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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 Sacred Return Retreat: A Psilocybin Ceremony Retreat Coming up
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 Β· Sacred Owl Land

Sacred Return Retreat: A Psilocybin Ceremony Retreat

Sacred Return Retreat offers a trauma-informed container for ceremony, breathwork, yoga, sound healing, and deep inner work. Facilitated in collaboration with Dr. Leta Jussila and Dallas McKenzie at Sacred Owl Land, this immersive retreat supports healing, transformation, and personal growth through intentional preparation, ceremony, and integration.

Wellness
Promotional image for Skypark: Scotts Valley 60th Celebration Coming up
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 Β· Skypark

Skypark: Scotts Valley 60th Celebration

Enjoy a full day of 60’s nostalgic vibes including storytelling, family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, and music! 10:30am: Storytelling 11:30am: Birthday Song & Dessert 12:00pm: Activities, Booths, Food Trucks and Fun

Festivals πŸ“ Scotts Valley
Promotional image for Scotts Valley 60th Birthday Bash Coming up
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 Β· Skypark

Scotts Valley 60th Birthday Bash

Celebrate 60 Years of Scotts Valley! Join us as we celebrate Scotts Valley's 60th Birthday Bash on Sunday, August 2nd at Skypark for an unforgettable community celebration! Event Highlights: Share Your Story (submit at [email protected]) Birthday Song & Birthday Dessert, Live Music, Roller Skating, Food Trucks, Kids Activities, Interactive History, Family Fun for All Ages! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we celebrate six decades of community, memories, and hometown pride. Whether you've lived here your whole life or are new to Scotts Valley, this is the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate everything that makes our city so special. Sunday, August 2, 2026 Skypark – Scotts Valley 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM FREE Event Let's make history together as we celebrate 60 incredible years of Scotts Valley! We can't wait to see you there!

Festivals πŸ“ Scotts Valley
Promotional image for Watsonville Strawberry Festival Coming up
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 Β· Historic Downtown Watsonville

Watsonville Strawberry Festival

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival returns to historic downtown Watsonville on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2! This free, family-friendly festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, kid's activities, local artisans, business and specialty vendors and a mouthwatering variety of food. Strawberry lovers can look forward to creative berry-infused treats like pizza, tacos, churros, popcorn, shortcake, beer and more! Be sure to catch crowd favorites like the Pie-Eating Content and Berry Best Dressed Contest. Don't miss this cherished Watsonville tradition that celebrates community, creativity and all things strawberry. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a weekend packed with fun, food and festivities! For more info: **watsonvillestrawberryfestival.com** or IG/FB @watsonvillestrawberryfestival Saturday, August 1 | 11AM-8 PM Sunday, August 2 | 11 AM-7 PM

Festivals πŸ“ Watsonville

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Sunday, August 2

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

9:00 AM
FREE
Live Oak Farmers' Market
πŸ“ East Cliff Village
Markets
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$20
Wildlife Cameras and Other Methods for Assessing Backyard Biodiversity
πŸ“ Hay Barn
Education
9:00 AM
See listing
Farmers Market Live Oak
πŸ“ Mission St & Western
Markets
9:00 AM
FREE
Live Oak: Farmers Market
πŸ“ Live Oak Farmers’ Market
Markets
9:00 AM
$800
Sacred Return Retreat: A Psilocybin Ceremony Retreat
πŸ“ Sacred Owl Land
Wellness
9:00 AM
See listing
Drop-in Meditation
πŸ“ Land of Medicine Buddha – In the Gompa
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
CLAY INDEPENDENT LAB TIME
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family

What's happening

Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.

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Showing 30 of 149 upcoming events Β· Free Β· from 2026-08-02 Β· to 2026-08-09

Aug
2

Live Oak: Farmers Market

πŸ“ Live Oak Farmers’ Market
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Β· FREE

Started in 2000, this neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved and depended on by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Here the atmosphere is bumping with families, cyclists, beach goers, locals, visitors, the young and the old. Shoppers find an excellent selection of organic produce from regional farms. The tables are stacked high with tree-ripened fruits, greens, fresh bread, pastries, nuts and legumes, sustainable seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and seasonal flowers. Many visitors spend hours at the market, filling their bags with berries, chicories and bagels – then moving onto a unique meal from one of the accomplished cooks that sell at the market. Sunday brunch offerings include traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, gyoza, savory and sweet crepes and farm-driven meals that spotlight the harvest in clean, creative and bright arrangements. Watsonville-based Hidden Fortress Coffee provides that hot, comforting cup of goodness that brings us back to the simple pleasures of life. This is your Sunday destination.

