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
Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you won’t want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS
Coming up
Make the MAH your first stop this weekend with FREE First Friday. Explore all three floors of the museum and see our latest exhibitions, check out our giftshop, and hangout among art and history! Then stay into the night dancing to live music out in Abbott Square. First Friday hours are 12-8pm. See you then!
Friday, August 07 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians.
Coming up
On August 8th, composer Clarice Assad’s new commissioned work, Kontrol, will premiere at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. The afternoon before, Assad will join D. Riley Nicholson, Executive Director of the Cabrillo Festival, and Pranav Anand, Faculty Director of The Humanities Institute, for a pre-rehearsal discussion about the inspirations for the piece, which explores impacts of AI on musical creation and performance, both now and in the near future. Stay afterward for the final rehearsal of Kontrol before the premiere on the 8th. Free and open to the public.
Coming up
We invite you to join us for our 19th Annual WIC Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair, on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 3pm. We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and sharing information about our services and those of our community partners. There will be fun activities for the whole family, music, healthy snacks, raffle prizes, and more. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world to highlight the importance of human milk and it's impact on health.
106 events on today. No plans required, just go.
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
Showing 30 of 57 upcoming events · Family · from 2026-08-07 · to 2026-08-14
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]
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.
Join us for Mothersong every first Friday of the month ~ sing and dance with us at our Main Library, Meeting Room at 10:30am. Audience: Families Se le invita a nuestro programa Mothersong cada primer viernes del mes ~ cante y baile con nosotros en nuestra Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Reuniones a las 10:30am. Audiencia: Familias
Free Admission Day! Discover the wonders of nature at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History with free entry for everyone. Explore fascinating exhibits, connect with local wildlife, and make it a day of learning and fun for all ages. PLAN YOUR VISIT OUR EXHIBITS
We invite you to join us for our 19th Annual WIC Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair, on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 3pm. We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and sharing information about our services and those of our community partners. There will be fun activities for the whole family, music, healthy snacks, raffle prizes, and more. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world to highlight the importance of human milk and it's impact on health.
Friday, August 07 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.
Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.
Join the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for a special bird- themed First Friday celebrating the incredible birds that call Santa Cruz County home. Meet local bird experts, connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, and discover how protecting open spaces helps birds thrive. Throughout the evening, expect: 🦅 Live raptors 📚 A local author 📷 A Wildlife photographer 🪶 An interactive nature museum 🪴 Native Plant Sale by the UCSC Arboretum 🐦 The Bird School Project 🎟️ Free admission There is limited free street parking on Union Street and Chestnut Street. Paid parking options include metered parking on most downtown Santa Cruz streets, as well as the nearest parking garage on Locust Street.
Enjoy games with prizes all along downtown Boulder Creek! There will be a kid zone, photo booth, vendors and more!
Meet a local author, see live raptors, and explore our Mini Nature Museum. First Friday at the Land Trust. Free & all ages welcome! Whether you’re an avid birder, a curious beginner, a family looking for a fun Friday evening, or someone who’s ever stopped to wonder, “What bird is making that sound?” – this evening is for you! Join the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for a special bird- themed First Friday celebrating the incredible birds that call Santa Cruz County home. Meet local bird experts, connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, and discover how protecting open spaces helps birds and our entire community thrive. Throughout the evening, expect: 🦅 Live raptors 📚 A local author 🪶 An interactive nature museum 🛍️ Local conservation-minded vendors 🎟️ Free admission Whether you’re hoping to identify your first bird, inspire a young naturalist, or simply spend an evening surrounded by people who love the outdoors, we’d love to see you there. When: Friday, August 7th, 5:00 – 8:00 pm Where: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Office, 911 Center St, Santa Cruz 95060 Here’s What’s Waiting for You 📖 Meet the Author of Birds of Santa Cruz Discover the remarkable birds that call Santa Cruz County home alongside someone who knows them best. Local author Sophie Wood Brinker will share stories from her beautifully illustrated book, Birds of Santa Cruz, and sign copies throughout the evening. Whether you’re hoping to identify the birds visiting your backyard, prepare for your next hike, or simply deepen your appreciation for the wildlife around you, Sophie will be available to answer questions, share her expertise, and help you see our local landscapes through a new lens. 🦅 Experience Live Birds of Prey There is nothing quite like seeing a hawk, falcon, or owl up close. Join a local falconer for a live falconry demonstration featuring magnificent birds of prey and learn about the centuries-old tradition of falconry, the incredible adaptations that make these birds such skilled hunte
Join Us to Hold Grief, Witness, and Care for Gaza’s Children 36 handmade quilts. 720 infants remembered. Watching from a distance—in a country whose government is implicated—was not bearable. So community members stitched with care, imagining the babies who should have been wrapped in these quilts. We’ll reflect, witness, and grieve in solidarity that moves us toward greater responsibility. Light refreshments will be served.
