Featured artist exhibition at Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center in Ben Lomond.
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
Treehouse Dispensary First Friday
First Friday: Costume Party Edition π» Friday, October 2 Β· 7β10 PM Β· 21+ Treehouse is hosting our first-ever cannabis consumption event, and we're kicking it off with a costume party. Come as you are, or come as someone (or something) else entirely. Spooky season starts here. Live music by Junebug (8β9:30 PM) Folk-fusion fingerstyle guitar from a one-woman band. Junebug also tap dances and plays harmonica, autoharp, kazoo, trumpet, ukulele, and banjo, so expect the unexpected. Artists & Makers Market (7β10 PM) Browse and shop work from local artists and makers: Art by Dejon, Cyanide Cyn, Mori Mysterium, Mountain Medusa, Stitch and Story, Penning Beads, WilderWilds, Corals Tiny World, Hermelinda, and Potato Studios. Stash Jar Making (7β10 PM) Puff, puff, craft. Stop by our free DIY station and decorate a one-of-a-kind stash jar to keep your favorite flower fresh and stylish. All supplies provided. Just bring your creativity. Cannabis Elixirs πΉ Sip, sip, hooray. Enjoy refreshing cannabis elixirs while you get crafty and catch the show. Free to attend. Costumes strongly encouraged. Must be 21+ with valid ID. Treehouse Dispensary Β· 3651 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz 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.
Coming up
The Art Lande Trio
Art Lande (piano) β GΓΌnter Wehinger (flute) β Tim Wendel (guitar) WILLIAM WINANT - Percussion
Coming up
Heather/Nelsen Duo
3:00-5:00pm Heather Norquist has been singing as long as she can remember. She has performed at restaurants and cafes throughout Santa Cruz, and she enjoys singing a wide array of songs including classics from the swing era, bossa nova, French cafe music and pop classics. Heather's vocal style is subtle, warm and delicate as she shares these beautiful songs with her audience. Nelsen Hutchison is a guitarist, educator, and composer who regularly performs with luminaries of the gypsy jazz (Hot Club of SF), swing (Gunhild Carling), and straight-ahead jazz traditions. In addition to being an active performer, Nelsen also teaches courses in guitar at Skyline College and is pursuing his PhD in Cross-Cultural Musicology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Coming up
Karaoke with Moondog
Sing your heart out! We will start at 3pm....ends when the cops show up or when I throw in the towel....No way you can be too late to get into the rotation.....We use Karafun, so the artists who own the songs get paid ROYALTIES via BMI or ASCAP. Venmo & TIP JAR FOR THE KJ. Beer and Wine , Bar Food Menu. Plenty of free parking.
Coming up
Full Moon Meditation for September
π Full Moon Sound Bath & Guided Meditation 80-Minute Experience | Spa Santangelo, Felton, CA + Online Join Melissa at each Full Moon for a deeply restorative journey designed to help you reconnect, release, and restore your inner balance. Step into a serene, supportive space and allow yourself to fully unwind. This immersive experience combines the healing vibrations of a live sound bath, guided meditation, journaling, and fire release to bring a deeper sense of peace and balance. Youβll be guided through Melissaβs Mystic Meditationsβa thoughtfully curated journey inspired by the energy of the Full Moon: π Full Moon β LET GO Release what no longer serves you, clear stagnant energy, and create space for whatβs next. The Full Moon offers an opportunity to reflect on what has come to fruition and consciously release what youβre ready to leave behind. Through meditation, sound, journaling, and fire release, allow yourself to let go and make room for renewed balance and clarity. Whether you join us in person at Spa Santangelo in Felton, CA, or online from the comfort of your own home, come exactly as you are. In-person groups of up to 10 guests are welcome. Gather your friends, family, or community and share this beautiful experience together. π Extend Your Wellness Journey Continue exploring your path with offerings from The Groovy Goddess, including: β¨ In-person & online sessions π Books π§ Guided meditations πΏ Online transformational courses β¨ Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter, grounded, peaceful, and renewedβready to move forward with greater clarity.
βοΈ Happening today
Sunday, September 2759 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Showing 30 of 59 upcoming events Β· from 2026-09-27 Β· to 2026-09-27
The Santa Cruz Triathlon, originally called the Tin Man Triathlon and then the Sentinel Triathlon, was founded in 1982, eight years after the first triathlon raced in San Diego. Our first annual race, held on October 16, 1983, started a tradition that brings triathletes together from near and far.
