90 upcoming events · Esplanade & beach
Capitola packs a lot into a small beach town. Much of what happens here is around the Village, the Esplanade and the Wharf, with a steady run of programs at the Capitola Branch Library.
← All areas Aptos and Seacliff → Aptos farmers market →
The Travelling Book Club welcomes local author Nina Simon to discuss her newest book, My Sister is Going to Kill Me.
Denise will lead a tea ritual while we gather at her handcrafted tea table. This will include: meditation, tea tasting and getting to know each other around the tea table.
Conscious Connected Breathwork is a dynamic, full-breath technique that uses continuous, deep inhales and exhales through the mouth—no pauses, no holding your breath. The pace of your breath shifts throughout the session, creating a rhythm that helps release tension, unlock stuck emotions, and shift your consciousness. This powerful practice is accompanied by carefully curated music that guides the journey, allowing you to drop into your body and tune into the sensations, emotions, and insights stored within. New and experienced participants are welcome.
This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens.
This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens. Are you 55+ and want or need to re-enter the paid work force? This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens as well as arm you with the strategies, resources and confidence to support you in approaching and succeeding in today’s job market. Join a dedicated cohort of participants who will commit to attendance at each session, as each session builds on the previous session’s work. Please plan to bring your laptop (library will provide laptops for those who don’t have one). Registration is required and space is limited. Monday and Wednesday sessions are 10 am to 1pm. Friday sessions begin at 11 am. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=what+got+you&r=range&start=2026-08-24&end=2026-10-10 Session 1: Monday September 28 (10-1) Introductions, Self -Assessment with an emphasis on transferable skills, and possibility thinking. The case for hiring older workers. Session 2: Wednesday September 30 (10-1) Building the resume with accomplishment statements, background summaries, and cover letters. Deep dive into the use of CANVA. Nancy Jones and Nadine Burke Session 3: Friday October 2 (11-2) Incorporating AI and LinkedIn into your search with guest speakers David Dennis from Microsoft and Alex Murchison from LinkedIn. Session 4: Monday October 5 (10-1) Resume review Session 5: Wednesday October 7 (10-1) Surfacing job opportunities. Session 6: Friday October 9 (11-3) Interviewing skills. Launching the process. About the Facilitator and Guest Speakers Nancy Jones has worked in the field of adult career, leadership and talent development for more than 20 years. She has extensive experience in corporate, nonprofit and academic settings. David Dennis is Principal Program/Product Manager at Microsoft Alex Murchison is Senior Lead Product Counsel at LinkedIn Nadine Burke is a retired
Meow-wow! Learn about cats and kittens with special guests from the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.
Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12. By appointment only. Please, no drop-ins! To make an appointment, call 831-427-7713
This is a clinic for Softball Athletes 12+, designed specific to athletes by athletes. Throughout three 4-week sessions, athletes will focus on every aspect of becoming a complete offensive player. We'll cover hitting mechanics, swing fundamentals, approach at the plate, pitch selection, live pitching, front toss, situational execution, base running, and the mental side of the game.
Capitola City Council Candidate Forum Join Capitola Cares and the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce for a community forum featuring candidates for Capitola City Council. Capitola Cares is dedicated to strengthening community engagement and civic participation, while the Capitola-Soquel Chamber has a long history of hosting City Council candidate forums. Together, these organizations are bringing voters a neutral, community-focused opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and learn more about the issues facing Capitola. The forum will be moderated by Jody K. Biehl, Community Voices Editor at Lookout Santa Cruz. Biehl is an award-winning journalist and journalism educator with more than 15 years of experience reporting and editing in the United States and Europe. She is also a professor at UCSC. Candidates will respond to questions covering a broad range of issues facing Capitola. This is an opportunity to hear from the candidates, learn more about their perspectives and priorities, and participate in the civic conversation ahead of the election. Cant join in person? Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/@CTVsantacruz/live Want to submit a question? Email [email protected]
Join us every Tuesday night at Britannia Arms Capitola for FREE Pub Trivia! Two games. Two chances to win. Prizes handed out twice! 🧠 Game 1: 7–8 PM 🏆Game 2: 8–9 PM 💰 FREE to play Bring your friends, build a team, or come solo and join the fun. Test your knowledge, enjoy a pint, and compete for prizes at Britannia Arms Capitola!
