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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 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
Music
โ˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 ยท 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 ๐Ÿ“ Westside
Promotional image for Bluegrass Jam Bazaar (Copy) (Copy) Coming up
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 ยท Woodhouse Blending & Brewing

Bluegrass Jam Bazaar (Copy) (Copy)

This is the place to be on Tuesday! This weekly jam fest features rotating bands, open jam sessions, vendors, activities and all the dance vibes you can manage. Bring your instrument and your dancing shoes!

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Monday, July 27

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

12:00 AM
See listing
World of Birds Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
12:00 AM
See listing
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Education
1:00 AM
$500
The Dickens Universe featuring โ€˜Bleak Houseโ€™
๐Ÿ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
Education
8:30 AM
$300
World of Birds Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Outdoors
8:30 AM
$300
Beginning Botany Summer Camp
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Family
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$8600
Certified Massage Therapist Program
๐Ÿ“ Cypress Health Institute
Community
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
11:00 AM
FREE
Local Specials
๐Ÿ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Food & Drink

What's happening

Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.

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Showing 60 of 136 upcoming events ยท from 2026-08-01 ยท to 2026-08-02

Aug
1

The Dickens Universe featuring โ€˜Bleak Houseโ€™

๐Ÿ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 AM โ€“ 12:59 AM ยท $500

The Dickens Universe is a unique cultural event that brings together scholars, teachers, students, and members of the general public for a week of stimulating discussion and festive social activity on the beautiful Santa Cruz campus of the University of Californiaโ€”all focused on one or two Victorian novels, usually (but not always) one by Charles Dickens. In 2026, the Dickens Universe will feature Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Dickensโ€™s ninth novel, published between 1852-1853, shines a light on social injustice and the devastating effects of a corrupt legal system, following the entangled lives of those caught in the never-ending Jarndyce and Jarndyce case. Told in alternating narrative voices, this rich literary experiment plays with a variety of genres from detective fiction and social realism to melodrama and satire. As characters move from city to suburb, from mansions to slums, we discover unexpected connections among classes, plots, and characters. Now in its 46th year of operation, the Dickens Universe combines features of a scholarly conference, a festival, a book club, and a summer camp. Participants include people of all ages and walks of lifeโ€”distinguished scholars, graduate students, undergraduates, retirees, young professionals, high school teachers, and anyone who loves reading and enjoys long Victorian novels. Here are some things that make the Universe such a special experience. The college lifestyle: participants live on campus, eat together in the student dining hall, and have time to meet and come to know each other in different ways. Everyone is reading the same book. We all have this one important thing in common. The activities include formal lectures, small discussion groups, films, daily Victorian teas, performances, and Victorian dancing. The Universe offers a week of total immersion in the world of Victorian fiction with friendly, like-minded colleagues in a beautiful setting. Whether weโ€™re returning to a Dickens novel that everyone know

Education Family ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
1

Strawberry Jam 1K and 5K Fun Run and Walk

๐Ÿ“ Landmark Elementary School
๐Ÿ•’ 7:45 AM โ€“ 10:00 AM ยท 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
1

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Birdwatching

๐Ÿ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 AM โ€“ 10:00 AM ยท See listing

We are offering a bird-watching program on August 1st at 8:00 am. Join us to learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, we will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help us quack the case for many bird identifications! Let's plan to meet in the campground off of graham hill road. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and weather-appropriate attire. RSVP for this event at this page .

Aug
1

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†’
Aug
1

UC Santa Cruz Farm U-Pick

๐Ÿ“ UC Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท FREE

Come enjoy picking your own organic strawberries and/or flowers at the campus farm! When: U-picks will take place on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm, July 11โ€“August 22, or while supplies last. PLEASE NOTE that u-pick will not occur on Saturday, July 4. Where: Free parking will be available in the Hay Barn lot or lot 115/116 during u-pick hours. Please do not park in the dirt lot at the farmโ€™s back gate. Please walk to the check-in table near the strawberries/flowers at the farm to pre-pay and collect your u-pick container(s). We will have directional signage displayed. There is one ADA parking spot on the farm. The UCSC Farm has uneven, hilly terrain. If you require accommodations to fully participate, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate. Cost: UCSC students with valid ID get 25% off produce. Strawberry pints โ€“ $4 each Strawberry flats (12 pints) โ€“ $44 Flowers โ€“ $25 for 32oz deli container Flower buckets โ€“ $75 Payment: Credit card payments only (you will need a smartphone to scan a QR code and enter your card info manually). Dogs are not allowed on the UC Santa Cruz campus (service animals are OK).

