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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†’
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 WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy โ˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 ยท London Nelson Community Center

WRECKAGE: A Musical Tragicomedy

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

Art & Culture
Promotional image for Zen Buddhist Meditation Coming up
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 ยท Santa Cruz Zen Center

Zen Buddhist Meditation

Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz Coming up
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 ยท Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz

The first annual Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz will take place Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, bringing together local musicians, hula schools, artists, food vendors, and community organizations for a weekend celebrating Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Pacific cultures. Gates open daily at 11 a.m. Admission to the festival is free. Donations are welcome. Parking will be available for $20 per vehicle. No in-and-out privileges will be allowed, and re-entry fees will be enforced. Produced by Victor Ohana Productions LLC, the festival aims to celebrate the Spirit of Aloha while creating a new cultural tradition for the Central Coast community. Organizers say the event was created to strengthen connections among local Polynesian communities, while offering residents and visitors a new summer cultural experience in Santa Cruz County. 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

Music ๐Ÿ“ Watsonville

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Saturday, August 1

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

1:00 AM
$500
The Dickens Universe featuring โ€˜Bleak Houseโ€™
๐Ÿ“ Humanities and Social Sciences Facility
Education
7:45 AM
See listing
Strawberry Jam 1K and 5K Fun Run and Walk
๐Ÿ“ Landmark Elementary School
Wellness
8:00 AM
FREE
Scotts Valley Farmers' Market
๐Ÿ“ Joe and Linda Aliberti Boys and Girls Club
Markets
8:00 AM
See listing
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Birdwatching
๐Ÿ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Outdoors
8:00 AM
FREE
Cabrillo Farmers Market
๐Ÿ“ Cabrillo College
Markets
8:30 AM
FREE
Zen Buddhist Meditation
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Zen Center
Music
8:39 AM
FREE
Chamber Choir Now Auditioning
๐Ÿ“ Westside Locations
Music
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
UC Santa Cruz Farm U-Pick
๐Ÿ“ UC Santa Cruz
Food & Drink

What's happening

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84 upcoming events ยท from 2026-08-01 ยท to 2026-08-01

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

Scotts Valley Farmers' Market

๐Ÿ“ Joe and Linda Aliberti Boys and Girls Club
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท FREE

Every Saturday from late spring through fall, a circle of regional farms, local food businesses and makers set up their stands in Scotts Valley โ€” 9 to 1, sun on the redwoods. It's been running since 2009 alongside the City of Scotts Valley, and it's grown into the kind of seasonal ritual you plan your weekend around. Come for the shopping, stay for the slowing down. The market doubles as a resource for nutritious food and agricultural education, and a gathering place for families, friends and neighbors โ€” whether you're a weekly regular or just passing through the mountain town for the morning. Find it all amid the stalls: organic vegetables, fruits and herbs; pasture-raised chicken and duck eggs; flowers, artisanal meats, fresh bread and seafood; pastries; and ready-to-eat plates you can dig into right there with the music going.

Aug
1
โ˜… Featured

Chamber Choir Now Auditioning

๐Ÿ“ Westside Locations
๐Ÿ•’ 8:39 AM โ€“ 8:39 AM ยท FREE

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.

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

Westside Santa Cruz Farmers' Market

๐Ÿ“ Mission St Extension & Western Dr
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 AM โ€“ 1:00 PM ยท FREE

Saturday mornings at Hwy 1 and Western Drive, year-round. Fifteen-plus years on the Westside, with 100% certified organic produce, pasture-raised meats, sustainable seafood, flowers, and eggs, plus cook-to-order meals, live local music, and espresso from Syllable. On the edge of the greenbelt, minutes from Natural Bridges and Wilder Ranch, a bike ride from Downtown. Free parking, easy to reach.

Aug
1

Buddhist Psychology for Modern Times

๐Ÿ“ Land of Medicine Buddha
๐Ÿ•’ 9:30 AM โ€“ 3:00 PM ยท $40

Join teachers Karuna Cayton and Geshe Tenzin Legtsok for a practical introduction into Buddhist psychology. In this day long retreat, we will learn how to become more observant of our thoughts and emotions, and distinguish what patterns cause joy vs harm.

Community Wellness ๐Ÿ“ Soquel Details โ†’
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

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 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

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
โ˜… Featured

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

Memorial for Victims of Immigration Enforcement

๐Ÿ“ Abbott Square
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

We are hosting a vigil/memorial for people whose lives have been taken by ICE since January 2025. Weโ€™ll have photos of the more than 60 victims and a chance to see their names and remember them. Please join us and wear black, bring candles, flowers, chalk art, etc if youโ€™d like. Saturday, August 1, Abbott Square, 6-8pm

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.

