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23 upcoming events Β· Free Β· from 2026-07-31 Β· to 2026-07-31
π Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
π 8:30 AM β 10:00 AM Β· FREE
What is CreativeMornings? A free, live, monthly breakfast lecture series for creatives, community-builders, entrepreneurs, and more! Each month features a short lecture by a local innovator, framed by opportunities to socialize and spark new connections. CreativeMornings draws attendees and speakers not strictly from βcreativeβ fields; it includes anyone driven by passion and purpose. Live lectures are video-recorded and shared on the CreativeMornings online platform. CreativeMornings Santa Cruz was born out of a love of this town as well as a desire to see our creative community unite and cross-pollinate. From Bonny Doon to Watsonville, our county is full of artists, innovators, and people making inspired choices in the ways they approach their lives and their work. Our goal is to bring them together IRL andβ¦watch the magic happen!
π Wilder Ranch State Park
π 9:00 AM β 1:00 PM Β· FREE
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. *Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.
π City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
π 10:00 AM β 11:30 AM Β· FREE
Free Public Tours of the City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility are here. Don't miss this educational community favorite activity! Summer Public Tours Are Back! Public Tours of the Resource Recovery Facility will be offered every Friday at 10 AM from June 12th through August 14th, 2026. A single Saturday will also be offered on July 25th. Out of consideration for others, please only sign up on Saturday if Fridays are not an option for you. Come join us! Get ready to discover the journey your recycling and food scraps takeβand see firsthand how your actions make a difference! Visitors will see what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of material that Santa Cruzians place into their blue recycle bins every single day. We will also learn why it is important to βrecycle right,β avoid βwish-cycling," and why we can't rely on a triangle and a blue bin anymore. Visitors will see a mountain of scrap metal, learn about the facilityβs Household Hazardous Waste Program, and see the Food Scrap Pre-Processor Machine. Donβt miss out on this chance to become a waste reduction pro! Tours are limited to 20 people. Children must be at least 8 years old. Youth ages 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes 48 hours before the tour date. No Drop-Ins. Safety Notice: This tour includes stairs and standing/walking for approximately 45 minutes. On this tour, you may be exposed to loud noises, dust, or tight spaces. Please note that this is a working industrial facility with potential hazards, and your safety is our top priority. Please wear closed-toe sturdy shoes and long pants. We will provide safety vests, eye protection, ear protection, and hard hats. Please inform City staff before your tour date if you will need accommodations.
π Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
π 11:00 AM β 8:00 PM Β· FREE
The first annual Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz will take place Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, bringing together local musicians, hula schools, artists, food vendors, and community organizations for a weekend celebrating Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Pacific cultures. Gates open daily at 11 a.m. Admission to the festival is free. Donations are welcome. Parking will be available for $20 per vehicle. No in-and-out privileges will be allowed, and re-entry fees will be enforced. Produced by Victor Ohana Productions LLC, the festival aims to celebrate the Spirit of Aloha while creating a new cultural tradition for the Central Coast community. Organizers say the event was created to strengthen connections among local Polynesian communities, while offering residents and visitors a new summer cultural experience in Santa Cruz County. βThis festival is about bringing people together through music, dance, food, art, and community,β said Marie Victor, founder of Victor Ohana Productions. βSanta Cruz has deep cultural and historical connections to HawaiΚ»i through surf culture and the ocean lifestyle. We wanted to create an event that celebrates those shared influences while showcasing the incredible local talent we have here in Northern California.β Rather than featuring a national headliner, the festival will spotlight local bands and performers from throughout Santa Cruz County and the surrounding region. Organizers said the focus of the event is community participation and cultural authenticity. Festival attendees can expect: β Food vendors featuring Pacific-inspired cuisine β Local arts, crafts, and merchandise vendors β Information booths from community nonprofits and organizations β Family-friendly cultural activities and entertainment Local Live Music β Victor Ohana 3 Generations β Ho' Omana β Hunawai β Kanalu β Laule'a Hawaiian Band β Ka La'i O Mele β George Kahumoku Jr (Grammy Award Winner in
π Wilder Ranch State Park
π 11:00 AM β 12:00 PM Β· FREE
Young adventurers are invited to join the Junior Ranger Program at Wilder Ranch State Park this summer! The free program is 11 a.m. to noon. Kids ages 7-12 are invited. Parents and guardians can learn more and register their young adventurers online. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park.
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 12:00 PM Β· See listing
Friday, July 31 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm We are knitting at Live Oak Library on Fridays.
π Comicopolis
π 12:00 PM Β· FREE
It's time to get those crayons sharpened, paints mixed and markers at the ready for our Summer 2026 PokΓ©mon Art Contest for kids 5-12! To join in, create a picture of your favorite PokΓ©mon having a fun moment or striking a cool, dynamic pose. Submissions should be on 8.5 x 11 paper. You can use any medium you like, such as paint, marker, crayon, pencil, etc. No digital art. There will be prizes awarded to two age groups, 5-7 and 8-12. Entries accepted June 1st-July 31st. Winners will be announced on August 6th. BONUS: All participants will receive a free PokΓ©mon:Chaos Rising 11x17 mini-poster (while supplies last) when you hand in your art.