Food & Drink Free ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
1

Cars and Coffee

๐Ÿ“ East Lake Village Shopping Center
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 AM โ€“ 11:00 AM ยท FREE

Classic cars and coffee every Saturday morning, in East Lake Village Shopping Center. It doesn't get much better. Come walk around the expansive parking lot, look at some beautifully restored cars, drink delicious coffee, and visit with your community. Stay awhile and enjoy one of the many great eateries in the shopping center!

Aug
1

Monterey Bay Iris Society Annual Iris Sale

๐Ÿ“ Deer Park Shopping Center
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท See listing

Monterey Bay Iris Society is having its annual iris rhizome sale next to the Red Apple Cafe. This is your chance to get some healthy iris rhizomes from the private gardens of the members of the Monterey Bay Iris Society. This annual sale is well-known for its large selection of tall bearded iris. The rhizomes are $5 each or 10 for $40. At the sale, expert iris growers will be on hand to help you with your selection and will have printed handouts on how to grow iris. The sale is popular so get there early to get the best selection. If you can't make this sale, they will be available on August 8th at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. They will also be available on August 15th at 2716 Mission Street in Santa Cruz next to the Santa Cruz Farmers Market.

Aug
1

Emerging Concepts in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

๐Ÿ“ Cabrillo College
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 11:30 AM ยท $38

Join Dr. Michelle Bean, Dr. Leta Jussila, and Cindy Hill-Ford for an introductory exploration of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Learn about ketamine-assisted therapy, preparation and integration practices, safety considerations, clinical applications, and current research shaping this evolving field of healing and mental health.

Art & Culture Education ๐Ÿ“ Soquel Details โ†’
Aug
1

La Selva Beach: Books and Brews Summer Fair

๐Ÿ“ La Selva Beach Clubhouse
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 4:00 PM ยท FREE

Craft Fair with 50 unique arts and crafts booths. Huge book sale with books of all genres. Bake sale and prize raffle of vendor donations. Local craft beers on tap. Live music from That Country Feeling Band. Tacos el Jesse and S&B Burgers food trucks. Free admission! Contact: [email protected]

Aug
1

Ben Lomond County Park: Village Market

๐Ÿ“ Ben Lomond County Park
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 2:00 PM ยท FREE

Held on the first Saturday of each month from June through October, this vibrant market offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, delicious foods, and live music. Enjoy family-friendly activities and meet talented local creators. Whether youโ€™re shopping for unique goods, savoring local flavors, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Village is a must-visit event.

Aug
1

Free Guided Tour of the UCSC Farm

๐Ÿ“ UCSC Farm
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 11:30 AM ยท See listing

Take a free, guided tour of the 30-acre organic UCSC Farm. Visitors can enjoy touring the organically managed greenhouses, hand-worked garden beds, orchards, row crop fields, and childrenโ€™s garden, while learning about the history of the site and the basic concepts of organic farming and gardening. Perched on a meadow near the campus entrance, the farm also offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. Heavy rain cancels. Tours will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the following dates (please RSVP for the tour of your choice): Saturday, July 11 Saturday, August 1 Saturday, September 12 Saturday, October 3

Aug
1

Soul Collage

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 1:00 PM ยท See listing

Call to register or if you have questions: 457-2273 Location will vary so call for details The facilitator will bring photos. You are responsible for purchasing materials (see below). Discover your Wisdom with SoulCollageยฎ Let's explore our inner selves. Using images, imagination and intuition, you will begin to create your own personal deck of collaged cards. Part art project, part spiritual practice, SoulCollageยฎ allows you to deepen your understanding of yourself and tap into your inner wisdom that can guide you on important life decisions. In a fun, creative, and relaxed environment, you will create cards that will reveal parts of your personality, your archetypes, and other guides, allies, and challengers. We will talk about the ways you can use your personal deck of collaged cards to tap into your inner wisdom. No art experience necessary. Anyone can create SoulCollageยฎ cards! We use scissors, glue, and images cut from magazines to create our cards. Youโ€™ll take home several finished cardsโ€”and no doubt a love for this creative process! Please bring with you : * Scissors * Glue stick (best kind is Pioneer glue stick) * 8 x 5 mat board * Pen & Notebook

Art & Culture Wellness Details โ†’
Aug
1

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.

