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πŸ“ Santa Cruz County, CA

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

Promotional image for Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” β˜… Featured
Tue, Jul 28, 2026 Β· Stevenson College

Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

The DSAS Center for Leadership and Involvement and Summer Edge invite you to join us for our Movie Night Under the Stars event screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”: Date: Tuesday, July 28th Screening Time: Event entry begins at 7:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Location: Stevenson College Knoll *Bring your own blanket! Limited chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.* Free movie snacks will be available! For any questions or accommodations, please email [email protected] . You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeβ€”whether a student service, faculty program, or community eventβ€”is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .

Education πŸ“ UCSC
Promotional image for Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts β˜… Featured
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

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

Food & Drink πŸ“ Seabright & Harbor
Music
β˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 Β· Westside Locations

Chamber Choir Now Auditioning

Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.

Music πŸ“ Westside
Promotional image for Bluegrass Jam Bazaar (Copy) (Copy) Coming up
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 Β· Woodhouse Blending & Brewing

Bluegrass Jam Bazaar (Copy) (Copy)

This is the place to be on Tuesday! This weekly jam fest features rotating bands, open jam sessions, vendors, activities and all the dance vibes you can manage. Bring your instrument and your dancing shoes!

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Monday, July 27

49 events on today. No plans required, just go.

12:00 AM
See listing
World of Birds Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
12:00 AM
See listing
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
1:00 AM
$500
The Dickens Universe featuring β€˜Bleak House’
πŸ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
Education
8:30 AM
$300
World of Birds Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
8:30 AM
$300
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Family
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$8600
Certified Massage Therapist Program
πŸ“ Cypress Health Institute
Community
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
11:00 AM
FREE
Local Specials
πŸ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Food & Drink

What's happening

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Showing 30 of 42 upcoming events Β· Food & Drink Β· from 2026-07-27 Β· to 2026-08-03

Jul
27

Local Specials

πŸ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Β· FREE

For a more casual local draw, Low Tide features weekly dining specials including The Monday Slice ($20 signature pizzas), Wine Down Wednesdays (Β½ price bottles under $80), and Sunday Golden Hour offerings (4PM-6PM with $6 draft beer and house wine)

Jul
27

The Cruz Room: Hosted Board Game Night

πŸ“ The Cruz Room
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Β· FREE

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 mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10

Jul
28

Santa Cruz Farmers Markets

πŸ“ The Felton Market
πŸ•’ 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM Β· See listing

The Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering place – started in 1987 it is the second longest running market in Santa Cruz County. SCCFM took over operations in 2009 and our team has developed deep ties to the community. Every Tuesday a quality collection of regional farms and food businesses throw up their tents to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, seafood and other staple foods. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Felton Market is an essential part of the regional food system as well as a resource for nutritious organic foods and basic agricultural education.

Jul
28

Santa Cruz Wharf: Live Concert Series

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Wharf
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· FREE

Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s stage! Every 2 nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and additional shows from 6 to 8pm. Check out Wharf Business pop ups, or make a dinner reservation before the shows. Be sure to bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! May 26, 2026: SambaDΓ‘ June 9, 2026: The Viva Santana Show June 23: 2026: The Unauthorized Rolling Stones July 14: 2026: Sweet VooDoo July 28: The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin August 11, 2026: Santa Cruda August 25, 2026: The Joint Chiefs September 8, 2026: Extra Large After parties after every show will take place upstairs at Vino by the Sea !

Jul
28

Tacos & Trivia

πŸ“ Bruno's Bar & Grill
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

As with everything we do, we bring the fun! This isn’t your average ordinary trivia. It’s β€œBruno’s Style”. We sing, we play instruments, we dance and we drink. Fill up on Tacos and Margs and get ready for a night of fun! ​ If you’re looking for a quiet night with boring trivia for the brainiacs you won’t find it at Bruno’s. With musical clues for our players – we have the most fun trivia around. We turn the music up loud and we make a lot of noise! It’s free to play with prizes for the winners. With $3 tacos and the buy a Margarita or Modelo and get a free taco deal, you’re going to have a great night at the best bar in town. Bring your friends and form a team or come by yourself and make some new friends, you’ll have a blast!

