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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 Naturalist Night: Plankton 101 โ˜… Featured
Wed, Aug 19, 2026 ยท Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Naturalist Night: Plankton 101

Did you know that every other breath we take comes from phytoplankton? Dive into the hidden world of plankton and discover the tiny organisms that form the foundation of Monterey Bayโ€™s rich marine ecosystem. Join marine scientist and educator Jane Silberstein for an engaging introduction to phytoplankton, zooplankton, and the remarkable roles they play in supporting ocean life. After the talk, youโ€™ll have the opportunity to observe live plankton under a microscope and get an up-close look at these incredible microscopic organisms. Whether youโ€™re a curious beachgoer, an aspiring naturalist, or simply fascinated by the ocean, this lecture will leave you with a new appreciation for the life drifting just beneath the surface. These amazing organisms form the base of the marine food web, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, influence the color of the ocean, and support countless species throughout Monterey Bay and beyond. REGISTER HERE Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Ticket Price: $12 Discounts: $5 member discount About the Speaker : Jane Silberstein brings more than 40 years of experience studying and teaching about the marine life of Monterey Bay. She earned her undergraduate degree in science with an emphasis in marine science from UC Santa Cruz and her graduate degree in Invertebrate Marine Ecology from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. During her 33 years at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Jane worked on all three plankton guide stations, sharing the fascinating world of plankton with visitors from around the globe. She has also taught plankton through Cabrillo Collegeโ€™s Pacific Plankton Program for nearly six years, inspiring students to explore the remarkable microscopic organisms that support life in the ocean. Jane is passionate about making the microscopic world accessible to audiences of all ages and helping others discover the incredible diversity of life drifting just beneath the surface. Accessibility and Logistics : This program will take place

Education ๐Ÿ“ Seabright & Harbor
Promotional image for Steve Hawk โ˜… Featured
Wed, Aug 19, 2026 ยท Bookshop Santa Cruz

Steve Hawk

Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes Steve Hawk, the longest serving editor of Surfer (1991-1998), who will share his thrilling new novel Nearshore , a mix of literary suspense and coastal noir which follows an unlikely trio on the California coast who investigate a nuclear terrorist act. Hawk will be in conversation with Charles Duhigg at this event.

Family ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Music
Coming up
Mon, Aug 10, 2026 ยท Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse, 4640 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA 95073, United States

Open Mic w/ SteveV, every Monday

It's Monday Open Mic at the Ugly Mug! Sign ups at 5p Beer, Espresso Drinks and Desserts available

Music ๐Ÿ“ Soquel
Promotional image for Abbott Square: Comedy Night Coming up
Mon, Aug 10, 2026 ยท Abbott Square Market

Abbott Square: Comedy Night

Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.

Comedy ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Monday, August 10

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

9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
10:00 AM
FREE
Natural Bridges Little Rangers Program
๐Ÿ“ Natural Bridges State Beach
Family
11:30 AM
See listing
Aptos Bridge Club
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:30 AM
See listing
Monthly Monday Meditation
๐Ÿ“ Scotts Valley Branch Library
Community
11:30 AM
See listing
Mahjong Club @ Branciforte
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:30 AM
See listing
Seniors Share @ Felton Library
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
12:00 PM
FREE
Latte's and Learn
๐Ÿ“ California Coffee
Education
12:30 PM
See listing
Monthly Monday Meditation
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
1:00 PM
See listing
Loops at the Library - Knit/Crochet @ Garfield Park Branch
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community

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Aug
10

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
10

Natural Bridges Little Rangers Program

๐Ÿ“ Natural Bridges State Beach
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 11:00 AM ยท FREE

Little Rangers programs at Natural Bridges State Beach are happening this summer! This free program is best for 3 to 6-year-old kids and includes hands-on activities, play-acting and sharing. Parents or caregivers are required to stay and encouraged to help facilitate the fun and games. Themes this summer include insects, beach exploring, bird watching and nature art. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park. One reservation per family and please write in the names and ages of participating children.

Aug
10

Monthly Monday Meditation

๐Ÿ“ Scotts Valley Branch Library
๐Ÿ•’ 11:30 AM โ€“ 12:30 PM ยท See listing

In this practice group, you'll get an introduction to many different approaches to meditation and receive guidance on which practices might be best suited for you. Second Monday of the month meetings. Youโ€™ll have an opportunity to practice with a group and get the support you need to start a regular practice of your own. Claire is a certified meditation teacher and Stanford CCARE Ambassador of Compassion.