Aug
1

Free Guided Tour of the UCSC Farm

๐Ÿ“ UC Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 11:30 AM ยท FREE

Take a free, guided tour of the 30-acre organic UCSC Farm. Visitors can enjoy touring the organically managed greenhouses, hand-worked garden beds, orchards, row crop fields, and children's garden, while learning about the history of the site and the basic concepts of organic farming and gardening. Perched on a meadow near the campus entrance, the farm also offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. Heavy rain cancels.

Aug
1

Books & Brews

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM ยท See listing

Saturday, August 01 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm Enjoy shopping for books and crafts, live music, food trucks, local craft beers, and more at the Books & Brews event at the the La Selva Beach Clubhouse and Florido Lawn from 10 am to 4 pm.

Community Food & Drink Details โ†’
Aug
1

Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Harbor
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM ยท 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 Districtโ€™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.

Outdoors Free Details โ†’
Aug
1

Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk

๐Ÿ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 1:30 PM ยท 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
1

Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

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. โ€œThis festival is about bringing people together through music, dance, food, art, and community,โ€ said Marie Victor, founder of Victor Ohana Productions. โ€œSanta 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

Aug
1

Sacred Return Retreat: A Psilocybin Ceremony Retreat

๐Ÿ“ Sacred Owl Land
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท $800

Sacred Return Retreat offers a trauma-informed container for ceremony, breathwork, yoga, sound healing, and deep inner work. Facilitated in collaboration with Dr. Leta Jussila and Dallas McKenzie at Sacred Owl Land, this immersive retreat supports healing, transformation, and personal growth through intentional preparation, ceremony, and integration.

Wellness Cannabis Details โ†’
Aug
1

Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival

๐Ÿ“ Historic Downtown Watsonville
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 7:00 PM ยท FREE

This free, family-friendly festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, kidsโ€™ activities, local artisans, business and specialty vendors, and a mouthwatering variety of food. Strawberry lovers can look forward to creative berry-infused treats like pizza, tacos, churros, popcorn, shortcake, beer, and more! Be sure to catch crowd favorites like the Pie-Eating Contest and Berry Best Dressed Contest. Open 11:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 7:00pm on Sunday

Aug
1

Santa Cruz Mission SHP Guided Adobe Tour

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท See listing

Staff offers a guided adobe tour centered on the experiences of Native communities in the Santa Cruz mission providing insight into daily life, cultural change, and the impacts of the mission system. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and enduring presence of Indigenous people in the region. Reservation Link:

Community BIPOC Details โ†’
Aug
1

UCSC Arboretum: First Saturday Tours

๐Ÿ“ UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 12:15 PM ยท $10

First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your understanding of the Arboretumโ€™s plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending on the time of year, the interests of the tour guide and the people who join in. You might learn more about the birds and mammals that make this land their home or about the amazing physical adaptations that plants have evolved to better deal with extreme weather and climate conditions.

Outdoors Education ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
1

First Saturday Tour at the Arboretum

๐Ÿ“ Arboretum
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท See listing

First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your knowledge of the Arboretumโ€™s plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending on the time of year, the interests of the tour guide, and the people who join in. For example, you might learn about the birds and mammals that make this land their home or about the amazing physical adaptations that plants have evolved to better deal with our extreme weather and climate conditions. Tours are free with paid admission.

Education Outdoors ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
1

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk

๐Ÿ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 1:30 PM ยท 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 donโ€™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
1

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†’
Aug
1

Are You Game? Lancelot's Merry Band of Gamers

๐Ÿ“ Capitola Branch Library
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 5:00 PM ยท See listing

Adults need playtime, too! Come play some new or old favorite tabletop games. Bring your favorite board game or play some of Lancelot's games. No prior gaming experience is necessary. This program is for adults 18+. We will meet every first and third Saturday of the month in the Barbara Gorson Multipurpose Room at the Capitola Branch Library.

