Oct
17
A performance by Dual Demons in Santa Cruz at The 418 Project.
Santa Cruz Scene: What's happening in Santa Cruz County
From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.
Santa Cruz Scene (santacruzscene.com) is a free daily calendar of in-person events across Santa Cruz County, California.
See what's on this weekend →In-person only, on purpose. Everything here is something you can actually show up to. No screens, no streams.
★ Featured this season
★ Featured Event
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 · 6:30 PM
13th Annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival
📍 Woodhouse Blending & Brewing · Downtown Santa Cruz · $17.85
13th Annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival Presented by DNA October 12-17 At Woodhouse: Saturday, October 17th • 6:30 PM 21 Comics • 3 Headliners •…
Music
Family
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz
Details →
Coming up
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Corralitos Cultural Center
Tai Chi with Manny
Improve your energy, balance, strength and coordination.
Music
📍 Watsonville
Coming up
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Felton Music Hall
20 Years of Nekrogoblikon - Felton, CA - VIP TICKETLESS UPGRADE
Some bands start off with a concept; others develop it along the way. Santa Barbara’s Nekrogoblikon is of the later ilk and the better for…
Music
📍 San Lorenzo Valley
Coming up
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · The Ugly Mug
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
📍 Soquel
Coming up
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · 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
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz
☀️ Happening today
Monday, October 1250 events on today. No plans required, just go. See the full day →
9:00 AM
See listing
Beach Cleanup @ Capitola Beach
📍 Capitola Beach next to jetty on East side
Outdoors
9:00 AM
See listing
Capitola Beach Cleanup with Save Our Shores
📍 City of Capitola
Community
9:00 AM
See listing
Beach Cleanup @ Capitola Beach
📍 Esplanade Park
Community
10:00 AM
$105
Halloween Ceramics Camp
📍 Art Factory Studios
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
See listing
FUN & FUNCTIONAL HANDBUILDING (2/4)
📍 Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Community
10:30 AM
See listing
Infant/Toddler Storytime at Capitola
📍 Capitola Branch Library
Community
10:30 AM
See listing
Club de Escucha de Santa Cruz
📍 Capitola Branch Library
Community
10:30 AM
$26.45
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
📍 Roaring Camp Railroads
Cultural Event
10:30 AM
See listing
Mahjong Club @ Branciforte
📍 Branciforte Branch Library
Community
What's happening
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
All
Music
Dance
Comedy
Festivals
Art & Culture
Sports
Outdoors
Food & Drink
Markets
Family
Adults 21+
Community
Free
Wellness
Education
Surf
Cannabis
LGBTQ+
Cultural Event
Showing 90 of 184 upcoming events · from 2026-10-17 · to 2026-10-18
Oct
17
Are you ready? If you had to escape a wildfire in Santa Cruz how long would it take you to run or walk to reach…
Oct
17
Go see an exciting musical parade as 55 Northern California high school and junior high school marching bands compete next to the iconic Santa Cruz…
Oct
17
GLENWOOD 5K Trail Run/Walk Join us for the 2nd Annual Glenwood 5K Trail Run/Walk through the scenic Glenwood East Preserve! Whether you're a seasoned trail…
Oct
17
Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.
Oct
17
Join Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup at Beer Can Beach! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us…
Oct
17
This Celtic music weekend for adults offers dozens of workshops and sessions for various levels of playing ability, and takes place in the beautiful redwoods…
Oct
17
This program brings the essential meaning of Dzogchen meditation into daily practice. The instruction leads practitioners to the state of spontaneous presence, which transcends all…
Oct
17
The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of…
Oct
17
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…
Oct
17
What do ancient seafloors, Swiss cheese and portions of the Santa Cruz Mountains have in common? Probably not much, but tell that to the bedrock…
Oct
17
Taste the Difference: An Apple Tasting with Prevedelli Farms
📍 Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
🕒 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM · FREE
Taste the Difference: An Apple Tasting with Prevedelli Farms Think all apples taste more or less alike? One bite may change your mind. Join Prevedelli…
Oct
17
Ticket price includes 1 pound of apples in addition to what you pick during your timed hour on the farm. Click the link in the…
Oct
17
A fun and easy-to-learn way of drawing structured patterns to create beautiful images. The Zentangle Method makes drawing patterns, or tangles, accessible to almost anyone…
Art & Culture
Family
Oct
17
Join Thrill the World Santa Cruz for free community dance classes and spooky Halloween performances! Learn Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” choreography, no dance experience required…
Oct
17
A six month program for experienced practitioners to deepen your sacred sexuality & Tantra skills in community.
