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๐Ÿ“ 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.

โ˜… Featured this season

Promotional image for Phamily Time! โ˜… Featured Event
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 ยท 4:00 PM

Phamily Time!

๐Ÿ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing ยท Downtown Santa Cruz ยท See listing

Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโ€™t want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS

Music Festivals ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details โ†’
Promotional image for SC Beach Boardwalk: Free Minecraft Movie on the Beach โ˜… Featured
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 ยท Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

SC Beach Boardwalk: Free Minecraft Movie on the Beach

Every Friday night on the beach in front of the Colonnade, bring your family and your blanket or low-back chair to experience the ultimate movie night! Watch your favorite movies while munching on mouthwatering Boardwalk treats, from kettle corn and saltwater taffy to corn dogs and turkey legs. Seating is first come, first served and each movie will have a 15-minute intermission. June 12, 2026: The Lost Boys June 19, 2026: Ferris Buellerโ€™s Day Off June 26, 2026: Kicking and Screaming July 10, 2026: 13 Going on 30 July 17, 2026: Back to the Future July 24, 2026: A Minecraft Movie July 31, 2026: Jurassic Park August 7, 2026: The Goonies

Art & Culture ๐Ÿ“ Beach & Boardwalk
Promotional image for Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening โ€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseโ€ โ˜… Featured
Tue, Jul 28, 2026 ยท Stevenson College

Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening โ€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseโ€

The DSAS Center for Leadership and Involvement and Summer Edge invite you to join us for our Movie Night Under the Stars event screening โ€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseโ€: Date: Tuesday, July 28th Screening Time: Event entry begins at 7:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Location: Stevenson College Knoll *Bring your own blanket! Limited chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.* Free movie snacks will be available! For any questions or accommodations, please email [email protected] . You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of Californiaโ€™s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeโ€”whether a student service, faculty program, or community eventโ€”is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .

Education ๐Ÿ“ UCSC
Promotional image for Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts โ˜… Featured
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 ยท 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 ๐Ÿ“ Seabright & Harbor
Promotional image for North Bookmobile Pajaro Park - Tie-Dye Coming up
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 ยท Pajaro Park

North Bookmobile Pajaro Park - Tie-Dye

Tie-Dye: Join MCFL staff to tie-dye a book bag. Adult and Teen Workshops - Ages 13 and up Registration required - Materials provided - No experience needed Call the branch directly to register Please note, programs will be cancelled if no one is registered 24 hours before the program This program is brought to you by the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries. Sign up for the Summer Reading Club at any MCFL branch between June 1st and July 31st. Or sign up online at https://emcfl.beanstack.com/reader365

Festivals ๐Ÿ“ Watsonville

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Friday, July 24

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

8:30 AM
$400
Art and Science in Nature Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
9:00 AM
$345
Summer Production (1-week): Moana Jr.
๐Ÿ“ All About Theatre
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$895
Summer Production (3-weeks): Moana Jr
๐Ÿ“ All About Theatre
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
$10
Mindful Movement with Horses
๐Ÿ“ BEYOND liberty
Sports
9:30 AM
See listing
Evergreen Volunteer Days
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
CLAY INDEPENDENT LAB TIME
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
10:00 AM
FREE
Resource Recovery Public Summer Tours
๐Ÿ“ City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
Community

What's happening

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Showing 60 of 61 upcoming events ยท from 2026-07-24 ยท to 2026-07-24

Jul
24

Art and Science in Nature Summer Camp

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 AM โ€“ 3:30 PM ยท $400

Calling young artists and scientists curious about nature! This summer, young explorers can join us on a journey to investigate symmetries, patterns, and curiosities in the natural world. Spend the week exploring nearby beach, creek, and garden habitats, and making all sorts of art inspired by what we discover.

