The Ben Lomond Village Alliance is launching the 2026 Village Market, an expanded and reimagined version of last year’s Wee Kirk Market, bringing new energy to the San Lorenzo Valley. The season kicks off Saturday, June 6 at Ben Lomond County Park on Mill Street and continues on the first Saturday of each month through October, creating a consistent space for the community to gather. The market will feature a wide mix of local vendors, including fresh produce, prepared foods, artisans, and craft makers, along with live music and children’s activities designed to make each event welcoming for all ages. With its new location offering more space and a scenic setting, the Village Market builds on last year’s success while creating an even more vibrant and inclusive environment to connect, support local businesses, and celebrate the creativity and character of Ben Lomond.
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.
★ Featured this season
Treehouse Dispensary First Friday
First Friday: Costume Party Edition 👻 Friday, October 2 · 7–10 PM · 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 (8–9:30 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 (7–10 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 (7–10 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 🍹 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 · 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
Coffee with the Curators
Grab a cup of coffee and hang out with a MAH curator! Coffee with the Curators is a morning at the museum where you can chat, ask questions, and hear behind-the-scenes stories about the exhibitions and collections. Coffee and good conversation are complimentary with museum admission.
Open Mic w/ SteveV, every Monday
It's Monday Open Mic at the Ugly Mug! Sign ups at 5p Beer, Espresso Drinks and Desserts available
Coming up
Open Mic · Every Monday 5-8p
you Are A Star! Come share what you love · what you are working on Every Monday 5pm - 8pm · Lottery signups begin @5:15 One 5 minute song or two 3 minute songs We welcome: Poetry · Spoken Word · Music · Originals & Covers Hosted by SteveV Beer, Coffee, Tea and Cafe Snacks are always available. Non-performers are always welcomed & Appreciated We Cannot Wait to see you!
Hosted Board Game Night — 2026-09-28
6 - 8pm · Hosted Board Game Night — open & hosted games, library of 30+ games, raffle, merch, and a Learn to Play demo at 6:30pm. Taught on the spot.
☀️ Happening today
Monday, September 2847 events on today. No plans required, just go.
What's happening
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
Showing 30 of 31 upcoming events · Family · from 2026-10-03 · to 2026-10-04
Climb aboard the emergency vehicles, buses, and construction equipment that keep our community moving! Explore hands-on STEM learning stations, watch pumpkins smashed from towering heights, and grab lunch at our BBQ & Beer Garden. Come support the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery while inspiring the next generation of essential workers our community needs! October 3, 2026 | 10:30 AM–3:00 PM | Capitola Mall | Admission is Free
Climb aboard the emergency vehicles, buses, and construction equipment that keep our community moving! Explore hands-on STEM learning stations, watch pumpkins smashed from towering heights, and grab lunch at our BBQ & Beer Garden. Come support the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery while inspiring the next generation of essential workers our community needs! October 3, 2026 | 10:30 AM–3:00 PM | Capitola Mall | Admission is Free
Climb aboard emergency vehicles, buses, and construction equipment! Explore hands-on STEM learning stations, watch pumpkins smashed from towering heights, and grab lunch at the BBQ & Beer Garden.
Join Sewing for Kids Downtown! A different hand sewing project is offered each month. October's project is a pumpkin. Project supplies are limited to the first 25 participants. Sewing for Kids meets on the first Saturday of the month from 10:30 to 11:30 am. No sewing experience needed. No registration required. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?n=30&term=sewing&r=range&start=2026-10-03&end=2027-05-01
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.
Come tour brand new homes, meet our lender, and learn about a special 4.99% rate available right now. Face painting, food, and more fun! Join us Saturday, October 3rd from 11am to 4pm for a special open house event at Hillcrest! This is a family friendly, free event for anyone curious about this community, whether you're actively house hunting or just want to see what's new in the neighborhood. Bring the kids for free face painting, enjoy some food while you're here, and take your time touring the homes. A lender will be on site to answer your questions and walk you through financing, including a special rate of 4.99% available right now. It's a great chance to get real answers about what buying at Hillcrest could actually look like for you. No appointment needed, just stop by any time between 11 and 4. We'd love to see you there!
Calling all Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors—this exciting overnight adventure is just for you! Includes: • Camping Under the Stars on the Boardwalk • Exclusive Free Play in the Arcade • Dinner & Breakfast • Outdoor Movie • Exclusive time on the Looff Carousel & Pirate Ship Friday night • Sand Sculpture Competition • Event Patch • Ride Wristband for Saturday • Discounted Parking Package Price: $99.95 per person Deadline September 27, 2026, or until full. Register today! bit.ly/Fall-Girl-Scout-Overnight
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
Saturday, October 03 2026 10:30am - 11:15am ¡Acompáñanos en nuestro nuevo horario, cada primer sábado del mes!