Oct
17
In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
Oct
17
Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis…
Oct
17
Join us each Saturday morning for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors.
Community
Art & Culture
Oct
17
Roaring Camp: Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party
📍 Roaring Camp Railroads
🕒 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · $24.85
Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas and Percy, for a 20-minute train ride, entertainment, and fun-filled activities for the entire family. ACTIVITIES Photos with…
Family
📍 San Lorenzo Valley
Oct
17
Join us each Saturday morning for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors.
Community
📍 San Lorenzo Valley
Oct
17
Join us on October 17 as we come together to get out the early vote and say it loud: NO THRONES. NO CROWNS. NO KINGS…
Oct
17
We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you…
Oct
17
Join Saturday Shakespeare at Aptos Library for five lively sessions with guest experts, group readings, and discussions, ending with a shared play viewing. Attend in…
Oct
17
How can you talk with nature spirits- the conscious beings within every aspect of nature? Let a biologist turned nature communicator be your guide.
Community
📍 San Lorenzo Valley
Oct
17
https://landofmedicinebuddha.org/retreat-guru/2029/parenting-with-compassion-wisdom-copy/
Oct
17
Step into a world of imagination with stories, rhymes, and songs for children ages 0?8, shared with families and caregivers in a warm, welcoming space.
Oct
17
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
📍 Roaring Camp Railroads
🕒 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM · $26.45
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of…
Oct
17
Seymour Center’s Art in the Aquarium
📍 Seymour Marine Discovery Center
🕒 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM · See listing
Dive into your creative side and make a splash with us! 🎨🌊 Bring the whole family and unleash your inner artist while surrounded by fascinating…
Oct
17
Discover the artistry and resilience of Japanese Americans through a live floral design demonstration by award winning floral artist Trish Nishikawa AIFD.
Oct
17
Join trained biologist Coleen Douglas for her free workshop Nature Communication with the Trees. Douglas spent years studying nature through science. Then her heart opened…
Oct
17
Open Studios is your opportunity to explore creativity in Santa Cruz County. For more than 40 years, their goal has been simple: connect artists with…
Community
Art & Culture
Oct
17
If you have ever wanted to sample freshly picked apples or learn which varieties thrive in our local area, this event is for you! Hosted…
Oct
17
Join us at Farm Discovery for a day full of fall flavor! We will be picking apples, pressing fresh cider, and baking galettes to share!
Oct
17
We will be hosting the Open Studios Preview Exhibition, showcasing the work of all the 330+ Santa Cruz County Open Studios Artists who are participating…
Oct
17
Celebrate the fall at the Wilder Ranch State Park Harvest Festival! Enjoy living history demonstrations, crafts, games, live music, food and more! Taste history during…
Oct
17
Music
📍 Soquel
Oct
17
Step back in time at the Wilder Ranch State Park Harvest Festival! Enjoy living history demonstrations, crafts, games, live music, food and more! Taste history…
Festivals
📍 North Coast
Oct
17
Felt Street Park Wheelie Good Time - Skate Jam, Car Show, Bike Ride and More!
📍 Felt Street, Twin Lakes, CA, 95062
🕒 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM · See listing
For more info: www.instagram.com/FeltStPark
Oct
17
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
📍 Wilder Ranch State Park
🕒 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM · 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…
Oct
17
Join the Branciforte Friends for a special book sale event!
Oct
17
Catch artists you missed or revisit favorites during the final Open Studios weekend, when participating studios reopen across Santa Cruz County.
