Skip to content
📍 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.

★ Featured this season

Cannabis
★ Featured Event
Fri, Oct 2, 2026 · 6:30 PM

Treehouse Dispensary First Friday

📍 Treehouse Dispensary · Soquel · FREE

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.

Cannabis Art & Culture 📍 Soquel Details →
Promotional image for The Art Lande Trio Coming up
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 · Samper Recital Hall

The Art Lande Trio

Art Lande (piano) — Günter Wehinger (flute) — Tim Wendel (guitar) WILLIAM WINANT - Percussion

Music 📍 Soquel
Promotional image for Heather/Nelsen Duo Coming up
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 · Discretion Brewing

Heather/Nelsen Duo

3:00-5:00pm Heather Norquist has been singing as long as she can remember. She has performed at restaurants and cafes throughout Santa Cruz, and she enjoys singing a wide array of songs including classics from the swing era, bossa nova, French cafe music and pop classics. Heather's vocal style is subtle, warm and delicate as she shares these beautiful songs with her audience. Nelsen Hutchison is a guitarist, educator, and composer who regularly performs with luminaries of the gypsy jazz (Hot Club of SF), swing (Gunhild Carling), and straight-ahead jazz traditions. In addition to being an active performer, Nelsen also teaches courses in guitar at Skyline College and is pursuing his PhD in Cross-Cultural Musicology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Music 📍 Soquel
Promotional image for Karaoke with Moondog Coming up
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 · Fast Eddy's Billiards Dart Room

Karaoke with Moondog

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.

Music 📍 Capitola
Promotional image for Full Moon Meditation for September Coming up
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 · Spa Santangelo

Full Moon Meditation for September

🌕 Full Moon Sound Bath & Guided Meditation 80-Minute Experience | Spa Santangelo, Felton, CA + Online Join Melissa at each Full Moon for a deeply restorative journey designed to help you reconnect, release, and restore your inner balance. Step into a serene, supportive space and allow yourself to fully unwind. This immersive experience combines the healing vibrations of a live sound bath, guided meditation, journaling, and fire release to bring a deeper sense of peace and balance. You’ll be guided through Melissa’s Mystic Meditations—a thoughtfully curated journey inspired by the energy of the Full Moon: 🌕 Full Moon — LET GO Release what no longer serves you, clear stagnant energy, and create space for what’s next. The Full Moon offers an opportunity to reflect on what has come to fruition and consciously release what you’re ready to leave behind. Through meditation, sound, journaling, and fire release, allow yourself to let go and make room for renewed balance and clarity. Whether you join us in person at Spa Santangelo in Felton, CA, or online from the comfort of your own home, come exactly as you are. In-person groups of up to 10 guests are welcome. Gather your friends, family, or community and share this beautiful experience together. 📚 Extend Your Wellness Journey Continue exploring your path with offerings from The Groovy Goddess, including: ✨ In-person & online sessions 📚 Books 🎧 Guided meditations 🌿 Online transformational courses ✨ Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter, grounded, peaceful, and renewed—ready to move forward with greater clarity.

Festivals 📍 San Lorenzo Valley

☀️ Happening today

Sunday, September 27

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

12:00 AM
See listing
Take In: Featured Artist
📍 Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Community
12:00 AM
See listing
Santa Cruz Triathlon
📍 Santa Cruz Wharf
Outdoors
6:00 AM
$3000
The Art of Unwinding Wellness Retreat
📍 La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Wellness
8:00 AM
See listing
Capitola Beach Festival
📍 Capitola Village
Festivals
9:00 AM
$65
Bio-Vibe Table: Sound & Vibration Wellness Sessions
📍 Soulcare Studios
Wellness
9:00 AM
See listing
Drop-in Meditation
📍 Land of Medicine Buddha – In the Gompa
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
Live Oak: Farmers Market
📍 Live Oak Farmers’ Market
Markets
9:00 AM
FREE
Live Oak Farmers' Market
📍 East Cliff Village
Markets
10:00 AM
$245
Youth Robot Series - Santa Cruz Maker Studios
📍 Santa Cruz Maker Studios
Family

What's happening

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

Quick: Today This weekend Next 7 days Area Clear all

Showing 30 of 572 upcoming events · Music

Sep
27

Karaoke with Moondog

📍 Fast Eddy's Billiards Dart Room
🕒 3:00 PM · 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.