Aug
1

Joe Russo's Almost Dead

๐Ÿ“ Quarry Amphitheater
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM ยท See listing

They may be Joe Russoโ€™s Almost Dead, but their covers are breathing life into the Grateful Deadโ€™s discography. Instead of note-for-note covers, the band delivers fresh improvisational reinterpretations of the legendary jam bandโ€™s songs. Led by Joe Russo, drummer and longtime apprentice of the Grateful Dead, is an impeccable drummer and born leader. Flanked by his longtime collaborators, Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, Scott Metzger, and Tom Hamilton, thereโ€™s an overflow of rock prowess in their performance. Delivering high energy, boundless creativity, and face-melting riffs, JRAD is for the rock fans and the music nerds alike. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz

Music Art & Culture ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
1

Sandi Patty

๐Ÿ“ Mount Hermon Conference Center
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM ยท See listing

As one of the most highly acclaimed performers of our time with five Grammyยฎ awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, five gold records, and twelve million units sold, Sandi Patty is simply known as The Voice. Sandi is the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history, with 40 Dove Awards. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and as an Indiana Living Legend in 2007. She has released over 30 albums, including her latest Dove Award winning album, The Edge of the Divine (2010). She will release her latest album โ€œEverlastingโ€ exclusively at Target Stores, through Somerset, Ltd., in September 2013. โ€œEverlastingโ€ will feature notable hymns and songs of worship in an intimate and acoustic setting. Her debut full length symphonic pops album โ€œBroadway Storiesโ€, conducted by Maestro Jack Everly, was released on October 18, 2011 to rave reviews. Sandi was introduced to the world with her rendition of The Star Spangled Banner during the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Virtually overnight she became one of the countryโ€™s best-loved performers. Her version of the national anthem has become synonymous with patriotic celebration, including performances at โ€œA Capitol Fourthโ€ with the National Symphony, the Indianapolis 500, the Dedication of Camp David Chapel, and ABCโ€™s Fourth of July Special. While her thirty+ year career is heavily rooted in the gospel music industry, Sandi has had the opportunity in more recent years to extend her career outside the genre. Sandi has performed with symphonies across the country, including the New York Pops, Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Dallas Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Houston Symphony, and Oklahoma City Philharmonic. She also headlined the title role in sold out performances of the musical โ€œHello, Dolly!โ€ with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, co-starring Tony Award winner Gary Beach in January 2012. In addition to her prolific musical career, Sandi is also an

Aug
1

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

Aug
1

DEFIANT DREAMS - 2026 CABRILLO FESTIVAL

๐Ÿ“ Civic Auditorium
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท $26

Conducted by Cristian Mฤƒcelaru Leilehua Lanzilotti: of light and stone (West Coast premiere) James Lee III: Shades of Unbroken Dreams (Alexandra Dariescu, Piano) (West Coast premiere) Sarah Hennies: The Grain House (Festival Creative Lab Commission & world premiere) Centering voices of resistance and cultural continuity, this program explores the act of dreaming as a form of defiance. Leilehua Lanzilottiโ€˜s of light and stone (West Coast premiere) draws on the legacy of Nฤ Lani สปEhฤโ€”the โ€œHeavenly Fourโ€ of Hawaiian royaltyโ€”to honor Indigenous Hawaiian identity, gathering, and the enduring power of cultural lineage. James Lee IIIโ€˜s Shades of Unbroken Dreams (West Coast premiere), featuring pianist Alexandra Dariescu, channels the cadence and moral force of Martin Luther King Jr.โ€™s โ€œI Have a Dreamโ€ speech, reflecting on justice, equality, and perseverance. Sarah Henniesโ€˜s Festival Creative Lab Commission (world premiere) will use the large-scale forces of the orchestra to evoke the complexities of human brain activity, drawing on psychological and musical studies related to existence, identity, and memory. The Creative Lab, now in its third year, empowers composers to reimagine the orchestral experience with wide curatorial latitude.

Aug
1

Eilen Jewell

๐Ÿ“ Kuumbwa Jazz
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 12:00 AM ยท See listing

If Idaho is known for two things, itโ€™s potatoes and Eilen Jewell. Over her almost three-decade career Jewell has made a name for herself as a musician with the blues in her soul and rock โ€˜nโ€™ roll heart expressed through the vocal chords of true Americana. That is to say her songs range from folk, gospel, country, rockabilly and everything in between. So much so that The Washington Post described Jewell as if Billie Holiday, Neko Case and Madeleine Peyroux had a baby that was raised to front a rockabilly band. Itโ€™s a melting pot of sound and, truly, it doesnโ€™t get much more American than that. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Aug
1

Sean and the Skinwalkers

๐Ÿ“ Abbott Square Market
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM ยท See listing

