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πŸ“ Santa Cruz County, CA

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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 Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” β˜… Featured
Tue, Jul 28, 2026 Β· Stevenson College

Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

The DSAS Center for Leadership and Involvement and Summer Edge invite you to join us for our Movie Night Under the Stars event screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”: Date: Tuesday, July 28th Screening Time: Event entry begins at 7:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Location: Stevenson College Knoll *Bring your own blanket! Limited chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.* Free movie snacks will be available! For any questions or accommodations, please email [email protected] . 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 πŸ“ UCSC
Promotional image for Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts β˜… Featured
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas! 2026 Lineup: May 21, 2026: Sambada May 28, 2026: Space Heater June 4, 2026: James Durbin & The Lost Boys June 11, 2026: Ancestree June 18, 2026: Jive Machine June 25, 2026: Cake by the Ocean July 2, 2026: Ripatti Rose Band July 9, 2026: Extra Large July 16, 2026: Fishhook July 23, 2026: Harry & The Hitmen July 30, 2026: Matt Masih & The Messengers August 6, 2026: The Houserockers August 13, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 20, 2026: La Familia August 27, 2026: Alex Lucero Band September 3, 2026: Sambada

Food & Drink πŸ“ Seabright & Harbor
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 Bluegrass Jam Bazaar (Copy) (Copy) Coming up
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 Β· Woodhouse Blending & Brewing

Bluegrass Jam Bazaar (Copy) (Copy)

This is the place to be on Tuesday! This weekly jam fest features rotating bands, open jam sessions, vendors, activities and all the dance vibes you can manage. Bring your instrument and your dancing shoes!

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Monday, July 27

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

12:00 AM
See listing
World of Birds Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
12:00 AM
See listing
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
1:00 AM
$500
The Dickens Universe featuring β€˜Bleak House’
πŸ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
Education
8:30 AM
$300
World of Birds Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
8:30 AM
$300
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Family
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$8600
Certified Massage Therapist Program
πŸ“ Cypress Health Institute
Community
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
11:00 AM
FREE
Local Specials
πŸ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Food & Drink

What's happening

Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.

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Showing 30 of 119 upcoming events Β· Family Β· from 2026-07-27 Β· to 2026-08-03

Jul
27

Beginning Botany Summer Camp

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM Β· See listing

CAMP FULL – CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST Are you a green thumb or a budding botanist? Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for the Beginning Botany camp this summer to learn about the natural world by studying plants, trees, and much more. Campers will build friendships while investigating nature, playing games, and creating awesome crafts! Times: Drop-off 8:30-9 a.m. | Pick-up 3-3:30 p.m. Grades: Entering K through 2nd grade (ages 5-7) Price : $400 | $20 Sibling Discount | $20 Off for Members (family and above) Scholarship applications open January 1-15, 2026 Member registration opens January 30, 2026, and opens January 31, 2026, for the public Museum Members get early access to camp registration, discounts, and more! Learn More

Jul
27

World of Birds Summer Camp

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM Β· See listing

Birds are fascinating and charismatic animals and the study of them is both fun and scientific. Campers will use scientific tools to study the many species of birds that visit the Museum and the surrounding habitats to study the great diversity of birds that call Santa Cruz home during the summer. Join us to dive into the world of birds! Times: Drop-off 8:30-9 a.m. | Pick-up 3-3:30 p.m. Grades: Entering 3rd through 4th grade (ages 8-9) Price : $400 | $20 Sibling Discount | $20 Off for Members (family and above) Scholarship applications open January 1-15, 2026 Member registration opens January 30, 2026, and opens January 31, 2026, for the public Museum Members get early access to camp registration, discounts, and more! Learn More REGISTER HERE

Jul
27

The Dickens Universe featuring β€˜Bleak House’

πŸ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
πŸ•’ 1:00 AM – 12:59 AM Β· $500