Aug
10

Latte's and Learn

๐Ÿ“ California Coffee
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 1:00 PM ยท FREE

Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!

Education Wellness ๐Ÿ“ Soquel Details โ†’
Aug
10

Monthly Monday Meditation

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐Ÿ•’ 12:30 PM ยท See listing

Monday, August 10 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm In this practice group, you'll get an introduction to many different approaches to meditation and receive guidance on which practices might be best suited for you. Second Monday of the month meetings.

Community Wellness Details โ†’
Aug
10

Paradigm Sport Defense Clinic

๐Ÿ“ Jade Street Park
๐Ÿ•’ 4:30 PM โ€“ 6:00 PM ยท $250

A Softball specific weekly clinic designed to keep our gloves and our feet smooth on defense. This clinic is held once a week at Jade Street Park by our college level coaches that are working on fundamentals, form, and execution. Clinic is for 12+ athletes.

Aug
10

The Cruz Room: Hosted Board Game Night

๐Ÿ“ The Cruz Room
๐Ÿ•’ 5:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท FREE

The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted micโ€™d board games 5 โ€“ 8 Trivia 8 โ€“ 10

Aug
10

Queer & Trans Yoga Hosted by Sapphire Yoga Collective @ TDC

๐Ÿ“ The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 7:15 PM ยท FREE

Queer & Trans Yoga by Sapphire Yoga Collective Weekly Yoga Class @ TDC Mondays from 6:00 PM -7:15 PM This is a trauma-sensitive, all-levels, all-bodies/abilities class taught by a rotating queer-identifying yoga teacher each week. We highlight self nurturance through yoga asana and meditation, a somatic and mindfulness healing practice that resources us for our own resilience as well as community care. No prior yoga experience necessary. Ultimately, this is a brave space for LGBTQIA++ identifying folks to gather and take deep care. Please bring your our yoga mat and water bottle. Cost: $10-20 suggested donation. No one turned away for lack of funds! @sapphireyogacollective and @yogaforallmovement Questions? Contact Tara Maxon, Well-being Coordinator email: tara.maxon @diversitycenter.org

Aug
10

August Slugs and Steins with Professor Barbara Rogoff

๐Ÿ“ UC Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท See listing

Learning to be Community-Minded How do children learn to be part of a community, attentive to whatโ€™s going on around them and pitching in to help out? Barbara Rogoff builds on her 50+ years researching and participating with a Mayan community in Guatemala to make the case that people everywhere can learn from Indigenous cultural values of relationality and responsibility, which are commonly enacted in everyday family and community life. An important practice in many Indigenous-heritage communities of the Americas is including children collaboratively in the endeavors of family and community life even in the youngest years. In the process, young children often collaborate skillfully and help without being asked, developing community-mindedness through their shared contributions. Barbara Rogoff is UCSC Foundation Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UCSC. She investigates cultural aspects of childrenโ€™s learning and how communities arrange for learning, finding especially sophisticated collaboration, attention, and community-mindedness among children from some Mexican and Indigenous communities of the Americas. She is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Education, and a Fellow of professional organizations in psychology, anthropology, and education. She has received Distinguished Lifetime Contributions Awards from international research organizations as well as the Chemers Award for Outstanding Research, from UCSC. She has held the University of California Presidential Chair and Fellowships of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, Kellogg Foundation, Spencer Foundation, and the Exploratorium, and served as Editor of Human Development. A cat that lives at a University in Pakistan is named in her honor (the catโ€™s name: โ€œDoctor Barbara Rogoffโ€). Her award-winning books include Learning Together: Children and Adults in a School Community; The Cultural Nature of Human Development; and Developing

Aug
10

Starman SF: David Bowie Tribute

๐Ÿ“ The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Starman SF is a glorious tribute to the legend, the music, the icon โ€” David Bowie, celebrating the life, music, and transformative influence of David Bowie, while capturing the essence of his iconic performances and groundbreaking sound. Through their heartfelt renditions of Bowieโ€™s greatest hits, the band strives to bring his timeless artistry to new audiences, ensuring that his spirit continues to inspire for generations to come.โ€‹โ€‹ One night only: Monday, August 10 @ 7PM. Santa Cruz Shakespeare's Monday Night Revels are special, eclectic performances held on Monday nightsโ€”traditionally a "dark" night with no mainstage playsโ€”at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park. These events feature diverse entertainment, including comedy, music, and cabaret-style shows, offering a lively, intimate alternative to the main repertory season

