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πŸ“ 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.

β˜… Featured this season

Promotional image for Phamily Time! β˜… Featured Event
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 Β· 4:00 PM

Phamily Time!

πŸ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing Β· Downtown Santa Cruz Β· See listing

Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you won’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 πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details β†’
Music
β˜… Featured
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 Β· 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 πŸ“ Westside
Promotional image for Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” β˜… Featured
Tue, Jul 28, 2026 Β· Stevenson College

Movie Night Under the Stars: Screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

The DSAS Center for Leadership and Involvement and Summer Edge invite you to join us for our Movie Night Under the Stars event screening β€œSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”: Date: Tuesday, July 28th Screening Time: Event entry begins at 7:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Location: Stevenson College Knoll *Bring your own blanket! Limited chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.* Free movie snacks will be available! For any questions or accommodations, please email [email protected] . You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeβ€”whether a student service, faculty program, or community eventβ€”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 πŸ“ UCSC
Promotional image for Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts β˜… Featured
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas! 2026 Lineup: May 21, 2026: Sambada May 28, 2026: Space Heater June 4, 2026: James Durbin & The Lost Boys June 11, 2026: Ancestree June 18, 2026: Jive Machine June 25, 2026: Cake by the Ocean July 2, 2026: Ripatti Rose Band July 9, 2026: Extra Large July 16, 2026: Fishhook July 23, 2026: Harry & The Hitmen July 30, 2026: Matt Masih & The Messengers August 6, 2026: The Houserockers August 13, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 20, 2026: La Familia August 27, 2026: Alex Lucero Band September 3, 2026: Sambada

Food & Drink πŸ“ Seabright & Harbor
Promotional image for Zen Buddhist Meditation Coming up
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Zen Center

Zen Buddhist Meditation

Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Saturday, July 25

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

12:00 AM
$7
SC Beach Boardwalk: National Carousel Day
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Family
8:00 AM
FREE
Cabrillo Farmers Market
πŸ“ Cabrillo College
Markets
8:00 AM
FREE
Scotts Valley Farmers' Market
πŸ“ Joe and Linda Aliberti Boys and Girls Club
Markets
8:00 AM
FREE
Rally in the Pajaro Valley
πŸ“ Franich Park
Outdoors
8:30 AM
FREE
Zen Buddhist Meditation
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Zen Center
Music
8:39 AM
FREE
Chamber Choir Now Auditioning
πŸ“ Westside Locations
Music
9:00 AM
FREE
UC Santa Cruz Farm U-Pick
πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
Food & Drink
9:00 AM
$895
Summer Production (3-weeks): Moana Jr
πŸ“ All About Theatre
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community

What's happening

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

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Showing 30 of 515 upcoming events Β· from 2026-07-25 Β· to 2026-08-01

Jul
25

Rally in the Pajaro Valley

πŸ“ Franich Park
πŸ•’ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Β· FREE

Join us at Rally in the Pajaro Valley, our annual community softball tournament! It’s an event that brings together local organizations, businesses, and residents to raise funds and awareness for programs supporting our youth in the Pajaro Valley. Rally is all about celebrating our community spirit, building connections, and making a positive impact together. Everyone is invited to come out for free, cheer on the teams, and learn about the amazing local nonprofits making a difference. Feel free to stop by to donate on-site during the event, every little bit helps support these important causes. See you there!

Jul
25

Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience

πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Β· $59

Enjoy Dynomite Farm’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 β†’
Jul
25

Cars and Coffee

πŸ“ East Lake Village Shopping Center
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Β· 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!

