57 upcoming events · Main Beach · Wharf
Events at the Boardwalk, Main Beach and the Santa Cruz Wharf, plus the spots around them. For ride hours and tickets, check the Boardwalk's own site.
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Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, enjoy this scary movie filmed in Watsonville and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, in the historic Grove ballroom. Your entry fee includes one hosted drink ticket! A full bar featuring signature drinks (ID’s will be checked at entrance. 21+ only.) Snacks will be available for purchase Banquet chair seating. Premium seating is sold out.
EVENT TITLE: Mission Hill Surf Team & Club 30th Anniversary Paddle Out DATE: Thursday, October 9, 2026 TIME: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Paddle Out) | Dinner to follow LOCATION: Cowell’s Beach, Santa Cruz, CA COST: Free to attend (Dinner is no-host) DESCRIPTION: Calling all Mavericks past and present! The Mission Hill Middle School Surf Team & Club is celebrating 30 years of catching waves and building community in Santa Cruz. To mark this major milestone, a special 30th Anniversary Community Paddle Out will take place at Cowell’s Beach from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. All alumni, current members, families, and supporters are warmly invited to grab a board and join in the surfing, or gather on the cliffs to celebrate three decades of youth surfing. Following the paddle out, the celebration moves inland for a casual, no-host pizza dinner at Woodstock’s Pizza downtown. Come reconnect with old teammates, share favorite surf stories, and celebrate the program's enduring legacy. CONTACT/INFO: For more details, contact Jeff Osborne at [email protected].
Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Scout family and friends—you're invited to experience this exciting overnight event! Includes: • Camping under the stars on the Boardwalk • Exclusive Free Play in the Arcade • Dinner & Breakfast • Outdoor movie • Exclusive time on the Looff Carousel & Pirate Ship on Friday night • Sand Sculpture Competition • Event patch • Ride Wristband for Saturday • Discounted parking $99.95 per person Deadline October 4, 2026, or until full. Register today: bit.ly/Fall-Scout-Overnight
Check out the Classic, Vintage and Retro Thunderbirds on display then stick around to enjoy fabulous shopping and/or grab a bite at one of the many fine local eateries with the best views in Santa Cruz!
Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Scout family and friends—you're invited to experience this exciting overnight event! Includes: • Camping under the stars on the Boardwalk • Exclusive Free Play in the Arcade • Dinner & Breakfast • Outdoor movie • Exclusive time on the Looff Carousel & Pirate Ship on Friday night • Sand Sculpture Competition • Event patch • Ride Wristband for Saturday • Discounted parking $99.95 per person Deadline October 4, 2026, or until full. Register today: bit.ly/Fall-Scout-Overnight
🎉 Join the Party at the 5th Annual Beach Hill Bash! 🎉 Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 10th from 1:00–4:00 PM and come celebrate 35 incredible years of hospitality, community, and global connection with the Santa Cruz Hostel! The Beach Hill Bash is back and bigger than ever, bringing together locals, travelers, neighbors, and friends for an unforgettable afternoon filled with live music, local vendors, tasty food and drinks, family-friendly fun, and plenty of Beach Hill spirit. Come dance to live music, discover amazing local makers, enjoy delicious eats and drinks, and raise a toast to 35 years of bringing people together. Whether you’re a longtime local, a former hostel guest, or visiting for the first time, there’s a place for you at the Bash! 🌎 Celebrate Community. Celebrate Travel. Celebrate 35 Years. 🌎 See you on Beach Hill!
Enjoy music, dancing and a social afternoon by the bay. All levels and a variety of swing styles are welcome.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
This 5-day academic conference explores monsters in our culture. Oct. 14-18, 2026.
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, step out of our coastal fog to enjoy this scary movie, in the historic Grove ballroom. Your entry fee includes one hosted drink ticket! A full bar featuring signature drinks (ID’s will be checked at entrance. 21+ only.) Snacks will be available for purchase Banquet chair seating. Premium seating is sold out.
The 2026 Festival of Monsters Academic Conference (Oct. 14-18, 2026) explores how monsters and language intertwine with panels on monsters and communication, cursed texts, monster poetry and more. Monster-related games will be played. Comics writer Iván Brandon and bioethicist author Rosemarie Garland Thomson are scheduled to give the keynote talks. The academic conference will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel (313 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 950603) near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. There will be additional public events on Wednesday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 17, in downtown Santa Cruz. The Festival is sponsored by the UC Santa Cruz Center for Monster Studies . Current UC Santa Cruz students, staff and faculty may attend the conference for free. Free registration for the conference does not include food. Visit https://bit.ly/UCSCMonster26 to register.
This 5-day academic conference explores monsters in our culture. Oct. 14-18, 2026.
This 5-day academic conference explores monsters in our culture. Oct. 14-18, 2026.
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 Beach Boardwalk in the ONLY band review with warm sand, cool surf, and hot rides!
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
Trick-or-Treating on Halloween Day (Friday, Oct. 31st) • Trick-or-Treat your way down the Wharf from 3PM to 6PM! Photo Booth on the Wharf Stage • Snap a festive photo with your family with the scenic Monterey Bay and Lighthouse as your backdrop. Wharf Specials • Enjoy fabulous, unique specials from restaurants and gift shops perfectly catered to the Halloween theme. Offered all 13 Days except where noted in the link found in the orange button above. Click the link in the orange button above to find out more about an outdoor movie night, or when a thrilling dance mob might invade! The Great Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt • Bring your scavenger hunt card to the Wharf any day during the 13 Days of Halloween or pick one up at a Wharf Establishment. • Find the hidden pumpkins on the Wharf. Match their ghoulish image on your scavenger card and stamp your card. • Get 5 (five) in a row and turn your card into one of our prize centers for a Halloween theme prize! (Prize Centers are Bonnie’s Gifts, Surf City Surf Shop. Noland’s and Marini’s Candies) •Click the orange button above to check for printable Scavenger Hunt cards.