Restore balance on the Santa Cruz coast at La Bahia Hotel & Spa. This September 25β27, join us for a two-night wellness retreat designed to calm the nervous system, release burnout, and restore your energy. Led by Santa Cruz yoga instructor and wellness educator Marissa Victoria, the retreat blends yoga, meditation, sound healing, a guided wellness workshop, nourishing cuisine, and restorative time at the spa, pool, and beach. Through thoughtfully guided movement, mindfulness, and restorative practices, you'll reconnect with yourself and gain practical tools to support lasting well-being. You'll leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and inspired long after the retreat ends as you experience the Art of Unwinding. $3,000 for one guest | $1,500 for an additional guest sharing a Standard King guestroom.
Theme: Toy Takeover Schedule of Events: Saturday, Sept 26: Little Wharf 3-Miler Fun Run, Sand Sculpture Contest, Cornhole on the Beach, Children's Art, Scavenger Hunt, Music at the Beach, Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek, Drone Show following Nautical Parade Sunday, Sept 27 Fishing Derby, Paddleboard Race, Ukuleles at the Beach, Horseshoes on the Sand, Chalk Art on the Seawall, Rowboat Races Visit event website for details: capitolabeachfestival.com
Bio-Vibe Table: Sound & Vibration Wellness Sessions
Experience the Bio-Vibe Table at SoulCare Studios, a gentle, non-invasive wellness experience using sound frequencies and soothing vibrations to encourage relaxation, release tension, and support overall balance. Simply lie down comfortably while the table delivers vibrations throughout the body, creating an opportunity to slow down, rest, and reset. β¨ Potential Benefits: β’ Encourages deep relaxation β’ Supports better sleep β’ Helps relieve muscle & joint tension β’ Supports a calmer nervous system β’ Helps reduce everyday stress Sessions & Pricing: πΏ 60-Minute Full-Body Session: $120 Package of 4: $400 πΏ 30-Minute Focused Session: $65 Package of 4: $200 π Available Wednesdays & Sundays Other days are available upon request. π SoulCare Studios 8035 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA Scan the QR code on the flyer to book your session.
Drop-in Meditation
Join us for Sunday drop-in Meditations 9-10 am weekly. In person onlyβ in the Gompa at Land of Medicine Buddha with Venerable Yangchen! Venerable Yangchen's guided meditations bring together a refreshing and precious combination of simplicity, depth, and accessibility. These weekly, hour-long sessions are of great relevance and value to long-term Buddhist practitioners as well as to complete newcomers to meditation. The practice begins with brief instruction, 10 minutes of silent meditation, followed by guided analytical meditation and discussion based on the theme of the week.
Started in 2000, this neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved and depended on by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Here the atmosphere is bumping with families, cyclists, beach goers, locals, visitors, the young and the old. Shoppers find an excellent selection of organic produce from regional farms. The tables are stacked high with tree-ripened fruits, greens, fresh bread, pastries, nuts and legumes, sustainable seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and seasonal flowers. Many visitors spend hours at the market, filling their bags with berries, chicories and bagels β then moving onto a unique meal from one of the accomplished cooks that sell at the market. Sunday brunch offerings include traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, gyoza, savory and sweet crepes and farm-driven meals that spotlight the harvest in clean, creative and bright arrangements. Watsonville-based Hidden Fortress Coffee provides that hot, comforting cup of goodness that brings us back to the simple pleasures of life. This is your Sunday destination.
Youth Robot Series - Santa Cruz Maker Studios
Youth Robot Series at Santa Cruz Maker Studios Join us for our 3-week Robot Series designed for youth (ages 7-12) who love building, problem-solving, and technology. Each Sunday, students will work through exciting engineering challenges while building and programming their very own robot. Time: 3 Sunday Sessions 10am -12pm for youth (7-12 years old). Please see available sessions. Cost Overview: $245 per series (includes all robot materials) Register Here: https://scmakerstudios.com/robot-series-registration-form/
From Trees to Shining Seas β 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. Todayβs 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.
Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve
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 β 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.
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Cable Car Beach Stroll
Interested in observing and comparing old growth and second growth redwood forests? How about walking by the river and learning about what plants grow alongside it? Enjoy a guided stroll to Cable Car Beach! You will meet at the Redwood Visitor Center and be out for an hour and a half. Easy to moderate pace. Under 2 miles roundtrip. Meet at the nature store. Although this event is free, parking at a state park is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park, you have paid for parking at all of them! There are 14 in Santa Cruz County alone.
Enjoy another season of: π U-Pick Apples π Pumpkins π³ Beautiful Orchard Views π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Family Fun Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
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 orange button above to reserve your hour time slot. Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
A learning experience or workshop related to dirt biking or off-road activities.