Food & Drink Community πŸ“ Watsonville Details β†’
Jul
25

Beach Cleanup @ Cowell & Main Beach

πŸ“ Cowell Beach
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Β· See listing

Join Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup at Cowell & Main Beach! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us at the base of the stairs to Cowell Beach, on the right side of the wharf entrance. Facilities & Accessibility: Restrooms and drinking fountains are available onsite. Metered parking in the lot is limited, surrounding streets have additional metered parking available, please plan accordingly. How to Prepare: All volunteers must register to participate, register here. We recommend that all volunteers wear closed-toed shoes, dress in layers, wear sun protection, and bring a filled reusable water bottle. Save Our Shores encourages volunteers to avoid single-use plastics at our cleanups. All cleanup materials are provided, including buckets, grabbers, and gloves. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own. You can download the Save Our Shores Marine Tally App (Apple, Google) in advance of the cleanup and use it to record the debris you collect, or you can use the paper data cards that we will provide at the event. Every participant must complete a volunteer waiver. We will have waivers available at the event, however, participants are encouraged to complete this paperwork in advance to save time and bring it with you on the day of the event. Anyone under the age of 18 will require a parent or guardian’s signature on this document. Volunteers under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult (guardian) for the duration of the event. If you have additional questions, please check our FAQ page. This event is in partnership with:

Jul
25

UC Santa Cruz Farm U-Pick

πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· 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 11–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 farm’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 – $4 each Strawberry flats (12 pints) – $44 Flowers – $25 for 32oz deli container Flower buckets – $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 πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Jul
25

Community Crafters at Boulder Creek

πŸ“ Boulder Creek Branch Library
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Come join amazing teachers from the community to learn a new craft or art process, and have a space dedicated to work on projects with others every week. We plan to learn a new craft or art process once a month with the weeks in between being open β€œstudio” time. Come be part of this new community at the Boulder Creek library! Materials will be provided for craft being taught, or bring what you want to work on!

Jul
25

Saving the Oceans, Saving Ourselves

πŸ“ Cabrillo College Horticulture Building
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Join Save Our Shores and the Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County for Saving the Oceans, Saving Ourselves! Hear from a panel of local experts and guest speakers as we discuss offshore oil drilling and the current threats to our oceans. Panelists: Dan Haifley, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Justin Cummings, District 3 Supervisor Shebreh Kalantari Johnson, Santa Cruz Councilmember Tracey Weiss, O’Neill Sea Odyssey Executive Director Sam Rupel, Save Our Shores Community Engagement & Advocacy Specialist Guest Speaker: Senator John Laird

Jul
25

2026 Scotts Valley Motorcycle Show

πŸ“ Scotts Valley High School
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Β· See listing

The 2026 event is a vintage, antique motorcycle and e-Bike show for the whole family. Special display class for middle and high school students to display e-Bikes and minibikes. This year, a For Sale area will be provided. The Scotts Valley Motorcycle Show will be held on the baseball fields at Scotts Valley High School in beautiful Scotts Valley, CA. Presented in partnership with the Scotts Valley Kiwanis Club, supporting various programs in the local schools. Sponsored by Motocharities, Motonexus.com, The Scotts Valley Kiwanis Club and Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys. When looking for β€œThings to do in Scotts Valley CA”, The Scotts Valley Motorcycle Show should be at the top of your list.

Jul
25

City of Santa Cruz Saturday Resource Recovery Facility Public Tour

πŸ“ City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM Β· FREE

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

Education Free Details β†’
Jul
25

Santa Cruz Beach Train

πŸ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Β· $32

From Trees to Shining Seas – 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. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.

Jul
25

RAINBOW PLAYGROUP @ RaΓ­ces y CariΓ±o (Community Offering)

