Established in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, this market has become a seasonal treasure to the local community and to those visiting the area looking for a place to slow down and unwind. Here, every Saturday 9am-1pm, from late spring through the fall, a circle of regional farms, local food businesses and other makers set up their stands to offer shoppers and diners an array of delicious edibles. The market is a resource for nutritious food and agricultural education, providing a gathering place for families, friends and neighbors. Whether your a weekly shopper or just passing through, find what you’re looking for amidst the robust selection of organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, pasture-raised chicken and duck eggs, flowers, artisanal meats, breads, seafood, pastries and ready-to-eat cuisine.
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 64 upcoming events · Free · from 2026-10-03 · to 2026-10-04
Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.
Come get your hands dirty and help native plants thrive in some of the park’s most popular day-use areas and trails! Volunteers will water and weed around previously planted native plants while removing invasive and non-native vegetation, including ice plant, Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, mustard, wild radish, and other weeds. We’ll use hand tools like hori horis, Pulaskis, hand clippers, and loppers, plus 5-gallon buckets and other equipment to haul water to thirsty plants. Ages 8 and older are welcome! Minors must be accompanied by an adult and bring a signed waiver. Snacks will be provided, but we recommend bringing a personal lunch. Want something extra? Steamers Lane Coffee Supply has food, snacks, and refreshments available for purchase. Come lend a hand, get some fresh air, and help keep the park’s native habitat healthy and thriving! 🌿 REGISTER HERE: https://volunteer.calparks.org/opportunity/a3tJw000002qFeXIAU/lighthouse-field-state-beach Meeting Location: 644-670 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Google Link : https://goo.gl/maps/Wowc8kYVpneDUKoV7 The most convenient parking is in the lots near Steamer Lane Coffee Supply. There is also street parking available on Pelton Ave if the lot is full. Carpooling is recommended. Meet in the open field immediately behind Steamer Lane Supply. Volunteer event signs will be posted at the entrances to the parking lots to help guide volunteers to the correct location.
Watsonville Wetlands Watch Fall Native Plant Sale
Watsonville Wetlands Watch hosts its Annual Fall Native Plant Sale on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9:00am-1:00pm at the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center at Pajaro Valley High School, located at 500 Harkins Slough Road in Watsonville. The sale features over 80 species of locally-adapted native and drought tolerant plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies and help save water. Proceeds from the sale support their on-going wetlands restoration and education programs. The plant list is available at watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.
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!
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.
Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
Take a free, guided tour of the 30-acre organic UCSC Farm. Visitors can enjoy touring the organically managed greenhouses, hand-worked garden beds, orchards, row crop fields, and children’s garden, while learning about the history of the site and the basic concepts of organic farming and gardening. Perched on a meadow near the campus entrance, the farm also offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. Heavy rain cancels. Tours will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the following dates (please RSVP for the tour of your choice): Saturday, July 11 Saturday, August 1 Saturday, September 12 Saturday, October 3
UCSC: Free Guided Farm Tour
Take a free, guided tour of the 30-acre organic UCSC Farm. Visitors tour organically managed greenhouses, hand-worked garden beds, orchards, row crop fields, and the children’s garden while learning about the history of the site and the basic concepts of organic farming and gardening. Perched on a meadow near the campus entrance, the farm also offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. Heavy rain cancels. Free and open to the public. RSVP required.
Join Thrill the World Santa Cruz for free community dance classes and spooky Halloween performances! Learn Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” choreography—no dance experience required—and join us for the official worldwide Thrill the World dance on October 24 at 3 PM in Downtown Santa Cruz.
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
The Family Service Agency of the Central Coast announced that The Upscale-Resale Nonprofit Daisy Store will celebrate autumn with a week-long sale. Everything in the store is 50% off. All proceeds benefit Family Service Agency programs.
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
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
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.
We will be hosting the Open Studios Preview Exhibition, showcasing the work of all the 330+ Santa Cruz County Open Studios Artists who are participating in the program
Saturday, October 03 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
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!
Saturday, October 03 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us each Saturday morning for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors.
First Saturday Guided Tours at the UCSC Arboretum
Discover the stunning beauty of the UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden on a guided tour! Led by our docents, you’ll explore our world-class plant collections and learn about our history, our unique Mediterranean climate, and the work we do to conserve and display the world’s incredible biodiversity of plants. When: First Saturday of every month Cost: Free with paid admission (Members get in free!) Reserve your spot(s) by registering on our website at: forms.gle/767hWuW9JpAuRiwD9 Walk-ins are welcome. Please note that registration forms are updated the Tuesday after the previous tour. Consider becoming a member! Membership includes free admission, local nursery discounts, and reciprocal entry to 345+ gardens nationwide. For more information, please visit our website.
Saturday, October 03 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Have you been hankering for an in-person book club? Join us on the first Saturday of the month from 10:30AM-12PM in our cozy Fireside Room for a friendly book discussion group.
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.
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. 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.
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!
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk
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!
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.
Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez: Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá
“Ni de aquí, ni de allá” (“neither from here, nor there”), is a phrase commonly used by bilingual, bicultural communities. In the exhibition the phrase becomes a bold declaration of dual belonging against a violent notion of nationalism and identity. Through paintings, immersive installations, sculptural works, and a curated soundscape, Marka27 invites gallery goers into a vibrant, layered world where street culture meets Indigenous tradition, and personal memory collides with collective truth and activism. Curated by internationally recognized curator Kate Fowle, this exhibition is organized in partnership with The Center for Art & Advocacy and as part of Visualizing Abolition, an arts-based initiative that reaches across prison borders to contribute to the unfolding collective story and alternative imagining underway to create a future free of prisons.
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