Aug
11

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
11

Qigong with Tara - Wisdom Workshops @ TDC

๐Ÿ“ 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท See listing

Date: Every Tuesday, except Holidays Time: 10am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Event Description: Join your community every Tuesday between 10am-12pm at the Diversity Center. Nic is ready with a different activity or workshop each week, and volunteers are on hand with snacks, beverages, and community. August Activities: August 4: Tote Bag Painting activity with Nic Get your beach bag ready and customize your own tote bag with Nic. All supplies provided. August 11: Qigong with Tara Settle the mind and body and engage in gently movement. All levels welcome. August 18: โ€œWord is Out - Stories from Some of Our Livesโ€ (1977) documentary viewing and discussion with Nic One of the most important LGBTQ+ documentaries ever made, it is considered the first documentary about gay people by gay people. Though it is criminally under-watched, Word is Out had a huge impact, even on pioneers like Vito Russo. This film was made by six LGBTQ+ filmmakers and features interviews with 26 LGBTQ+ pe

Aug
11

Volunteer Information Session - Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month

๐Ÿ“ UCSC Arboretum
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 11:00 AM ยท FREE

Do you love plants, the environment, and helping your community? The UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden has a wonderful crew of staff, students, and volunteers ready to welcome you. Opportunities include working to care for our gardens and greenhouses and staffing our gift shop and retail plant nursery. To learn more, join us at one of our monthly information sessions. We meet at Norrie's Gift & Garden Shop at 10am and take a walk through the gardens to learn more about the Arboretum and to visit a few of our volunteer groups at work. You can fill out an interest form to let us know you'll be coming or just meet us at the gift shop. To find a link to the form and learn more, visit: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/ If you have questions, need a different day, and/or have mobility issues, please email [email protected] Thank You!

Aug
11

Free Health Screening

๐Ÿ“ Watsonville
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท See listing

Visit Watsonville Public Library for a FREE Health Screening, no appointment needed! ~ Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley invites library patrons to take advantage of this opportunity to check in on their health and learn more about their risk for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Screenings will take place on the second Tuesday of each month from July through December, between 10:00am-12:00pm at the Main Library. Tuesday, July 14: Diabetes Tuesday, August 11: Blood Pressure Tuesday, September 8: Diabetes Tuesday, October 13: Cholesterol Tuesday, November 10: Diabetes Tuesday, December 8: Blood Pressure This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. This program is supported by Rural Health Connections. Audience: All ages ESPAร‘OL ยกVisite la Biblioteca Pรบblica Watsonville para una evaluaciรณn de salud GRATUITA, no necesita cita! ~ Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley invita a los usuarios a aprovechar esta oportunidad para revisar su estado de salud y aprender mรกs sobre su riesgo de padecer enfermedades como la diabetes y la presiรณn arterial alta. Los exรกmenes de salud se llevarรกn a cabo el segundo martes de cada mes, de julio a diciembre, de 10:00am-12:00pm en la Biblioteca Principal. martes 14 de julio: Diabetes martes 11 de agosto: Presiรณn arterial martes 8 de septiembre: Diabetes martes 13 de octubre: Colesterol martes 10 de noviembre: Diabetes martes 8 de diciembre: Presiรณn arterial Este proyecto cuenta con el apoyo total o parcial del Instituto de Servicios de Museos y Bibliotecas de los Estados Unidos (IMLS) bajo las disposiciones de la Ley de Servicios y Tecnologรญa Bibliotecaria, administrada en California por el Bibliotecario Estatal. Este programa cuenta con el apoyo de Rural Health Connections. Audiencia: Para todas las edades

Art & Culture Family ๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Details โ†’
Aug
11

Volunteer at the UCSC Arboretum

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

Volunteer Information Sessions at the Arboretum Do you love gardens and gardening? The UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden has a wonderful community of staff, students, and volunteers, ready to welcome you. Opportunities include staffing our gift shop & retail nursery and working to care for our gardens and greenhouses. To learn more, join us at one of our monthly information sessions. They go for about 45 minutes and include an easy walk through the gardens. To attend, please fill out our simple volunteer interest form at the bottom of our volunteer webpage found here: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/ If you need a different day and/or have mobility issues please let us know in the โ€œNotesโ€ section of the Interest Form. Thank You!