Sep
27

Heather/Nelsen Duo

📍 Discretion Brewing
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM · See listing

3:00-5:00pm Heather Norquist has been singing as long as she can remember. She has performed at restaurants and cafes throughout Santa Cruz, and she enjoys singing a wide array of songs including classics from the swing era, bossa nova, French cafe music and pop classics. Heather's vocal style is subtle, warm and delicate as she shares these beautiful songs with her audience. Nelsen Hutchison is a guitarist, educator, and composer who regularly performs with luminaries of the gypsy jazz (Hot Club of SF), swing (Gunhild Carling), and straight-ahead jazz traditions. In addition to being an active performer, Nelsen also teaches courses in guitar at Skyline College and is pursuing his PhD in Cross-Cultural Musicology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Music Food & Drink 📍 Soquel Details →
Sep
27

Paint & Sip

📍 Mission West Bar
🕒 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · $42.5

🥂 🎨 9/27 🍻🍹🍸 STIMULATE YOUR SENSES AT @missionwest.bar WITH A MULTI SENSORY CREATIVE EXPERIENCE: PAINT & SIP with LIVE MUSIC BY DJ CAPPUCCINO & shop local artisans | 6pm-8pm 🖼️ This is A GUIDED LOCAL LANDSCAPE ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE: 🖌️ Explore shading, depth, & layering techniques. As well as many tips to help you feel comfortable using creative materials. 🎨 ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED As you sip a delicious beverage by MISSION WEST BAR you will be guided through creating your own unique work of art. Music will make you want to move and groove while you paint. You’re not glued to your seat so feel free to get up and dance. In addition, Local artisans @suzyrad @artbysunes @deelighteddesigns will have there unique and hand made goods for you to shop after the event. This is a moment to connect with yourself and mingle with the local community in a completely safe space to be yourself and let loose! ALL PARTICIPANTS 21+ RECEIVE DRINK SPECIALS 🍻🍸🍹🥂🍾 LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE 💸 $45 or 2 for $85 🎟️ RSVP TXT “MWEST” [818.489.0988](tel:818.489.0988) 💫 GOOD VIBES ONLY ✌🏼 🌙 ALL ARE WELCOME 21+ 🫶 🌞 RELAX & UNWIND ✨ 🌟 CONNECT WITH YOURSELF & THE COMMUNITY ⚡️ UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD & AWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT 🌬️ BREATHE, BE PRESENT & LIVE IN THE MOMENT! 🐦‍🔥 ACTIVATE YOUR WELL BEING 🧠 🫀 ENGAGE IN A MINDFUL & INTENTIONAL EXPERIENCE 🎨 Creative self care & a healing meditative wellness experience through art, music and community! 🫶 This space is completely safe. Here to help guide, support, & encourage your unique creative expression experience! ✨✨✨ 🙏 🙌 Grateful to be collaborating with local businesses, local artists, & local musicians to create unique and unforgettable MULTI SENSORY CREATIVE EXPERIENCES for ALL our community to enjoy! 🫶✨ Art therapy Paint & Sip Creative expression Acrylic workshop Art & wellness Support local #santacruzevents #santacruz #santacruzart #santacruzartist #artisthedeeperyou

Music Adults 21+ Details →
Sep
27

Ode to The Dying Senses: An Immersive Dance-Theater Experience

📍 Santa Cruz Dance Theater
🕒 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM · $24.25

Ode to the Dying Senses is an immersive dance-theater experience combining live singers and SCDT's Project Company dancers. The evening begins as you enter and explore a space immersed in total darkness. What follows invites you to reconnect with your senses in a show like nothing you've ever seen. With only 15 tickets per show, this is an exclusive event you won't want to miss.

