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 Valéria 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 reevaluation—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
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.
★ Featured this season
Treehouse Dispensary First Friday
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.
Board Game Night — 2026-08-24
6 - 10pm · Weekly Board Game Night — open & hosted games, taught on the spot.
Coming up
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.
Coming up
Keyon Harrold
“Keyon Harrold is the future of the trumpet” – Wynton Marsalis Keyon Harrold is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Harrold first came into the international spotlight for his critically acclaimed album, The Mugician, and his work as the trumpet voice behind the GRAMMY winning Don Cheadle film Miles Ahead. As a bandleader, he has created a compelling new statement with a riveting mix of jazz, Afrobeat, soul, spoken word, hip-hop, blues, rock, and American folk. As a soloist, his distinctly warm trumpet sound simmers in the middle register; creating drama without aggrandizing, and mesmerizing live audiences with an emotionally charged concert presentation. Harrold has collaborated with many of the top hip hop and pop artists including: Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Eminem, Maxwell, and Anthony Hamilton, as well as rock legends Keith Richards and Jeff Beck. His current touring ensemble can best be described as ‘Bop Pop Hip-Hop Jazz.’ Rooted in jazz, the band freestyles and solos with authority and weaves the spectrum of African American music into a sonic expression. Keyon Harrold – Foreverland will showcase his GRAMMY nominated recording Foreverland, an acclaimed crossover success, which features a bevy of collaborators, along with the single “Beautiful Day” which received world-wide radio play.
Coming up
Contact Improv
Contact Improv dance session at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, offered weekly on Mondays.
☀️ Happening today
Monday, August 2434 events on today. No plans required, just go.
What's happening
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Showing 30 of 100 upcoming events · from 2026-08-29 · to 2026-08-30
Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.
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.
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!
This is a mixed-level ballet class for adult ballet dancers with Elizebeth Randall Rains.
Palace Art & Office Supply 77th Anniversary Art Demo Weekend
Join us for a free two-day in-store event featuring over 20 local artists and top manufacturers who will be offering live painting demonstrations, make and take activities, and the chance to try out some of your favorite products. Get inspired to create more when you spend the day (or two!) at Palace to celebrate our 77th anniversary! Each day, the store will be filled with local artists and top manufacturers demonstrating products and techniques across a range of mediums: from acrylic and watercolor paints to screen printing to mixed media and collage and beyond. Plus, chances to win prizes and walk away with art that you create throughout the event. The first 77 customers in the door each day will receive a swag bag packed with goodies from our manufacturer partners and everyone who attends the event is invited to spin the prize wheel for a chance to take home free product, coupons, or gift certificates to spend in-store. Visit palaceartsupply.com/anniversary for a complete schedule
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.
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.
A fun market featuring 30 amazing local vendors! We have new vendors every month so there is always something new to check out! Enjoy strolling the garden and meeting the peacocks.
Seedless Propagation with UCSC Master Gardeners
You don't always need seeds to start new plants. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we demonstrate various ways to propagate plants using stem, leaf, and root cuttings. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/17023608
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
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 Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Clear the Shelters Free Pet Adoptions at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter
Free pet adoptions at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter on August 1, 22 and 29, 11am to 6pm.
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.
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:
Saturday, August 29 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
Saturday, August 29 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us each Saturday morning for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
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.
Saturday, August 29 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm You don't always need seeds to start new plants. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we demonstrate various ways to propagate plants using stem, leaf, and root cuttings.
Saturday, August 29 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Long Term Care planning is all about protecting your loved ones.
“Confluence”: 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. “Confluence” is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from “The Leftovers” at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
A celebration of the people who build instruments by hand — luthiers, repair artists, small-shop makers — and the musicians who love what they create. Come play instruments you've never held. Meet the person who made them. Ask every question you've always wanted to ask a builder.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: MAH Day of Awe
Participants will receive parking passes and be greeted by MAH and Big Basin State Park staff where they will be oriented to Big Basin’s history and ecological significance. The MAH Executive Director will then lead participants in a brief awe walk, where participants will receive workbooks and materials to create their own field journals. Participants will be encouraged to create poetry, photograph, record found sounds, paint, or draw what inspires them, and be provided an opportunity to include their work in a shared online publication following the event. This opportunity is open to all ages and is perfect for multigenerational families, students interested in the intersection of art and ecology, or couples looking to connect with nature.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Redwood Loop Tour
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!
A Day of Awe at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Join the MAH and Davenport Resource Center for a day of "AWE" at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This event sponsored by California State Parks gives participants access to park interpreters, art making materials, historical background on Big Basin and Davenport, as well as an awe-inspiring day in nature. Participants will receive free parking passes and be greeted by MAH and Big Basin State Park staff where they will be oriented to Big Basin's history and ecological significance. MAH Executive Director will then lead participants in a brief awe walk, where participants will receive workbooks and materials to create their own field journals. Participants will be encouraged to create poetry, photograph, record found sounds, paint, or draw what inspires them, and be provided an opportunity to include their work in a shared online publication following the event. This opportunity is open to all ages and is perfect for multigenerational families, students interested in the intersection of art and ecology, or couples looking to connect with nature. Limited to 20 individuals. Note: We require a minimal $5 donation to reserve your spot in this event. Funds will be donated to Davenport Resource Center. *Please plan accordingly - arrive promptly, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water and an open mind!
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk
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 don’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!
Healthy Digital Habits and Screen Time Workshop
Want to better manage your screen time? Join others in person who are curious to learn more about healthy digital habits and screen time at this free library workshop. Screen time is the time you spend in front of screen-based devices while looking at smartphone, computer, TV, gaming, and more. At this workshop, you’ll have a chance to reflect on your current screen time and discuss with other workshop attendees. You’ll learn about why screen time is important to pay attention to and manage intentionally. Then, during the workshop, you’ll start making safe, temporary changes to your phone’s settings to help you get in more control of how often you use your phone. Your instructor will guide you how how to make these changes in your phone and answer questions along the way. What You’ll Learn - Info about the health impacts of screen time. - Tips for unlocking more free time for personal goals, like reading books, eating healthy, and getting better sleep. - How to turn on a free report included in iOS and Android phones that tells you exactly how much time you spend on your phone, what you are doing, and choose what apps to set time limits on. - How to manage your notifications and alerts so they work for you. - And more! What To Bring Your phone. So you can make the most of the workshop, bring your phone charged or bring your phone charger. The Speaker The workshop will be facilitated by Julia Davids, a digital product designer who has worked in health tech. Julia created Fieldhouse Press (fieldhousepress.com) to empower people to make their screen time work for them. Julia grew up in Santa Cruz. Her favorite local park is Nisene Marks. Registration Encouraged. Walk-ins welcome. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16575983
Wilder Ranch State Park - Ranch History Tour
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]
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 constructed 1860’s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. Meet at the visitor’s center. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park or beach, you have paid for the day at all of them! There are over 14 in Santa Cruz County alone. For more information, email [email protected] or call (669)758-1963. Click the link in the orange button above to reserve your spot!
Saturday, August 29 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
LGBTQ+ Gamers Group Date: Saturday, August 29 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Ages: 18+ For gamers of all types, to socialize and game. Join for our monthly meetup, and bring your favorite board games and card games to play! In the group’s Discord we discuss event times, computer games, and other gaming topics. .
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