Education Outdoors ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
11

Toddler Tumble Time

๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Public Library
๐Ÿ•’ 10:30 AM โ€“ 11:30 AM ยท See listing

Come Join Us for Toddler Tumble Time! Weโ€™ll be sharing some of our educational collection items. Bring your little ones to explore and learn about science. Donโ€™t miss out on the fun! ยกAcompรกรฑenos en la Hora de Juegos para Pequeรฑitos! Compartiremos una selecciรณn de artรญculos de nuestra colecciรณn educativa. Venga con sus pequeรฑos a explorar y aprender sobre la ciencia. ยกNo se lo pierda! The event is ADA accessible. Materials will be provided. These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services. Estos programas son financiados por el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, creado a travรฉs AB 209 y administrado por la Oficina de Subvenciones y Servicios Locales de Parque Estatales de California.

Aug
11

Backgammon @ the Library

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

Tuesday, August 11 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us Tuesdays at Aptos Library to learn, play, and compete in Backgammon! All skill levels welcome - enjoy strategy, fun, and friendly competition in a relaxed social setting.

Community Education Details โ†’
Aug
11

Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia

๐Ÿ“ Boulder Creek Branch Library
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท See listing

Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available for some symptoms, and Alzheimer's Association resources.

Aug
11

Hot Topics Book Club

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

Join our book club every second Thursday to explore great reads and share engaging conversations with fellow book lovers. A book club organized around discussing the โ€œhot topicโ€ titles in the news, and book buzzโ€” the controversies, the new classics or perhaps overexposed. Registration required: https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16749444

Art & Culture Community Details โ†’
Aug
11

Santa Cruz Farmers Markets

๐Ÿ“ The Felton Market
๐Ÿ•’ 1:30 PM โ€“ 5:30 PM ยท See listing

The Felton Farmersโ€™ Market is a treasured weekly gathering place โ€“ started in 1987 it is the second longest running market in Santa Cruz County. SCCFM took over operations in 2009 and our team has developed deep ties to the community. Every Tuesday a quality collection of regional farms and food businesses throw up their tents to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, seafood and other staple foods. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Felton Market is an essential part of the regional food system as well as a resource for nutritious organic foods and basic agricultural education.

Aug
11

Time Management

๐Ÿ“ UC Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 2:00 PM โ€“ 2:45 PM ยท See listing

In this workshop, you will: Learn the ways you can manage your time and avoid procrastination/burnout. The Successful Slug Workshop series, hosted by Learning Support Services Peer Coaches, are open to all UCSC undergraduate students and focus on academic skills and tools to support your success as a student. At each workshop, you will be introduced to a topic, engage in active learning, be given resources to begin implementing the same day, and have an opportunity to learn more if you are interested. 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 Adults 21+ ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
11

Fishhook ROCKS the Santa Cruz Wharf Summer Concert! Let's Party!

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Wharf
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Hey Fishhook Fans, We will be rocking the Free Santa Cruz Wharf Summer Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Commons stage on Tuesday, August 11th! This outdoor festival is free and open to all ages! If you have never been there, then expect a treat! It's an absolutely beautiful location with panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and the sunsets are not to be missed! Don't miss it! As you may know, we are the band that does not let up on the gas! Hear all your favorite songs "leveled up" the FISHHOOK way! You know we deliver the best Rock and Roll in town. Location: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA Let's Party! And bring your friends too. The show starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM.

Aug
11

Board Game Playtesting

๐Ÿ“ Peoples Coffee
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท FREE

Come to Peoples Coffee, the official Santa Cruz location for the Southmost events for the Golden Gate Gamemakers! Come join us as a branch under GGG known as Game Designers of Santa Cruz! Itโ€™s a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games, get feedback on your own prototypes if you are a game designer, and get advice on the games industry. New designers and interested players welcome! Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your prototype to be tested. We run a small raffle thru the sign in sheet each night for participants to win new and used board game prizes. This is also Peoples Coffees first events they have held! They are generously keeping all services of food and drink available through the entire 6pm to 10pm event! They normally close at 5:30. Thank you Peoples Coffee! For all of our events at Peoples, affogatos (ice cream and espresso) are half off! We now have a Game Library located inside Peoples for anyone to use any time they are open! **Cost** This is a completely free event! Attendees are encouraged to buy some delicious drinks and food from Peoples Coffee. **Parking / Travel** You can park in the main parking lot in front of Peoples Coffee. There is a also side parking behind Peoples, and around the residential area. You are also free to park across the street near Salsas Taco Bar. See GGGโ€™s full code of conduct here. Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate Point of contact and organizer: Courtney Laschkewitsch

