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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 Phamily Time! β˜… Featured Event
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 Β· 4:00 PM

Phamily Time!

πŸ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing Β· Downtown Santa Cruz Β· See listing

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

Music Festivals πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details β†’
Promotional image for Free First Friday Coming up
Fri, Aug 7, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

Free First Friday

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!

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Community
Coming up
Fri, Aug 7, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Jazz at the Library

Friday, August 07 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians.

Community
Promotional image for Creative Kontrol: AI and the Future of Music Coming up
Fri, Aug 7, 2026 Β· Civic Auditorium

Creative Kontrol: AI and the Future of Music

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.

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Community Bridges WIC 19th Annual Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair Coming up
Fri, Aug 7, 2026 Β· Community Bridges Plaza

Community Bridges WIC 19th Annual Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair

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.

Festivals πŸ“ Watsonville

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Friday, August 7

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

9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$10
First Friday $10 Coworking
πŸ“ NextSpace Santa Cruz
Community
9:00 AM
$10
Mindful Movement with Horses
πŸ“ BEYOND liberty
Sports
9:30 AM
See listing
Evergreen Volunteer Days
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
CLAY INDEPENDENT LAB TIME
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
FREE
Resource Recovery Public Summer Tours
πŸ“ City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
Community
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
10:30 AM
See listing
Mothersong
πŸ“ Watsonville
Art & Culture
11:00 AM
See listing
Bridge Club @ La Selva Beach
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community

What's happening

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Showing 30 of 52 upcoming events Β· Food & Drink Β· from 2026-08-07 Β· to 2026-08-14

Aug
7

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†’
Aug
7

Natural World Photographer & Silver Mountain Wine

πŸ“ Silver Mountain Vineyards Tasting Room
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Β· See listing

Kara is an award-winning natural world photographer who lives in the Pleasure Point Neighborhood of Santa Cruz. She learned the love of travel at a young age and was given her first camera at the age of ten. Ever since she’s traveled the world making photos. While she loves traveling to faraway places to photograph endangered species, her main love is where she lives. She recently published a children’s book of her photos showing the Monterey Bay with its unique diversity from its mountains to the sea. Meet Kara at our First Friday reception, Aug. 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Silver Mountain Tasting Room, 328 D Ingalls St. Enjoy a glass of wine while chatting with Kara about her extensive travels and stunning photography.

Art & Culture Food & Drink Details β†’
Aug
7

Susan Brown Paintings—”The Other Santa Cruz” β€”at Gabriella Cafe

πŸ“ Gabriella Cafe
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Β· See listing

I invite you to explore Susan Brown’s world, at Gabriella Cafe, First Friday, August 7, 5β€”7 PM. Susan Brown’s works capture the essence of Santa Cruz downtown, neighborhoods, and nearby towns and favorite local destinations. You’ll see Santa Cruz County in a different way! Many of her well known paintings give life to lesser known places, such as β€œjust a street.” Her Santa Cruz County paintings are not typical β€œcoastal or beach scenes;”such as her acrylic painting, β€œDavenport Evening,” (shown in the San Diego Museum of Art Exhibition, March 2025-November 2026); which poses questions for the viewer; asking where the road may lead, and evoking a sense of recognition or deja vu, whether or not one has actually been there. Susan uses technique, color and perspective to give the viewer a sense of place that somehow feels both familiar and new at the same time. We look forward to showing you the β€œOther Santa Cruz.”

Art & Culture Food & Drink Details β†’
Aug
7

Abstract Paintings by Jack Mento at Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room and Tapas Bar

πŸ“ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room and Tapas Bar
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

Please join us for this extra special exhibit! Come to the artist reception and meet Jack, hear about his unique art and life. Make a reservation for a table or a fire pit, or just grab a spot at the bar. We are open early and late, so don’t miss this colorful show. Abstract Paintings by Jack Mento Born in Hawaii and growing up in Syracuse, NY my nickname was Diamond which in Hawaiian is Kaimana. Although Hawaii will always be my spiritual home, I have lived in different places including Hawaii, New York, Arizona, Colorado and currently in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills in Northern California. My art is a unique expression of the many roads I’ve traveled, the things I’ve felt and seen, and the countless colorful adventures this life has given me. I started painting in 1986 and realized it was a deep way to express myself. At first my art had more of a realistic style that depicted my everyday experiences. Over time my work developed into a visual impression of the world around me and the mystery within. The art always seems to take me beyond what I imagined. Sometimes when I paint, I realize I am merely a witness to what transpires while the brush is in hand. I hope my art reaches people on a level that evokes their imagination about their own inner landscape as well as their curiosity about the world outside themselves. I believe one function of Art is to make visible to you the Mysteries of life on an emotionally deeper level. It is the life within and without that truly has led me to create what you see here. Contact info: Email : [email protected] Website : kaimanaart.com Venmo: @John-Mento-7

Art & Culture Food & Drink πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details β†’
Aug
7

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†’
Aug
7

1st Friday w/ Local Honey

πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Β· See listing

5:30-7:30pm Local Honey is a Santa Cruz-based band that drips with honey sweet harmony and hums with tight, inventive musicianship. Local Honey's repertoire pays homage to some of the the big voices of the last seven decades, including Big Mama Thornton, Rachael Price, Gladys Knight, Stevie Nicks, Grace Slick, and Amy Winehouse, among other divas. They seek out feel-good songs with strong vocals and infectious beats and make them their own. Though Local Honey is a new band, all of them are veterans of the Santa Cruz and Monterey music scenes. Members have worked with Honeytone, Ten O'Clock Lunch, Come Together, Backyard Birds, Menage, and Bay Bop. Over the years they've played in different combinations at many venues, including Michael's on Main, Chaminade, Davenport Roadhouse, Hallcrest Vineyards, Joe's Bar and the Food Lounge.