Music Art & Culture 📍 Soquel Details →
Sep
27

HoneyBee · Sat 9/27, 7p, $25

📍 The Ugly Mug
🕒 7:00 PM · $25

Fiddling Cricket & Canyon Acoustic Society Concert Series 2025 HoneyBee Deby Benton Grosjean and Pamela Benton Playing together all of thier lives Sat, 9/27, 7.00pm (6.30pm Doors); $25 adv / $30 dr reservations at [email protected] or 408 499 9441 (text or voice) HoneyBee is a Duo of Twin Musicians, Deby Benton Grosjean, and Pamela Benton. Classically trained on violin and piano, both are singer / songwriters, twin fiddlers plus, Pamela adds guitar to their performances. Individually, they each have recorded CD's of their own available on "CD Baby", and other internet music sites / stores. Deby and Pamela have played a lifetime of musical experiences exploring many music genres. In their Duo HoneyBee, they fuse these genres to create an original sound. Since childhood, music has been central in their lives and enjoyed singing and playing several instruments together. For three consecutive years as youths, Deby and Pamela received top awards in MTAC ensemble competitions, both first place, and command performance. Also as youths they sang in choir and performed in the California Youth Symphony and San Jose Light Opera.  Money collected at the door. Beer, wine, coffee, etc available, plus the regular Ugly Mug food  AT THE UGLY MUG CAFE 4640 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA 95073 Contact Fiddling Cricket at 408 499 9441 or for reservations or more information. Reservations still pay at the door, by cash or check. Food and Drink: Beer, wine, coffee, tea and soft drinks available. Usual coffee shop food. (if you wish, bring your own wine and pay corkage)

Sep
27

Sleep

📍 The Catalyst
🕒 8:00 PM · FREE

Formed in San Jose in 1990, Sleep just might be the best American doom metal band of all time. After all, this three-piece wrote one of the most epic songs ever, the 63-minute marijuana-fueled opus, “Dopesmoker.” Even more epic is the legend behind the song, with the band using all the money the label gave them for an album on weed and returning with one long song. However, the band has recently run into some controversy as the bassist, Al Cisneros, is currently the only original member. But fear not weedians, because Uncle Al is still headed to the smoke-filled lands with Dale Crover (Melvins) on drums and Bubba Dupree (Void) on guitar. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Sep
28

Coffee with the Curators

📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
🕒 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM · See listing

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.

Sep
28

Open Mic · Every Monday 5-8p

📍 The Ugly Mug
🕒 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · See listing

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!

Sep
28

Hosted Board Game Night: Playtest Catfish — 2026-09-28

📍 The Cruz Room
🕒 6:30 PM · See listing

6:30pm · Playtest the game Catfish at 6:30pm! Learn how to play with co-designer, Jeremy Parker, & help shape this game! Compete against other cats in this party card-lane battler! Host: Jeremy Parker. Local Designer! Part of Hosted Board Game Night (6 - 8pm) — library of 30+ games, raffle, merch & a Learn to Play featured game demo at 6:30pm with The Game Night Collective. Trivia 8 - 10pm.

Sep
28

Ronstadt Revolution: Linda Ronstadt Tribute

📍 The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park
🕒 7:00 PM · See listing

For those lucky enough to grow up listening to Linda Ronstadt, it isn’t hyperbole to refer to her as the Queen of Country Rock. Bringing that big personality to the stage takes a special performer and Natalie Amaya tributes Ronstadt with note perfect renditions of Ronstadt’s songs from every part of her career. Amaya appeared on American Idol and tours throughout Northern California with several bands. “Blue Bayou” will give you chills, remembering one of the greatest performers of the last 100 years. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Sep
29

Santa Cruz Opera Project: La Boheme

📍 The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park
🕒 7:00 PM · $25

Community Revels: The Santa Cruz Opera Project presents La Bohème The Santa Cruz Opera Project connects people to the beauty and power of opera by innovating and creating accessible experiences for all. La Bohème is a timeless masterpiece that inspired later works such as RENT and Moulin Rouge, and continues to captivate hearts and minds. Originally set in the bohemian quarters of Paris, this opera portrays the universal human experiences of passion, longing, and the pursuit of dreams. It serves as a reminder that the struggles, aspirations, and joys depicted within its framework transcend time and place. One night only: Tuesday, September 29 @ 7PM Santa Cruz Shakespeare's Community Revels are special performances by local area artists, held on select Tuesday nights at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park, offering a lively, intimate alternative to the main repertory season.