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! Experience the practical birthplace of performative liberalism and see Get Out , with a cocktail in your hand, in the historic Grove ballroom. Your entry fee includes one hosted drink ticket! A full bar featuring signature drinks (ID’s will be checked at entrance. 21+ only.) Snacks will be available for purchase Banquet chair seating. Premium seating is sold out.
Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili! Boardwalk admission is free! Just purchase a Tasting Kit to sample chili from dozens of competitors. Tasting Kits include eight (8) taste tickets, spoon, cup, and a People’s Choice ballot. Purchase your tasting kit(s) onsite at any ticket booth.
Join Us for the 30th Annual Strike Out Against Cancer Bowlathon! It's time to lace up your bowling shoes and help make a difference! Join WomenCARE on Saturday, October 24 at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Bowl for one of our favorite events of the year—a fun-filled afternoon of bowling, costumes, prizes, raffles, and community, all while raising critical funds to support local women facing cancer. Can't make it in person? No problem! Register a Virtual Team and collect pledges from wherever you are. Register as: A Team Captain (grab up to 4 friends!) Join an existing team Register as an individual bowler Create a Virtual Team Choose Your Session: Session 1: 1:00–2:15 PM Session 2: 2:30–3:45 PM Virtual Team: Fundraise from anywhere! Start collecting pledges today! Our goal is $500 per team, but we encourage you to aim even higher as we work together toward our fundraising goal. Every bowler receives: ✔️ Bowling shoes ✔️ One raffle ticket ✔️ Complimentary refreshments Prizes awarded for: Highest fundraising team Highest individual fundraiser Highest bowling scores Best team costumes …and more! Get creative! Pick a fun team name, dress in costume, bowl in honor or memory of someone special, and invite your friends, family, and coworkers to join the fun. Can't bowl? You can still make a difference. Please consider making a donation to support WomenCARE's free cancer support services in Santa Cruz County. Every dollar helps ensure no one has to face cancer alone. Register, donate, download pledge forms, and learn more: StrikeOutAgainstCancer.org Questions? Email: [email protected] ☎️ 831-457-2273 We can't wait to see you on the lanes!
Enjoy costumed dancers performing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, first downtown and then beside the bay at the Wharf.
Settle in for an outdoor screening of the PG-rated Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. Bring chairs, blankets and warm layers for a movie beside the bay.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, enjoy the Sixth Sense in a town that has been looking for dead people for centuries, in the historic Grove ballroom. Your entry fee includes one hosted drink ticket! A full bar featuring signature drinks (ID’s will be checked at entrance. 21+ only.) Snacks will be available for purchase Banquet chair seating. Premium seating is sold out.
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun! It’s always free to enter the Boardwalk, but if you would like to receive a collectible Boardwalk bag with a punch card for trick-or-treating, follow the link in the orange button above! Head to the Main Entrance photo op banner to take a costume photo to enter the costume contest. If you win, your prize will be mailed to you! Will you be brave enough to venture under the Boardwalk? Fright Walk has been upgraded with additional scares and more square footage. There will be some high-tech surprises and some good old-fashioned frights.
Trick-or-treat at Wharf businesses, enjoy a festive photo backdrop and watch a Thriller dance performance. Families can also take part in the Great Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
Check out hundreds of sweet hot rods, street rods, vintage, muscle, custom, and classic cars in the Boardwalk Parking Lot. Free admission!
Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival 60 Authentic Sea Glass and Ocean Artists plus ceramics, fabric art, mosaics, resin art and so much more. Located at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk inside at the historic Grove Sun & Bay View rooms overlooking the beach. Admission includes a chance to win a spectacular gift-basket. Four drawings per day. Full bar, Food, Kids get in Free! Saturday November 7th 10am-5pm Sunday November 8th 10am-5pm
Learn how to make a Turkish mosaic lamp in this Santa Cruz workshop! Book Now on Eventbrite!
Learn how to make a Turkish mosaic lamp in this Santa Cruz workshop! Book Now on Eventbrite!
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
The Boardwalk Holiday Bash is BACK! This is the ultimate holiday party for small businesses and groups—no stress, all fun. We handle everything. You just show up and celebrate! Tickets Include: • Buffet Dinner • Unlimited Soft drinks and iced tea • Free Arcade Play, including Mini Golf and Laser Tag • Photo Booths with festive props • Caricaturist and Airbrush Tattoos • DJ entertainment and dancing • Your favorite Boardwalk sweet treats • And more special surprises Cost per person: $69.99+tax Reserve Now: https://bit.ly/Boardwalk-Holiday-Bash Reservation Deadline: November 16, 2026 Advance reservations are required. Minimum of 8 for new registrations. Must be 16 years and older. Full, no-host bar open all evening. Drink tickets available for purchase for those 21+. For more information, email [email protected] or call (831) 460-3359.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
Come enjoy holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine!🎅 📸Take photos with Santa! ☃️ Checkout Wharf Business Specials! ❄️Play in the snow area with Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen! 🎈Enjoy custom balloon designs from Lee Balloons! 🎨 Get your face painted or feathers in your hair!
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 27 – 28 December 5 – 6 December 12 – 23 One hour train ride departs at 5pm on weekends, and 6:30pm on weekdays.
Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held near the wharf on Beach Street, at the Ideal Bar patio. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
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.
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