Skip to content
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 Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening โ€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseโ€ โ˜… Featured
Tue, Jul 28, 2026 ยท Stevenson College

Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening โ€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseโ€

The DSAS Center for Leadership and Involvement and Summer Edge invite you to join us for our Movie Night Under the Stars event screening โ€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseโ€: Date: Tuesday, July 28th Screening Time: Event entry begins at 7:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Location: Stevenson College Knoll *Bring your own blanket! Limited chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.* Free movie snacks will be available! For any questions or accommodations, please email [email protected] . You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of Californiaโ€™s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeโ€”whether a student service, faculty program, or community eventโ€”is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .

Education ๐Ÿ“ UCSC
Promotional image for Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts โ˜… Featured
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 ยท Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas! 2026 Lineup: May 21, 2026: Sambada May 28, 2026: Space Heater June 4, 2026: James Durbin & The Lost Boys June 11, 2026: Ancestree June 18, 2026: Jive Machine June 25, 2026: Cake by the Ocean July 2, 2026: Ripatti Rose Band July 9, 2026: Extra Large July 16, 2026: Fishhook July 23, 2026: Harry & The Hitmen July 30, 2026: Matt Masih & The Messengers August 6, 2026: The Houserockers August 13, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 20, 2026: La Familia August 27, 2026: Alex Lucero Band September 3, 2026: Sambada

Food & Drink ๐Ÿ“ Seabright & Harbor
Music
โ˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 ยท Westside Locations

Chamber Choir Now Auditioning

Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Westside
Promotional image for Bluegrass Jam Bazaar (Copy) (Copy) Coming up
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 ยท Woodhouse Blending & Brewing

Bluegrass Jam Bazaar (Copy) (Copy)

This is the place to be on Tuesday! This weekly jam fest features rotating bands, open jam sessions, vendors, activities and all the dance vibes you can manage. Bring your instrument and your dancing shoes!

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Monday, July 27

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

12:00 AM
See listing
World of Birds Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
12:00 AM
See listing
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
1:00 AM
$500
The Dickens Universe featuring โ€˜Bleak Houseโ€™
๐Ÿ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
Education
8:30 AM
$300
World of Birds Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
8:30 AM
$300
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Family
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$8600
Certified Massage Therapist Program
๐Ÿ“ Cypress Health Institute
Community
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
11:00 AM
FREE
Local Specials
๐Ÿ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Food & Drink

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 96 upcoming events ยท Music ยท from 2026-07-27 ยท to 2026-08-03

Jul
27

Monday, July 27th, come early for the line dance lessons and then enjoy a folk rock hoedown at SubRosa with...

๐Ÿ“ SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 5:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท See listing

Monday, July 27th, come early for the line dance lessons and then enjoy a folk rock hoedown at SubRosa with... * Bovine - ATX folk rock americana @___bovine___ ** Miriam Hacksaw - queer Malayali-American fiddler and banjoist from New Orleans @miriamhacksaw *** Towse - folk pop fairy @towselikehouse **** Gay Eldest Daughter - queer folk from the central coast @gayeldestdaughter ***** Big Tractor - honkytonk folk punk @bigtractormusic Doors/Dance lesson - 5:30pm & Music - 6:00pm // $10 at door - notaflof!* // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! *no one turned away for lack of funds SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA โ€”@@@@@โ€” SubRosa is a collectively run anarchist community space - a place to meet people, share resources and ideas, challenge our assumptions and act on our passions. Letโ€™s create together the world(s) we want to live in now. @subrosa_space And SubRosa is part of the Hub Community Cente

Jul
27

Indexical x Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music present: Sarah Hennies

๐Ÿ“ Indexical
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM ยท $16

A rare solo performance on German cowbells (almglocken) by composer/musician Sarah Hennies. Moderated by UCSC Scholar and educator Madison Heying, this evening peels back the layers of accepted reality. Hennies resides in upstate New York and has had her compositions performed around the world, often with Hennies on percussion. So much of art is about intention, and Hennies' passionate focus on queer & trans identity, psychoacoustics, and the social and neurological conditions underlying creative thought imbues the evening with context. โ€œIndexical has done it again,โ€ as Mr. Magoo might say. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Music LGBTQ+ Details โ†’
Jul
27

