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.
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.
โ Featured this season
Treehouse Dispensary First Friday
Treehouse Dispensary hosts a monthly First Friday event on the first Friday of every month. These events feature live music, local artists, makers, and an art market with up to 20 different vendors, along with shop-wide discounts and community activities. The shop is open 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM daily. 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
Motion Pacific: Dance for PD
Dance for Parkinsonโs at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinsonโs Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PDยฎ program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinsonโs teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinsonโs at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinsonโs, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinsonโs is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.
Coming up
Motion Pacific- Beginning Hip Hop House
A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.
Coming up
Trivia
Join us every Wednesday from 6:30โ8pm for a lively evening of brain-teasing fun, hosted by Michael Gaither ! Outside food welcome after 5:30pm โ bring your favorite bites, sip on Bargetto wine, and enjoy an evening of laughter and friendly competition. โจ Two trivia rounds โ two chances to win prizes! --- This weekโs themes are: local trivia and general trivia --- No cover, just great wine and great company! Soquel Tasting Room Wednesdays | Trivia 6:30โ8pm
Coming up
HELLO MAGGIE - Willie Ito Tribute Night
A music tribute night honoring Willie Ito with a cover set at The 418 Project, bringing a curated evening of performance to Santa Cruz.
โ๏ธ Happening today
Wednesday, August 2646 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Showing 30 of 64 upcoming events ยท Family ยท from 2026-08-26 ยท to 2026-09-02
A bilingual storytime for toddlers with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish, promoting early literacy and language skills.
Fall 2026 Afterschool & Maker Sundays at SCMS!
Fall Semester Maker Classes (August 11 โ 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 6ยฝโ12) Tuesdays: 3:00โ5:00 PM Wednesdays: 1:00โ3:00 PM & 3:00โ5:00 PM Thursdays: 3:00โ5:00 PM Sundays: 10:00 AMโ12:00 PM Teens (Ages 11โ17) Sundays: 12:30โ2:30 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!
Make & Explore @ Garfield Park
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!
Free & family-friendly! Two talented pianists face off in a musical showdown full of crowd favorites, sing-alongs, and spontaneous comedy. You bring the requests, they bring the show! Bring your beach chairs, grab a treat from Capitola Village, and enjoy a summer afternoon of music, laughter, and community on the coast. Requests encouraged. Dancing inevitable. Fun guaranteed.
The Art of Building a Future (RSSC Discussion Group)
Join us 4th Wednesdays, 6-8pm at SubRosa for The Art of Building a Future - a cafรฉ for discussion and practice for creating the future we want to live in, now! Hosted by @rojavasc1 Bring your thoughts and experience and enjoy some light refreshments. Will be held in the courtyard weather permitting. COVID precautions encouraged. 6pm - 8pm // totally free! // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA Also part of the @freeskoolsantacruz 2026 session - more info about other class in bio at @freeskoolsantacruz and @subrosa_space โ@@@@@โ SubRosa is a collectively run anarchist community space - a place to meet people, share resources and ideas, challenge our assumptions and act on our passions. Letโs create together the world(s) we want to live in now. @subrosa_space And SubRosa is part of the Hub Community Center at 703 Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz - a constellation
Join us for Plant Bingo at Home by Zinnia's on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 7:00โ9:00 p.m. for an evening of houseplants, bingo, and fun! Your $20 ticket includes one bingo card for six or more rounds, with a houseplant prize awarded each round and a grand prize up for grabs in the final game. Want more chances to win? Add up to two extra bingo cards for just $5 each. Space is limited to 25 participants, tickets required
Thursday, August 27 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!
Fall 2026 Afterschool & Maker Sundays at SCMS!
Fall Semester Maker Classes (August 11 โ 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 6ยฝโ12) Tuesdays: 3:00โ5:00 PM Wednesdays: 1:00โ3:00 PM & 3:00โ5:00 PM Thursdays: 3:00โ5:00 PM Sundays: 10:00 AMโ12:00 PM Teens (Ages 11โ17) Sundays: 12:30โ2:30 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!
Yappy Hours @ the MAH!
Join us for Yappy Hours in the Kincentricity Garden every last Thursday of the month! Meet the pups that are up for adoption (paperwork to fill out onsite), sip on a few "Barktinis", and enjoy furry-friend festivities like the option for dogs to make their very own paw paintings!