Aug
1

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Redwood Loop Tour

๐Ÿ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 2:00 PM ยท 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
1

SANTA CRUZ TRANS POTLUCK

๐Ÿ“ SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 3:00 PM ยท FREE

SANTA CRUZ TRANS POTLUCK - Saturday May 2nd, 12pm - 3pm at SubRosa (703 Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz). Trans ppl!!! Bring ur friends! * Make Trans Friends * Share Food * Build Community Community announcements at 2pm. This can include things like board game nights or dinners, more formal planned events, or a milestone you feel like sharing with the community! This is a dry space (no alcohol) - Masks encouraged (available at SubRosa). Send feedback or suggestions to: [email protected] 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 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 of projects that support skill-sharing, appropriate re/use of resources, and interconnected, creative communities - since 1994! More about the Hub i

Aug
1

Remembering Your Belonging Workshop with Mo Katzman (OUTSIDE COMMUNITY EVENT)

๐Ÿ“ The Diversity Center
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Remembering Your Belonging Workshop with Mo Katzman (OUTSIDE COMMUNITY EVENT) Date : Saturday, August 1st Time : 1-7pm Location : Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center in Santa Cruz. RSVP : You can register for the workshop here Event description: A workshop to give you... Relational skills to get out of isolation and into community and embodiment skills to move away from shame and towards what you want and care about. This is an introductory workshop to a larger unfolding offering! There will be: Movement Somatic practices Discussions Journaling Large and small group shares Guided visualizations Tea and snacks! Come home to your wholeness We'll have a seat for you.

Aug
1

Annieglass Craftbar: Glass Coasters Workshop

๐Ÿ“ Annieglass
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 3:00 PM ยท $85

Make your own beautiful set of four glass coasters with Smithsonian artist, Annie Morhauser. Everything you need will be providedโ€”glass, stencils, colorful glass enamels, adhesive feet, and expert guidance throughout the process. Youโ€™ll design and decorate 4โ€ณ glass squares, then load them into the kilns (donโ€™t worryโ€”theyโ€™ll be off!). Annieglass will fire your pieces for you, and you can have them shipped to your home. Want a full set of eight? Book two workshops! Youโ€™ll also receive 15% off Annieglass first-quality pieces on the day of the event. Sparkling waters provided. Half bottles & bottles of wine available for purchase.

Community Art & Culture ๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Details โ†’
Aug
1

Roaring Camp Railroads: Brewgrass Festival

๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท $25

Roaring Camp presents the Annual Brewgrass Festival featuring local breweries, music from favorite bluegrass artists, and food from our popular local food trucks. VIP Brewgrass Tasting Train roundtrip from Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp. Line-up Info Coming Soon. ACTIVITIES Optional Tasting Train Live Music Craft Beer & Cider Local Food Vendors Free Kids Activities

Aug
1

Wilder Ranch State Park - Ranch History Tour

๐Ÿ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 2:30 PM ยท 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
1

Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

๐Ÿ“ Nicholson Vineyards
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 4:00 PM ยท $25

Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm โ€“ Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm โ€“ 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 Art & Culture ๐Ÿ“ Aptos & Seacliff Details โ†’
Aug
1

Around the World with Color Photography

๐Ÿ“ Aptos Branch Library
๐Ÿ•’ 1:30 PM โ€“ 4:30 PM ยท FREE

The exhibition of Mary Altier's photography includes 60 images taken in Papua New Guinea, China, Italy, India, several countries in Africa, and more. The library is open every day except Sunday from 10:00 AM until 7 PM, M-Th and 5 PM Fri. and Sat. The reception will feature refreshments and an on going slide show of recent work. Free and open to the public.

Art & Culture Free ๐Ÿ“ Soquel Details โ†’
Aug
1

Beehive Dive & Honey Tasting

๐Ÿ“ Chaminade Resort and Spa
๐Ÿ•’ 2:00 PM โ€“ 3:00 PM ยท $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.โ€™s professional beekeepers, will include suiting up in beekeeping attire and learning about the different roles and contributions that bees make in the colony. Weโ€™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 ๐Ÿ“ Midtown Details โ†’
Aug
1

Audrey Stanley Grove: Much Ado About Nothing

๐Ÿ“ Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
๐Ÿ•’ 2:00 PM โ€“ 5:00 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†’
Aug
1

WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy

๐Ÿ“ London Nelson Community Center
๐Ÿ•’ 3:00 PM โ€“ 4:30 PM ยท FREE

The Tony Award-Winning San Francisco Mime Troupe Opens their 67th Season with: WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy July 3 โ€“ Sept. 7, 2026