Aiden Santa Cruz at The Alley-Oop

๐Ÿ“ The Alley-Oop
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท FREE

Aidan Santa Cruz is a Santa Cruz native, pianist, vocalist, and lifelong lover of music. Over the years, he has performed with a variety of local artists and organizations, including the Kuumbwa Jazz Camp, the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival, Cabrillo College, Cabrillo Stage, and the Santa Cruz Symphony. Drawing inspiration from classical, jazz, world music, and everything in between, Aidan brings curiosity, creativity, and a deep appreciation for musical connection to every performance.

Music Free Details โ†’
Jul
27

Ray Obiedo's Latin Jazz Ensemble feat. Pete Escovedo

๐Ÿ“ Kuumbwa Jazz
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Contemporary jazz guitarist and composer Ray Obiedo had an eclectic music upbringing during his younger days in the San Francisco Bay Area. The sounds of Miles Davis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Henry Mancini, Mortown Records, and perhaps most of all, James Brown, all influenced his musical persona and career trajectory. His early break was joining Johnny โ€œHammondโ€ Smith on tour in 1974, which then led to late seventies touring with the legendary Herbie Hancock. During that time, Obiedo also began a longtime association with Pete Escovedo, which notably continues to this day. Ray Obiedoโ€™s Latin Jazz Ensemble will feature Escovedo on percussion; an East Bay icon who has been a major force in Latin music since the late 1960s. His versatility has led to success across musical genres, including Latin jazz, salsa, rock, and Latin pop. The legendary jazz percussionistโ€™s name has been synonymous with Latin music for half a century. Later this year, Escovedo and his daughter, Sheila E, will both be honored by the Latin Recording Academy with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It is the first time the Recording Academy has honored both a father and daughter. Ray Obiedo Website (Ticket Includes 5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax)

Jul
28

Get ready for an awesome evening of folk music with...

๐Ÿ“ SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท See listing

Tuesday, July 28th, get ready for an awesome evening of folk music with... * Miriam Hacksaw - queer Malayali-American fiddler and banjoist from New Orleans @miriamhacksaw ** Hannah Mayree - banjoist activating and co-creating with the Black Banjo Reclamation Project @hannah_mayree *** Song-Ha **** Gay Eldest Daughter - folk music from Santa Cruz as queer as her banjo is long @gayeldestdaughter Doors - 6:00pm & Music - 7:00pm // $10-15 at door - notaflof!* // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! *no one turned away for lack of funds SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA โ€”@@@@@โ€” SubRosa is a collectively run anarchist community space - a place to meet people, share resources and ideas, challenge our assumptions and act on our passions. Letโ€™s create together the world(s) we want to live in now. @subrosa_space And SubRosa is part of the Hub Community Center at 703 Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz - a co

Jul
28

Jon Dryden at The Alley-Oop

๐Ÿ“ The Alley-Oop
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท FREE

Jon Dryden is a pianist/keyboardist/composer currently residing in Northern California. He graduated from the Berklee College of Music and moved to Brooklyn, NY, where he spent nineteen years as a professional musician. He performed or recorded with Norah Jones, David Byrne. Regina Carter, Lenny White, Natalie Merchant, Paula Cole, Charlie Louvin, Gaby Moreno, Madeline Peyroux, Sara Ramirez, and many others. Dryden appeared on The Chappelle Show and contributed music to film and television. He has released two piano trio albums, both recorded in New York: Memento Mori (2020) and Trio (2022). Trio was produced by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jesse Harris. His next release Some of My Lies Are True, also produced by Harris) will drop on June 19th, 2026.