Subject: Come Drum, Connect, and Celebrate Life — Now Twice a Month! Dear Friends, Due to continuing requests from our growing circle, I’m very excited to expand our Community Drumming Classes in Soquel Village from gathering on the third Friday of each month to meeting on the FIRST and THIRD FRIDAYS, beginning February 6th! Where: The Congregational Church of Soquel (the white church with the steeple) Parish Hall 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA When: First & Third Fridays of every month 7:00–8:30 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Donation: $10 I provide hand drums and percussion instruments, and you’re always welcome to bring your own favorites. All levels of experience are warmly welcome at this family-friendly gathering! For beginners, I offer a few fun and easy tips for playing hand drums and percussion instruments, while exploring universal foundation rhythms. From there, I add more advanced elements for experienced players, guiding the group through a step-by-step Rhythm Journey that I've conducted globally for thousands of corporate and community sessions over the past four decades. Along the way, I also demonstrate how rhythm can become the foundation for a playful, positive Life Practice... reinforcing powerful Life Rhythms and supportive patterns of attitude and action. Together, we cultivate a strong, joyful Groove ... the powerful state of entrainment known as the Zone and Flow... personally, and as a community. Gathering in rhythm is one of humanity’s oldest ways of celebrating life, beginning when our ancestors first gathered around the fire... clapping hands, stomping feet, and howling at the stars... we have used rhythm to connect, empower and rejoice. Every beat reminds us that we are part of something ancient and beautiful, linking us across generations and cultures! We humans are at our best when we come together to celebrate the miracle—the blessing—of life, and to uplift and empower one another. Come play! Many Blessings, Jim
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. The hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Plan to meet in the parking lot of the campground (located off Graham Hill Rd.).
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.
Get ready to set sail on a storybook adventure! 📚 ✨ It’s the ultimate weekend treat to spark big imaginations, foster a love for nature, and nurture the next generation of ocean heroes! 🌊 🐚 📖 Our friends at Bookshop Santa Cruz have hand-selected a collection of books about the environment that are perfect for young readers. We hope to see you there! Join Seaside Storytime on the second Saturday of every month!
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.
Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even drive a tractor and go on a hayride. Local Santa Cruz County 4-H clubs will be hosting their Annual Spring Fair. This action-packed day is admission free, and donations are gladly accepted. It’s fun for the whole family! Activities include: Farm Animals to see and pet Ice cream making the old-fashioned way Butter churning Fresh cheese making Rope making Hay wagon rides with tractors Wooden cow milking Hay cutting from real oats, wheat and barley Kids (real) tractor driving Puppet Show Old-fashioned hoops Crafts and so much more! 2025 Schedule: March 8th – Birds, Bees & Butterflies April 12th – Easter on the Farm with Egg Hunt May 10th – Springtime on the Farm June 14th – Olden Days on the Farm July 12th – Summertime Fun on the Farm August 9th – Round-Up at the Ranch September 13th – Visit Yesterday’s Farm during the Santa Cruz Fair October 11th – Tractor-or-Treat November 8th – Harvest on the Farm December 13th – Holidays on the Farm
Discover the calming and creative power of music 🎶 Our beginner-friendly harp lessons offer a peaceful space to learn something new, connect with sound, and explore music in a supportive group setting. No experience is needed, and instruments are provided. 🗓 1st & 3rd Saturdays 🎵 All levels welcome ⚠️ Limited to 10 spots—advance booking recommended
Nationally recognized Pit-Masters and local Grill Gurus alike battle it out for cash prizes, trophies and the honor of having their secret recipes voted Best BBQ at the Roaring Camp Cook-Off. Come hungry and vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice award. Want more than a taste? BBQ vendors will be ready to serve full plates of a variety of BBQ favorites and sides. Enjoy your lunch time on both days from noon to 3:30pm! Activities: Live Music Local Breweries Lawn Games Bounce Houses Kids Activities Gold Panning Pedal Tractors
You won't want to miss CASA of Santa Cruz County's premier fundraising event, Imagine! All proceeds raised go towards our programs supporting children and youth in the foster care and/or juvenile probation systems of Santa Cruz County. Joyous welcome festivities include youth performances, music, raffle, photo booth, and more, while enjoying complimentary appetizers, beverages, and great conversation. Enjoy a scrumptious full-course dinner prepared and served family style by the student chefs at Cabrillo's Culinary Arts program as we celebrate some amazing youth of our community. This is followed by our ever-exciting live auction that you won't want to miss! And concludes with dessert, and dancing. Purchase your tickets today!