Jul
28

Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion

πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
πŸ•’ 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us for Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion! Every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm Hosted by Michael Cahalan Pair one of our 16 beers on tap with some lively Trivia, every Tuesday at 6:30pm. No sign-ups required - just come a little early to snag a table in the beer garden. Free to play | Prizes | Up to 6 per team

Food & Drink Free πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Jul
29

Local Specials

πŸ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Β· FREE

For a more casual local draw, Low Tide features weekly dining specials including The Monday Slice ($20 signature pizzas), Wine Down Wednesdays (Β½ price bottles under $80), and Sunday Golden Hour offerings (4PM-6PM with $6 draft beer and house wine)

Jul
29

Wig Out Wednesday

πŸ“ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room + Wine Bar
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· FREE

Every Wed from 4 to 8 pm at our Downtown Santa Cruz Tasting Room + Wine Bar Join us for a night of wigging out in Downtown Santa Cruz! Wear a wig, and we’ll have a surprise for you. We’ll play cool music, games, trivia, and much more! Let’s wig out and keep Santa Cruz weird! Wig Out Wednesday Special: 2 empanadas and a glass of wine (Riesling, Rose, or Homestead) for $19.

Jul
30

Summer Beer Sails

πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
πŸ•’ 12:00 AM Β· See listing

Enjoy Discretion on a boat! For schedule of beer cruises & tickets, visit the links below. We'll see you out on the ocean… Chardonnay Sailing Charters Discretion sails on 5/27, 8/26, 9/16, 10/21 O'Neill Yacht Charters Discretion sails on 6/27, 7/30, 8/9, 9/19, 10/11

Food & Drink Outdoors πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Jul
30

Far West Fungi: Myco-Mixer

πŸ“ Far West Fungi
πŸ•’ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Β· FREE

Far West Fungi’s Santa Cruz Store & CafΓ© is launching Myco-Mixers – Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites, product samples, and happy hour discounts on cafΓ© favorites. Guests can meet the Far West Fungi team, learn about unique mushroom products, and discover new flavors to take home. Head Far West in Santa Cruz each week to taste house-made tacos, explore featured products, and find your new favorite mushroom treats. Whether you’re a foodie, mushroom enthusiast, or just looking for a fun Thursday outing, Myco-Mixers are the perfect way to experience local one-of-a-kind flavors!

Food & Drink Free πŸ“ Westside Details β†’
Jul
30

Persephone Restaurant Thursday Night Pasta Special

πŸ“ Persephone Restaurant
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM Β· $40

Every Thursday along with our regular menu we offer a prix fixe pasta dinner! Enjoy three courses starting with a fresh farmers market mixed green salad, your choice of Pappardelle Bolognese, Truffled Tortiglioni or our seasonal risotto. Finish with a scoop of our housemade chocolate gelato or seasonal sorbet. Three courses for $40!

Markets Food & Drink πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Jul
30
β˜… Featured

Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Harbor Beach
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Β· FREE

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

Jul
30

Crow’s Nest: Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Harbor Beach
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Β· FREE

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

Jul
30

Bargetto Winery: Music in the Courtyard

πŸ“ Bargetto Winery
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· FREE

Head to Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! There is no cover charge and wine by the glass and light snacks are available for purchase. May 7, 2026: Alex Lucero May 14, 2026: James Durbin May 21, 2026: The Joint Chiefs May 28, 2026: Sambada June 4, 2026: Alex Lucero June 11, 2026: The Breaux Show June 18, 2026: Beach Cowboys June 25, 2026: The Joint Chiefs July 2, 2026: Alex Lucero July 9, 2026: James Durbin July 16, 2026: 10 O’Clock Lunch Band July 23, 2026: Highwater Blues July 30, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 6, 2026: TBD August 13, 2026: TBD August 20, 2026: TBD August 27, 2026: TBD September 3, 2026: TBD

Food & Drink Free πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Jul
31

Watsonville: Farmers Market

πŸ“ Downtown Watsonville
πŸ•’ 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Don’t miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Bring your appetite as there are tons of delicious prepared foods to try.

Markets Food & Drink πŸ“ Watsonville Details β†’
Jul
31

Skypark: Food Truck Friday

πŸ“ Skypark
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Β· See listing

Head to Skypark in Scotts Valley for the area’s largest food truck festival! Lots of excitement, more food vendors, the fabulous SVEF Beer & Wine Garden, amazing Live Music and face painting! Music Lineup: β€’ April 24 (Starts 4:30 PM) β€” Music by Shady Rest Band β€’ May 29 β€” Music by The Swag Tones β€’ June 26 β€” Music by Fire Peach β€’ July 31 β€” Music by Identity Problem β€’ August 28 β€” Music by Cringe β€’ September 25 (Starts 4:30 PM) β€” Music by Paperback Ryders β€’ October 30 (Starts 4:30 PM) β€” Music by Dadbeats

Jul
31

Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties

πŸ“ Midtown Block Party Lot
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM Β· FREE

Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 29 to August 28.

