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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

Cannabis
β˜… Featured Event Treehouse
Fri, Sep 4, 2026 Β· 5:00 PM

Treehouse Dispensary First Friday

πŸ“ Treehouse Dispensary Β· Soquel Β· FREE

Treehouse Dispensary hosts a monthly First Friday event on the first Friday of every month. These events feature live music, local artists, makers, and an art market with up to 20 different vendors, along with shop-wide discounts and community activities. The shop is open 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM daily. 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 πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Promotional image for Boulder Creek Fire Department Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance β˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Boulder Creek Fire Department

Boulder Creek Fire Department Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance

The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance on Saturday, August 22. Firefighters serve a tri-tip and chicken dinner in the apparatus bay, and three live bands (Kentucky Mule, Barnstormers, Bootleg Country Band) play out back with dancing until 11 p.m. There’s a bounce house and face painting for kids. Tickets are $30 for dinner and dance, free for kids under 5. Proceeds buy rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department. Tickets and details: bcfd.com

Family πŸ“ San Lorenzo Valley
Promotional image for Zen Buddhist Meditation Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Zen Center

Zen Buddhist Meditation

Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Music
Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· 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 πŸ“ Westside
Promotional image for Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Nicholson Vineyards

Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather selections. Book your reservation today! July 11 & 12: The Clay Chalet and music by Dos Bros July 18 & 19: Indigo and Vine and music by Jo Coleman July 25 & 26: Sour Sammy Sourdough and music by Six String Mixtape August 1 & 2: Scout and Sea and music by Half Pass August 8 & 9: Lili Arnold Studios and music by Eden Edell August 15 & 16: Desert Moon Design and music by Kip Allert August 22 & 23: Papelline Jewelry and music by Zach Bailey August 29 & 30: Anna Gail Designs and music by Jeff Smith September 5 & 6: All You Knead and music by Cake Party!

Food & Drink πŸ“ Aptos & Seacliff

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Saturday, August 22

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

12:00 AM
See listing
The Inner & Outer Audition, with Wilma Chandler
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre
Art & Culture
1:00 AM
See listing
ReView
πŸ“ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
Education
8:00 AM
FREE
Scotts Valley Farmers' Market
πŸ“ Joe and Linda Aliberti Boys and Girls Club
Markets
8:00 AM
FREE
Cabrillo Farmers Market
πŸ“ Cabrillo College
Markets
8:30 AM
FREE
Zen Buddhist Meditation
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Zen Center
Music
8:39 AM
FREE
Chamber Choir Now Auditioning
πŸ“ Westside Locations
Music
9:00 AM
$28.52
SPECTRUM FITNESS PRODUCTIONS 2026 NPC SANTA CRUZ CHAMPIONSHIPS
πŸ“ Civic Auditorium
Sports
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
UC Santa Cruz Farm U-Pick
πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
Food & Drink

What's happening

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Showing 30 of 73 upcoming events Β· Outdoors Β· from 2026-08-22 Β· to 2026-08-29

Aug
22

Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience

πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Β· $59

Enjoy Dynomite Farm’s show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.

Community Outdoors Details β†’
Aug
22

Native Habitat Restoration

πŸ“ AΓ±o Nuevo State Park
πŸ•’ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

Join State Parks staff for a morning of volunteer work along the scenic coastal terrace at AΓ±o Nuevo State Park. Volunteers can expect to weed out invasive plants, sheet mulch, collect native plant seeds and more! This work helps improve habitat for local wildlife, including the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake. Volunteers should bring closed-toed shoes and sun protection. Training, water, snacks, tools and gloves will be provided. All ages are welcome to this event. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Outdoors Family Details β†’
Aug
22

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Forest Therapy

πŸ“ Chaminade Resort and Spa
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· $35

Reconnect with yourself beneath the redwoods on one of the area’s first certified Forest Therapy Trails at Chaminade Resort & Spa. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), this guided experience combines mindfulness in nature, sensory awareness, and gentle invitations designed to calm the nervous system, restore attention, and relieve stress. Perfect for anyone seeking renewal, creativity, and deeper connection in the beauty of Santa Cruz.

Outdoors Wellness πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
22

Santa Cruz Beach Train

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Β· $32

From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.

Aug
22

Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

πŸ“ Elkhorn Slough Reserve
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

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.

Aug
22

Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk

πŸ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Β· FREE

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.

Aug
22

Dahlia Show

πŸ“ Capitola Mall
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Β· FREE

The Monterey Bay Dahlia Society is hosting their annual Dahlia Show at the Capitola Mall. Enjoy hundreds of spectacular dahlia varieties. Single stem and multi-bloom displays - Seedlings - Hot new introductions - Gorgeous arrangements. Dahlias will be displayed around the fountain.

Aug
22

Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Harbor
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Β· FREE

Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port District’s website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.

Aug
22

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Redwood Loop Tour

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Β· See listing

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Aug
22

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Β· FREE

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!