Music Free Details โ†’
Jul
28

IN THE WORKS CONCERT - 2026 Cabrillo Festival

๐Ÿ“ Civic Auditorium
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท FREE

A concert of works performed by the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra penned by four under-30 composers and conducted by emerging conductors, all participating in the Conductors/Composers Workshop. FREE! This year in residence are four early-career composers, Oswald Huแปณnh, Kai Kubota-Enright, Paul Novak, and Zoe Verduin, participating in the Festivalโ€™s prestigious Conductors/Composers Workshop. Composers are mentored by artists in residence and will have their pieces performed by the Festival Orchestra, led by Conducting Fellows also participating in the workshop, and culminating with the โ€œIn the Worksโ€ concert. Historically, only three composers are selected, but this year marks an expansion with a fourth composer selected in partnership with Missy Mazzoli and Ellen Reidโ€™s Luna Composition Lab supporting young female and nonbinary composers.

Jul
28

Yilian Caรฑizares

๐Ÿ“ Kuumbwa Jazz
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Born in Havana and now based in Switzerland, composer, violinist and singer Yilian Caรฑizares comes from a classical foundation but launched her professional career in jazz leading the Ochumare Quartet. She released two albums with the group in 2009 and 2011. From there, Caรฑizares continued as a solo artist, with three albums to her credit. She has also collaborated on record with acclaimed Cuban pianist Omar Sosa on a pair of releases, including a 2019 release, Live at Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg. Caรฑizaresโ€™ vocals are delivered variously in French, Spanish and Yoruba, and she often plays violin while she is singing. -Bill Kopp; Good Times Santa Cruz

Jul
28

Tacos & Trivia

๐Ÿ“ Bruno's Bar & Grill
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

As with everything we do, we bring the fun! This isnโ€™t your average ordinary trivia. Itโ€™s โ€œBrunoโ€™s Styleโ€. We sing, we play instruments, we dance and we drink. Fill up on Tacos and Margs and get ready for a night of fun! โ€‹ If youโ€™re looking for a quiet night with boring trivia for the brainiacs you wonโ€™t find it at Brunoโ€™s. With musical clues for our players โ€“ we have the most fun trivia around. We turn the music up loud and we make a lot of noise! Itโ€™s free to play with prizes for the winners. With $3 tacos and the buy a Margarita or Modelo and get a free taco deal, youโ€™re going to have a great night at the best bar in town. Bring your friends and form a team or come by yourself and make some new friends, youโ€™ll have a blast!

Jul
29

Motion Pacific: Dance for PD

๐Ÿ“ The 418 Project
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 2:15 PM ยท FREE

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.

Jul
29

Wig Out Wednesday

๐Ÿ“ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room + Wine Bar
๐Ÿ•’ 4:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Every Wed from 4 to 8 pm at our Downtown Santa Cruz Tasting Room + Wine Bar Join us for a night of wigging out in Downtown Santa Cruz! Wear a wig, and weโ€™ll have a surprise for you. Weโ€™ll play cool music, games, trivia, and much more! Letโ€™s wig out and keep Santa Cruz weird! Wig Out Wednesday Special: 2 empanadas and a glass of wine (Riesling, Rose, or Homestead) for $19.

Jul
29

Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts

๐Ÿ“ Capitola Village
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท FREE

Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. 2026 Lineup: June 3, 2026: Rockinโ€™ Big Band Blues with The Delta Wires June 10, 2026: Surf/Garage Rock with The Trestles June 24, 2026: Originals and Quirky Covers with Coffee Zombie Collective July 1, 2026: Fun Rockโ€™n Party Music with Spun July 8, 2026: Classic Rock with B-Movie Kings July 15, 2026: Top 40/Dance 70โ€™s through today with Mercy & The Heartbeats July 22, 2026: Funky Mostly Original Pop with Extra Large July 29, 2026: Latin Rock & Salsa with Santa Cruz Latin Collective August 5, 2026: R&B, Soul & Funk with The Joint Chiefs Band August 12, 2026: Top 40โ€™s Dance with The Peelers August 19, 2026: Oldies Dance Band with The Digbeats

Jul
29

Moe's Alley Presents: Monophonics w/ Lemon City Trio

๐Ÿ“ Moe's Alley
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM ยท See listing