Saturday, October 03 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Step into a world of imagination with stories, rhymes, and songs for children ages 0?8, shared with families and caregivers in a warm, welcoming space.
Saturday, October 03 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Join Sewing for Kids Downtown! A different hand sewing project is offered each month. October's project is a pumpkin. Project supplies are limited to the first 25 participants.
Free Multicultural Celebration: culture booths, performances, fashion show, international food, free activities & crafts. All ages welcome! Join us for the 5th Annual Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair — a completely free, family-friendly celebration of culture, community, and connection! This beloved nonprofit event is held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 12–4pm at Skypark in Scotts Valley, and is made possible entirely by volunteers and donations. Whether you're a longtime local or new to the area, there's something for everyone: 🌍 Interactive culture booths showcasing traditions from around the world 🎭 Vibrant live performances curated by renowned choreographer Tandy Beal 👗 An international fashion show celebrating global style and heritage 🎨 Hands-on activities and crafts free for all ages 🍜 Delicious international food from a variety of vendors 🤝 A welcoming space for all families, youth, and community members Now in its 5th year, the Multicultural Fair was founded to broaden understanding and appreciation of different cultures, and to build positive connections — especially for our youth. Through fun and festivity, this event celebrates community joy, unity, and belonging in Scotts Valley and beyond. Interested in participating in the fair? You can host a cultural booth, walk in the fashion show, become a sponsor, join as a food vendor, or volunteer. Email us at [email protected] or visit www.scottsvalleymulticulturalfair.com to learn more! Come as you are. Bring your family. Celebrate with us!
The Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair is a free celebration aimed at broadening our understanding and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity. There will be: Live musical acts from all different backgrounds and influences. Dance troupes performing captivating routines; with audience participation encouraged! Food vendors to explore. A fashion show to show-case traditional clothing of different cultures. Art displays representing different cultures and age groups. Booths displaying and offering activities representing different cultures.
Harvest Festival returns to Downtown Santa Cruz. There will be throwing up tents, popping popcorn, stacking hay bales and setting up a slew of silly, throw-back games and fun activities for all of you. Think of a sweet nook version of county fair meets a school fair but, filled with local farms and businesses. The Harvest Festival offers tons of activities for all ages, including: Carnival Games ~ Enjoy classic carnival games! Mechanical Bull Who’s gonna try it? Wreath Making Station, sponsored by the Santa Cruz Warriors Striker, Glitter Tattoos, sponsored by Pacific Cookie Co. Face Painting, sponsored by Go Ask Alice Plinko, Froggy Fly, sponsored by Game Santa Cruz Corn Hole & Foosball, sponsored by the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz.. Food ~ Savor delicious fall flavors! Popcorn, sponsored by Downtown Association of SC Churros by La Casa de Churros Live Music Garden Variety Cheese Farm Animal Meet & Greet ~ Rebecca King brings baby sheep, ewes and chicks for viewing & handling. And more! See link in orange button above.
Santa Cruz Porchfest is a free, all-ages, one-day music event that turns downtown porches into stages. Wander the neighborhood, follow the sound, and discover your new favorite band on a neighbor’s front steps. On the day: Several bands playing on porches across downtown. (Including the Santa Cruz County Visitor Center) Music from 12 to 6pm, with sets running about an hour each. Walk the route at your own pace — bring water, a friend, a kid. Food and drinks at local spots along the way.
Harvest Festival returns to Downtown Santa Cruz. There will be throwing up tents, popping popcorn, stacking hay bales and setting up a slew of silly, throw-back games and fun activities for all of you. Think of a sweet nook version of county fair meets a school fair but, filled with local farms and businesses. The Harvest Festival offers tons of activities for all ages, including: Carnival Games ~ Enjoy classic carnival games! Mechanical Bull Who’s gonna try it? Wreath Making Station, sponsored by the Santa Cruz Warriors Striker, Glitter Tattoos, sponsored by Pacific Cookie Co. Face Painting, sponsored by Go Ask Alice Plinko, Froggy Fly, sponsored by Game Santa Cruz Corn Hole & Foosball, sponsored by the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz.. Food ~ Savor delicious fall flavors! Popcorn, sponsored by Downtown Association of SC Churros by La Casa de Churros Live Music Garden Variety Cheese Farm Animal Meet & Greet ~ Rebecca King brings baby sheep, ewes and chicks for viewing & handling. And more! See link in orange button above.
