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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

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11 upcoming events Β· LGBTQ+ Β· from 2026-08-02 Β· to 2026-08-09

Aug
3

Queer & Trans Yoga Hosted by Sapphire Yoga Collective @ TDC

πŸ“ The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM Β· FREE

Queer & Trans Yoga by Sapphire Yoga Collective Weekly Yoga Class @ TDC Mondays from 6:00 PM -7:15 PM This is a trauma-sensitive, all-levels, all-bodies/abilities class taught by a rotating queer-identifying yoga teacher each week. We highlight self nurturance through yoga asana and meditation, a somatic and mindfulness healing practice that resources us for our own resilience as well as community care. No prior yoga experience necessary. Ultimately, this is a brave space for LGBTQIA++ identifying folks to gather and take deep care. Please bring your our yoga mat and water bottle. Cost: $10-20 suggested donation. No one turned away for lack of funds! @sapphireyogacollective and @yogaforallmovement Questions? Contact Tara Maxon, Well-being Coordinator email: tara.maxon @diversitycenter.org

Aug
3

Grieving Together: Tending our Queer Hearts

πŸ“ The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
πŸ•’ 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM Β· See listing

NEW Group beginning March 2nd Name: Grieving Together: Tending our Queer Hearts Date: Starts Monday, March 2nd (Monthly, held on the First Monday of the Month) Time: 7:30-8:30 pm Location: In-Person at The Diversity Center Ages: 18+ RSVP: RSVP QR Code on flyer Event Description: This group’s intention is to hold space for collective queer grief in these times. Whether you’re feeling heavy with the world or experiencing personal loss, we’ll be holding space to grieve together. The group will be facilitated by Ore Ganin-Pinto, Interfaith Chaplain and Harper Cheaney, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. If you have any questions about the group, please contact Harper at [email protected]

Aug
4

Tote Bag Painting activity with Nic - Wisdom Workshops @ TDC

πŸ“ 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Date: Every Tuesday, except Holidays Time: 10am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Event Description: Join your community every Tuesday between 10am-12pm at the Diversity Center. Nic is ready with a different activity or workshop each week, and volunteers are on hand with snacks, beverages, and community. August Activities: August 4: Tote Bag Painting activity with Nic Get your beach bag ready and customize your own tote bag with Nic. All supplies provided. August 11: Qigong with Tara Settle the mind and body and engage in gently movement. All levels welcome. August 18: β€œWord is Out - Stories from Some of Our Lives” (1977) documentary viewing and discussion with Nic One of the most important LGBTQ+ documentaries ever made, it is considered the first documentary about gay people by gay people. Though it is criminally under-watched, Word is Out had a huge impact, even on pioneers like Vito Russo. This film was made by six LGBTQ+ filmmakers and features interviews with 26 LGBTQ+ pe

LGBTQ+ Community πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
4

(OUTSIDE GROUP)The Older Lesbians’ Group: Where in All The World Are The Lesbians?

πŸ“ The Diversity Center
πŸ•’ 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Β· See listing

(OUTSIDE GROUP ) The Older Lesbians’ Group: Where in All The World Are The Lesbians? First and Third Tuesday, August 4, 2:00 - 3:30 pm (RSVP for location) Topics are chosen at the beginning of each meeting. Share your most compelling topic about navigating life as an older lesbian, in a safe, confidential environment. Join us if you are an older (you decide what age that is), self-identified lesbian, interested in sharing your journey with others. Meetings are held at a group member’s home. RSVP to [email protected] prior to each meeting for the address.

LGBTQ+ Community πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
4

Queer Book Club with Jeffrey @ The Diversity Center

πŸ“ The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

Queer Book Club at The Diversity Center Date: The first Tuesday of every month Time: 6:00-9:00 PM Location: The Diversity Center Ages: 18+ Cost: FREE! Open to all! Come eat, drink, and chat about LGBTQ+ lit. :) This month’s book is "Monk and Robot" by Becky Chambers. This book club is an intergenerational opportunity to bond with people of different ages. Text Jeffrey at 732-272-5896 for details and to be added to the Whatsapp group. .