The Dickens Universe is a unique cultural event that brings together scholars, teachers, students, and members of the general public for a week of stimulating discussion and festive social activity on the beautiful Santa Cruz campus of the University of Californiaβ€”all focused on one or two Victorian novels, usually (but not always) one by Charles Dickens. In 2026, the Dickens Universe will feature Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Dickens’s ninth novel, published between 1852-1853, shines a light on social injustice and the devastating effects of a corrupt legal system, following the entangled lives of those caught in the never-ending Jarndyce and Jarndyce case. Told in alternating narrative voices, this rich literary experiment plays with a variety of genres from detective fiction and social realism to melodrama and satire. As characters move from city to suburb, from mansions to slums, we discover unexpected connections among classes, plots, and characters. Now in its 46th year of operation, the Dickens Universe combines features of a scholarly conference, a festival, a book club, and a summer camp. Participants include people of all ages and walks of lifeβ€”distinguished scholars, graduate students, undergraduates, retirees, young professionals, high school teachers, and anyone who loves reading and enjoys long Victorian novels. Here are some things that make the Universe such a special experience. The college lifestyle: participants live on campus, eat together in the student dining hall, and have time to meet and come to know each other in different ways. Everyone is reading the same book. We all have this one important thing in common. The activities include formal lectures, small discussion groups, films, daily Victorian teas, performances, and Victorian dancing. The Universe offers a week of total immersion in the world of Victorian fiction with friendly, like-minded colleagues in a beautiful setting. Whether we’re returning to a Dickens novel that everyone know

Education Family πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Jul
27

World of Birds Summer Camp

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Β· $300

Birds are fascinating and charismatic animals and the study of them is both fun and scientific. Campers will use scientific tools to study the many species of birds that visit the Museum and the surrounding habitats to study the great diversity of birds that call Santa Cruz home during the summer. Join us to dive into the world of birds!

Jul
27

Beginning Botany Summer Camp

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Β· $300

Are you a green thumb or a budding botanist? Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for the Beginning Botany camp this summer to learn about the natural world by studying plants, trees, and much more. Campers will build friendships while investigating nature, playing games, and creating awesome crafts!

Jul
27

Santa Cruz Beach Train

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Β· $32

From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.

Jul
27

POKEMON ART CONTEST FOR KIDS!

πŸ“ Comicopolis
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM Β· FREE

It's time to get those crayons sharpened, paints mixed and markers at the ready for our Summer 2026 PokΓ©mon Art Contest for kids 5-12! To join in, create a picture of your favorite PokΓ©mon having a fun moment or striking a cool, dynamic pose. Submissions should be on 8.5 x 11 paper. You can use any medium you like, such as paint, marker, crayon, pencil, etc. No digital art. There will be prizes awarded to two age groups, 5-7 and 8-12. Entries accepted June 1st-July 31st. Winners will be announced on August 6th. BONUS: All participants will receive a free PokΓ©mon:Chaos Rising 11x17 mini-poster (while supplies last) when you hand in your art.

Jul
27

The Cruz Room: Hosted Board Game Night

πŸ“ The Cruz Room
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Β· FREE

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

Jul
27

The SCS Cast Plays Dungeons & Dragons Live!

πŸ“ The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM Β· See listing

The Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS) cast will be shaking things up later this month at their Monday Night Revels. The SCS will be putting on a special performance where they and the audience will watch the story develop together. They will be playing Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) live! Every decision a character makes, every dice roll, every twist, and every battle will unfold on the stage. Only the Game Master knows what is in store for the lively party of adventurers. This performance will be exciting and intimate. It is perfect for those who have played D&D for years and those who have never played before. -Isabella Marie Sangaline; Good Times Santa Cruz

Art & Culture Family πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Jul
27

Summer Camp (ages 7-12) Santa Cruz Maker Studios

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Maker Studios
πŸ•’ 9:00 PM – 2:00 PM Β· $720

