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.
First Friday: Costume Party Edition 👻 Friday, October 2 · 7–10 PM · 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 · 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.
Coming up
🌕 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 Meditations—a thoughtfully curated journey inspired by the energy of the Full Moon: 🌕 Full Moon — 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. 📚 Extend Your Wellness Journey Continue exploring your path with offerings from The Groovy Goddess, including: ✨ In-person & online sessions 📚 Books 🎧 Guided meditations 🌿 Online transformational courses ✨ Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter, grounded, peaceful, and renewed—ready to move forward with greater clarity.
A monthly open mic night at the 418 Project featuring music, theatre, and spoken word performances.
6 - 10pm · Carla Re hosts an amazing Karaoke all over the Bay Area. This is her first time here at The Cruz Room. Come join the fun!
Coming up
🥂 🎨 9/27 🍻🍹🍸 STIMULATE YOUR SENSES AT @missionwest.bar WITH A MULTI SENSORY CREATIVE EXPERIENCE: PAINT & SIP with LIVE MUSIC BY DJ CAPPUCCINO & shop local artisans | 6pm-8pm 🖼️ This is A GUIDED LOCAL LANDSCAPE ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE: 🖌️ Explore shading, depth, & layering techniques. As well as many tips to help you feel comfortable using creative materials. 🎨 ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED As you sip a delicious beverage by MISSION WEST BAR you will be guided through creating your own unique work of art. Music will make you want to move and groove while you paint. You’re not glued to your seat so feel free to get up and dance. In addition, Local artisans @suzyrad @artbysunes @deelighteddesigns will have there unique and hand made goods for you to shop after the event. This is a moment to connect with yourself and mingle with the local community in a completely safe space to be yourself and let loose! ALL PARTICIPANTS 21+ RECEIVE DRINK SPECIALS 🍻🍸🍹🥂🍾 LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE 💸 $45 or 2 for $85 🎟️ RSVP TXT “MWEST” [818.489.0988](tel:818.489.0988) 💫 GOOD VIBES ONLY ✌🏼 🌙 ALL ARE WELCOME 21+ 🫶 🌞 RELAX & UNWIND ✨ 🌟 CONNECT WITH YOURSELF & THE COMMUNITY ⚡️ UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD & AWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT 🌬️ BREATHE, BE PRESENT & LIVE IN THE MOMENT! 🐦🔥 ACTIVATE YOUR WELL BEING 🧠 🫀 ENGAGE IN A MINDFUL & INTENTIONAL EXPERIENCE 🎨 Creative self care & a healing meditative wellness experience through art, music and community! 🫶 This space is completely safe. Here to help guide, support, & encourage your unique creative expression experience! ✨✨✨ 🙏 🙌 Grateful to be collaborating with local businesses, local artists, & local musicians to create unique and unforgettable MULTI SENSORY CREATIVE EXPERIENCES for ALL our community to enjoy! 🫶✨ Art therapy Paint & Sip Creative expression Acrylic workshop Art & wellness Support local #santacruzevents #santacruz #santacruzart #santacruzartist #artisthedeeperyou
59 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Showing 60 of 666 upcoming events · Family
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Monday, September 28 2026 10:30am - 11:30am A time for free play for children with a participating adult.
Monday, September 28 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Join us for Storytime for ages 0-5 featuring songs, rhymes, lap bounces, and stories. After Storytime, stay for Stay & Play!
Monday, September 28 2026 11:00am - 11:45am Join Aquarium staff for an ocean-themed sensory play time
Monday, September 28 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.
An afternoon craft session at the library, offering a relaxed space to work on creative projects.
Crafternoons are back! ✂️ Get craft with family. Drop in to the Main Library between 2-5pm every Monday and Wednesday to make a craft together. Slow down, work with your hands, and get creative! Bring the family and join us for some creative fun! Audience: Families ¡Regresan las tardes de manualidades! ✂️ Se le invita a la Biblioteca Principal de 2-5pm todos los lunes y miércoles para hacer una manualidad en familia. ¡Tómense su momento para relajarse, trabajar con las manos y dejar volar su creatividad! ¡Traigan a toda la familia y disfruten juntos de una tarde creativa! Audiencia: Familias
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)
Monday, September 28 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Practice reading to a certified therapy dog! Registration is required.
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
2 Mondays of Latin Social Dance in September, Salsa, level1 and Cha Cha level 2, at the Mid County Social Center in Capitola with Becky Adams. 6:15-7:15 - Salsa social dance for the absolute beginner. If you love the music, come join us to learn the basics of this fun dance. 7:30-8:30 - ChaCha 2, will move you into fun, useable Intermediate combinations to add to your social dance repertoire. If you know Cha Cha basics, or have taken Salsa 2 and know the 'triple step' come and join us. Singles or couples all ages welcome.
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Tuesday, September 29 2026 10:30am - 11:00am A fun and interactive dance program for children ages 2-5. Come dance with us!
Tuesday, September 29 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, September 29 2026 11:00am - 11:25am 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, September 29 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Puppets, Songs and toys, Oh My!
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!
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Tuesday, September 29 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Scotts Valley Branch Library! .
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 projects—creating enrichment, preparing supplies, and helping support the shelter team—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 volunteer—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)
Tuesday, September 29 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, September 29 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.
A free weekly dance jam for babies and their caregivers at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, with movement, music, and play in a joyful environment.
A bilingual lap-sit storytime for babies and toddlers, with songs, rhymes, and books in English and Spanish.