Jul
24

Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience

๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM ยท $59

Enjoy Dynomite Farmโ€™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 โ†’
Jul
24

Mindful Movement with Horses

๐Ÿ“ BEYOND liberty
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 AM โ€“ 10:00 AM ยท $10

Mindful Movement with Horses Blending Tai Chi, Qigong, Horses and Mindfulness and informed by Polyvagal Theory, this class supports nervous system regulation, embodied awareness, and safe connectionโ€”with yourself, the herd, and the natural world. All proceeds benefit BEYOND liberty, a nonprofit horse sanctuary and equine education center improving the lives of both humans and horses through education, experiential learning and wellness and enrichment programs. $10 drop-in. Registration required: https://BeyondLibertyandPMR.as.me/MindfulnessThroughMovement

Jul
24

Evergreen Volunteer Days

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
๐Ÿ•’ 9:30 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท See listing

Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday from 9:30am-12pm. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email [email protected]

Jul
24

Santa Cruz Beach Train

๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 4:00 PM ยท $32

From Trees to Shining Seas โ€“ 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. Todayโ€™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.

Jul
24

Resource Recovery Public Summer Tours

๐Ÿ“ City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 11:30 AM ยท FREE

Free Public Tours of the City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility are here. Don't miss this educational community favorite activity! Summer Public Tours Are Back! Public Tours of the Resource Recovery Facility will be offered every Friday at 10 AM from June 12th through August 14th, 2026. A single Saturday will also be offered on July 25th. Out of consideration for others, please only sign up on Saturday if Fridays are not an option for you. Come join us! Get ready to discover the journey your recycling and food scraps takeโ€”and see firsthand how your actions make a difference! Visitors will see what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of material that Santa Cruzians place into their blue recycle bins every single day. We will also learn why it is important to โ€œrecycle right,โ€ avoid โ€œwish-cycling," and why we can't rely on a triangle and a blue bin anymore. Visitors will see a mountain of scrap metal, learn about the facilityโ€™s Household Hazardous Waste Program, and see the Food Scrap Pre-Processor Machine. Donโ€™t miss out on this chance to become a waste reduction pro! Tours are limited to 20 people. Children must be at least 8 years old. Youth ages 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes 48 hours before the tour date. No Drop-Ins. Safety Notice: This tour includes stairs and standing/walking for approximately 45 minutes. On this tour, you may be exposed to loud noises, dust, or tight spaces. Please note that this is a working industrial facility with potential hazards, and your safety is our top priority. Please wear closed-toe sturdy shoes and long pants. We will provide safety vests, eye protection, ear protection, and hard hats. Please inform City staff before your tour date if you will need accommodations.

Community Free Details โ†’
Jul
24

Spa Day Passes

๐Ÿ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM ยท $54

A notable new offering for the property, La Bahia has introduced Spa Day Passes, now available via ResortPass (based on availability), granting both travelers and locals access to enjoy the propertyโ€™s serene spa amenities for a restorative escape by the sea.

Jul
24

Wilder Ranch Junior Rangers Program

๐Ÿ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท FREE

Young adventurers are invited to join the Junior Ranger Program at Wilder Ranch State Park this summer! The free program is 11 a.m. to noon. Kids ages 7-12 are invited. Parents and guardians can learn more and register their young adventurers online. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park.

Jul
24

Spring Exhibitions at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences

๐Ÿ“ Institute of the Arts and Sciences
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 5:00 PM ยท See listing

Visit the IAS, UCSCโ€™s premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10โ€“August 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm โ€“ 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posadaโ€™s first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time

Education Art & Culture ๐Ÿ“ Westside Details โ†’
Jul
24

POKEMON ART CONTEST FOR KIDS!

๐Ÿ“ Comicopolis
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM ยท FREE

It's time to get those crayons sharpened, paints mixed and markers at the ready for our Summer 2026 Pokรฉmon Art Contest for kids 5-12! To join in, create a picture of your favorite Pokรฉmon having a fun moment or striking a cool, dynamic pose. Submissions should be on 8.5 x 11 paper. You can use any medium you like, such as paint, marker, crayon, pencil, etc. No digital art. There will be prizes awarded to two age groups, 5-7 and 8-12. Entries accepted June 1st-July 31st. Winners will be announced on August 6th. BONUS: All participants will receive a free Pokรฉmon:Chaos Rising 11x17 mini-poster (while supplies last) when you hand in your art.