Family
Art & Culture
Oct
17
Connect with community on the campus farm at the annual Harvest Festival! Harvest Fest will have activities for all ages including face painting, flower pressing…
Oct
17
Welcome to Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour! Every year over the first three weekends in October, visitors can discover new artists, experience the…
Festivals
Free
Oct
17
We're throwing Fall party for the whole community! Everyone is invited to this family-friendly celebration. We'll offer festival food and drink at modest prices, including…
Music
Family
Oct
17
🎬 Five days of films. A whole lot of Santa Cruz. October 14-18 | Santa Cruz Film Festival 2026 Clear your calendar for independent films…
Festivals
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz
Oct
17
A recurring dance class in Santa Cruz. Check with the venue for specific style and level.
Oct
17
A weekly music jam session in downtown Santa Cruz, featuring lights and fun for all musicians.
Oct
17
Discover the calming and creative power of music 🎶 Our beginner-friendly harp lessons offer a peaceful space to learn something new, connect with sound, and…
Oct
17
Event Name: OUT and About at Pinto Lake Date: Saturday, October 17th Time: 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM Location: Pinto Lake City Park 451 Green Valley…
Oct
17
The Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passport is the ultimate way to explore the region’s award-winning wineries. This exclusive pass provides access to over 35+ participating…
Food & Drink
Adults 21+
Oct
17
The Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Office invites families to a free, interactive afternoon exploring how elections work. Kids and adults can learn about voting and…
Family
Free
Oct
17
2026 Celebration Days: February 21, June 20 and October 17, 2026 Mobile Passports are available for purchase within the SCM Wine app on Google Play…
Community
Food & Drink
Oct
17
UCSC: Victor “Marka27” Exhibition
📍 UCSC Institute of the Arts and Sciences
🕒 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM · FREE
“Ni de aquí, ni de allá” (“neither from here, nor there”), is a phrase commonly used by bilingual, bicultural communities. In the exhibition the phrase…
Oct
17
Carlos Motta: When Time Stands Still
📍 UCSC Institute of the Arts and Sciences
🕒 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM · FREE
Carlos Motta’s When Time Stands Still, the artist’s second solo show with the IAS, features new and recent installations, videos, and sculptures highlighting the artist’s…
Oct
17
Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
Oct
17
Come join the magical world of D&D storytelling, where you can be a bard, a wizard, or a barbarian for a few hours and let…
Community
📍 Capitola
Oct
17
Dance Masterclasses with NBA Dancers Caroleen Chang (Golden State Warriors) & EJ Aban (Sacramento Kings)
📍 West Field House
🕒 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM · See listing
Come train with the UCSC Spirit Squad and our incredible masterclass teachers at our Fall Clinic on October 17th! We are hosting classes in contemporary…
Oct
17
Join the fun! Celebrate your right to vote at Watsonville’s No Kings Day on October 17 from noon to 2. The festive rally will include…
Oct
17
2026 Celebration Days: February 21, June 20 and October 17, 2026 The Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passport is the ultimate way to explore the region’s…
Oct
17
Downtown Santa Cruz: Halloween Mask Making Festival
📍 London Nelson Community Center
🕒 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM · FREE
Enjoy this FREE annual event! Bring the family for a creative day of mask making, carnival games, Thriller performances plus Nightmares, A Stage Spooktacular. This…
Oct
17
Ink Faire at Evergreen Cemetery
📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
🕒 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM · See listing
Join the MAH for a community art market as a part of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History's Evergreen Artist in Residency Program!…
Oct
17
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
🕒 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM · 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…
Oct
17
Family democracy day brings fun, learning, and civic engagement to Santa Cruz County La democracia familiar trae diversión, aprendizaje e involucramiento cívico al Condado de…
Oct
17
BYO Drum! Hosted by Kirsten in the CCC Backyard or performance hall.
Oct
17
Ripatti Rose Band - Live at Uncork Corralitos
Oct
17
Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely…
Oct
17
Join the circle and write a poem in a creative, supportive environment. No experience necessary.
Community
📍 San Lorenzo Valley
Oct
17
[[Experience an array of local wines, beer, and cider in the delightful outdoor garden at Alladin Nursery while listening to live music.]]
