Theme: Toy Takeover Schedule of Events: Saturday, Sept 26: Little Wharf 3-Miler Fun Run, Sand Sculpture Contest, Cornhole on the Beach, Children's Art, Scavenger Hunt, Music at the Beach, Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek, Drone Show following Nautical Parade Sunday, Sept 27 Fishing Derby, Paddleboard Race, Ukuleles at the Beach, Horseshoes on the Sand, Chalk Art on the Seawall, Rowboat Races Visit event website for details: capitolabeachfestival.com
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.
β Featured this season
Treehouse Dispensary First Friday
First Friday: Costume Party Edition π» Friday, October 2 Β· 7β10 PM Β· 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 (8β9:30 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 (7β10 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 (7β10 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 πΉ 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 Β· 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 Meditation for September
π 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. Youβll be guided through Melissaβs Mystic Meditationsβa thoughtfully curated journey inspired by the energy of the Full Moon: π Full Moon β LET GO Release what no longer serves you, clear stagnant energy, and create space for whatβs next. The Full Moon offers an opportunity to reflect on what has come to fruition and consciously release what youβre 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. π Extend Your Wellness Journey Continue exploring your path with offerings from The Groovy Goddess, including: β¨ In-person & online sessions π Books π§ Guided meditations πΏ Online transformational courses β¨ Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter, grounded, peaceful, and renewedβready to move forward with greater clarity.
Mic' Drop
A monthly open mic night at the 418 Project featuring music, theatre, and spoken word performances.
Karaoke with Carla Re β 2026-09-27
6 - 10pm Β· 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
Paint & Sip
π₯ π¨ 9/27 π»πΉπΈ 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 πΌοΈ This is A GUIDED LOCAL LANDSCAPE ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE: ποΈ Explore shading, depth, & layering techniques. As well as many tips to help you feel comfortable using creative materials. π¨ 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. Youβre 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 π»πΈπΉπ₯πΎ LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE πΈ $45 or 2 for $85 ποΈ RSVP TXT βMWESTβ [818.489.0988](tel:818.489.0988) π« GOOD VIBES ONLY βπΌ π ALL ARE WELCOME 21+ π«Ά π RELAX & UNWIND β¨ π CONNECT WITH YOURSELF & THE COMMUNITY β‘οΈ UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD & AWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT π¬οΈ BREATHE, BE PRESENT & LIVE IN THE MOMENT! π¦βπ₯ ACTIVATE YOUR WELL BEING π§ π« ENGAGE IN A MINDFUL & INTENTIONAL EXPERIENCE π¨ Creative self care & a healing meditative wellness experience through art, music and community! π«Ά This space is completely safe. Here to help guide, support, & encourage your unique creative expression experience! β¨β¨β¨ π π 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! π«Άβ¨ Art therapy Paint & Sip Creative expression Acrylic workshop Art & wellness Support local #santacruzevents #santacruz #santacruzart #santacruzartist #artisthedeeperyou
βοΈ Happening today
Sunday, September 2759 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
Showing 30 of 112 upcoming events Β· Family Β· from 2026-09-27 Β· to 2026-10-04
Youth Robot Series - Santa Cruz Maker Studios
Youth Robot Series at Santa Cruz Maker Studios Join us for our 3-week Robot Series designed for youth (ages 7-12) who love building, problem-solving, and technology. Each Sunday, students will work through exciting engineering challenges while building and programming their very own robot. Time: 3 Sunday Sessions 10am -12pm for youth (7-12 years old). Please see available sessions. Cost Overview: $245 per series (includes all robot materials) Register Here: https://scmakerstudios.com/robot-series-registration-form/
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.
Ticket price includes 1 pound of apples in addition to what you pick during your timed hour on the farm. Click the link in the orange button above to reserve your hour time slot. Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
Enjoy another season of: π U-Pick Apples π Pumpkins π³ Beautiful Orchard Views π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Family Fun Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
Itβs our 10th Anniversary! Join us in celebrating at the Santa Cruz β Live Oak Glass Pumpkin Patch, in the beautiful heirloom garden of the Live Oak Grange! Chris and his pumpkin crew have been working all summer long to create a bountiful harvest of beautiful hand-blown pumpkins and gourds in every size and color. Locally grown and locally blown in our Davenport glass studio! This is a family-friendly, dog-friendly, and inclusive event, open to all art lovers and pumpkin enthusiasts. Plenty of free parking. No purchase required β all are welcome to come enjoy the awesome array of pumpkins (no two are alike!) and the charming beauty of the Grange Gardens. 10am β 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. Location: 1900 17th Ave. Santa Cruz, CA. Out back behind the green Grange Hall, in the Garden. Come pick your favorite!
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.
