Skip to content
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

Promotional image for Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts β˜… Featured
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 Β· 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 πŸ“ Seabright & Harbor
Music
β˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 1, 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 Cascada de Flores Coming up
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 Β· Downtown Branch Library

Cascada de Flores

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. Β‘PrepΓ‘rate para bailar, cantar y jugar con Cascada de Flores! Relatos originales contados en inglΓ©s y espaΓ±ol, utilizando canciΓ³n, 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

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Cascada de Flores con CuΓ©ntame un Cuento Coming up
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 Β· Live Oak Branch Library

Cascada de Flores con CuΓ©ntame un Cuento

Β‘PrepΓ‘rate para bailar, cantar y jugar con Cascada de Flores! Relatos originales contados en inglΓ©s y espaΓ±ol, utilizando canciΓ³n, 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

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Thursday, July 30

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

12:00 AM
See listing
Summer Beer Sails
πŸ“ Discretion Brewing
Food & Drink
1:00 AM
$500
The Dickens Universe featuring β€˜Bleak House’
πŸ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
Education
8:30 AM
$300
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Family
8:30 AM
$300
World of Birds Summer Camp
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
See listing
BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE SEWING (1/6)
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
CLAY INDEPENDENT LAB TIME
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
10:30 AM
See listing
Storytime in the Park - Books and Bikes
πŸ“ Callaghan Park
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

6 upcoming events Β· Sports Β· from 2026-07-30 Β· to 2026-08-06

Jul
30

Women in Business Luncheon: Joby Aviation

πŸ“ Joby Aviation
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us for an inside look at one of Santa Cruz County's most innovative companies and the remarkable women helping to build it. This event opens with a presentation on Joby Aviation: Who we are, how we got here, and where we're headed as we work to bring sustainable electric air travel to the world. From our founding story to our mission, values, and culture, you'll leave with a clear picture of what makes Joby one of the most exciting companies in the country and right here in our own community.

Sports Community Details β†’
Aug
1

Strawberry Jam 1K and 5K Fun Run and Walk

πŸ“ Landmark Elementary School
πŸ•’ 7:45 AM – 10:00 AM Β· See listing

The 5th annual Strawberry Jam 1K/5K Fun Run/Walk coordinated by the Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services will kick-off the Watsonville Strawberry Festival on Saturday August 1, 2026. The Jam begins and ends at the temporary location, Landmark Elementary School in Watsonville while Ramsay Park is being renovated. This is an easy and fun course that includes Watsonville's beautiful slough system with an out and back section on Ohlone Parkway. See photo of course. No dogs please, but families and strollers are welcome. Register on Active.com. Races will be coordinated by the Santa Cruz Track Club.

Aug
2

Moms/Kidd Self-Defense Workshop

πŸ“ MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness
πŸ•’ 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Β· $133

Mamas bring your Kids and learn how to reinforce self-defense strategies & skills as they go about daily activities. Anti-bully training included. How to deal with mean kids, and adults trying to get them into agreement, especially when they're uncomfortable. Plus they'll learn physical strategies that'll work better than pre-programmed 'techniques.'

Sports Family Details β†’
Aug
5

First Wednesday Ping Pong Popup

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
πŸ•’ 4:00 PM Β· See listing

Wednesday, August 05 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Do you love ping pong? Drop-in to the Felton Library Community Room anytime between 3-5 every 1st Wednesday to have some fun. Adult players of any level are welcome! A waiver must be signed to play.

Community Sports Details β†’
Aug
5

Gay Beach Volleyball (Outside Community Series)

πŸ“ Court 16, Santa Cruz Main Beach Volleyball, 270 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
πŸ•’ 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM Β· FREE

Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball Date : Wednesdays, last session October 28 Time : 5:30 - 10:00 pm Location : Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) Cost : Free Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball has been fabulizing Main Beach since 1979. We meet at 5:30 pm on Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) every Wednesday evening during Daylight Saving Time and play till it's too dark or too cold or we're just hungry. All skill levels - including no skill at all - are welcome. We're here to have fun, connect and yes, sometimes even play surprisingly good volleyball. Socializing on the sidelines is often as busy as the playing on our courts. Afterwards we head to dinner at a local restaurant or sometimes a potluck. Free to participate. ALL (yes, we mean you!) are welcome. Come out and play! .

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 β†’