Jul
24

North Bookmobile Pajaro Park - Tie-Dye

๐Ÿ“ Pajaro Park
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 2:00 PM ยท See listing

Tie-Dye: Join MCFL staff to tie-dye a book bag. Adult and Teen Workshops - Ages 13 and up Registration required - Materials provided - No experience needed Call the branch directly to register Please note, programs will be cancelled if no one is registered 24 hours before the program This program is brought to you by the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries. Sign up for the Summer Reading Club at any MCFL branch between June 1st and July 31st. Or sign up online at https://emcfl.beanstack.com/reader365

Jul
24

Guided Tour

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 1:30 PM ยท See listing

Take a guided tour of the MAH by one of our staff members! At the MAH, our tours don't just take you through art and history. They immerse you in it and connect you to Santa Cruz and beyond. If you're ready to dive into a new perspective, join us every Friday for an informative private tour free with admission. Art experts, historians, and educators are here to help. Plus, stick around to meet new people or check out our new gift shop. If you are an educator and interested in booking a tour for your class or group, browse our educational field trips here.

Jul
24

Santa Cruz Cyber Security Club

๐Ÿ“ Capitola
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 3:00 PM ยท See listing

Join a diverse group of cyber security enthusiasts every 3rd Friday of the month from 1-3PM or on the 1st Sunday of the month from 3-5PM. Join a group of folks who have a passion for cyber security. Group members have a broad range of interests and skill within the field and invite other people interested in cybersecurity to this public space where we can hangout, share new ideas, projects, and socialize. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=cyber+security&r=range&start=2026-06-02&end=2026-09-30

Community Education ๐Ÿ“ Capitola Details โ†’
Jul
24

Gholami, K. (ECE) โ€“ Efficient Language Model Construction and Inference via Sparsity

๐Ÿ“ Engineering 2
๐Ÿ•’ 2:00 PM โ€“ 4:00 PM ยท See listing

While large language models can match or exceed human performance, they do so with memory and energy costs orders of magnitude greater than biological cognition. We investigate sparsity as a brain-inspired computational principle to address both. We first establish a framework for evaluating small language model construction methods, using the next-token logit distribution as a behavioral fingerprint. Then, we introduce a semi-structured correlation-aware weight sparsity (CWS) method that uses the full activation covariance to identify and prune correlated weights whose combined removal cost is lower than any individual score predicts. CWS, improves perplexity over existing criteria up to 70% sparsity. To extend this gain to extreme sparsity, we propose a hierarchical ADMM framework that optimizes pruning directly against cross-entropy and distillation loss, first layer-wise for efficiency and then globally for cross-layer coordination. This research establishes brain-inspired principles as a foundation for efficient language models that remain accurate even under extreme compression. Event Host: Kimia Gholami, Ph.D. Student, Electrical & Computer Engineering Advisor: Jason Eshraghian Zoom: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/9827512398?pwd=SGpDWGtVVG81dkgyTHhjbG81dEVUZz09&omn=98349793611 Passcode: 8398

Jul
24

Watsonville: Farmers Market

๐Ÿ“ Downtown Watsonville
๐Ÿ•’ 2:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Donโ€™t miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Bring your appetite as there are tons of delicious prepared foods to try.

Markets Food & Drink ๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Details โ†’
Jul
24

Art show Fundraiser for Yazan Mohammad

๐Ÿ“ Sub Rosa
๐Ÿ•’ 3:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

Sharing the wonderful art of Gazan organizer Yazan Mohammad๐Ÿฅณ join us to explore his work and support his university costs so he can proceed with his evacuation from Gaza. lets get YAZAN to Ireland!~ a fundraiser for YAZANโ€™s education at UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK and evacuation from GAZA Join us to celebrate Yazanโ€™s commitment to UL in Ireland and help raise funds for his evacuation from Gaza [โญ] Art Market [โญ] Music [โญ] Community [โญ] Zines! Friday, July 24. Subrosa, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 3-9PM * Interested in vending or playing music? Contact meowzedong.420 on Signal. Free entry (NOTAFLOF*) // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! *no one turned away for lack of funds SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA โ€”@@@@@โ€” 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. Letโ€™s create together the wo

Jul
24

Lego Friday Fun

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐Ÿ•’ 4:30 PM ยท See listing

Friday, July 24 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.