Music Food & Drink πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
7

Faulty Plan

πŸ“ Shanty Shack Brewing
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM Β· See listing

We are a cover band out of San Jose playing a mix of Jam Band, R&B and Classic Rock. We tend to play songs just off the beaten track but that people still recognize. We cover a very wide variety of artists including Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Stevie Wonder, Hall and Oates, Eric Clapton, Phish, Paul Simon, Jimmy Cliff and more.

Music Food & Drink Details β†’
Aug
7

Vine To View Winemaker's Dinner Series

πŸ“ Chaminade Resort & Spa
πŸ•’ 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us from May to October as Chef Samuels and his culinary team create gourmet four-course dinners expertly paired with wines from local California vineyards. Enjoy a romantic evening in the Chaminade courtyard overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. 21+ only. Tickets and Overnight Packages (two tickets included) on sale now. See 2026 calendar below. Friday, May 1 in partnership with Beauregard Vineyards Friday, June 5 in partnership with Caymus Vineyards Friday, July 10 in partnership with Wente Vineyards Friday, July 24 in partnership with Storrs Winery Friday, August 7 in partnership with Fableist Wine Co. Friday, September 11 in partnership with Serial Wines October Date TBD in partnership with Alfaro Family Vineyards

Food & Drink Adults 21+ πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
8

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
8

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
8

Roberts Ranch Vineyards: Wine & DΓ©jeuner d’Ouvrier

πŸ“ Roberts Ranch Vineyards
πŸ•’ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Β· $92.55

In the ProvenΓ§al tradition, enjoy a to tour the cellar and vineyard property with the stewards of this special place! After a seasonal walk & talk around the property, you’ll gather on the Terrace for French Worker’s Lunch paired with featured wines.

Aug
8

Roaring Camp Railroads: National BBQ Cook-Off

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM Β· FREE

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

Aug
8

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
8

Beehive Dive & Honey Tasting

πŸ“ Chaminade Resort and Spa
πŸ•’ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Β· $140

Through the hands-on exploration of a bustling beehive on Chaminade's grounds, you will learn about the intriguing world of honey bees in a way that very few get to experience. Your hive tour, led by Northern Roots Bee Co.’s professional beekeepers, will include suiting up in beekeeping attire and learning about the different roles and contributions that bees make in the colony. We’ll finish the experience with a honey tasting where participants delight in the nuanced flavors of varietal honeys. This experience is open to overnight resort guests and community members.

Outdoors Food & Drink πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
8

Roberts Ranch: Wine Tasting and Crushpad Concert

πŸ“ Roberts Ranch Vineyards
πŸ•’ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Β· $12.51

Acoustic musical guests make for a lively accompaniment to the afternoon! Enjoy a tasting of 5 of the current Roberts Ranch wines complete with abundant charcuterie boards! Meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, chocolate and even warm appetizers make appearances at this lovely and casual tasting experience. (See Seltzer & Charcuterie option for those not partaking in the wine tasting.) Your tasting begins at the crush pad where you will sign in and get your first pour and plate of charcuterie. From there you are welcome to find a comfortable spot to enjoy the views. Pace your tasting and food experience according to your preference. Enjoy a flavorful and relaxing afternoon! Attended children and well-behaved pups are welcome to join. Please sign up for a child’s ticket so they can be prepared with snacks and drinks for the kids.

Aug
8

Death and Saxes

πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Β· See listing

5:30-7:30pm Jazz quartet based in Santa Cruz, CA. Death And Saxes is: John Bouwsma - Tenor Saxophone Harrison Brand - Guitar Jamie Brudnick - Upright Bass Ben Sibley - Drums

Music Food & Drink πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
9

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†’
Aug
9

Corralitos Farm and Garden Market

πŸ“ Corralitos farm and garden market
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Β· FREE

A small but mighty amazing community market. In beautiful Corralitos, which is located in south Santa Cruz county. The country feel is real with local produce, local flowers, local honey, baked goods, plants, crafts, and so much more. An amazing Jewel hidden in the south County of Santa Cruz also we are right next to Aldridge Park and the famous Corralitos meat market. See you all there. Rain or Shine. Located 127 Hames Road Corralitos 11-3pm plenty additional parkiing @Aldridgepark

Food & Drink Markets πŸ“ Watsonville Details β†’
Aug
9

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)

Aug
9

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
9

The Jade Trio

πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
πŸ•’ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Β· See listing

3:00-5:00pm JADe is an Acoustic Trio performing in the Santa Cruz / Bay Area, playing acoustic rock, adult contemporary, beautiful ballads and more from the 60's to present. They feature 3 lead vocals with fabulous harmonies, 2 guitars, flute and melodica.

Music Food & Drink πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
9

Songrise International Benefit Concert

πŸ“ Bargetto Winery
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Β· $100

Join us for an unforgettable evening of jazz and stories from Ukraine at the Songrise Andrey Chmut Benefit Concert at the picturesque Bargetto Winery. All proceeds will benefit Songrise International’s vital music programs and initiatives for youth globally. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon with live jazz, a festive dinner, fine wines, silent and live auctions, and the chance to make a meaningful difference!

Music Food & Drink πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’

22 more events further out

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