Join us this summer for a maker experience where students (ages 7 – 12) design and build custom creations they can proudly take home. Our summer camps combine creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship in a supportive studio environment designed for both first time makers and returning students. Each camp week provides access to our 3D printing, woodworking, and textiles stations, with dedicated instructors in each area guiding students through tools, techniques, and projects. Every week also features a themed focus that inspires ideas across our maker zones and gives students a starting point for their creations. While themes provide structure, students are encouraged to explore projects that interest them, combine ideas across weeks, or pursue custom builds with instructor support. Camp Schedule and Daily Flow Summer camp runs from May 29 through July 31, 2026, with ten themed camp sessions offered throughout the season. Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Camps are designed for students ages 7 to 12 and take place at Santa Cruz Maker Studios, located at 427 A. Swift Street in Santa Cruz. Session 1: May 27 & 29 (Two-Day Camp) Choose Your Mini Project – $144.00 This one day camp is designed for creative exploration and flexibility. Students choose a mini project based on their interests and skill level and spend the day designing, building, and finishing something they are excited about. Projects may include woodworking builds, simple robots, sewing projects, laser cut designs, or 3D printed creations. This session is a great introduction for new students and a fun option for returning makers looking to try something new. Session 2: June 1 – June 5 Arcades and Games – $720.00 Students step into the role of game designers and builders. Using woodworking, laser cutting, and 3D printing, campers create playable arcade style games such as a mini foosball table and mini-golf course. Others may design custom board games, chess boards and pieces,

Jul
28

The Dickens Universe featuring β€˜Bleak House’

πŸ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
πŸ•’ 1:00 AM – 12:59 AM Β· $500

The Dickens Universe is a unique cultural event that brings together scholars, teachers, students, and members of the general public for a week of stimulating discussion and festive social activity on the beautiful Santa Cruz campus of the University of Californiaβ€”all focused on one or two Victorian novels, usually (but not always) one by Charles Dickens. In 2026, the Dickens Universe will feature Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Dickens’s ninth novel, published between 1852-1853, shines a light on social injustice and the devastating effects of a corrupt legal system, following the entangled lives of those caught in the never-ending Jarndyce and Jarndyce case. Told in alternating narrative voices, this rich literary experiment plays with a variety of genres from detective fiction and social realism to melodrama and satire. As characters move from city to suburb, from mansions to slums, we discover unexpected connections among classes, plots, and characters. Now in its 46th year of operation, the Dickens Universe combines features of a scholarly conference, a festival, a book club, and a summer camp. Participants include people of all ages and walks of lifeβ€”distinguished scholars, graduate students, undergraduates, retirees, young professionals, high school teachers, and anyone who loves reading and enjoys long Victorian novels. Here are some things that make the Universe such a special experience. The college lifestyle: participants live on campus, eat together in the student dining hall, and have time to meet and come to know each other in different ways. Everyone is reading the same book. We all have this one important thing in common. The activities include formal lectures, small discussion groups, films, daily Victorian teas, performances, and Victorian dancing. The Universe offers a week of total immersion in the world of Victorian fiction with friendly, like-minded colleagues in a beautiful setting. Whether we’re returning to a Dickens novel that everyone know

Education Family πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Jul
28

Beginning Botany Summer Camp

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Β· $300

Are you a green thumb or a budding botanist? Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for the Beginning Botany camp this summer to learn about the natural world by studying plants, trees, and much more. Campers will build friendships while investigating nature, playing games, and creating awesome crafts!

Jul
28

World of Birds Summer Camp

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Β· $300

Birds are fascinating and charismatic animals and the study of them is both fun and scientific. Campers will use scientific tools to study the many species of birds that visit the Museum and the surrounding habitats to study the great diversity of birds that call Santa Cruz home during the summer. Join us to dive into the world of birds!

Jul
28

Santa Cruz Beach Train

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Β· $32

From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.

Jul
28

Circus of Smiles

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

Tuesday, July 28 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Engaging audiences of all ages, Circus of Smiles incorporates juggling, acrobatics, music, and feats of incredible strength.

Community Family Details β†’
Jul
28

POKEMON ART CONTEST FOR KIDS!

πŸ“ Comicopolis
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM Β· FREE

It's time to get those crayons sharpened, paints mixed and markers at the ready for our Summer 2026 PokΓ©mon Art Contest for kids 5-12! To join in, create a picture of your favorite PokΓ©mon having a fun moment or striking a cool, dynamic pose. Submissions should be on 8.5 x 11 paper. You can use any medium you like, such as paint, marker, crayon, pencil, etc. No digital art. There will be prizes awarded to two age groups, 5-7 and 8-12. Entries accepted June 1st-July 31st. Winners will be announced on August 6th. BONUS: All participants will receive a free PokΓ©mon:Chaos Rising 11x17 mini-poster (while supplies last) when you hand in your art.

89 more events further out

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