Community Family Details โ†’
Jul
24

Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties

๐Ÿ“ Midtown Block Party Lot
๐Ÿ•’ 5:00 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM ยท FREE

Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food โ€“ Artists โ€“ Live Music โ€“ Vendors The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 29 to August 28.

Jul
24

Old Fashioned Campfire

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Unwind at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park at a old-fashioned campfire event this summer! From 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, July 24, visitors can enjoy a campfire at the state historic park, listen to live music and make fresh tortillas on the comal! Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food for an evening picnic and listen to the musical guest Ramblin Rebels. The event is free. Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is at 144 School St., Santa Cruz CA 95060.

Outdoors Free Details โ†’
Jul
24

Silent Movie Night - The General - at The Landing

๐Ÿ“ The Landing
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท $12

Step back in time to the Golden Age of cinema! With live piano accompaniment by Kylan deGhetaldi, you wonโ€™t want to miss this unique silent movie experience. Buster Keaton's The General is one of the most revered comedies of the silent era. Released in 1926, this marks the 100th anniversary of this classic film. This is a fundraiser. All proceeds benefit The Landing. Doors open at 6 PM and the movie starts at 7 PM. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Jul
24

Moonlight Madness

๐Ÿ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 11:00 PM ยท See listing

Join us for an astronomy-themed evening at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Weโ€™ll be learning about the moon, stars, solar system, planets, all things astronomy, through activities, games, interactive models, etc. 6:00-8:00 โ€“ jazz music and interactive astronomy booths 8:00-9:00 โ€“ guest speaker presentation 9:00-10:00 โ€“ moonlight walk through the Redwood Grove 9:00-11:00 โ€“ telescope viewing with Santa Cruz Astronomy Club Event is held at the entrance to the Redwood Grove. Hope to see you there!

Jul
24

Scotts Valley Bunco Night

๐Ÿ“ Scotts Valley Community Center
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท $10

Join us for Bunco Game Night! Get ready for an evening full of fun, laughs, music, and friendly competition! Your entry includes lite appetizers and the chance to win prizes at the end of the night. No experience needed โ€” Bunco is easy to learn and perfect for a relaxed, social evening. Grab your friends and bring your beverage of choice to enjoy while you roll the dice. No prior experience needed, super easy game to play

Jul
24

Pole Fitness 101/Functional Movement + Fundamentals + Dance

๐Ÿ“ Ohana Studios Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 7:15 PM ยท $20

Pole Fitness 101 is more than just aerial training. Get movement training youโ€™ll use for life! โœ…Pole technique with dance & fitness modules โœ…Functional conditioning โœ…Mobility & flexibility training โœ…High level Xpert Xpole certified (L1-L4) โœ…FRC certified Mobility Specialist (FRCms) Drop in on one class or attend the fully programmed module for 7 weeks! Fridays 6 pm. www.ohanastudiosantacruz.com

Art & Culture Wellness ๐Ÿ“ Midtown Details โ†’
Jul
24

WASABI

๐Ÿ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท See listing

The power trio plays primarily original music, with a few select covers, rooted in a meld of funk/rock/jazz/world/hip hop/dance music. Wasabiโ€™s tunes draw from the personal journeys of its members and a revolving collection of special guests who frequently sit in on various instruments and vocals

Jul
24

Westside Author Talk with Rosemary Hayward

๐Ÿ“ Garfield Park Branch Library
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 7:30 PM ยท FREE