Thursday, August 27 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
Are you interested in learning about technology? Visit us during our weekly Tech Cafรฉ program where you have the opportunity to get basic tech-related questions answered and test a new piece of technology. This program will take place on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm at the Main Library (unless otherwise indicated). The technology we demo will change each month; here is a list of what technology will be featured: - January (program starts on the 15th): Doodle Pens - February: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) - March: 3D Printer - April: Spheros (programmable robots) - May: Cricut - June: Glowforge - laser cutter (This program will take place at the Freedom Branch) - July: iPad Stop Motion movies - August: Spheros (programmable robots) - September: 3D Printer - October: Doodle Pens - November: Cricut - December: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) Audience: All Ages ยฟLe interesa aprender sobre tecnologรญa? Visรญtanos durante nuestro programa semanal Tech Cafรฉ, donde tendrรกs la oportunidad de obtener respuestas a preguntas bรกsicas relacionadas con la tecnologรญa y probar una nueva tecnologรญa. Este programa se llevarรก a cabo los jueves de 4:30 a 6:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal (a menos que se indique otro horario o lugar). La tecnologรญa que mostraremos cambiarรก cada mes; las tecnologรญas que se presentarรกn: - enero (el programa comienza el dรญa 15): Doodle Pens - febrero: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) - marzo: Impresora 3D - abril: Spheros (robots programables) - mayo: Cricut - junio: Glowforge - cortadora lรกser (este programa se llevarรก a cabo en la sucursal Freedom) - julio: iPad Stop Motion (pelรญculas) - agosto: Spheros (robots programables) - septiembre: Impresora 3D - octubre: Doodle Pens - noviembre: Cricut - diciembre: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) Audiencia: Para todas las edades
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
Free jazz nights every other Thursday at Abbott Square Market. All ages welcome to enjoy local jazz artists in an outdoor plaza setting.
Pokรฉmon Club Tournament
Battle for prizes! Join us for our Pokรฉmon Club Tournament in partnership with Swords and Boards and Game Vault on Thursday, August 27 from 6:00-7:30pm. Each round will last 20 minutes, and a few participants will receive prizes. Snacks and refreshments will be offered. Beginners to pros of all ages are welcome to attend. https://www.watsonville.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=7355
Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though you may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. For ages 8 & up. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. You will meet up outside the ranch house before heading out. Space is limited for this free activity. Rain cancels.
Evergreen Volunteer Days
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, August 28 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Sharpen your word skills and enjoy friendly competition at our Scrabble Club - fun for all levels.
Friday, August 28 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.
Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party 2026
Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.
Parents' Night Out (Ages 6ยฝโ12) Enjoy a night off while your child spends the evening creating at SC Maker Studios! Kids will explore our maker stations, including 3D printing, woodworking, sewing, beading, and laser engraving with guidance from our instructors, and take home their handmade projects. Dinner included with registration. Time: 5:30 PM โ 8:00 PM (Drop-off: 5:30โ5:45 PM | Pick-up: 7:45โ8:00 PM) (Dinner included) Available Dates: Friday, August 28 โ Pizza Night Friday, September 18 โ Taco Night Friday, October 9 โ Quesadilla Night Friday, November 20 โ Pasta Station Friday, December 18 โ Sandwich Night Register earlyโspaces are limited! https://scmakerstudios.com/parents-night-out/
From Trees to Shining Seas โ 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. Todayโs 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.
A fun market featuring 30 amazing local vendors! We have new vendors every month so there is always something new to check out! Enjoy strolling the garden and meeting the peacocks.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
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.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
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.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: MAH Day of Awe
Participants will receive parking passes and be greeted by MAH and Big Basin State Park staff where they will be oriented to Big Basinโs history and ecological significance. The MAH Executive Director will then lead participants in a brief awe walk, where participants will receive workbooks and materials to create their own field journals. Participants will be encouraged to create poetry, photograph, record found sounds, paint, or draw what inspires them, and be provided an opportunity to include their work in a shared online publication following the event. This opportunity is open to all ages and is perfect for multigenerational families, students interested in the intersection of art and ecology, or couples looking to connect with nature.
A Day of Awe at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Join the MAH and Davenport Resource Center for a day of "AWE" at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This event sponsored by California State Parks gives participants access to park interpreters, art making materials, historical background on Big Basin and Davenport, as well as an awe-inspiring day in nature. Participants will receive free parking passes and be greeted by MAH and Big Basin State Park staff where they will be oriented to Big Basin's history and ecological significance. MAH Executive Director will then lead participants in a brief awe walk, where participants will receive workbooks and materials to create their own field journals. Participants will be encouraged to create poetry, photograph, record found sounds, paint, or draw what inspires them, and be provided an opportunity to include their work in a shared online publication following the event. This opportunity is open to all ages and is perfect for multigenerational families, students interested in the intersection of art and ecology, or couples looking to connect with nature. Limited to 20 individuals. Note: We require a minimal $5 donation to reserve your spot in this event. Funds will be donated to Davenport Resource Center. *Please plan accordingly - arrive promptly, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water and an open mind!
Saturday, August 29 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
The 8th Annual KBCZ Music Fest returns Saturday August 29th to Garrahan Park in Boulder Creek. Our 4 bands are The Mother Corn Shuckers, Squidrow Orchestra, Trestles and the headliner is local mountain favorite, The Coffis Brothers. Local breweries offering beer/wine and cider, Vendors and kids activities. All proceeds benefit KBCZ 89.3 FM Boulder Creek Community Radio which is celebrating 10 years on the air! Kids Under 5 are free and parking is free. Advance Tickets are available at www.kbcz.org
Saturday, August 29 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CANCELLED TODAY -Downtown Library Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18. Instructor is Chess Master Gjon Feinstein.
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