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๐Ÿ“ 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.

โ˜… Featured this season

Promotional image for Phamily Time! โ˜… Featured Event
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 ยท 4:00 PM

Phamily Time!

๐Ÿ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing ยท Downtown Santa Cruz ยท See listing

Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโ€™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 ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details โ†’
Promotional image for Motion Pacific: Dance for PD Coming up
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 ยท The 418 Project

Motion Pacific: Dance for PD

Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinsonโ€™s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PDยฎ program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinsonโ€™s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for July 1 Plateau Jazz Band plays for swing dance at Woodhouse Brewing Coming up
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 ยท Woodhouse Brewing

July 1 Plateau Jazz Band plays for swing dance at Woodhouse Brewing

The Plateau Jazz Band plays 20s -40s swing dance jazz at Woodhouse Brewing from 5:30-8:30 on Wednesday July 1st. Listen, lesson, dance, dine and drink. Bob Folker teaches a half hour introductory/intermediate swing dance lesson from 5:30-6, the band plays for the dancers till 7, then Bob teaches a second half hour lesson and the band plays another hour long set of music. Things wrap up around 8:30 or so. Listening is free. Lessons and dance $10 The Plateau Jazz Band is a six-piece traditional jazz band from Santa Cruz, California. They play New Orleans influenced, Preservation Hall inspired, prohibition era swinging dance jazz. Their repertoire includes hot jazz songs like Dr. Jazz & That's a Plenty, blues tunes like St. Louis Blues & St. James Infirmary Blues, and swing dance standards like Blue Skies, Dinah, & Iโ€™m Going to Sit Right Down (and write myself a letter).

Music
Promotional image for Motion Pacific- Beginning Hip Hop House Coming up
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 ยท The 418 Project

Motion Pacific- Beginning Hip Hop House

A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for (((folkYEAH))) PRESENTS: ALELA DIANE With SHANNON LAY Coming up
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 ยท The Crepe Place

(((folkYEAH))) PRESENTS: ALELA DIANE With SHANNON LAY

With a nearly decades long contemporary folk career, Alela Dianeโ€™s work is akin to the changing of the seasons: a quiet, but extraordinary facet. Woven in with lovely guitar melodies, her ineffable voice soothes the listener with buoyant lilting and haunting harmonies. The lyrics in her latest album, Whoโ€™s Keeping Track of Time, unveil her intimate fascination with the mystery of the changing seasons and passing moments. Gentle rhythm and soaring strings accentuate Alelaโ€™s slow but steady lyrical honesty. Vulnerably grasping at how time comes for us all, Alelaโ€™s music serves as a comfort to the weary heart. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz

Music ๐Ÿ“ Midtown

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Wednesday, August 5

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

9:00 AM
$10
Pilates & Posture in the Pasture
๐Ÿ“ Beyond Liberty
Wellness
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
Mobile Health Clinic
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
10:00 AM
See listing
Baby Dance Jam
๐Ÿ“ The 418 Project
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
See listing
GARDEN TOTEMS: HANDBUILDING (5/5)
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Outdoors
10:30 AM
See listing
Bilingual Baby Laptime
๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Library
Family
11:00 AM
See listing
Preschool Story Time @ La Selva Beach
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:30 AM
See listing
Bilingual Toddler Storytime
๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Library
Family

What's happening

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11 upcoming events ยท LGBTQ+ ยท from 2026-08-05 ยท to 2026-08-12

Aug
5

Gay Beach Volleyball (Outside Community Series)

๐Ÿ“ Court 16, Santa Cruz Main Beach Volleyball, 270 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท 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

๐Ÿ“ 1117 Soquel Ave.
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท 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)

๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St STE 100, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 7:30 PM ยท FREE

Biblioteca Watsonville Primer jueves del mes, 5:30-7:30pm Facilitado por Roselyn Macias el primer jueves de cada mes ยกBienvenidos al grupo Mariposa de la Comunidad LGBTQ+ de Watsonville del Centro de Diversidad! ยฟTiene 18 aรฑos o mรกs, se siente solo, sin apoyo? O quieres conocer a otros como tรบ. Lo encontraste. Aquรญ obtendrรก recursos, apoyo, capacitaciones y tendrรก 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 Centerโ€™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

๐Ÿ“ The Diversity Center
๐Ÿ•’ 10:30 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท 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. .

Aug
8

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

๐Ÿ“ The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท 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. .

Aug
8

Mickey Avalon

๐Ÿ“ Felton Music Hall
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM โ€“ 12:00 AM ยท See listing

Mickey Avalon has no shortage of street cred or endless raw raps about male prostitution or smoking crack. Avalonโ€™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 Avalonโ€™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, โ€œJane Fonda,โ€ he have been on the frontline of musicโ€™s edge. Punk, Hip Hop, Rap, Glam and Mickey Avalon. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Aug
10

Queer & Trans Yoga Hosted by Sapphire Yoga Collective @ TDC

๐Ÿ“ The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 7:15 PM ยท 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
11

Qigong with Tara - Wisdom Workshops @ TDC

๐Ÿ“ 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท 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: โ€œWord is Out - Stories from Some of Our Livesโ€ (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

Aug
11

Rainbow Sangha at Insight Meditation Center (Outside Community Event)

๐Ÿ“ Insight Santa Cruz, 740 Front Street (2nd floor of the Galleria building)
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM ยท See listing

Rainbow Sangha Sit, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month , 7:00 - 8:30 pm. The Rainbow Sangha group offers a safer space for individuals who identify as queer, non-binary, transgender, lesbian, bisexual, trans*, gay, intersex, questioning, and others who identify outside of cisgender, heterosexual mainstream culture. Please see more information on the Rainbow Sangha page at Insight Santa Cruz . .

Aug
12

Gay Beach Volleyball (Outside Community Series)

๐Ÿ“ Court 16, Santa Cruz Main Beach Volleyball, 270 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท 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! .

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