Get stoked, Santa Cruz! ๐๐ธ We are beyond hyped to host an exclusive art exhibit featuring the legendary work of decorated surf and ocean photographer, Dave โNellyโ Nelson! If you love the ocean, surf culture, and mind-blowing photography, this is one night you absolutely cannot miss. Come hang out, grab some good vibes, and be the first to witness an incredible collection of never-before-seen images from Nellyโs archives. Plus, weโre hosting an exclusive book signingโthe perfect chance to snag a legendary piece of Santa Cruz surf history straight from the man himself! ๐ค Hereโs whatโs going down: What: Dave โNellyโ Nelson Art Exhibit & Book Signing When: Opening Night Reception โ Friday, August 7, 2026 | 5:00 PM โ 9:00 PM Where: Sunny California โ 912 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Bonus: Weโre hosting an epic RAFFLE! Make sure to sign up at the door for your chance to win some amazing prizes. ๐๏ธ๐ฅ (Canโt make it to opening night? No sweat! The show will be running through the entire month of August. But this is your chance to hang with the man himself) See you there! ๐ @nellysmagicmoments @sunnycalifornia_santacruz #DaveNellyNelson #SantaCruz #SantaCruzSurf #SurfPhotography #OceanPhotography #SunnyCalifornia #SantaCruzEvents #SurfCulture #SkatePhotography #ArtExhibit #MontereyBay
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
โ
Featured Event
Phamily Time!
Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโt want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS
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.
โ
Featured
WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy
The Tony Award-Winning San Francisco Mime Troupe Opens their 67th Season with: WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy July 3 โ Sept. 7, 2026
Coming up
Zen Buddhist Meditation
Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.
Coming up
Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz
The first annual Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz will take place Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, bringing together local musicians, hula schools, artists, food vendors, and community organizations for a weekend celebrating Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Pacific cultures. Gates open daily at 11 a.m. Admission to the festival is free. Donations are welcome. Parking will be available for $20 per vehicle. No in-and-out privileges will be allowed, and re-entry fees will be enforced. Produced by Victor Ohana Productions LLC, the festival aims to celebrate the Spirit of Aloha while creating a new cultural tradition for the Central Coast community. Organizers say the event was created to strengthen connections among local Polynesian communities, while offering residents and visitors a new summer cultural experience in Santa Cruz County. โThis festival is about bringing people together through music, dance, food, art, and community,โ said Marie Victor, founder of Victor Ohana Productions. โSanta Cruz has deep cultural and historical connections to Hawaiสปi through surf culture and the ocean lifestyle. We wanted to create an event that celebrates those shared influences while showcasing the incredible local talent we have here in Northern California.โ Rather than featuring a national headliner, the festival will spotlight local bands and performers from throughout Santa Cruz County and the surrounding region. Organizers said the focus of the event is community participation and cultural authenticity. Festival attendees can expect: โ Food vendors featuring Pacific-inspired cuisine โ Local arts, crafts, and merchandise vendors โ Information booths from community nonprofits and organizations โ Family-friendly cultural activities and entertainment Local Live Music โ Victor Ohana 3 Generations โ Ho' Omana โ Hunawai โ Kanalu โ Laule'a Hawaiian Band โ Ka La'i O Mele โ George Kahumoku Jr (Grammy Award Winner in
โ๏ธ Happening today
Saturday, August 184 events on today. No plans required, just go.
What's happening
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
1 upcoming event ยท Surf ยท from 2026-08-01 ยท to 2026-08-08
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