Local author Rosemary Hayward will be reading and answering all your questions about her novel about the suffragettes, Strait Lace. "What Rosemary Hayward does so well is bring the feminist cause right into the parlor, the dining room and even the scullery. Her message is clear; votes for women, and at all levels of society. Her research is outstanding. Readers will close the book knowing much more about the When the Why and the Who of the fight for female emancipation. And she is not scared to confront the How either. The merits and morality of using violence and hunger strike for the greater good is discussed with passion around the Edwardian family`s dining table, whilst Harriet, the main protagonist, goes much further; seizing the moment to take brave and resolute action for her beloved feminist cause." Patricia Romรกn (Author) Copies will be for sale The library asks you to register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/14614149 since seating is limited in this delightful and beautifully restored little library.

Art & Culture Free ๐Ÿ“ Westside Details โ†’
Jul
24

Vine To View Winemaker's Dinner Series

๐Ÿ“ Chaminade Resort & Spa
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

Join us from May to October as Chef Samuels and his culinary team create gourmet four-course dinners expertly paired with wines from local California vineyards. Enjoy a romantic evening in the Chaminade courtyard overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. 21+ only. Tickets and Overnight Packages (two tickets included) on sale now. See 2026 calendar below. Friday, May 1 in partnership with Beauregard Vineyards Friday, June 5 in partnership with Caymus Vineyards Friday, July 10 in partnership with Wente Vineyards Friday, July 24 in partnership with Storrs Winery Friday, August 7 in partnership with Fableist Wine Co. Friday, September 11 in partnership with Serial Wines October Date TBD in partnership with Alfaro Family Vineyards

Food & Drink Adults 21+ ๐Ÿ“ Midtown Details โ†’
Jul
24

All About Theatre Presents "Moana Jr"

๐Ÿ“ The Colligan Theater
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM ยท $18

Disneyโ€™s Moana JR. is a musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tonyยฎ, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaโ€™i, and Mark Mancina, including โ€œHow Far Iโ€™ll Go,โ€ โ€œShiny,โ€ and โ€œYouโ€™re Welcome.โ€ This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Jul
24

Jurrasic Jungle Book โ€“ A Three Hour Tour

๐Ÿ“ Park Hall Ben Lomond
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท See listing

Little Peopleโ€™s Repertory Theatre Presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour Little Peopleโ€™s Repertory Theatre (LPRT) presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour, an original rock musical by Jannine Chadwick, Directed by Daria Elise Troxell, Musical Direction Gabe House. During a sightseeing boat tour, seven passengers become castaways when their boat is shipwrecked on a tropical jungle island. The island is sparsely populated by talking jungle animals, Village People, Mowgli (a boy raised by wolves), Huntriz, three singing dino-hunters, four ninja turtles, and Indominus Khan, a tiger who became a mutant after a sinister group of โ€œscientistsโ€ came to โ€œstudyโ€ the island, with the hidden motive of transforming the island into a prehistoric theme park. This sweet and silly mash-up features more than twenty musical numbers. The cast includes children ages 7โ€“14 singing and dancing to parodies of contemporary pop songs and classic rock hits. Itโ€™s alternative childrenโ€™s musical theatre like no other! Shows regularly sell out, so reserve your tickets early. Ticket information and show times are available online at lprt.org. Performances will be held at Park Hall in Ben Lomond from July 15 through July 25. Please visit the website for specific show times.

Jul
24

LPRT Presents: Jurassic Jungle Book -A Three Hour Tour

๐Ÿ“ Park Hall Ben Lomond
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท $22

Little People's Repertory Theatre Presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour Little People's Repertory Theatre (LPRT) presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour, an original rock musical by Jannine Chadwick, Directed by Daria Elise Troxell, Musical Direction Gabe House. During a sightseeing boat tour, seven passengers become castaways when their boat is shipwrecked on a tropical jungle island. The island is sparsely populated by talking jungle animals, Village People, Mowgli (a boy raised by wolves), Huntriz, three singing dino-hunters, four ninja turtles, and Indominus Khan, a tiger who became a mutant after a sinister group of โ€œscientistsโ€ came to โ€œstudyโ€ the island, with the hidden motive of transforming the island into a prehistoric theme park. This sweet and silly mash-up features more than twenty musical numbers. The cast includes children ages 7โ€“14 singing and dancing to parodies of contemporary pop songs and classic rock hits. It's alternative children's musical theatre like no other! Shows regularly sell out, so reserve your tickets early. Ticket information and show times are available online at lprt.org. Performances will be held at Park Hall in Ben Lomond from July 15 through July 25. Please visit the website for specific show times.

