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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

Cannabis
β˜… Featured Event Treehouse
Fri, Sep 4, 2026 Β· 5:00 PM

Treehouse Dispensary First Friday

πŸ“ Treehouse Dispensary Β· Soquel Β· FREE

Treehouse Dispensary hosts a monthly First Friday event on the first Friday of every month. These events feature live music, local artists, makers, and an art market with up to 20 different vendors, along with shop-wide discounts and community activities. The shop is open 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM daily. We're proud to offer everyday savings for our community: New Members: 10% off your first order Wisdom Discount (65+): 5% off Medical Patients: 10% off Students & Teachers: 20% off with valid ID Veterans: 20% off *Please note that discounts do not stack with other deals. Ask staff for exclusions.

Cannabis Art & Culture πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Promotional image for Boulder Creek Fire Department Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance β˜… Featured
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Boulder Creek Fire Department

Boulder Creek Fire Department Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance

The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance on Saturday, August 22. Firefighters serve a tri-tip and chicken dinner in the apparatus bay, and three live bands (Kentucky Mule, Barnstormers, Bootleg Country Band) play out back with dancing until 11 p.m. There’s a bounce house and face painting for kids. Tickets are $30 for dinner and dance, free for kids under 5. Proceeds buy rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department. Tickets and details: bcfd.com

Family πŸ“ San Lorenzo Valley
Promotional image for Zen Buddhist Meditation Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Santa Cruz Zen Center

Zen Buddhist Meditation

Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.

Music πŸ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Music
Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 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 Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series Coming up
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Β· Nicholson Vineyards

Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series

Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm – 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 πŸ“ Aptos & Seacliff

β˜€οΈ Happening today

Saturday, August 22

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

12:00 AM
See listing
The Inner & Outer Audition, with Wilma Chandler
πŸ“ Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre
Art & Culture
1:00 AM
See listing
ReView
πŸ“ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
Education
8:00 AM
FREE
Scotts Valley Farmers' Market
πŸ“ Joe and Linda Aliberti Boys and Girls Club
Markets
8:00 AM
FREE
Cabrillo Farmers Market
πŸ“ Cabrillo College
Markets
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
$28.52
SPECTRUM FITNESS PRODUCTIONS 2026 NPC SANTA CRUZ CHAMPIONSHIPS
πŸ“ Civic Auditorium
Sports
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
πŸ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
UC Santa Cruz Farm U-Pick
πŸ“ UC Santa Cruz
Food & Drink

What's happening

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Showing 30 of 84 upcoming events Β· from 2026-08-22 Β· to 2026-08-22

Aug
22

The Inner & Outer Audition, with Wilma Chandler

πŸ“ Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre
πŸ•’ 12:00 AM Β· See listing

Audition workshop with Wilma Chandler this August! This workshop will help you prepare for auditioning, inside and out Saturdays, August 22, 29 & Sept 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Topics include: Selecting your monologue Cold readings Preparation Outer work: presentation, appearance, character interpretation, emotional range, tempo and vitality Inner work: handling fear, finding yourself in the work, breath and silence, the inner character, and the offering Cost: $60. Maximum of 15 participants Visit our Workshops page to sign up: https://www.santacruzactorstheatre.org/workshops

Aug
22

ReView

πŸ“ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
πŸ•’ 1:00 AM – 12:59 AM Β· See listing

Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery August 13-September 19, 2026 Opening celebration and Artist Talk Saturday, August 15, 2-4:30 p.m Light refreshments will be served. Summer Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 1-5pm ReView: UC Santa Cruz Arts Alumni Exhibition features Arts Division alumni from the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas. Curated by ValΓ©ria Miranda, the Sesnon’s Director, ReView includes a wide variety of media and techniques highlighting the diversity of contemporary practice of alumni who graduated from 1972 to 2025. The exhibition title alludes to the portfolio critique process and suggests ideas of reflection and reevaluationβ€”whether revisiting past work, rethinking materials, or tracing how a practice evolves over time. This exhibition celebrates the creative path of artists who began their journeys at UC Santa Cruz. United by shared roots yet defined by distinct paths, the participating alumni reflect the lasting influence of the Arts Division programs. Their works speak to the spirit of inquiry, experimentation, and perseverance that has long shaped the university’s artistic community. ReView presents an opportunity for the campus and larger community to see the professional practice of these artists who continue to build on the creative foundation that they received at UCSC and to inspire our current students, offering visualization of their own future artistic journeys after graduation. ReView offers a unique opportunity for returning alumni to celebrate their creative expressions while reconnecting with classmates and the university community. Admission is free and open to the public. More Information

Education Free πŸ“ UCSC Details β†’
Aug
22

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†’
Aug
22

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†’
Aug
22

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!

Aug
22

Native Habitat Restoration

πŸ“ AΓ±o Nuevo State Park
πŸ•’ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

Join State Parks staff for a morning of volunteer work along the scenic coastal terrace at AΓ±o Nuevo State Park. Volunteers can expect to weed out invasive plants, sheet mulch, collect native plant seeds and more! This work helps improve habitat for local wildlife, including the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake. Volunteers should bring closed-toed shoes and sun protection. Training, water, snacks, tools and gloves will be provided. All ages are welcome to this event. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Outdoors Family Details β†’
Aug
22

Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

πŸ“ Elkhorn Slough Reserve
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· FREE

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 – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.

Aug
22

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.

Aug
22

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Forest Therapy

πŸ“ Chaminade Resort and Spa
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Β· $35

Reconnect with yourself beneath the redwoods on one of the area’s first certified Forest Therapy Trails at Chaminade Resort & Spa. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), this guided experience combines mindfulness in nature, sensory awareness, and gentle invitations designed to calm the nervous system, restore attention, and relieve stress. Perfect for anyone seeking renewal, creativity, and deeper connection in the beauty of Santa Cruz.

Outdoors Wellness πŸ“ Midtown Details β†’
Aug
22

Write Queer, a creative writing group @TDC

πŸ“ The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
πŸ•’ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Β· See listing

Write Queer, a creative writing group Date: Saturday, August 22 Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 Noon Cost: Free Location: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Ages: 18+ Join Jesse for the last meeting of this series, on the last Saturday in August. 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†’
Aug
22

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

Aug
22

Dahlia Show

πŸ“ Capitola Mall
πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Β· FREE

The Monterey Bay Dahlia Society is hosting their annual Dahlia Show at the Capitola Mall. Enjoy hundreds of spectacular dahlia varieties. Single stem and multi-bloom displays - Seedlings - Hot new introductions - Gorgeous arrangements. Dahlias will be displayed around the fountain.

Aug
22

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 Cultural Event Details β†’
Aug
22

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.

Aug
22

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.

Aug
22

Harp Lessons for All Ages

πŸ“ Soulcare Studios
πŸ•’ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Β· $40

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 explore music in a supportive group setting. No experience is needed, and instruments are provided. πŸ—“ 1st & 3rd Saturdays 🎡 All levels welcome ⚠️ Limited to 10 spotsβ€”advance booking recommended

Education Family πŸ“ Soquel Details β†’
Aug
22

M. K. Art Gallery: Confluence

πŸ“ m.k. contemporary art gallery
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Β· FREE

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

Aug
22

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Redwood Loop Tour

πŸ“ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
πŸ•’ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Β· 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!

54 more events further out

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