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 12:00 PM Β· See listing
Friday, July 31 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for an hour of fun, inclusive, and creative activities and social opportunities for adults with developmental differences and their caregivers every last Friday of the month!
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 12:00 PM Β· See listing
Friday, July 31 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm Join our Bridge Club for friendly games and social fun, open to players of all skill levels.
π Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
π 12:00 PM β 6:00 PM Β· FREE
Feel the rhythm of Hawaiian Music with live performances both Friday and Saturday. Enjoy Polynesian inspired dance and vibrant performances throughout the festival. Savor a curated selection of local food vendors serving up dishes and community favorites. Browse a vibrant marketplace of local artisans, handcrafted goods, and unique finds from vendors across the county. Open from noon to 6pm both Friday and Saturday. Although the event entry is free, parking at the venue is $20 per vehicle.
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 12:30 PM Β· FREE
Friday, July 31 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm Join us for great stories and a fun craft. Ages 4-6
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 2:00 PM Β· See listing
Friday, July 31 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Sharpen your word skills and enjoy friendly competition at our Scrabble Club - fun for all levels.
π Skypark
π 5:00 PM β 8:00 PM Β· See listing
Head to Skypark in Scotts Valley for the areaβs 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
π R. Blitzer Gallery
π 5:00 PM β 9:00 PM Β· FREE
Renown graphic artist Jim Phillips will present his first-ever one-man solo show of new artworks. The exclusive show represents first time ever the celebrated artist has shown his work at a solo exhibit in his hometown. Jim's graphics and surf and skate-themed artworks are a global cultural phenomenon, with millions of fans drawn to the Santa Cruz Red Dot and Screamong Hand, which he created in 1985. Jim's legacy has seen the prolific creating iconic surf and skate graphics, advertising, rock posters and drawings and paintings for a global clientele.
π Midtown Block Party Lot
π 5:00 PM β 8:30 PM Β· FREE
Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food β Artists β Live Music β 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.
π Santa Cruz
π 5:00 PM β 8:30 PM Β· FREE
Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.
π Discretion Brewing
π 5:30 PM β 7:30 PM Β· See listing
5:30-7:30pm The Paperback Ryders are an acoustic harmony power-trio. Accurate harmonies from many notable bands.
π Kissed By an Angel Wines
π 5:30 PM β 7:30 PM Β· FREE
Enjoy live music from location musicians every Friday and Saturday. Venue is 21+ with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options.
π Madson Wine
π 6:00 PM β 8:00 PM Β· FREE
Rebecca Coupe Franks / Trumpet Nancy Heth / Vocals and Piano
π Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
π 6:00 PM β 10:00 PM Β· FREE
OUTERNATIONAL (((Global Bass Dance))) β’ FRIDAY JULY 31STβ’ β’ With Resident DJs SELECTA 7 & RUDI B β’ Reggae β’ Dancehall β’ Rub A Dub β’ Jungle β’ Dubstep β’ Remixes No Cover Donations Appreciated 6pm-10pm Woodhouse Brewing and Blending 119 Madrone St. Santa Cruz Sponsored by The Green Spot!! Sound Reinforcement by Zion Farms!!
π Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
π 8:30 PM β 9:30 PM Β· FREE
Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm β Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 β Free showing of Ferris Buellerβs Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm β DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm β DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 β Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm β DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm β DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm β Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 β Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm β DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,
π Santa Cruz Boardwalk
π 9:00 PM Β· See listing
Get the full lineup: bit.ly/Free-Movies-on-the-Beach FREE Movies on the Beach Friday Nights at 9pm June 12 β August 7, 2026 (Except July 3) Beach in front of the Colonnade Jurassic Park - July 31 at 9 PM Thereβs nothing quite like watching your favorite movies under the stars with your toes in the sand, enjoying the nostalgic flavors of classic Boardwalk treats. Grab your blankets and your favorite people for a Boardwalk movie night packed with unforgettable fun! Admission FREE! β’ Each movie will include a 15-minute intermission. β’ Seating is first-come, first-served. β’ Low-back chairs and blankets are encouraged for seating; please allow others space and a good view. β’ Smoking is not permitted on the beach or Boardwalk. Alcohol and glass are prohibited on the beach. β’ A limited number of assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available for check-out at the Mini Golf Kiosk inside Neptune's Kingdom. β’ If you require other special accommodations or would like to request Closed Captioning, please contact the Manager on Duty at least 48 hours in advance of the movie at (831) 423-5590. Free Movies on the Beach is sponsored by KDON, KOCN, KWAV, KCDU, and the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Printable Schedule: coming soon... ENJOY THE SHOWS!
π Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
π 9:00 PM β 11:00 PM Β· FREE
Every Friday night on the beach in front of the Colonnade, bring your family and your blanket or low-back chair to experience the ultimate movie night! Watch your favorite movies while munching on mouthwatering Boardwalk treats, from kettle corn and saltwater taffy to corn dogs and turkey legs. Seating is first come, first served and each movie will have a 15-minute intermission. June 12, 2026: The Lost Boys June 19, 2026: Ferris Buellerβs Day Off June 26, 2026: Kicking and Screaming July 10, 2026: 13 Going on 30 July 17, 2026: Back to the Future July 24, 2026: A Minecraft Movie July 31, 2026: Jurassic Park August 7, 2026: The Goonies