Music Community 📍 Midtown Details →
Sep
29

Téada Concert

📍 Kuumbwa Jazz Center
🕒 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM · $15.25

Come help us celebrate Téada’s 25th Anniversary of touring as one of Ireland's leading traditional bands! The five members of the band are fiddle player Oisín Mac Diarmada, button accordion player Paul Finn, Damien Stenson performs on flute, Samantha Harvey, piano/dance, Seán Mc Elwain who switches between the bouzouki and guitar and bodhrán player Tristan Rosenstock. You will undoubtedly recognize fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, if you have attended an Irish Christmas In America concert. A leading exponent of Irish traditional music, Téada is driven by a fascination for the timeless, expressive force of music inherited from previous generations of musicians. An Irish band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has frequently appeared as headliners at major music festivals throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Russia, Israel and Australia. Highlights include a 30,000-capacity stadium concert in Brittany, along with performances at Penang World Music Festival in Malaysia, Edmonton Folk Festival in Canada, Harare International Festival of the Arts in Zimbabwe, and the Milwaukee Irish Festival. The group also received an invitation from the Irish Embassy in Rome during 2008 to perform at a commemorative event marking the 400th anniversary of the landmark event in Irish history known as The Flight of the Earls. With engaging textural arrangements, Téada, which means "strings", will have you dancing in your seat. Tickets: celticsociety.org members: $27 non-members: $31.25 student/child: $15.25

Music Cultural Event 📍 Downtown Santa Cruz Details →
Sep
30

Motion Pacific: Dance for PD

📍 Motion Pacific at The Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center
🕒 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM · FREE

Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PD® program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinson’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 Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinson’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.

Sep
30

Cyrille Aimée

📍 Kuumbwa Jazz
🕒 7:00 PM · See listing

Cyrille Aimée (Sur­real M­A) is a French­Dominican vocalist and actress. Winner of the Montreux Jazz Festival's Vocal Competition, the Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition and finalist in the Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition, Aimée is—in the words of Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal—"one of the most promising jazz singers of her generation." In the same Wall Street Journal feature (which included vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant), Friedwald declared both to be “astonishing creative singers, with a brilliant sound, fresh ideas, impeccable rhythm and an overall approach that honors tradition without being shackled to the past." Aimée was born in Fontainebleau, France, to a French father and Dominican mother. Her introduction to jazz was the result of the fortuitous location of her upbringing, the village Samois­sur­Seine—the same place where legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt had lived. Every June for decades, gypsies have descended upon Samois, setting up caravans in nearby meadows for the annual Django Reinhardt Festival. During those June nights many years ago, after her parents would fall asleep, a young, curious Aimée would climb out her bedroom window and wander into the gypsy encampments. Aimée would sing by the fire with Django’s descendents and began to fall in love with the gypsy way of life—scampering home before the sun rose. Explained Aimée, "I was hypnotized by gypsy music which made me want to tap my feet; music that swings makes me so happy." As a teenager, Aimée performed in various Parisian cafés and clubs. When her family moved to Singapore, she remained in Paris to attend the American School of Modern Music. She also auditioned for "Star Academy," a kind of French "American Idol." Selected to be one of 16 semi­finalists, Aimée had second thoughts when handed a contract that tied her up every which way for years—including the songs to sing. This was too much for her gypsy spirit—so she quit. The French media so pursued

Music Cultural Event 📍 Downtown Santa Cruz Details →

542 more events further out

Never miss a beach day, show, or street fair.

Join the Santa Cruz Scene newsletter for local discounts, community highlights, and the best curated events delivered to your inbox each month.

We use your email only to send the newsletter. How we handle your info

No spam, just the Scene. Curious who we are? Read our story.

Hosting something rad?

If it's happening in person anywhere in Santa Cruz County, whether it's a show, a market, a paddle-out, or a gallery night, we want it on the calendar. Submissions are free and reviewed by our editors.

Submit your event →