Wednesday, September 30 2026 10:30am - 11:00am Join us at the Garfield Park Branch Library for Storytime!
A bilingual storytime for toddlers with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish, promoting early literacy and language skills.
Wednesday, September 30 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join us for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful Boulder Creek Library Branch every Wednesday at 11am.
Wednesday, September 30 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for Story Time featuring songs, rhymes, and stories designed to help preschoolers develop early literacy skills.
Wednesday, September 30 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for great stories followed by a hands-on craft.
Crafternoons are back! ✂️ Get craft with family. Drop in to the Main Library between 2-5pm every Monday and Wednesday to make a craft together. Slow down, work with your hands, and get creative! Bring the family and join us for some creative fun! Audience: Families ¡Regresan las tardes de manualidades! ✂️ Se le invita a la Biblioteca Principal de 2-5pm todos los lunes y miércoles para hacer una manualidad en familia. ¡Tómense su momento para relajarse, trabajar con las manos y dejar volar su creatividad! ¡Traigan a toda la familia y disfruten juntos de una tarde creativa! Audiencia: Familias
Wednesday, September 30 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Scotts Valley Branch Library's fun program allows tweens and teens to relax, hang out with friends and play games!
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!
Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment around us. Children will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy!
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)
Wednesday, September 30 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore.
This is a clinic for Softball Athletes 12+, designed specific to athletes by athletes. Throughout three 4-week sessions, athletes will focus on every aspect of becoming a complete offensive player. We'll cover hitting mechanics, swing fundamentals, approach at the plate, pitch selection, live pitching, front toss, situational execution, base running, and the mental side of the game.
Wednesday, September 30 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Ages 8 to 18
Wednesday, September 30 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Lego Fun for Kids
Thursday, October 01 2026 12:00am - 11:59pm Find all 13 monsters and win a prize!
A bilingual storytime for toddlers, with stories, songs, and activities in two languages to support early literacy.
Thursday, October 01 2026 10:30am - 11:30am For ages 0-5
Thursday, October 01 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our lovely Felton Community Room every Thursday at 11am, followed by a craft!
Thursday, October 01 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Songs and Stories
Thursday, October 01 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join Aquarium staff for some bilingual, ocean-learning fun through stories, songs, and movement followed by a craft.
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!
These hands-on science workshops introduce Next Generation Science Standards skills through interactive projects. Led by Barrio Science Workshop's Salvador Lua and his team of dedicated volunteers, each week will feature a different theme-focused project, covering subjects such as biology, ecology, engineering, art, chemistry, physics and more. Bring your curiosity and prepare to be inspired! All materials and instructions will be provided. Register here: https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=explore&l=Capitola+Branch&r=range&start=2026-09-01&end=2026-10-31
Thursday, October 01 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu.
Thursday, October 01 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Bring your decks and get ready to play
Thursday, October 01 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
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 projects—creating enrichment, preparing supplies, and helping support the shelter team—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 volunteer—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)
Girls Who Code is a nation-wide organization dedicated to teaching girls not only the language and skills of coding, but about finding their confidence, learning teamwork and the drive to succeed in the world, especially in science and technology. Girls and non-binary youth will be invited to get together and learn coding skills while having fun, challenging themselves and creating friendships. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=girls+who+code&r=range&start=2026-09-01&end=2026-12-31
Thursday, October 01 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Stop by each week for a new creative craft.
Ever been inspired to drop everything and create when visiting an exhibition at the MAH? Join us for a Drop-In Drawing session in the gallery from 6-8pm on the first Thursday of every month. This is not a formal lesson, but an opportunity to bring in your own art supplies and sketch what you see. Dry media only (no markers or paint). All ages welcome. Free with admission. The museum will provide stools, feel free to bring a cushion or folding chair if space allows. Groups of 5+ please give advanced notice by emailing [email protected] . Drop-In Drawing Calendar 2025 September 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home October 2 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home November 6 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home December 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home 2026 January 1 - NONE (New Years Day) February 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship March 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship Comment end
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]
Friday, October 02 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm A time for free play for children with a participating adult.
Friday, October 02 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Scotts Valley Library Branch every Friday at 11:30am.
Friday, October 02 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm Join us for great stories and a fun craft. Ages 4-6
Calling all Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors—this exciting overnight adventure is just for you! Includes: • Camping Under the Stars on the Boardwalk • Exclusive Free Play in the Arcade • Dinner & Breakfast • Outdoor Movie • Exclusive time on the Looff Carousel & Pirate Ship Friday night • Sand Sculpture Competition • Event Patch • Ride Wristband for Saturday • Discounted Parking Package Price: $99.95 per person Deadline September 27, 2026, or until full. Register today! bit.ly/Fall-Girl-Scout-Overnight
Friday, October 02 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm S.T.E.A.M Projects. Explore Your World
Join us for Week Without Driving 2026 from Oct. 1-8 as Cruzin’ Together Santa Cruz County brings our community together to explore transportation accessibility, mobility, and connection. This regional initiative encourages community members to experience how transportation barriers impact many residents every day, including older adults, youth, people with disabilities, and transit-dependent community members. 📍 Community Event: Capitola Mall (in front of the transit center) Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 4 PM – 7 PM The event will feature: 🚲 E-bike test rides 🚌 Transportation resources 🎨 Family-friendly activities 🤝 Community organizations 🛣 Mobility and accessibility information Learn more and get involved: cruzintogetherscc.org
606 more events further out
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