Earth Friendly Gardening: Protecting Wildlife & the Environment
Join the UC Master Gardeners of Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties for this hands-on summer workshop at the UCSC Arboretum! Classes are free with paid admission, but registration is required to attend. You are welcome to take one, two, or all four classes which occur on the last Sunday of the month, June through September. Your garden can do more than look beautiful β it can help protect the environment and support local wildlife. Discover simple, practical ways to create a healthier, more sustainable landscape by providing food, water, and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial creatures. Learn how to reduce pesticide and fertilizer use, conserve water, and work with nature to grow a thriving garden thatβs easier to maintain and better for the world around you. Classes are free for UCSC Students or with an Arboretum membership which includes free admission to the gardens as well as a whole host of great benefits. Consider becoming a member today by visiting our website: arboretum.ucsc.edu
Earth Friendly Gardening: Protecting Wildlife & the Environment
Join the UC Master Gardeners of Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties for this hands-on summer workshop at the UCSC Arboretum! Classes are free with paid admission, but registration is required to attend. You are welcome to take one, two, or all four classes which occur on the last Sunday of the month, June through September. Your garden can do more than look beautiful - it can help protect the environment and support local wildlife. Discover simple, practical ways to create a healthier, more sustainable landscape by providing food, water, and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial creatures. Learn how to reduce pesticide and fertilizer use, conserve water, and work with nature to grow a thriving garden that's easier to maintain and better for the world around you. Classes are free with an Arboretum membership which includes free admission to the gardens as well as a whole host of great benefits. Consider becoming a member today by visiting our website: arboretum.ucsc.edu
Itβs our 10th Anniversary! Join us in celebrating at the Santa Cruz β Live Oak Glass Pumpkin Patch, in the beautiful heirloom garden of the Live Oak Grange! Chris and his pumpkin crew have been working all summer long to create a bountiful harvest of beautiful hand-blown pumpkins and gourds in every size and color. Locally grown and locally blown in our Davenport glass studio! This is a family-friendly, dog-friendly, and inclusive event, open to all art lovers and pumpkin enthusiasts. Plenty of free parking. No purchase required β all are welcome to come enjoy the awesome array of pumpkins (no two are alike!) and the charming beauty of the Grange Gardens. 10am β 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. Location: 1900 17th Ave. Santa Cruz, CA. Out back behind the green Grange Hall, in the Garden. Come pick your favorite!
CLAY INDEPENDENT LAB TIME
0 booked, 4 available Glazing
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.
Joy of Dance: September Dance Series at Soul Care Studios
Move your body, feed your soul, and experience the Joy of Dance this September at Soul Care Studios! πβ¨ Explore three unique styles of movement with three instructors throughout the month. Come for one style or experience them all! π Dance of Brazil & Beyond with Marsea Marquis Fridays | 10:30β11:30 AM September 4, 11, 18 & 25 πΏ Restorative Movement & Dance with Rita Rivera Saturdays | 10:30β11:30 AM September 12, 19 & 26 π₯ African Inspired Dance with Deb Voisin Sundays | 11:30 AMβ12:30 PM September 13, 20 & 27 These classes offer opportunities to move, express yourself, connect with others, and experience the joy of dance in a welcoming community. π Soul Care Studios 8035 Soquel Drive, Aptos π 831-535-8517
Wing Chun martial arts classes with instructor Marcus at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, meeting multiple times per week.
A Rare Opportunity to Learn from a 50+ Years Tibetan Buddhist Master
πΏ A rare opportunity to learn from a master with more than five decades of Buddhist study, practice, and teaching. This September, Land of Medicine Buddha is deeply honored to welcome Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Wangdu for an extraordinary three-week teaching series. For those unfamiliar with Tibetan Buddhism, teachers of Rinpocheβs generation and depth of training are becoming increasingly rare. He spent more than 20 years immersed in the rigorous study of Buddhist philosophy, debate, and meditation at Sera Je Monastic University, followed by advanced Vajrayana training at Gyume Tantric College. Today, he serves as Abbot of SegyΓΌ Tantric College. What makes this visit especially precious is the chance to encounter these teachings directly from someone who has devoted his entire life to studying, practicing, and preserving them within a living lineage. You do not need to be Buddhist or an experienced practitioner to benefit. Across three weeks, Rinpoche will guide us through some of Buddhismβs most essential teachings, including Lamrim, emptiness, bodhicitta, Buddha nature, mind training, and transforming anger, culminating in a White Tara Long Life Empowerment and retreat, with the opportunity to receive or renew the Bodhisattva Vows. π Whether you are simply curious about Buddhism, looking for practical wisdom for everyday life, or have practiced for many years, this is an exceptional opportunity to experience these teachings at their source. β¨ Join us for one evening, a weekend retreat, or the full three-week journey.
