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20 upcoming events Β· Family Β· from 2026-08-01 Β· to 2026-08-02
π Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
π 1:00 AM β 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 Californiaβall 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. Dickensβs 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 lifeβdistinguished 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 weβre returning to a Dickens novel that everyone know
π Roaring Camp Railroads
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $32
From Trees to Shining Seas β 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. Todayβs 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.
π UC Santa Cruz
π 10:00 AM β 11:30 AM Β· FREE
Take a free, guided tour of the 30-acre organic UCSC Farm. Visitors can enjoy touring the organically managed greenhouses, hand-worked garden beds, orchards, row crop fields, and children's garden, while learning about the history of the site and the basic concepts of organic farming and gardening. Perched on a meadow near the campus entrance, the farm also offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. Heavy rain cancels.
π Wilder Ranch State Park
π 11:00 AM β 1:30 PM Β· FREE
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
π Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
π 11:00 AM β 8:00 PM Β· FREE
The first annual Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz will take place Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, bringing together local musicians, hula schools, artists, food vendors, and community organizations for a weekend celebrating Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Pacific cultures. Gates open daily at 11 a.m. Admission to the festival is free. Donations are welcome. Parking will be available for $20 per vehicle. No in-and-out privileges will be allowed, and re-entry fees will be enforced. Produced by Victor Ohana Productions LLC, the festival aims to celebrate the Spirit of Aloha while creating a new cultural tradition for the Central Coast community. Organizers say the event was created to strengthen connections among local Polynesian communities, while offering residents and visitors a new summer cultural experience in Santa Cruz County. βThis festival is about bringing people together through music, dance, food, art, and community,β said Marie Victor, founder of Victor Ohana Productions. βSanta Cruz has deep cultural and historical connections to HawaiΚ»i through surf culture and the ocean lifestyle. We wanted to create an event that celebrates those shared influences while showcasing the incredible local talent we have here in Northern California.β Rather than featuring a national headliner, the festival will spotlight local bands and performers from throughout Santa Cruz County and the surrounding region. Organizers said the focus of the event is community participation and cultural authenticity. Festival attendees can expect: β Food vendors featuring Pacific-inspired cuisine β Local arts, crafts, and merchandise vendors β Information booths from community nonprofits and organizations β Family-friendly cultural activities and entertainment Local Live Music β Victor Ohana 3 Generations β Ho' Omana β Hunawai β Kanalu β Laule'a Hawaiian Band β Ka La'i O Mele β George Kahumoku Jr (Grammy Award Winner in
π Historic Downtown Watsonville
π 11:00 AM β 7:00 PM Β· FREE
This free, family-friendly festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, kidsβ 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 Contest and Berry Best Dressed Contest. Open 11:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 7:00pm on Sunday
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 1:00 PM Β· See listing
Saturday, August 01 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
π Roaring Camp Railroads
π 1:00 PM β 8:00 PM Β· $25
Roaring Camp presents the Annual Brewgrass Festival featuring local breweries, music from favorite bluegrass artists, and food from our popular local food trucks. VIP Brewgrass Tasting Train roundtrip from Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp. Line-up Info Coming Soon. ACTIVITIES Optional Tasting Train Live Music Craft Beer & Cider Local Food Vendors Free Kids Activities
π Cabrillo College Crocker Theater
π 7:30 PM β 10:00 PM Β· $20
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 βMore Event Datesβ 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 theaterβs 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.
π Roaring Camp Railroads
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $32
From Trees to Shining Seas β 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. Todayβs 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.
π Castro Adobe State Historic Park
π 10:30 AM β 2:00 PM Β· FREE
If you love California history and our stateβs cultural heritage, come celebrate with us at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park! Visit at the next open house. This tour that repeats every 90-minutes throughout the day will surely have you falling head over heels with all the park has to offer! This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville, CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. *This event requires pre-registration through the link in the orange button above.
π Skypark
π 10:30 AM β 3:00 PM Β· FREE
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 β Scotts Valley 10:30 AM β 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!
π Castro Adobe State Historic Park
π 10:30 AM β 3:00 PM Β· FREE
JoaquΓn Isidro de Castro, grandfather of adobe owner Juan JosΓ© Castro, traveled with the 1775β1776 Anza Expedition. Throughout the day, enjoy live music in the garden, childrenβs crafts, knowledgeable docents, and the opportunity to explore the fully restored 176-year-old, adobe hacienda of the Castro family. Take a picnic lunch and spend the day surrounded by history, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the Watsonville countryside. Scheduled Special Speakers: 11am β Hear about βThe Bold Widow,β one of the most remarkable women of the Anza Expedition. by Jennifer Lucido, M.A., RPA 1pm β Hear insights into the Anza Expedition, its route, its people, and its lasting impact on California history. by Dr. Greg Smestad, Anza Expedition Scholar β’ Author β’ Descendant Preregistration is encouraged! To preregister visit the Santa Cruz State Parks reservation site
π Skypark
π 10:30 AM β 5:00 PM Β· FREE
Enjoy a full day of 60βs 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
π Historic Downtown Watsonville
π 11:00 AM β 7:00 PM Β· FREE
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
π Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
π 1:00 PM β 3:00 PM Β· FREE
Led by Conductor-in-Residence Octavio MΓ‘s-Arocas, the beloved free Family Concert features Paul Dooleyβs The Conductorβs Spellbook, an interactive musical adventure introducing audiences of all ages to the orchestra through playful storytelling, alongside Gala Flagelloβs vibrant fanfare Bravado. A βTour of the Orchestraβ invites curious minds of all ages to explore the instruments that bring the music to life. In a special partnership with El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, select honor students will open up the concert with a short presentationβcontinuing the Festivalβs commitment to access, education, and mentorship.
π Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
π 1:00 PM β 3:00 PM Β· FREE
Led by Conductor-in-Residence Octavio MΓ‘s-Arocas, the beloved free Family Concert features Paul Dooleyβs The Conductorβs Spellbook , an interactive musical adventure introducing audiences of all ages to the orchestra through playful storytelling, alongside Gala Flagelloβs vibrant fanfare Bravado . A βTour of the Orchestraβ invites curious minds of all ages to explore the instruments that bring the music to life. In a special partnership with El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, select honor students will perform alongside orchestra musicians!
π Cabrillo College Crocker Theater
π 2:00 PM β 4:30 PM Β· $20
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 βMore Event Datesβ 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 theaterβs 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.
π Santa Cruz
π 2:00 PM β 3:30 PM Β· See listing
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...
π Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
π 4:00 PM β 7:00 PM Β· See listing
The Jenny O'Leary Quartet, led by the swinging and masterful jazz vocalist Jenny O'Leary. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, she is the daughter of children's music legend Minnie O'Leary. Joined by a trio of bass, guitar and drums, they joyfully and passionately play standards, bossa novas, blues and pop tunes.