Aug
5

Gay Beach Volleyball (Outside Community Series)

πŸ“ Court 16, Santa Cruz Main Beach Volleyball, 270 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM Β· FREE

Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball Date : Wednesdays, last session October 28 Time : 5:30 - 10:00 pm Location : Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) Cost : Free Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball has been fabulizing Main Beach since 1979. We meet at 5:30 pm on Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) every Wednesday evening during Daylight Saving Time and play till it's too dark or too cold or we're just hungry. All skill levels - including no skill at all - are welcome. We're here to have fun, connect and yes, sometimes even play surprisingly good volleyball. Socializing on the sidelines is often as busy as the playing on our courts. Afterwards we head to dinner at a local restaurant or sometimes a potluck. Free to participate. ALL (yes, we mean you!) are welcome. Come out and play! .

Aug
6

Guided Mindfulness for Queers and Friends Hosted by TDC @ TDC

πŸ“ 1117 Soquel Ave.
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

Well-being offering: Guided Mindfulness Group Date: Weekly on Thursdays Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Ages: Adults and teens welcome Cost: FREE Program description: Give your brain a break, and reconnect with the present moment, using guided breathing and mindfulness techniques. All LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome. View our Community Agreements for Diversity Center groups.

Aug
6

Mariposa de la Comunidad LGBTQ+ De Watsonville (Hosted by TDC @ Watsonville Library)

πŸ“ Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St STE 100, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Β· FREE

Biblioteca Watsonville Primer jueves del mes, 5:30-7:30pm Facilitado por Roselyn Macias el primer jueves de cada mes Β‘Bienvenidos al grupo Mariposa de la Comunidad LGBTQ+ de Watsonville del Centro de Diversidad! ΒΏTiene 18 aΓ±os o mΓ‘s, se siente solo, sin apoyo? O quieres conocer a otros como tΓΊ. Lo encontraste. AquΓ­ obtendrΓ‘ recursos, apoyo, capacitaciones y tendrΓ‘ nuevas conexiones en la comunidad. Watsonville Library Every first Thursday of the month, 5:30-7:30pm Facilitated by Roselyn Macias on the first Thursday of the month Welcome to The Diversity Center’s Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ support group in Watsonville ! Are you 18 or older, feel alone, unsupported, or want to meet others like yourself? You found us. Here you will get resources, support, trainings, and make new connections in your community.

Aug
8

Write Queer, a creative writing group @TDC

πŸ“ The Diversity Center
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Write Queer, a creative writing group Date: May 9, and the Second and Fourth Saturdays Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 Noon Cost: Free Location: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Ages: 18+ Join Jesse and Peggy for all or part of this series, running from March through May. Unleash your creativity at Write Queer, an 18+ group for writers of all levels. Respond to provided prompts, or bring your own projects. Meetings include writing time, optional sharing and positive feedback. Please bring a pen and paper or a laptop. .

LGBTQ+ Community πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
8

Game Night for Trans and Non-binary Young Adults @TDC

πŸ“ The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

Game Night for Trans and Non-binary Young Adults, hosted by TransFamilies Date : Saturday, August 8 Time : 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Location : The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Ages : Young adults 18+ Welcoming all Trans and Non-binary young adults (18+) for board games, cards, laughter, and friendship. Pizza and drinks provided. Please bring your favorite game or two to share. .

LGBTQ+ Community πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
8

Mickey Avalon

πŸ“ Felton Music Hall
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Β· See listing

Mickey Avalon has no shortage of street cred or endless raw raps about male prostitution or smoking crack. Avalon’s early home life reeked of addiction, and he left his father for the streets of Hollywood, California. Slinging weed and trying to find purpose, Avalon even dabbled in orthodox Judaism (his grandmother is a holocaust survivor). A marriage and a family got pushed aside for their own personal raging heroin addiction. But Avalon’s story and music is all about overcoming the odds and pushing past great struggles. Ever since Avalon showed up on MySpace Records with the single, β€œJane Fonda,” he have been on the frontline of music’s edge. Punk, Hip Hop, Rap, Glam and Mickey Avalon. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

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