It's a family-friendly fiesta at the beach! Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community all weekend long. Enjoy the lively sounds of mariachi, dazzling folklΓ³rico dance performances, and a free beach concert on Saturday, followed by Salsa by the Sea on Sunday. Plus, experience all the excitement of Boardwalk rides and games, along with Latin-inspired food and beverage offerings throughout the park. -- Β‘Es una fiesta familiar en la playa! Vengan a celebrar las vibrantes tradiciones de la comunidad latina durante todo el fin de semana. Disfruten de mariachi, presentaciones de bailarines folklΓ³ricos y un concierto gratis en la playa el sΓ‘bado, seguido de Salsa by the Sea el domingo. AdemΓ‘s, vive toda la emociΓ³n de los juegos mecΓ‘nicos y las atracciones del Boardwalk, junto con una variedad de alimentos y bebidas inspirados de la cultura latina disponibles a travΓ©s del Boardwalk. Β‘Vamos a la playa! Visite bit.ly/Fiesta-en-la-Playa para obtener mΓ‘s detalles. EVENT SCHEDULE Saturday, September 26 β’ 11am-8pm: Rides Open & Flavorful Latino Food Offerings Available β’ 11am, 11:45am, & 12:30pm: Mariachi Santa Cruz on Colonnade Stage β’ 1pm, 1:30pm, & 2pm: Angeles Danzantes on Main Stage β’ 5pm-6:30pm: Band Maguey on Main Stage Sunday, September 27 β’ 12pm-7pm: Rides Open & Flavorful Latino Food Offerings Available β’ 3pm-6:30pm: Salsa by the Sea with DJ @its_dancing_time
Corralitos Farm and Garden Market
A small but mighty amazing community market. In beautiful Corralitos, which is located in south Santa Cruz county. The country feel is real with local produce, local flowers, local honey, baked goods, plants, crafts, and so much more. An amazing Jewel hidden in the south County of Santa Cruz also we are right next to Aldridge Park and the famous Corralitos meat market. See you all there. Rain or Shine. Located 127 Hames Road Corralitos 11-3pm plenty additional parkiing @Aldridgepark
Auditions are OPEN for βCOOL YULEβ β our festive Christmas spectacular! πΆβοΈ Weβre looking for talented and enthusiastic singers, dancers, and performers 50 years of age and older to join this yearβs holiday cast! β Big holiday energy π€ Great music π Fun choreography π One seriously COOL Christmas show! π Auditions: September 27th, 2026 β° Time: 11AM-2PM π Location: 222 Market Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Contact Sandi Jo for the music tracks 831 359-1601 Whether youβre a seasoned performer or ready to take the stage for the first time, come audition and be part of the magic! π Bring your talent. Bring your holiday spirit. Bring your βCOOL YULEβ!
Open Studios Preview Exhibition
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 in the program
Teen Girls Self-Defense Workshop
How do your Teen Girls respond to questions from 'stranger' adults, or even humans just a bit older? Be sure they know what to look for in different situations that could easily compromide their safety. Not all questions are innocent. In fact, that's how predators get your Teen Girls to trust them. They'll learn how to respond to Teen Boys too. Be sure they have the proper training to know how to deal with these situations, as well as know where to strike to stop a predator (it's not 'kick them in the balls')...we'll demystify all the myths, teach them the 'ploys' perps use, and give them the skills necessary to be safe. Click the link to register them before 9/20 to get the early bird reg investment of $133! After 9/20 investment is $153.
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 donβt 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!
Teen Robot Series - Santa Cruz Maker Studios
Teen Robot Series at Santa Cruz Maker Studios Join us for our 3-week Robot Series designed for teens (ages 11-17) who love building, problem-solving, and technology. Each Sunday, students will work through exciting engineering challenges while building and programming their very own robot. Time: 3 Sunday Sessions 12:30-2:30pm for teens (11-17 years old). Please see available sessions. Cost Overview: $245 per series (includes all robot materials) Register Here: https://scmakerstudios.com/robot-series-registration-form/
Join us at Aroma Restaurant 831 for Oktoberfest live beneath the redwoods in the heart of Ben Lomond, California! Two days of reveling outdoors with special German-inspired dishes, delicious drink specials, and dancing to live music! Heralding the Ben Lomond Tyrolean Inn days of yore, don your lederhosen and dirndls enter our costume contest for "Best Dressed Bavarian"! The fun happens 12:30 to 8:30 Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2026! Expanded patio seating and buffet style dining! Plenty of bier and drink specials, too! Show us your muscles at our beer stein holding competition! Enjoy the harvest of late summer as we turn toward golden autumn days!
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