Moes Alley presents psych-soul favorites Monophonics with Miami-based Lemon City Trio! Wednesday, July 29, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$30 in advance / $35 day of the show21+*Tickets on sale Friday, May 1st at 10am PT** No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====MONOPHONICSThe worlds premier psychedelic soul band, Monophonics, cordially invites you to attend the grand re-opening of the once thriving, once vibrant establishment, the legendary Sage Motel. A place where folks experience the highs and lows of human existence. A place where big dreams and broken hearts live, where people arrive without ever knowing how they got there. Its where individuals find themselves at a crossroads in life.LEMON CITY TRIOLemon City Trio formed as a soul jazz organ trio, and has since evolved into a band with its own sound and unique repertoire. The band hails from Miami, Fl and has made a name for itself throughout the state, and up the east coast. Ranging from edgy fusion grooves, to dreamy space Rock, and everything in between, LCT takes its audience on a journey from start to finish.

Jul
30

Cascada de Flores

๐Ÿ“ Downtown Branch Library
๐Ÿ•’ 1:30 PM ยท See listing

Get ready to dance, sing, and play with Cascada de Flores! Original stories told in Spanish & English, using song, musical instruments, dance, theater, and traditional Mexican & Latin American cultures. Families are invited to sing, dance, and play with beautiful traditional songs and dances. ยกPrepรกrate para bailar, cantar y jugar con Cascada de Flores! Relatos originales contados en inglรฉs y espaรฑol, utilizando canciรณn, instrumentos musicales, danza, teatro y culturas tradicionales mexicanas y latinoamericanas. Se invita a las familias a cantar, bailar y jugar con hermosas canciones y bailes tradicionales. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16233495

Jul
30

Cascada de Flores con Cuรฉntame un Cuento

๐Ÿ“ Live Oak Branch Library
๐Ÿ•’ 4:30 PM ยท See listing

ยกPrepรกrate para bailar, cantar y jugar con Cascada de Flores! Relatos originales contados en inglรฉs y espaรฑol, utilizando canciรณn, instrumentos musicales, danza, teatro y culturas tradicionales mexicanas y latinoamericanas. Se invita a las familias a cantar, bailar y jugar con hermosas canciones y bailes tradicionales. Get ready to dance, sing, and play with Cascada de Flores! Original stories told in Spanish & English, using song, musical instruments, dance, theater, and traditional Mexican & Latin American cultures. Families are invited to sing, dance, and play with beautiful traditional songs and dances. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16225700 https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16233495

Music BIPOC Details โ†’
Jul
30

Cascada de Flores con Cuรฉntame un Cuento

๐Ÿ“ Capitola
๐Ÿ•’ 4:30 PM ยท See listing

ยกPrepรกrate para bailar, cantar y jugar con Cascada de Flores! Relatos originales contados en inglรฉs y espaรฑol, utilizando canciรณn, instrumentos musicales, danza, teatro y culturas tradicionales mexicanas y latinoamericanas. Se invita a las familias a cantar, bailar y jugar con hermosas canciones y bailes tradicionales. Get ready to dance, sing, and play with Cascada de Flores! Original stories told in Spanish & English, using song, musical instruments, dance, theater, and traditional Mexican & Latin American cultures. Families are invited to sing, dance, and play with beautiful traditional songs and dances. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16225700 https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16233495

Jul
30

Medicine Road

๐Ÿ“ Discretion Brewing
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 7:30 PM ยท See listing

5:30-7:30pm Medicine Road Throughout the course of their exciting journey as a group, the members of Medicine Road have won over the hearts of music lovers around the Bay Area, performing at a variety of venues and making countless public appearances. A talented rock band, Medicine Road has earned the admiration and affection of critics and fans alike from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. Medicine Road formed in their hometown of Boulder Creek, California in 2007. Since then they evolved into popular and versatile talented group of musicians. They consist of 4 members, Pablo Eagle (singer-songwriter, guitarist), Jonathan (Skippy) Sherred (bass guitar, vocals), Doug Underhill (drums, background vocals), and Sean Woodward (lead guitar, background vocals). The sound can be anything from psychedelic, country, hard rock, jazzy, and or folky, all in one show. The band will not and never has wanted to be one style of music, and pleases people of all ages and musical tastes. They take pride in being an original music band, and playing the music they love, and it shows! A Medicine Road show is like non other, and not to be missed!

66 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 โ†’