Aug
11

M. K Art Gallery: Confluence

๐Ÿ“ m.k. contemporary art gallery
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

โ€œConfluenceโ€: where separate currents meet. This beautiful exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. โ€œConfluenceโ€ is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from โ€œThe Leftoversโ€ at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM

Aug
11

Santa Cruz Wharf: Live Concert Series

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Wharf
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Commonโ€™s stage! Every 2 nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and additional shows from 6 to 8pm. Check out Wharf Business pop ups, or make a dinner reservation before the shows. Be sure to bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! May 26, 2026: SambaDรก June 9, 2026: The Viva Santana Show June 23: 2026: The Unauthorized Rolling Stones July 14: 2026: Sweet VooDoo July 28: The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin August 11, 2026: Santa Cruda August 25, 2026: The Joint Chiefs September 8, 2026: Extra Large After parties after every show will take place upstairs at Vino by the Sea !

Aug
11

Trivia Night at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Hugging Porcupines Productions presents Trivia Night, every Tuesday evening at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. Trivia is always free to play. Grab your team and challenge yourself to 6 rounds of fun trivia.

Outdoors Free Details โ†’
Aug
11

Macbeth, presented by Santa Cruz Shakespeare

๐Ÿ“ The Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Something wicked this way comes, indeed. Starting this weekend and running through August 30th, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents one of The Bardโ€™s most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the playโ€™s first ever performance is believed to have been in 1606 marking this as the 420th anniversary, which is very Santa Cruz. And for anyone familiar with Macbeth, itโ€™s easy to see why itโ€™s lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as โ€œBlood will have blood,โ€ and โ€œthe wine of life is drawn.โ€ -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Art & Culture Free ๐Ÿ“ Midtown Details โ†’
Aug
11

Clifford Henderson

๐Ÿ“ Bookshop Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Award-winning novelist Clifford Mae Henderson returns with Lost in Sound: A Mystery, a thrilling whodunit set in the fictional coastal town of Tres Ojos. A mystery unravels in this unlikely sleepy beach town where tech millionaires brush past homeless encampments. When a neurodivergent landlocked pirate, Captain Eddie, is accused of murder, an unlikely and delightfully eccentric crew bands together to help the captain. The case spirals into a high-profile circus when the victim turns out to be the estranged sister of a country music legend. Henderson brings warmth, wit, and a deep social conscience to the page. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz

Aug
11

Rainbow Sangha at Insight Meditation Center (Outside Community Event)

๐Ÿ“ Insight Santa Cruz, 740 Front Street (2nd floor of the Galleria building)
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM ยท See listing

Rainbow Sangha Sit, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month , 7:00 - 8:30 pm. The Rainbow Sangha group offers a safer space for individuals who identify as queer, non-binary, transgender, lesbian, bisexual, trans*, gay, intersex, questioning, and others who identify outside of cisgender, heterosexual mainstream culture. Please see more information on the Rainbow Sangha page at Insight Santa Cruz . .

Aug
11

Master Class: Gaw Vang Williams - Dynamics & Tone for Vocal Storytelling

๐Ÿ“ Kuumbwa Jazz
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Gaw Vang Williams is a vocalist and educator from Sacramento, California. She became the director of the vocal jazz program at Sacramento State University in 2014, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Master of Music in Voice Performance. She began teaching in 2004, serving as a music instructor at various high schools and music organizations. In Dynamics & Tone for Vocal Storytelling, Williams will lead participants through the exploration of different vocal tones, and demonstrate how storytelling naturally shapes vocal dynamics. Williams is a sought-after clinician and adjudicator for festivals and workshops throughout the United States. She currently serves as the President of the California Alliance for Jazz and is the vocal jazz traveling clinician for the Monterey Jazz Festival. Canโ€™t make it in-person? You can stream it! Click here to register.