It's a family-friendly fiesta at the beach! Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community all weekend long. Enjoy the lively sounds of mariachi, dazzling folklΓ³rico dance performances, and a free beach concert on Saturday, followed by Salsa by the Sea on Sunday. Plus, experience all the excitement of Boardwalk rides and games, along with Latin-inspired food and beverage offerings throughout the park. -- Β‘Es una fiesta familiar en la playa! Vengan a celebrar las vibrantes tradiciones de la comunidad latina durante todo el fin de semana. Disfruten de mariachi, presentaciones de bailarines folklΓ³ricos y un concierto gratis en la playa el sΓ‘bado, seguido de Salsa by the Sea el domingo. AdemΓ‘s, vive toda la emociΓ³n de los juegos mecΓ‘nicos y las atracciones del Boardwalk, junto con una variedad de alimentos y bebidas inspirados de la cultura latina disponibles a travΓ©s del Boardwalk. Β‘Vamos a la playa! Visite bit.ly/Fiesta-en-la-Playa para obtener mΓ‘s detalles. EVENT SCHEDULE Saturday, September 26 β’ 11am-8pm: Rides Open & Flavorful Latino Food Offerings Available β’ 11am, 11:45am, & 12:30pm: Mariachi Santa Cruz on Colonnade Stage β’ 1pm, 1:30pm, & 2pm: Angeles Danzantes on Main Stage β’ 5pm-6:30pm: Band Maguey on Main Stage Sunday, September 27 β’ 12pm-7pm: Rides Open & Flavorful Latino Food Offerings Available β’ 3pm-6:30pm: Salsa by the Sea with DJ @its_dancing_time
Teen Girls Self-Defense Workshop
How do your Teen Girls respond to questions from 'stranger' adults, or even humans just a bit older? Be sure they know what to look for in different situations that could easily compromide their safety. Not all questions are innocent. In fact, that's how predators get your Teen Girls to trust them. They'll learn how to respond to Teen Boys too. Be sure they have the proper training to know how to deal with these situations, as well as know where to strike to stop a predator (it's not 'kick them in the balls')...we'll demystify all the myths, teach them the 'ploys' perps use, and give them the skills necessary to be safe. Click the link to register them before 9/20 to get the early bird reg investment of $133! After 9/20 investment is $153.
Teen Robot Series - Santa Cruz Maker Studios
Teen Robot Series at Santa Cruz Maker Studios Join us for our 3-week Robot Series designed for teens (ages 11-17) who love building, problem-solving, and technology. Each Sunday, students will work through exciting engineering challenges while building and programming their very own robot. Time: 3 Sunday Sessions 12:30-2:30pm for teens (11-17 years old). Please see available sessions. Cost Overview: $245 per series (includes all robot materials) Register Here: https://scmakerstudios.com/robot-series-registration-form/
Rite Life - A Writing Group Amongst the Dead
This monthly series of writing workshops in Evergreen Cemetery is facilitated by local poet Gabriel Kittle-Cervine. Rite Life is a workshop that blends the act of automatic writing, with our individual practices of ancestor veneration, to confront that which haunts us, and to celebrate that which allows us to live. The workshop was born in 2016 from the vision of a profound poet and spiritual teacher named Honeysun, just a couple of years before she passed beyond this life. Her initial concept for the Rite Life workshop is preserved in the way it's practiced today; still facilitated by Gabe, her friend and pupil, alongside a bright circle of local writers and practitioners of craft. Learn more at www.blankmetafour.com or follow @unclegabe831 on Instagram. All ages welcome, and we'll be there rain or shine-see y'all in the cemetery!
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.
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 10:30am - 11:30am A time for free play for children with a participating adult.
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! βοΈ 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 Β‘Regresan las tardes de manualidades! βοΈ Se le invita a la Biblioteca Principal de 2-5pm todos los lunes y miΓ©rcoles para hacer una manualidad en familia. Β‘TΓ³mense su momento para relajarse, trabajar con las manos y dejar volar su creatividad! Β‘Traigan a toda la familia y disfruten juntos de una tarde creativa! Audiencia: Familias
PAWS Afterschool Club (Ages 7β10) 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. Theyβll 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 β May) PAWS Ambassadors: Wednesday 4pm-6pm (September β 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 micβd board games 5 β 8 Trivia 8 β 10
Salsa or ChaCha Mondays, 9/21 & 28, in Capitola
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.
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.
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 - 12:00pm Puppets, Songs and toys, Oh My!
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.
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!
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 youβll 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 projectsβcreating enrichment, preparing supplies, and helping support the shelter teamβfollowed by one hour socializing with our shelter animals. After graduating, youβll 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 volunteerβperfect for future animal care professionals and passionate animal advocates! Junior Animal Care Team Training: Tuesday 4pm-6pm (September β May) Junior Animal Care Team Sessions: Thursday 4pm-6pm (September β May)
Tuesday, September 29 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Scotts Valley Branch Library! .
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