Markets Free Details β†’
Aug
2

Scotts Valley 60th Birthday Bash

πŸ“ Skypark
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM Β· FREE

Celebrate 60 Years of Scotts Valley! Join us as we celebrate Scotts Valley's 60th Birthday Bash on Sunday, August 2nd at Skypark for an unforgettable community celebration! Event Highlights: Share Your Story (submit at [email protected]) Birthday Song & Birthday Dessert, Live Music, Roller Skating, Food Trucks, Kids Activities, Interactive History, Family Fun for All Ages! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we celebrate six decades of community, memories, and hometown pride. Whether you've lived here your whole life or are new to Scotts Valley, this is the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate everything that makes our city so special. Sunday, August 2, 2026 Skypark – Scotts Valley 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM FREE Event Let's make history together as we celebrate 60 incredible years of Scotts Valley! We can't wait to see you there!

Aug
2

Commerate the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition

πŸ“ Castro Adobe State Historic Park
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM Β· FREE

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition at Castro Adobe State Historic Park Join us for a special Open House commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Second Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition, the historic journey that brought the Castro family to California and helped shape the future of Alta California. The connection is especially meaningful at the Castro Adobe. JoaquΓ­n Isidro Castro, grandfather of adobe builder Juan JosΓ© Castro, traveled with the 1775–1776 Anza Expedition. His family's journey would eventually lead to the establishment of Rancho San AndrΓ©s and the construction of the magnificent two-story adobe hacienda that stands today. Featured Guest Speakers 11:00 AM – Jennifer Lucido, M.A., RPA Historical Archaeologist β€’ CSUMB Lecturer β€’ Scholar of Spanish Colonial California Presenting the fascinating story of Feliciana Arballo, "The Bold Widow," one of the most remarkable women of the Anza Expedition. 1:00 PM – Greg Bernal-Mendoza Smestad, PhD Anza Expedition Scholar β€’ Author β€’ Descendant Sharing insights into the Anza Expedition, its route, its people, and its lasting impact on California history. Throughout the day, enjoy live music in the garden, children's crafts, knowledgeable docents, and the opportunity to explore the fully restored 176-year-old, adobe hacienda of the Castro family. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day surrounded by history, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the Watsonville countryside. FREE EVENT! Parking is limited RSVP is encouraged: https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse Hosted by California State Parks & Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Aug
2

Castro Adobe State Historic Park: Open House

πŸ“ Castro Adobe State Historic Park
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM Β· FREE

If you love California history and our state’s cultural heritage, come celebrate with us at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park! Visit at the next open house. This tour that repeats every 90-minutes throughout the day will surely have you falling head over heels with all the park has to offer! This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville, CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. *This event requires pre-registration through the link in the orange button above.

Aug
2

Castro Adobe: Anza 250th Anniversary Celebration

πŸ“ Castro Adobe State Historic Park
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM Β· FREE

JoaquΓ­n Isidro de Castro, grandfather of adobe owner Juan JosΓ© Castro, traveled with the 1775–1776 Anza Expedition. Throughout the day, enjoy live music in the garden, children’s crafts, knowledgeable docents, and the opportunity to explore the fully restored 176-year-old, adobe hacienda of the Castro family. Take a picnic lunch and spend the day surrounded by history, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the Watsonville countryside. Scheduled Special Speakers: 11am – Hear about β€œThe Bold Widow,” one of the most remarkable women of the Anza Expedition. by Jennifer Lucido, M.A., RPA 1pm – Hear insights into the Anza Expedition, its route, its people, and its lasting impact on California history. by Dr. Greg Smestad, Anza Expedition Scholar β€’ Author β€’ Descendant Preregistration is encouraged! To preregister visit the Santa Cruz State Parks reservation site

Aug
2

Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Harbor
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Β· FREE

Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port District’s website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.

Outdoors Free Details β†’
Aug
2

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
2

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
2

Watsonville Strawberry Festival

πŸ“ Historic Downtown Watsonville
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Β· FREE

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival returns to historic downtown Watsonville on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2! This free, family-friendly festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, kid's activities, local artisans, business and specialty vendors and a mouthwatering variety of food. Strawberry lovers can look forward to creative berry-infused treats like pizza, tacos, churros, popcorn, shortcake, beer and more! Be sure to catch crowd favorites like the Pie-Eating Content and Berry Best Dressed Contest. Don't miss this cherished Watsonville tradition that celebrates community, creativity and all things strawberry. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a weekend packed with fun, food and festivities! For more info: **watsonvillestrawberryfestival.com** or IG/FB @watsonvillestrawberryfestival Saturday, August 1 | 11AM-8 PM Sunday, August 2 | 11 AM-7 PM

Aug
2

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Β· FREE

Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc., and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. You don’t want to miss this! Meet at the visitor center. Although the event is free, the vehicle day-use fee is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!