Aug
11

Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion

๐Ÿ“ Discretion Brewing
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท See listing

Join us for Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion! Every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm Hosted by Michael Cahalan Pair one of our 16 beers on tap with some lively Trivia, every Tuesday at 6:30pm. No sign-ups required - just come a little early to snag a table in the beer garden. Free to play | Prizes | Up to 6 per team

Food & Drink Free ๐Ÿ“ Soquel Details โ†’
Aug
12

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
12

Pilates & Posture in the Pasture

๐Ÿ“ Beyond Liberty
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 AM โ€“ 10:00 AM ยท $10

Horses are deeply attuned to nonverbal cues; our posture, breath, and inner state shape how they respond. When weโ€™re centered, they notice. This gentle, horse aligned class explores the power of postureโ€”and how we show up . Through foundational Pilates-based movement, youโ€™ll deepen postural alignment, improve stability, and cultivate a calm, grounded presence.No experience needed.$10/class Free with membership: https://beyondliberty.org/groupwellnessmembership

Aug
12

Mobile Health Clinic

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐Ÿ•’ 10:00 AM ยท See listing

Wednesday, August 12 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm Dignity Mobile Wellness Clinic and Santa Cruz Public Libraries are partnering to offer services that support the health of patrons with weekly Wednesday visits to the Scotts Valley branch library.

Community Wellness Details โ†’
Aug
12

Local Specials

๐Ÿ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM ยท FREE

For a more casual local draw, Low Tide features weekly dining specials including The Monday Slice ($20 signature pizzas), Wine Down Wednesdays (ยฝ price bottles under $80), and Sunday Golden Hour offerings (4PM-6PM with $6 draft beer and house wine)

Aug
12

Moving in Harmony with Life - Self-care Exercises for Vitality and Balance

๐Ÿ“ Hummingbird Valley
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 12:45 PM ยท FREE

Instructors: Alexandra Johnson, MD, Kevin Johnson and Dena Ehrlich We spend much of our time being sedentary, lost in our minds. Yet each movement you make throughout your day is an opportunity to be present. Self-Breema exercises are simple and dynamic, and offer a direct experience of body-mind connection. As you practice in class, you increase your ability to be present during your day. You will leave class nurtured, revitalized, and with newfound positivity! You are also welcome to drop in to this class in person at Hummingbird Valley (free of charge; no registration required). Registration for the online attendance of this class is available via the ticket link. Registering for in-person or online is completely free.

Wellness Free Details โ†’
Aug
12

Latte's and Learn

๐Ÿ“ California Coffee
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 1:00 PM ยท FREE

Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!

Aug
12

Prepare for the Fair: Resume & Recruiter Insights

๐Ÿ“ UC Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 1:00 PM ยท FREE

Online via Zoom โ€“ Register to receive Zoom details Preparing for an upcoming career fair or networking event? Join us for this virtual session on Wednesday, August 12, at 12:00 noon (Pacific Time) , designed to help participants make the most of their next opportunity to connect with employers. Featuring talent acquisition leader and UC Davis alumnus Alexander Reyes, MBA, this session will provide an insiderโ€™s perspective on how recruiters evaluate candidates and what helps job seekers stand out at career fairs and recruitment events. Attendees will gain practical strategies for strengthening their resumes, developing an effective elevator pitch, and approaching employer conversations with confidence. Whether attending the upcoming HireUC Alumni Career Summits or another recruitment event, participants will leave with actionable tips to help them prepare, connect, and make a lasting impression. This session is intended for alumni, recent graduates, and job seekers at all career stages . By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:โ€‹ Apply resume best practices to better align their materials with employer expectations.โ€‹ Identify strategies for preparing for career fairs and recruitment events. Develop an elevator pitch that communicates their skills, experiences, and career goals. LEARN MORE & REGISTER This webinar is hosted by UC Davis and is open to all UC alumni

Aug
12

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
12

Motion Pacific: Dance for PD

๐Ÿ“ The 418 Project
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 2:15 PM ยท FREE

Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinsonโ€™s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PDยฎ program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinsonโ€™s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.

Aug
12

Make & Explore @ Garfield Park

๐Ÿ“ Garfield Park Branch Library
๐Ÿ•’ 3:00 PM โ€“ 4:30 PM ยท See listing

Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment around us. Children will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy!

Aug
12

Wig Out Wednesday

๐Ÿ“ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room + Wine Bar
๐Ÿ•’ 4:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Every Wed from 4 to 8 pm at our Downtown Santa Cruz Tasting Room + Wine Bar Join us for a night of wigging out in Downtown Santa Cruz! Wear a wig, and weโ€™ll have a surprise for you. Weโ€™ll play cool music, games, trivia, and much more! Letโ€™s wig out and keep Santa Cruz weird! Wig Out Wednesday Special: 2 empanadas and a glass of wine (Riesling, Rose, or Homestead) for $19.

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