Art & Culture Free Details โ†’
Aug
1

WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy

๐Ÿ“ London Nelson Community Ctr.
๐Ÿ•’ 3:00 PM โ€“ 4:30 PM ยท FREE

The Tony Award-Winning San Francisco Mime Troupe opens their 67th Season with: WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy. The show asks the political question: How are we going to survive and rebuild in the rubble left from the economic, social, and psychological devastation of the idiotic kleptocrats? London Nelson Community Center โ€“ Outdoors (Santa Cruz) Sat., Aug. 1 - 3:00 pm (Music 2:30) Sun., Aug. 2 - 3:00 pm (Music 2:30) 301 Center St., Santa Cruz 95060 FREE - ($20 suggested donation)

Music Free Details โ†’
Aug
1

Lacy J Dalton

๐Ÿ“ El Vaquero WInery
๐Ÿ•’ 5:00 PM ยท See listing

Get out the ten-gallon stetson and ride your horse to the rural outpost of El Vaquero Winery to experience the joy of Lacy J. Dalton. Dalton has a tips-to-tours origin story, starting as a waitress in the mountains of Santa Cruz and eventually performing on stages worldwide. Dalton has seen all the trends since she first reached the charts in 1979 and remains true to her roots. Sixteen Top Twenty hits came fast and furious through the 1980s. One thing about real country singers is they never forget their roots and anytime Dalton returns itโ€™s a celebration. Featuring favorites Michael Gaither & His New Best Friends. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Aug
1

Love Creek

๐Ÿ“ Discretion Brewing
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 7:30 PM ยท See listing

5:30-7:30pm Love Creek is a folk-rock/jam band from Santa Cruz, California. Current band members consist of Malakai Lawton (vocals/guitar), Alex Bahler (lead guitar), Ryan Jensen (bass/vocals), Ed Levy (keys), and Rob Borella (drums). Love Creek pulls from a musical headwaters of jam band and folk rock influences, creating original material that is both heartfelt and powerful, both lyrically and instrumentally. Along with a growing repertoire of original songs, Love Creek also performs music written by artists such as: Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers Band, Jerry Garcia Band, The Cure, Van Morrison, Marshall Tucker Band, Rusted Root, America, as well as many others.

Music Food & Drink ๐Ÿ“ Soquel Details โ†’
Aug
1

Mike Hellman & the Banned Books

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM ยท See listing

Mike Hellman is a country and americana troubadour with a bent for the unconventional. Slinging songs with substance, conviction and grit, heโ€™s on a mission to tell his truth and he insists on being heard. While firmly rooted in the rich country and blues traditions of his home state of Texas, he refuses to pander to clichรฉ and his sound is anything but predictable. His lively performances swing from ballad to barn burner to outright rock โ€˜nโ€™ roll, and his rich baritone conjures earnestness and humor while dealing head-on with all aspects of the human condition (and with a not-so-subtle nod to the downtrodden). An โ€œoutlawโ€ for outlaws, Mike's music transcends the often narrow boundaries set by the mainstream country music establishment.

Aug
1

Winterlark

๐Ÿ“ Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant and Inn
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM ยท See listing

Join the Winterlark trioโ€”Kristin Olson on bass, Sweeney Schragg on guitar, and Chris Haskett on drumsโ€”with their tight, jazzy harmonies and infectious rhythms at the new and improved Davenport Roadhouse on Saturday, August 1. This date is an update of a previous June date, which was unfortunately outdated.

Aug
1

Wolf Jett Jones

๐Ÿ“ The Sawmill Restaurant and Ale House
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM ยท See listing

When heโ€™s not fronting local Santa Cruz band Wolf Jett, Chris stays true to his folk, soul and country blues roots. Born in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, his voice is smooth as Tennessee whiskey and his guitar pickinโ€™ cuts from Chet Atkins to Keith Richards in no time. As versatile a musician as you will find, Chris is able to seamlessly intertwine classic and obscure covers with his seemingly timeless originals. He can play to any crowd under any circumstances, and heโ€™s proven it time and time again, whether busking the streets of Europe, or touring the sweatiest clubs and hushed house parties across this good olโ€™ USofA. He currently performs with a vintage hollowbody electric through a small tube combo amplifier, but heโ€™s equally at home on acoustic. No gimmicks, no tricks, just straight vocals and guitar with a few stories in between. He has recently opened for Arcadian Wild, Brett Dennen, Coco Montoya and Waylon Payne and is a regular feature at the Saratoga Mountain Winery Garden Stage and Felton Music Hall. He frequently does covers by Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, Otis Redding, Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, and Neil Young, to name a few.

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