Aug
22

Wilder Ranch State Park - Ranch History Tour

πŸ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Β· See listing

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]

Aug
22

Portola Redwoods State Park - Old Tree Trail Guided Hike

πŸ“ Portola Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Β· See listing

Ready for an adventure beneath towering Coast Redwoods? This program is for you! Join us for an easy 0.5 mile hike through a gorgeous grove to share an experience with the redwood trees, and learn a little bit about their life history. We'll meet at the Old Tree Trail head, just down the road from the Visitor Center, at 1:00pm. Please wear weather-appropriate attire and be prepared to walk about 1 mile on easy trail. Click here to RSVP .

Outdoors Family Details β†’
Aug
22

Beehive Dive & Honey Tasting

πŸ“ Chaminade Resort and Spa
πŸ•’ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Β· $140

Through the hands-on exploration of a bustling beehive on Chaminade's grounds, you will learn about the intriguing world of honey bees in a way that very few get to experience. Your hive tour, led by Northern Roots Bee Co.’s professional beekeepers, will include suiting up in beekeeping attire and learning about the different roles and contributions that bees make in the colony. We’ll finish the experience with a honey tasting where participants delight in the nuanced flavors of varietal honeys. This experience is open to overnight resort guests and community members.

Outdoors Food & Drink πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
22

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Beehive Tours and Honey Tasting

πŸ“ Chaminade Resort and Spa
πŸ•’ 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Β· $108.4

Through the hands-on exploration of a bustling beehive on Chaminade’s grounds, you will learn about the intriguing world of honey bees in a way that very few get to experience. Your hive tour, led by Northern Roots Bee Co.’s professional beekeepers, will include suiting up in beekeeping attire and learning about the different roles and contributions that bees make in the colony. You will begin the experience with a honey tasting where participants delight in the nuanced flavors of varietal honeys as well as enjoy light bites. Ages 14+ only (Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

Outdoors Food & Drink πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
22

Harvest Dinner at Rosscienda Vineyards

πŸ“ Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 5:00 PM Β· See listing

Nestled in the steep, coastal Santa Cruz mountains are the terraced, heritage vines of Rosscienda Vineyards - where the warm climate is met with morning mists that cool the vines. Enjoy balanced wines with distinct flavors that beautifully represent the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. Featuring Chef Brad Briske of HOME Restaurant. Experience a feast of summer flavor as we look ahead to the harvest season while dining al fresco on a beautiful August evening. Participating Wineries: to be announced Event Address: to be announced About the Taste of Terroir Dinner Series Explore the unique boutique wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains through the Taste of Terroir dinner series, an intimate culinary and wine experience of tasting salons and dinners held throughout the AVA. The dinners typically start with a 1.5 hour walk-around wine tasting reception followed by a seated full-course meal prepared by local chefs who pride themselves on sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Meet the winemakers and fellow wine enthusiasts! Tickets are $175* *All ticket pricing is inclusive of food, wines and gratuities. All events are open to the public and reserved for guests 21 and over. Tickets are non-refundable. Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains wine club members receive a 15% discount on up to 2 tickets - for more information, reach out to contact@scmwa.

Outdoors Adults 21+ Details β†’
Aug
22

Macbeth, presented by Santa Cruz Shakespeare

πŸ“ The Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM Β· See listing

Something wicked this way comes, indeed. Starting this weekend and running through August 30th, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents one of The Bard’s most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the play’s first ever performance is believed to have been in 1606 marking this as the 420th anniversary, which is very Santa Cruz. And for anyone familiar with Macbeth, it’s easy to see why it’s lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as β€œBlood will have blood,” and β€œthe wine of life is drawn.” -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Art & Culture Outdoors πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
22

Sequoias At Night

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM Β· See listing

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.

Aug
22

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Star Walk Tour

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
πŸ•’ 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Β· See listing

Star Walks - Astronomy-based program where participants are guided up to the observation deck, where they will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet in the campfire center of the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park campground. RSVP for this hike here .

Aug
22

Roaring Camp: Sequoia Lights

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Β· $15.9

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.

Aug
22

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Guided Star Walk

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
πŸ•’ 8:45 PM – 11:00 PM Β· FREE

Enjoy this astronomy-based guided hike where you will be guided up to the Observation Deck, perched on an ancient seabed, over 800 feet above sea level and 17 miles from the beach. You will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. Follow the link in the orange button above to RSVP. Although this event is free, it costs $10 to park at State Parks. If you plan to visit any other state park earlier in the day, hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park for the day, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!

Aug
23

Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience

πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Β· $59

Enjoy Dynomite Farm’s show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.

Community Outdoors Details β†’
Aug
23

Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

πŸ“ Elkhorn Slough Reserve
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

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.

Aug
23

Santa Cruz Beach Train

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Β· $32

From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.

Aug
23

Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Harbor
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Β· FREE

Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port District’s website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.

Aug
23

Dahlia Show

πŸ“ Capitola Mall
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Β· FREE

The Monterey Bay Dahlia Society is hosting their annual Dahlia Show at the Capitola Mall. Enjoy hundreds of spectacular dahlia varieties. Single stem and multi-bloom displays - Seedlings - Hot new introductions - Gorgeous arrangements. Dahlias will be displayed around the fountain.

Aug
23

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Β· FREE

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!

Aug
23

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Redwood Loop Tour

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Β· See listing

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Aug
23

Wilder Ranch State Park - Ranch History Tour

πŸ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Β· See listing

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]

43 more events further out

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