Aug
2

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Redwood Loop Tour

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Β· See listing

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Aug
2

2026 Cabrillo Festival

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Β· FREE

Led by Conductor-in-Residence Octavio MΓ‘s-Arocas, the beloved free Family Concert features Paul Dooleyβ€˜s The Conductor’s Spellbook, an interactive musical adventure introducing audiences of all ages to the orchestra through playful storytelling, alongside Gala Flagelloβ€˜s vibrant fanfare Bravado. A β€œTour of the Orchestra” invites curious minds of all ages to explore the instruments that bring the music to life. In a special partnership with El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, select honor students will open up the concert with a short presentationβ€”continuing the Festival’s commitment to access, education, and mentorship.

Aug
2

SC Civic Auditorium: Free Family Orchestral Concert

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Β· FREE

Led by Conductor-in-Residence Octavio MΓ‘s-Arocas, the beloved free Family Concert features Paul Dooleyβ€˜s The Conductor’s Spellbook , an interactive musical adventure introducing audiences of all ages to the orchestra through playful storytelling, alongside Gala Flagelloβ€˜s vibrant fanfare Bravado . A β€œTour of the Orchestra” invites curious minds of all ages to explore the instruments that bring the music to life. In a special partnership with El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, select honor students will perform alongside orchestra musicians!

Aug
2

Wilder Ranch State Park - Ranch History Tour

πŸ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Β· See listing

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions?Call (669)758-1963or email [email protected]

Aug
2

Karaoke with Moondog

πŸ“ Fast Eddy's Billiards Dart Room
πŸ•’ 3:00 PM Β· FREE

Sing your heart out! We will start at 3pm....ends when the cops show up or when I throw in the towel....No way you can be too late to get into the rotation.....We use Karafun, so the artists who own the songs get paid ROYALTIES via BMI or ASCAP. Venmo & TIP JAR FOR THE KJ. Beer and Wine , Bar Food Menu. Plenty of free parking.

Aug
2

WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy by San Francisco Mime Troupe

πŸ“ London Nelson Community Center
πŸ•’ 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Β· FREE

WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy by San Francisco Mime Troupe London Nelson Community Center – Outdoors (Santa Cruz) Sat., Aug. 1 - 3:00 pm (Music 2:30) Sun., Aug. 2 - 3:00 pm (Music 2:30) 301 Center St., Santa Cruz 95060 Ticket Info: FREE ($20 suggested donation)

Art & Culture Free Details β†’
Aug
2

WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy

πŸ“ London Nelson Community Ctr.
πŸ•’ 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Β· FREE

The Tony Award-Winning San Francisco Mime Troupe opens their 67th Season with: WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy. The show asks the political question: How are we going to survive and rebuild in the rubble left from the economic, social, and psychological devastation of the idiotic kleptocrats? London Nelson Community Center – Outdoors (Santa Cruz) Sat., Aug. 1 - 3:00 pm (Music 2:30) Sun., Aug. 2 - 3:00 pm (Music 2:30) 301 Center St., Santa Cruz 95060 FREE - ($20 suggested donation)

Music Free Details β†’
Aug
2

SC Beach Boardwalk: Evenings on the Colonnade

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
πŸ•’ 8:30 PM – 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 – Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 – Free showing of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – 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 – Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – 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 – Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 – Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm – DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,

Aug
3

Natural Bridges Little Rangers Program

πŸ“ Natural Bridges State Beach
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Β· FREE

Little Rangers programs at Natural Bridges State Beach are happening this summer! This free program is best for 3 to 6-year-old kids and includes hands-on activities, play-acting and sharing. Parents or caregivers are required to stay and encouraged to help facilitate the fun and games. Themes this summer include insects, beach exploring, bird watching and nature art. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park. One reservation per family and please write in the names and ages of participating children.

Aug
3

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Native Garden Workday

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

Take your heritage tourism to the biological level! Maintain and nurture native plant specimens and give the state park garden an overall sprucing-up! Participants should be prepared to get their hands dirty and spend time with some neat, native plants. This workday you will meet volunteers in front of the Nature Store at the head of the main parking lot. If possible, please bring work gloves. Parks offer a limited supply.

Aug
3

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
3

Latte's and Learn

πŸ“ California Coffee
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Β· FREE

Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!

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