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.
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
Art Lande (piano) — Günter Wehinger (flute) — Tim Wendel (guitar) WILLIAM WINANT - Percussion
Coming up
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.
Coming up
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.
Coming up
🌕 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.
59 events on today. No plans required, just go.
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
Showing 30 of 243 upcoming events · Outdoors
Hugging Porcupines Productions presents Trivia Night, every Tuesday evening at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. Trivia is always free to play. Grab your team and challenge yourself to 6 rounds of fun trivia.
Horses are deeply attuned to nonverbal cues; our posture, breath, and inner state shape how they respond. When we’re centered, they notice. This gentle, horse aligned class explores the power of posture—and how we show up . Through foundational Pilates-based movement, you’ll deepen postural alignment, improve stability, and cultivate a calm, grounded presence.No experience needed.$10/class Free with membership: https://beyondliberty.org/groupwellnessmembership
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Santa Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it is no surprise that the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club have become a nexus for the sailing community, with a calendar packed with activities and a weekly regatta, which brings out even the biggest land lover to admire the race every Wednesday.
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
0 booked, 7 available Kathryn Pierno
Pearl and the Oysters perform live on the garden stage at The Crepe Place, blending pop-rock with a lively outdoor atmosphere.
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Fridays & Saturdays 8pm-10pm through October. Opening weekend July 10-11! Experience the magic once again as this beloved art and light installation returns to the Santa Cruz Mountains for its second year. Lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature.
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
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.
Ticket price includes 1 pound of apples in addition to what you pick during your timed hour on the farm. Click the link in the orange button above to reserve your hour time slot. Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
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.
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
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.
First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your knowledge of the Arboretum’s plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending on the time of year, the interests of the tour guide, and the people who join in. For example, you might learn about the birds and mammals that make this land their home or about the amazing physical adaptations that plants have evolved to better deal with our extreme weather and climate conditions. Tours are free with paid admission. Admission is always free for current UCSC Students and Arboretum members.
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.
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!
Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions?Call (669)758-1963or email [email protected]
Santa Cruz at sunset: immersive live-to-headphones piano by Murray Hidary. Mindful concert in nature. Join us.
Fridays & Saturdays 8pm-10pm through October. Opening weekend July 10-11! Experience the magic once again as this beloved art and light installation returns to the Santa Cruz Mountains for its second year. Lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature.
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
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.
Ticket price includes 1 pound of apples in addition to what you pick during your timed hour on the farm. Click the link in the orange button above to reserve your hour time slot. Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
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!
Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions?Call (669)758-1963or email [email protected]
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Explore how tech is advancing the way we care for city trees and green spaces.
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
213 more events further out
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 →