Jul
24

Escaping Queens

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท $16

A story written by Capitolaโ€™s very own, Joe Ortiz, comes to life at The SC Actors Theatre. Escaping Queens follows an immigrant family as they navigate the challenges of poverty and a fatherโ€™s problems with gambling, alcohol, and women. This funny, edgy, ultimately hopeful musical paints a cast of colorful characters, from neighborhood bookies to a doo wop group to all the shades and personalities in a mixed Italian and Puerto Rican family. Based on Oritzโ€™s own memoir, Pastinaโ€”My Fatherโ€™s Misfortune, My Motherโ€™s Good Soup, the emotional turbulence of navigating an escape from New York is presented as a compelling and sophisticated story that asks if children are fated to repeat their parentsโ€™ mistakes. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz

Jul
24

Cabrillo Crocker Theater: Sister Act, The Musical

๐Ÿ“ Cabrillo College Crocker Theater
๐Ÿ•’ 7:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท $20

Cabrillo Stage is a musical theatre company dedicated to presenting high-caliber, large-scale musical productions to the area. They are committed to the creation of musicals with Broadway-level production values. In this way, they foster educational opportunities while giving audiences the highest-quality family entertainment. They aim to be a destination point for the best of live theatre. Sister Act hits the stage with the force of a disco ball struck by divine inspiration. Deloris, a bold and big-hearted nightclub singer, lands in a convent for her own protection and winds up transforming a tuneless choir into a soulful powerhouse. Her energy shakes the dust off every pew as she teaches the nuns to sing with joy, courage, and a little sparkling attitude. By the finale, the once-quiet convent is radiating harmony, friendship, and unstoppable fun. Sister Act delivers a burst of laughter, heart, and high-energy music that leaves the audience glowing long after the curtain falls. Click โ€œMore Event Datesโ€ in orange above to see other showtimes, or follow the link in the orange button above to purchase tickets. Locals Love: Stunning, creative sets, talented live orchestras, and passionate performances, often at reasonable prices. First Timers Miss: The theaterโ€™s architecture beautifully complements the overall experience, designed for optimal viewing. Insights: Santa Cruz METRO bus lines 1, 2, 55, and 73 all service Cabrillo College, providing access to the campus and the Crocker Theater. If taking a car, parking in Lot L is free.

Jul
24

Felton Music Hall presents... 60 juno

๐Ÿ“ Felton Music Hall
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM ยท See listing

60 Juno is proof that it doesnโ€™t matter where you are from; you can create music that transcends your boundaries. Originally a โ€œone-man army,โ€ 60 Juno was created by Jericho Tejeda in his home in Fresno during COVID. Now a full band (that Jericho met on IG chats) with Daniel Gonzรกlez (guitar), Justin Suรกrez (drums), and Marcus Felix (bass), Juno 60 sounds like acid surf meets soaring โ€™90s pop music. Out of the gate, 60 Juno hit international acclaim with their second single โ€œJ Song.โ€ A short West Coast tour before they head to Spain keeps 60 Juno on the move. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Jul
24

Audrey Stanley Grove: Much Ado About Nothing

๐Ÿ“ Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM โ€“ 11:00 PM ยท $25

Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeareโ€™s Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโ€™s DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeareโ€™s wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeareโ€™s Much Ado About Nothing. Of all the couples in Shakespeare, perhaps none is more widely loved than Beatrice and Benedick. Their battle of wits; their antagonism turned to eroticism; their history. Before the play begins, they already seem to define each other. The audience, like the other characters in the play, wait with excitement as their wits clash, and eventually, as their love blossoms. Much Ado About Nothing runs July 11 โ€“ August 30. More information or to purchase tickets, follow the link in the orange above, or contact the box office Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4pm at the number listed above.

