The annual 6-mile, scenic seaside run-by-the-Sea is widely acclaimed as βThe best little road race in Californiaβ. The Wharf to Wharf is the biggest summer event of its kind on the West Coast. The race route is lined with fans, bands, and all kinds of great fun! Go to Capitola and cheer them on! 2026 Course Update: Due to ongoing construction at the Murray Street Bridge, this yearβs race will start at 30th Avenue and Portola Drive instead of the Santa Cruz Wharf. From there, participants will follow the classic coastal route through Pleasure Point and into Capitola, finishing in the heart of Capitola Village. The finish line celebration remains a highlight, with a festive atmosphere, cheering crowds, and a memorable downhill finish toward the beach.
From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.
Live music, festivals, art walks, surf contests, trail days and everything in between.
Every listing is something you can actually show up to, from Davenport down to Watsonville.
β Featured this season
Treehouse Dispensary First Friday
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.
Enthusiastic Bird Watchers @ La Selva Beach
Tuesday, July 21 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm Join us for a bird talk and guided walk in La Selva Beach to spot local birds and enjoy nature together!
The Art of Building a Future (RSSC Discussion Group)
Join us 4th Wednesdays, 6-8pm at SubRosa for The Art of Building a Future - a cafΓ© for discussion and practice for creating the future we want to live in, now! Hosted by @rojavasc1 Bring your thoughts and experience and enjoy some light refreshments. Will be held in the courtyard weather permitting. COVID precautions encouraged. 6pm - 8pm // totally free! // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA Also part of the @freeskoolsantacruz 2026 session - more info about other class in bio at @freeskoolsantacruz and @subrosa_space β@@@@@β 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. Letβs 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 constellation
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Featured
43rd Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival
Stroll the festival with friends and family, sipping exceptional wines from Santa Cruz Mountain wineries while admiring the artistic talents of over 100 fine artists. Sway to live music and be inspired by local dance groups while taking in the ocean breeze and breathtaking view of the Monterey Bay. Feed your cravings with tantalizing cuisine from local food purveyors, and cruise through the Artisans Marketplace for locally handcrafted goods. If that isnβt enough, Capitola Village is filled with restaurants for every taste and charming boutiques to satisfy a shopperβs dream. Art, wine, music, and gourmet cuisine in the enchanting beach-side setting of Capitola Villageβ¦summerβs last hurrah, and truly a weekend in paradise! This event is from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, September 12 and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, September 13. See link to the event in the orange box above.
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Featured
The Cruz Room: Hosted Board Game Night
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted micβd board games 5 β 8 Trivia 8 β 10
βοΈ Happening today
Tuesday, July 2152 events on today. No plans required, just go.
What's happening
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
2 upcoming events Β· Sports Β· from 2026-07-25 Β· to 2026-07-26
The Wharf to Wharf Race is a Santa Cruz summer tradition and one of the most iconic 6-mile races in California. Known for its laid-back coastal vibe and strong community spirit, the race welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The point-to-point course traces the Monterey Bay coastline, offering stunning ocean views, ocean breezes, and live music from local bands stationed along the route. 2026 Course Update: Due to ongoing construction at the Murray Street Bridge, this yearβs race will start at 30th Avenue and Portola Drive instead of the Santa Cruz Wharf. From there, participants will follow the classic coastal route through Pleasure Point and into Capitola, finishing in the heart of Capitola Village. The finish line celebration remains a highlight, with a festive atmosphere, cheering crowds, and a memorable downhill finish toward the beach. Registration Information: Local Registration (Santa Cruz County residents): Opens March 31, 2026 General Registration: Opens April 1, 2026 The event has a capacity limit and typically fills quickly once registration opens. Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot in one of Santa Cruzβs most anticipated annual events.
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.
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