Saturday, August 08 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm Downtown Library Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18. Instructor is Chess Master Gjon Feinstein.
Saturday, August 08 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm Learn about volunteer opportunities and how teens like you can create change in your library! Followed by a chill activity and free snacks (and get your volunteer hours just for showing up)! ACT now!
Have you never done line dancing before? Never fear! Wendy will lead you through a variety of line dances. Go enjoy lively dancing and a fun time. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Beer, wine, sodas and snacks will be available for purchase.
🤠 Grab your boots and join us for a night of line dancing! 💃🕺 The Ben Lomond Village Alliance invites you to an evening of music, dancing, and community at Park Hall on Saturday, August 8! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have never tried line dancing before, Wendy's Mountain Line Dance will guide you through the steps. All ages and experience levels are welcome! 📅 Saturday, August 8 🚪 Doors open: 6:30 PM 🎶 Dancing: 7:00–8:30 PM 📍 Park Hall, Ben Lomond 🎟️ $10 (tickets available online and at the door) Beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks will be available by donation. Bring your friends, meet your neighbors, and enjoy a fun summer evening together. We can't wait to see you on the dance floor! For tickets and more information, visit BenLomondVillage.org.
Subject: Come Drum, Connect, and Celebrate Life — Now Twice a Month! Dear Friends, Due to continuing requests from our growing circle, I’m very excited to expand our Community Drumming Classes in Soquel Village from gathering on the third Friday of each month to meeting on the FIRST and THIRD FRIDAYS, beginning February 6th! Where: The Congregational Church of Soquel (the white church with the steeple) Parish Hall 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA When: First & Third Fridays of every month 7:00–8:30 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Donation: $10 I provide hand drums and percussion instruments, and you’re always welcome to bring your own favorites. All levels of experience are warmly welcome at this family-friendly gathering! For beginners, I offer a few fun and easy tips for playing hand drums and percussion instruments, while exploring universal foundation rhythms. From there, I add more advanced elements for experienced players, guiding the group through a step-by-step Rhythm Journey that I've conducted globally for thousands of corporate and community sessions over the past four decades. Along the way, I also demonstrate how rhythm can become the foundation for a playful, positive Life Practice... reinforcing powerful Life Rhythms and supportive patterns of attitude and action. Together, we cultivate a strong, joyful Groove ... the powerful state of entrainment known as the Zone and Flow... personally, and as a community. Gathering in rhythm is one of humanity’s oldest ways of celebrating life, beginning when our ancestors first gathered around the fire... clapping hands, stomping feet, and howling at the stars... we have used rhythm to connect, empower and rejoice. Every beat reminds us that we are part of something ancient and beautiful, linking us across generations and cultures! We humans are at our best when we come together to celebrate the miracle—the blessing—of life, and to uplift and empower one another. Come play! Many Blessings, Jim
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Read to the Rescues ✨with Pregnant Mare Rescue 🐴💛Give your little one a magical experience… reading aloud alongside a gentle rescue horse. This peaceful moment helps kids build confidence, grow empathy, and create a special bond with our beautiful horses.📖💬 It’s a one-on-one reading time in a calm, supportive space; perfect for young readers and parents who’d love to learn more about our sanctuary.
Little Rangers programs at Natural Bridges State Beach are happening this summer! This free program is best for 3 to 6-year-old kids and includes hands-on activities, play-acting and sharing. Parents or caregivers are required to stay and encouraged to help facilitate the fun and games. Themes this summer include insects, beach exploring, bird watching and nature art. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park. One reservation per family and please write in the names and ages of participating children.
27 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 →