Food & Drink Free πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Jul
31

Santa Cruz Boardwalk: Summer Luau

πŸ“ The Grove
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Β· See listing

Enjoy a festive Summer Luau by the beach! Dress in your best Hawaiian attire and enjoy a tropical buffet, live music, hula dancers, and fun for all ages. Perfect for families, date nights, or just wrapping up a fun day the the Boardwalk!

Food & Drink Music Details β†’
Jul
31

Boardwalk Summer Luau

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Boardwalk
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Β· See listing

Aloha, You’re Invitedβ€”Summer Luau by the Beach! Dress in your best Hawaiian attire and enjoy a tropical buffet, live music, hula dancers, and fun for all ages. Perfect for families, date nights, or those wrapping up their fun day at the Boardwalk! Schedule 6pm Doors Open 6pm-6:30pm Appetizers 6pm-7:30pm Live Music 6:30pm-7:30pm Tropical Buffet Station 7:30pm Hula Dancers $69.95 + tax - Adult $45.95 + tax - Child (2-8) Upgrade to Premium seating! $79.95 + tax - Adult Premium Seating $55.95 + tax - Child (2-8) Premium Seating Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/Boardwalk-Luaus-s Online reservations are available up to one week before the event or until sold out. - Adult beverages available for purchase. - Each attendee will also receive a colorful lei!

Aug
1

Cars and Coffee

πŸ“ East Lake Village Shopping Center
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Β· FREE

Classic cars and coffee every Saturday morning, in East Lake Village Shopping Center. It doesn't get much better. Come walk around the expansive parking lot, look at some beautifully restored cars, drink delicious coffee, and visit with your community. Stay awhile and enjoy one of the many great eateries in the shopping center!

Aug
1

UC Santa Cruz Farm U-Pick

πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

Come enjoy picking your own organic strawberries and/or flowers at the campus farm! When: U-picks will take place on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm, July 11–August 22, or while supplies last. PLEASE NOTE that u-pick will not occur on Saturday, July 4. Where: Free parking will be available in the Hay Barn lot or lot 115/116 during u-pick hours. Please do not park in the dirt lot at the farm’s back gate. Please walk to the check-in table near the strawberries/flowers at the farm to pre-pay and collect your u-pick container(s). We will have directional signage displayed. There is one ADA parking spot on the farm. The UCSC Farm has uneven, hilly terrain. If you require accommodations to fully participate, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate. Cost: UCSC students with valid ID get 25% off produce. Strawberry pints – $4 each Strawberry flats (12 pints) – $44 Flowers – $25 for 32oz deli container Flower buckets – $75 Payment: Credit card payments only (you will need a smartphone to scan a QR code and enter your card info manually). Dogs are not allowed on the UC Santa Cruz campus (service animals are OK).

Food & Drink Free πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Aug
1

Ben Lomond County Park: Village Market

πŸ“ Ben Lomond County Park
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Β· FREE

Held on the first Saturday of each month from June through October, this vibrant market offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, delicious foods, and live music. Enjoy family-friendly activities and meet talented local creators. Whether you’re shopping for unique goods, savoring local flavors, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Village is a must-visit event.

Aug
1

Books & Brews

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM Β· See listing

Saturday, August 01 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm Enjoy shopping for books and crafts, live music, food trucks, local craft beers, and more at the Books & Brews event at the the La Selva Beach Clubhouse and Florido Lawn from 10 am to 4 pm.

Community Food & Drink Details β†’
Aug
1

Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

πŸ“ Nicholson Vineyards
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Β· $25

Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather selections. Book your reservation today! July 11 & 12: The Clay Chalet and music by Dos Bros July 18 & 19: Indigo and Vine and music by Jo Coleman July 25 & 26: Sour Sammy Sourdough and music by Six String Mixtape August 1 & 2: Scout and Sea and music by Half Pass August 8 & 9: Lili Arnold Studios and music by Eden Edell August 15 & 16: Desert Moon Design and music by Kip Allert August 22 & 23: Papelline Jewelry and music by Zach Bailey August 29 & 30: Anna Gail Designs and music by Jeff Smith September 5 & 6: All You Knead and music by Cake Party!

Food & Drink Art & Culture πŸ“ Aptos & Seacliff Details β†’
Aug
1

Roaring Camp Railroads: Brewgrass Festival

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 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

12 more events further out

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