Food & Drink
📍 Watsonville
Oct
17
Bridget Evoy: Trailblazer in the California Goldrush Economy
📍 La Selva Beach Branch Library
🕒 1:00 PM · See listing
Join us for an author talk with Craig S. Harwood, author of Bridget's Gambit: A Saga of Family Enterprise in Gold Rush California, and discover…
Oct
17
Enjoy live music, food trucks and local wine, beer and cider in a garden setting. The fundraiser benefits local youth, hospice and hospital programs.
Family
Food & Drink
Oct
17
Get clear, unbiased info on 2027 Medicare options at HICAP's Annual Enrollment Forum, October 17th, 1:30-3:00 PM at Scotts Valley Library. Free event. Call 831-462-5510…
Oct
17
2026 Festival of Monsters - The Center for Monster Studies
📍 Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
🕒 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM · $250
Held in beautiful Santa Cruz, Calif. the 2026 Festival of Monsters academic conference will explore how monsters and language intertwine with panels on monsters and…
Oct
17
This 5-day academic conference explores monsters in our culture. Oct. 14-18, 2026.
Oct
17
Join local musicians and songwriters in a friendly weekly circle. Come to play and sing songs, or just listen. All acoustic instruments welcome.
Oct
17
Downtown Library Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18. Instructor is Chess Master Gjon Feinstein.
Oct
17
The Festival of Monsters is an academic conference on the social and artistic research surrounding monsters. Follow the link in the orange button above for…
Oct
17
Join players at Game Santa Cruz for a three free sessions of monster-related board and card games on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, as part of…
Oct
17
Announcing the Philosophy of Yog(a) FREE workshop. There will be two opportunities to attend: Thur, Sept 17, 5-6:30 & Sat. Sept 19, 2-3:30 in person…
Oct
17
By the time you realize you have an addiction or bad habit, you’ve had it a long time. Understanding how they become new normals is…
Oct
17
Concertino Strings October Concert
📍 Boulder Creek United Methodist Church
🕒 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM · FREE
Concertino Strings will open its 6th concert season at the Boulder Creek United Methodist Church, 12855 Boulder Street, on October 14th, Wednesday, at 11:30 am…
Oct
17
Queer Movie Club Date: Every third Saturday of the month Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Ages: 18+ Cost : Free! Join…
Oct
17
Register for tickets HERE! This year, we are combining the fun of our Light Up the Night event with our Annual Floating Pumpkin Patch to…
Oct
17
Festival of Monsters: Comics Writer Iván Brandon & Co.
📍 Atlantis Fantasyworld
🕒 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM · FREE
Writer Iván Brandon (Wolverine, Deadpool, Secret Invasion), Clay McLeod Chapman (Edge of Venomverse, Creepshow) and other special guests appear at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17…
Oct
17
You are cordially summoned to a night of Games & Ghosts, a Halloween and Board Game Gathering. Costumes are encouraged and can be provided if…
Oct
17
Simpkins Swim Center: Floating Pumpkin Patch
📍 Simpkins Family Swim Center
🕒 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM · $20
The Santa Cruz County Parks Department hosts an annual Floating Pumpkin Patch at Simpkins Family Swim Center in Santa Cruz, California. The event allows people…
Family
📍 Midtown
Oct
17
One pass get's you into all the ticketed comedy shows at The 13th Annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival plus the afterparty on 10/17
Oct
17
Santa Cruz SBK Festival Warm-Up Social Series * Bachata Meets Salsa.
📍 Tannery Arts Center
🕒 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM · $12.51
Santa Cruz SBK Social: Salsa Meets Bachata, Sat Oct 17, 5-10 PM, Tannery Arts Center. Workshop + open floor. Profits fund Festival!
Oct
17
Community
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz
Oct
17
Get ready to experience the ultimate gathering of top experts and enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area at Apex Masters Expos!
Art & Culture
94 more events further out
Hosting something rad?
If it's happening in person anywhere in Santa Cruz County, whether it's a show, a market, a paddle-out, or a gallery night, we want it on the calendar. Submissions are free and reviewed by our editors.
Submit your event →