Sean and the Skinwalkers is a blues rock trio from Monterey County California. Just as comfortable playing traditional blues as they are tearing through a psychedelic rock song, the common thread is always the blues and the intensity that they bring to every performance. No two performances are ever the same as everything is raw and changes on the fly, with improvised wild guitar solos that often take place in the audience. Sometimes compared to the legends of the 70s blues rock scene, Sean and the Skinwalkers does cover a wide range of music in addition to playing originals. You'll hear covers and inspiration from artists like Led Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, Free, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, David Bowie, Marcus King, Stray Cats, Jeff Healey, Tab Benoit and more, but always with the Skinwalker's unique flavor. Keep your camera ready as you never know what to expect, Sean is likely to jump into the audience and use your beer bottle to play slide guitar or ask you to hit the strings while he frets notes for a solo and has a conversation with you about your day. Nobody ever forgets a Sean and the Skinwalkers performance! Original music on every streaming platform, with a new album releasing soon! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wolfmanblues/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AQRQZEOJxIlim78Gi7HIt?si=9htrXeE1RXG2cVjmWyFnbQ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa2wGtmVpbPZNtThEKxERS_PTsXxzYZIK

Aug
1

Sister Act, The Musical

๐Ÿ“ Cabrillo Crocker Theater
๐Ÿ•’ 7:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท $25

The Cabrillo Theater is preparing for a dazzling production of Sister Act. This uplifting story follows Deloris, a bold and loving nightclub singer, as she is sent to a convent for her own protection. While there, Deloris teaches the nuns to sing with passion and joy. The nuns and Deloris learn how to step into their own power. Promising mischief and friendship, the fun never stops during Sister Act. The audience will glow with laughter throughout the comedic production. The infectious and high-energy songs will light up attendees long after the curtain falls. Goes until August 2nd. -Isabella Marie Sangaline

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

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.

Aug
1

The Rocky Horror Show

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Veteran's Hall
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM โ€“ 10:30 PM ยท $15

A young, wholesome, and seemingly normal couple, Brad and Jan, set out to visit their old professor, but their plans change when a large storm causes their car to go flat. Desperate to get out of the rain, they find an old castle that is home to Dr. Frank-N-Furter. From there, the night only becomes weirder. That night will be one they and the audience will not forget. This cult classic continues to entertain crowds, and this run is no different. Audience members can purchase interactive goodie bags with their tickets and participate in a costume contest. Goes until August 22.

Aug
1

Sequoias At Night

๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM โ€“ 10:30 PM ยท See listing

Fridays & Saturdays 8pm-10pm through October. Opening weekend July 10-11! Experience the magic once again as this beloved art and light installation returns to the Santa Cruz Mountains for its second year. Lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature.

Aug
1

Macbeth, presented by Santa Cruz Shakespeare

๐Ÿ“ The Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 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

Aug
1

The Deadlies

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM โ€“ 11:30 PM ยท See listing

Itโ€™s one of the bands playing at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk as part of their Summertime Concert Series. Itโ€™s summer and thereโ€™s the beach and โ€ฆ well you know what to do. Info is at https://www.beachboardwalk.com

Aug
1

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.

Aug
1

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Star Walk Tour

๐Ÿ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM โ€“ 9:30 PM ยท See listing

Star Walks - Astronomy-based program where participants are guided up to the observation deck, where they will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet in the campfire center of the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park campground. RSVP for this hike here .

Aug
1

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,

Aug
1

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Guided Star Walk

๐Ÿ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
๐Ÿ•’ 8:45 PM โ€“ 11:00 PM ยท FREE

Enjoy this astronomy-based guided hike where you will be guided up to the Observation Deck, perched on an ancient seabed, over 800 feet above sea level and 17 miles from the beach. You will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. Follow the link in the orange button above to RSVP. Although this event is free, it costs $10 to park at State Parks. If you plan to visit any other state park earlier in the day, hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park for the day, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!

Aug
1

Sessiontapes Live Qiensave?, Spaghetti Cumbia, & DJ Baby Dizzle! This isnt just a concert, esto es un pinche pari. Whether youre coming to dance, skank, two-step, sing along, or simply enjoy a night out, this is your invitation to one of the hottest cumbia-punk nights of the summer. Grab your compas, lace up your dancing shoes, and join us at Moes Alley for a night of music y desmadre.Saturday, August 1, 2026Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm$20 in advance / $25 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====Qiensave?Rooted in Salinas and inspired by their Michoacn heritage, Qiensave? has become one of the leading voices in the modern cumbia movement. Their signature Cumbia Urbana sound blends traditional cumbia with rock, reggae, hip-hop, and urban influences, creating an energetic live experience that continues to connect with audiences across the country. Fresh off new releases and national touring, the band continues to push cumbia into new territory while staying true to their roots.Spaghetti CumbiaStraight out of Los Angeles, Spaghetti Cumbia serves up a high-energy mix of cumbia, punk rock, garage rock, and spaghetti western swagger. Known for turning every venue into a dance-fueled frenzy, the band delivers a unique sound that is equal parts baile and mosh pit. Their debut performance at Moes Alley promises to be one for the books.About DJ Baby DizzleSalinas native DJ Baby Dizzle has built a reputation for bringing good vibes and packed dance floors wherever she goes. From community celebrations and cultural events to night clubs and live music showcases, her eclectic sets blend cumbia, hip-hop, funk, and party favorites into an unforgettable experience. Whether youre warming up for the bands or closing out the night, Baby Dizzle has the soundtr

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