, MD, Kevin Johnson and Dena Ehrlich

Wellness Education Details β†’
Sep
29

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.

Sep
29

Latin American & Latino Studies Ph.D. Program Information Sessions

πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Β· See listing

An interdisciplinary department that centers the interconnected experiences and perspectives of Latin American and Latinx communities. This program provides rigorous training in disciplinary and interdisciplinary theory and research methods to investigate transnational processes that link the Americas. We especially invite applications from students interested in: Transnationalisms, Migration, and Displacement Intersectionality, Identities, and Inequalities Culture, Power, and Knowledge Collective Action, Social Movements, and Social Change Session 1: Tuesday, September 29, noon-1pm Learn about our interdisciplinary and hemispheric approach and major research areas Hear from faculty and graduate students about their scholarship Ask questions about the program and UC Santa Cruz Session 2: Tuesday, November 17, noon-1pm Learn about the Ph.D. program curriculum and structure Hear from the Graduate Director and Graduate Program Coordinator Ask questions about the application process RSVP to one or both sessions using our Google Form >>

Education Cultural Event πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Sep
29

Student Health Services Scavenger Hunt

πŸ“ Health Center (Student Health Center)
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Β· See listing

Welcome to UCSC! Explore UCSC Student Health Services (SHS), collect stamps at each department, and win free swag plus entry into a grand prize drawing! Drop by the Student Health Center for an interactive Scavenger Hunt to get familiar with all the health and wellness resources available to you on campus. Pick up your official Scavenger Hunt Passport at the Welcome Table, then tour stations across the facilityβ€”including the Medical Clinic, Pharmacy, CAPS, Insurance Office, Lab, and X-Ray. Meet our staff, learn how to access services, and get your passport stamped along the way. Event Highlights β€’ Free SHS Swag: Complete all stations to take home water bottles, chapstick, lens cleaner, toothbrushes, stickers, and stress balls. β€’ Grand Prize Drawing: Every finished passport earns an entry to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card ! β€’ Open to All: Available to all UCSC students with no advance registration required. Event Details β€’ Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 β€’ Time: 12–2 p.m. β€’ Location: UCSC Student Health Center (Welcome Table at Main Entrance) β€’ Cost: Free! You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeβ€”whether a student service, faculty program, or community eventβ€”is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .

Education Wellness πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Sep
29

Downsizing Without the Overwhelm: 10 Simple Steps to Start Today

πŸ“ Scotts Valley Senior Center
πŸ•’ 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Β· FREE

Join us for the second session in Living on Your Terms, a four-part series presented by Heart Centered Transitions on smart planning for the next chapter. Each session stands on its own, so come to one or join us for all. Handouts from previous sessions will be available at the Senior Center. Downsizing Without the Overwhelm: 10 Simple Steps to Start Today Downsizing can feel overwhelmingβ€”especially when you don’t know where to begin. In this practical, interactive session, we’ll break the process into manageable steps to help you get started and keep moving forward. You’ll learn: Where to begin when you don’t know where to start Practical strategies for deciding what to keep, give, donate, or let go How to make steady progress without becoming overwhelmed You don’t have to be planning a move to benefit. Downsizing now can help simplify your home and your lifeβ€”and make future decisions easier.

Sep
29

Fall 2026 Afterschool & Maker Sundays at SCMS!

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Maker Studios
πŸ•’ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Β· $37

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!

Community Education πŸ“ Westside Details β†’
Sep
29

SPCA Junior Animal Care Team

πŸ“ Santa Cruz SPCA
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Β· $75

Junior Animal Care Team (Ages 11+) Ready to level up your animal skills? If you love animals and want real, hands-on experience, the Junior Animal Care Team gives you the chance to go behind the scenes at the Santa Cruz SPCA! Start with a three-week training program where you’ll learn how to safely support shelter animals and prepare for your role on the team. Each session includes one hour of hands-on animal care projectsβ€”creating enrichment, preparing supplies, and helping support the shelter teamβ€”followed by one hour socializing with our shelter animals. After graduating, you’ll become a Junior Animal Care Team Member, returning for ongoing sessions to build your skills, take on more responsibility, and make a real difference for animals in need. A progressive step before becoming an SPCA volunteerβ€”perfect for future animal care professionals and passionate animal advocates! Junior Animal Care Team Training: Tuesday 4pm-6pm (September – May) Junior Animal Care Team Sessions: Thursday 4pm-6pm (September – May)

Family Education Details β†’
Sep
30

Coffee with Provost Aims McGuinness

πŸ“ Merrill College Office
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Β· FREE

Grab a free cup of coffee* and chat with Provost Aims at Coffee with the Provost! Most Wednesdays through the Fall Quarter! 9:00-11:00am Meet us for (free) coffee, tea, breakfast snacks and good conversation outside the Merrill College Office, across from the mailroom. *Fair trade, organic, local women owned Alta Organic Roasting Company

Education Free πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Sep
30

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†’
Sep
30

Engineering Teaching Community (Faculty)

πŸ“ Jack Baskin Engineering
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Β· See listing

During the chaos of a quarter, is it hard to find time to reflect and improve as an instructor? Would you like to be a part of an inclusive, supportive group of engineering instructors who do this in community? ETC is for sharing teaching experiences, classroom ideas, research on learning, and methods that support instructors and students. All are welcome, and lunch is provided. Please reach out to Jenny Quynn with questions.

Education Community πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Sep
30

The Mindful U: Finding Calm, Clarity + Connection in a Chaotic World

πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Β· FREE

The Mindful U: Finding Calm, Clarity + Connection in a Chaotic World With Jessica Sanam Hekmat Thursday, Sept. 30, 2025 | Noon PT Virtual via Zoom Hosted by the UCLA Alumni Association, open to all UC alumni This interactive session, led by career coach Jessica Sanam Hekmat, invites participants to pause and reset to cultivate presence and self-awareness as they navigate professional and personal demands. We’ll explore practical mindfulness tools and reflective prompts designed to foster resilience, regulate stress and re-energize focus. The conversation will balance strategy and self-inquiry, and we’ll ground ourselves together in real time through guided breathwork, reflection, and visualization. Participants will leave with practical ways to reconnect to their values and sense of purpose, even when the external environment feels unpredictable. LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Education Wellness πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Sep
30

PAWS Afterschool Program

πŸ“ Santa Cruz SPCA
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Β· $75

PAWS Afterschool Club (Ages 7–10) Looking for something fun to do after school? Love animals? Join PAWS and discover what it takes to care for shelter animals while making new friends and learning through hands-on activities! Each week, children enjoy one hour of fun animal-themed education and activities, followed by one hour socializing with our shelter animals. They’ll learn about animal behavior, responsible pet care, shelter life, and safe animal handling before putting their new knowledge into practice by spending quality time helping our cats and dogs feel loved and confident. Children begin with PAWS Foundations, a three-week introductory program. After graduating, they become PAWS Ambassadors, returning for additional sessions to build new skills, spend more time with the animals, and take on greater responsibilities as they progress toward becoming future Santa Cruz SPCA volunteers. PAWS Foundations: Monday 4pm-6pm (September – May) PAWS Ambassadors: Wednesday 4pm-6pm (September – May)

Family Education Details β†’

531 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†’