Outdoors Art & Culture ๐Ÿ“ Midtown Details โ†’
Jul
24

Movies in the Park

๐Ÿ“ Watsonville City Plaza
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท FREE

You are invited for two outdoor movie nights this Summer! Join us on July 10 and July 24 at the Watsonville City Plaza. Movies begin at dusk. This event is FREE, so grab your lawn chair, blanket, picnic style dinner and your family and friends

Jul
24

Roaring Camp: Sequoia Lights

๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท $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 Campโ€™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 Campโ€™s food services and gift shop will be open.

Jul
24

SC Beach Boardwalk: Evenings on the Colonnade

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM โ€“ 9:30 PM ยท FREE

Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 โ€“ Free showing of Ferris Buellerโ€™s Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 โ€“ Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 โ€“ Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,

Jul
24

Summer Camp (ages 7-12) Santa Cruz Maker Studios

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Maker Studios
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 PM โ€“ 2:00 PM ยท $720

Join us this summer for a maker experience where students (ages 7 โ€“ 12) design and build custom creations they can proudly take home. Our summer camps combine creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship in a supportive studio environment designed for both first time makers and returning students. Each camp week provides access to our 3D printing, woodworking, and textiles stations, with dedicated instructors in each area guiding students through tools, techniques, and projects. Every week also features a themed focus that inspires ideas across our maker zones and gives students a starting point for their creations. While themes provide structure, students are encouraged to explore projects that interest them, combine ideas across weeks, or pursue custom builds with instructor support. Camp Schedule and Daily Flow Summer camp runs from May 29 through July 31, 2026, with ten themed camp sessions offered throughout the season. Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Camps are designed for students ages 7 to 12 and take place at Santa Cruz Maker Studios, located at 427 A. Swift Street in Santa Cruz. Session 1: May 27 & 29 (Two-Day Camp) Choose Your Mini Project โ€“ $144.00 This one day camp is designed for creative exploration and flexibility. Students choose a mini project based on their interests and skill level and spend the day designing, building, and finishing something they are excited about. Projects may include woodworking builds, simple robots, sewing projects, laser cut designs, or 3D printed creations. This session is a great introduction for new students and a fun option for returning makers looking to try something new. Session 2: June 1 โ€“ June 5 Arcades and Games โ€“ $720.00 Students step into the role of game designers and builders. Using woodworking, laser cutting, and 3D printing, campers create playable arcade style games such as a mini foosball table and mini-golf course. Others may design custom board games, chess boards and pieces,

Jul
24

A Minecraft Movie - FREE Movies on the Beach

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Boardwalk
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

Get the full lineup: bit.ly/Free-Movies-on-the-Beach FREE Movies on the Beach Friday Nights at 9pm June 12 โ€“ August 7, 2026 (Except July 3) Beach in front of the Colonnade A Minecraft Movie - July 24 at 9 PM Thereโ€™s nothing quite like watching your favorite movies under the stars with your toes in the sand, enjoying the nostalgic flavors of classic Boardwalk treats. Grab your blankets and your favorite people for a Boardwalk movie night packed with unforgettable fun! Admission FREE! โ€ข Each movie will include a 15-minute intermission. โ€ข Seating is first-come, first-served. โ€ข Low-back chairs and blankets are encouraged for seating; please allow others space and a good view. โ€ข Smoking is not permitted on the beach or Boardwalk. Alcohol and glass are prohibited on the beach. โ€ข A limited number of assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available for check-out at the Mini Golf Kiosk inside Neptune's Kingdom. โ€ข If you require other special accommodations or would like to request Closed Captioning, please contact the Manager on Duty at least 48 hours in advance of the movie at (831) 423-5590. Free Movies on the Beach is sponsored by KDON, KOCN, KWAV, KCDU, and the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Printable Schedule: coming soon... ENJOY THE SHOWS!

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