πŸ“ 7 Hangar Way suite b, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

Event: RAINBOW PLAYGROUP @ RaΓ­ces y CariΓ±o Date: 4th Saturday of the Month Saturday, January 25 Time: 10:30 am -12:00 pm Location: RC Fam 7 Hangar Way, Suite B, Watsonville, CA 95076 Ages: 0-10 years old and younger and their caregivers, with siblings welcome. Cost: FREE Event Description: A monthly bilingual playgroup for LGBTQIA+ families and allies. This play group is for children who are 10 years old and younger and their caregivers, with siblings welcome. We will have an art activity, a story, some light snacks, and PLAY! Please, do not bring sick children to Rainbow Playgroup. Families are asked to maintain the confidentiality of all playgroup attendees and no photography is permitted. RSVP Form Β‘Grupo de Juego Arcoiris! Un grupo de juego bilingΓΌe para familias LGBTQIA+ y aliados El cuarto sΓ‘bado del mes 10:30am-12pm, RaΓ­ces y CariΓ±o, 7 Hangar Way, Suite B, Watsonville, CA 95076 Este grupo de juego es para niΓ±os de 10 aΓ±os o menos y cuidadores, y se admiten hermanos. Tendremos un

Jul
25

Microgreens Plant a Seed with UCSC Master Gardeners

πŸ“ Capitola
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM Β· See listing

Join UCSC Master Gardeners for a workshop focused on planting your own edible bounty! Despite their small size, microgreens pack a nutritional punch and are a great addition to any diet. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we demonstrate a step-by-step process for growing your own microgreens. Registration required. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16324653

Wellness Education πŸ“ Capitola Details β†’
Jul
25

Write Queer, a creative writing group @TDC

πŸ“ The Diversity Center
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Write Queer, a creative writing group Date: May 9, and the Second and Fourth Saturdays in March, April, and May Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 Noon Cost: Free Location: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Ages: 18+ Join Jesse and Peggy for all or part of this series, running from March through May. Unleash your creativity at Write Queer, an 18+ group for writers of all levels. Respond to provided prompts, or bring your own projects. Meetings include writing time, optional sharing and positive feedback. Please bring a pen and paper or a laptop. .

LGBTQ+ Community πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Jul
25

Spa Day Passes

πŸ“ La Bahia Hotel & Spa
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM Β· $54

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

Jul
25

Santa Cruz Mission SHP Guided Adobe Tour

πŸ“ Santa Cruz
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· 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 β†’
Jul
25

Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk

πŸ“ Wilder Ranch State Park
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Β· 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.

Jul
25

Didgeridoo Down Under

πŸ“ La Selva Beach Branch Library
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us for an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, art, science, comedy, character building, and audience participation. The show also includes storytelling and information about didgeridoo history and crafting. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16206168

Jul
25

Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Harbor
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Β· 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 District’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 β†’
Jul
25

Museum of Natural History: Summer Festival

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Β· FREE

Soak up the sun with family-friendly festivities, food, and fun. Kids of all ages will enjoy an afternoon of food trucks, interactive activities, sweet treats, live animals, and so much more! There will be shows taking place in the amphitheater throughout the day and activities across Tyrrell Park. As a bonus, there will be free admission to the Museum, so you won’t miss the excitement taking place inside, too! Amphitheater Programming Schedule: 11:30am – 12:15pm: Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe Hummaya Singers and Dancers 12:30 – 1:15pm: Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center Animal Program 1:30 – 2:15pm: Full Circle Falconry Show

Jul
25

Summer Fun Festival

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Β· See listing

Join us for a free community celebration at the Museum ! Summer Fun Fest is a joyful, all-ages festival designed to bring the community together through nature, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Enjoy free admission all day and experience a lively mix of activities and entertainment throughout the museum and outdoor spaces. Guests can look forward to a food truck and sweet treats, interactive activities and hands-on stations, community partner tabling, and live performances in the amphitheater throughout the afternoon. From cultural performances to animal demonstrations and nature-based activities, there will be something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Come celebrate summer with us and connect with your community at the museum! Schedule of performances: 11:30am – 12:15pm: Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe Hummaya Singers and Dancers 12:30 – 1:15pm: Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center Animal Program 1:30 – 2:15pm: Full Circle Falconry Show This event is made possible through the support of Dream Inn, Sea Glass Orthodontics, and West Coast Bank.

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