Harvest Festival returns to Downtown Santa Cruz. We'll be throwing up tents, popping popcorn, stacking hay bales and setting up a slew of silly, throw-back games and fun activities for all of you. Think of a sweet nook version of county fair meets a school fair but, filled with local farms and businesses. This vibrant community event is produced in partnership with The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz the Santa Cruz Community Farmers' Markets . The Harvest Festival offers tons of activities for all ages, including: Carnival Games ~ Enjoy classic carnival games! Mechanical Bull Who's gonna try it? Wreath Making Station, sponsored by the Santa Cruz Warriors Striker, Glitter Tattoos, sponsored by Pacific Cookie Co. Face Painting, sponsored by Go Ask Alice Plinko, Froggy Fly, sponsored by Game Santa Cruz Corn Hole & Foosball, sponsored by the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz.. Food ~ Savor delicious fall flavors! Popcorn, sponsored by Downtown Association of SC Churros by La Casa de Churros more announced soon. Live Music ~ Wreath Making ~ Enjoy this free fall craft sponsored by the Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Market. Garden Variety Cheese Farm Animal Meet & Greet ~ Rebecca King brings baby sheep, ewes and chicks for viewing & handling.
Santa Cruz Porchfest is a free, all-ages, one-day music event that turns downtown porches into stages. Wander the neighborhood, follow the sound, and discover your new favorite band on a neighbor’s front steps. On the day: Several bands playing on porches across downtown. (Including the Santa Cruz County Visitor Center) Music from 12 to 6pm, with sets running about an hour each. Walk the route at your own pace — bring water, a friend, a kid. Food and drinks at local spots along the way.
Bill Trimpi, better known as Mr. Bill, has been educating local students and telling stories for the past 50 years. But for the last 35, he has also connected with hundreds of students at Soccer Camp. He just put out a new children’s book, Out of the Box. To celebrate its release, there will be an afternoon of puppetry, fun, and creativity. Along with the puppet show, there will be a Santa-Cruz-themed activity book filled with non-competitive games. It also includes the story of Soccer Camp and several of Trimpi’s original stories, including “Surfer Cat,” “Stumpy the Tree,” and “Star Girl.” The new book will be available to purchase and Trimpi will happily sign them. -Isabella Marie Sangaline; Good Times Santa Cruz
Saturday, October 03 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
Saturday, October 03 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm In this workshop for teens, we'll explore how poets borrow and invent forms to help break them free. Come for the workshop and stay for the pizza!
Saturday, October 03 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm Youth ages 9-17 are invited to design and make a custom keychain, coaster, or fridge magnet to take home. Parent, guardian or responsible adult required to be present for the duration of workshop.
Saturday, October 03 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm Youth ages 9-17 are invited to design and make a custom keychain, coaster, or fridge magnet to take home. Parent, guardian or responsible adult required to be present for the duration of workshop.
The SLV Theatre Department is proud to present The Outsiders, a dramatic coming-of-age novel originally written by S.E. Hilton and adapted to stageplay by Christopher Sergel. This production is directed by high school seniors Ryan Jones and Benjamin Rotte. Performance dates are October 2nd-10th.
Time to Party with Thomas the Tank Engine, for a 25 minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family. Please note: The first weekend is Thomas the Train only—Percy joins us for the second, third, and fourth weekends!
Surfrider Santa Cruz Launches Fundraising Beach Cleanup-a-Thon
Surfrider Foundation Santa Cruz is inviting community members to join its Fundraising Beach Cleanup-a-Thon at Rio Del Mar State Beach on Sunday, October 4, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. The event will bring volunteers together to remove trash from the beach while raising funds to support Surfrider Santa Cruz’s local programs and free community cleanups. The concept is simple: participants sign up for the cleanup and ask friends, family, and coworkers to pledge donations based on the total amount of trash collected. After the cleanup, Surfrider volunteers will weigh the collective total of trash removed, and participating sponsors will make donations based on the Chapter-wide total. Supporters can also set a cap on their donation amount (for example, no more than $50). “Every piece of trash we remove makes a difference, but when our community comes together, we can make an even bigger impact,” said Darcie Connell, Co-Chair and Volunteer Coordinator of Surfrider Santa Cruz. “This event gives people a fun way to get involved while helping fund the programs that keep our beaches clean and protect our local coastline.” Surfrider Santa Cruz is a 100% volunteer-run Chapter. Funds raised through the Cleanup-a-Thon will support local programs including beach cleanups, Blue Water Task Force water quality testing, and other efforts to protect the Santa Cruz coastline. Participants are encouraged to invite friends, family, and coworkers to support the event by making pledges through the Chapter’s fundraising form. The more trash the community removes collectively, the greater the potential impact. Event Details What: Fundraising Beach Cleanup-a-Thon When: Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM Where: Rio Del Mar State Beach, 110 Aptos Beach Dr., Aptos, CA Who: Community members of all ages are welcome Sign up for the cleanup: https://x.gldn.io/e/RgfHrCx5j1b Pledge your support: https://forms.gle/KvjEm1WKTrfYosyN7 For more information, visit santacruz.surfrider.org. About Surfrider Fo
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/
Sunday, October 04 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) is the SCPL young adult advisory group. ACT is open to all Santa Cruz County young adults, ages 12-18.
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/
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