If you love big band music, traditional or contemporary, then East Coast Swing is for you (7:00 Mondays starting Sept 17th). This is the basic Swing dance and is universal generally recommended for beginning swing dancers. It can be smooth or fast and is a circular swing dance. Jump in this fall with Becky Adams through Capitola Recreation, and get ready for your next event, big or small.
Come kick off the weekend early with The Thursday Night Wine Down. Grab a glass of wine at Cocoa Vino in Capitola Village and settle in for a musical journey through chill house music. I'll be playing a laid-back mix of jazz, deep, and melodic house from 7–9 PM. Bring some friends and hang out. Thursday Night Wine Down Music by Ryan James Cocoa Vino | Capitola Village 7–9 PM
This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens.
This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens. Are you 55+ and want or need to re-enter the paid work force? This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens as well as arm you with the strategies, resources and confidence to support you in approaching and succeeding in today’s job market. Join a dedicated cohort of participants who will commit to attendance at each session, as each session builds on the previous session’s work. Please plan to bring your laptop (library will provide laptops for those who don’t have one). Registration is required and space is limited. Monday and Wednesday sessions are 10 am to 1pm. Friday sessions begin at 11 am. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=what+got+you&r=range&start=2026-08-24&end=2026-10-10 Session 1: Monday September 28 (10-1) Introductions, Self -Assessment with an emphasis on transferable skills, and possibility thinking. The case for hiring older workers. Session 2: Wednesday September 30 (10-1) Building the resume with accomplishment statements, background summaries, and cover letters. Deep dive into the use of CANVA. Nancy Jones and Nadine Burke Session 3: Friday October 2 (11-2) Incorporating AI and LinkedIn into your search with guest speakers David Dennis from Microsoft and Alex Murchison from LinkedIn. Session 4: Monday October 5 (10-1) Resume review Session 5: Wednesday October 7 (10-1) Surfacing job opportunities. Session 6: Friday October 9 (11-3) Interviewing skills. Launching the process. About the Facilitator and Guest Speakers Nancy Jones has worked in the field of adult career, leadership and talent development for more than 20 years. She has extensive experience in corporate, nonprofit and academic settings. David Dennis is Principal Program/Product Manager at Microsoft Alex Murchison is Senior Lead Product Counsel at LinkedIn Nadine Burke is a retired
Play cards with fun folks every 2nd and 4th Friday.
In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
The Zentangle Method is a fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join Certified Zentangle Teacher Lisa Hoesing for an introductory workshop and monthly meetup.
New Moon in Libra: with an immersive landscape of sound, Peggy will guide you into a healing state of powerful intentions for the season.
Write a poem in a creative and supportive environment.
Local chapter of a global secular (non-religious) movement of people who meet to celebrate life together in congregations and communities around the world. Meets 2nd Sunday of the month 11am to 1 pm.
Sing your heart out! We will start at 5pm....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.
Presented by: Ruby Hernandez, Adron Beene, Susan von Thun or Erin Carlson-Jones with Joyce Leonard. Each Sunday, one of the musicians performs a sound bath. This is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in sound vibrations produced by instruments like gongs and singing bowls. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity by allowing the sounds to wash over the body and mind. Joyce offers Reiki, providing a moment of personal attention, inviting you to settle more fully into stillness and the healing experience.
The 32nd annual Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza is back ! Finish off your beach town weekend with a grand finale over the restored Capitola Wh arf. This show is f ree and fantastic!
Come for the songs, stay for the play!
This Spanish conversation group meets every other Monday. Contact Patrick for materials before each session at [email protected].
Practice reading to a trained therapy dog! Registration is required.
Join us for Storytime featuring songs, rhymes, and books designed to help preschoolers develop early literacy skills.
Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12. By appointment only. Please, no drop-ins! To make an appointment, call 831-427-7713
This is a clinic for Softball Athletes 12+, designed specific to athletes by athletes. Throughout three 4-week sessions, athletes will focus on every aspect of becoming a complete offensive player. We'll cover hitting mechanics, swing fundamentals, approach at the plate, pitch selection, live pitching, front toss, situational execution, base running, and the mental side of the game.
Join us every Tuesday night at Britannia Arms Capitola for FREE Pub Trivia! Two games. Two chances to win. Prizes handed out twice! 🧠 Game 1: 7–8 PM 🏆Game 2: 8–9 PM 💰 FREE to play Bring your friends, build a team, or come solo and join the fun. Test your knowledge, enjoy a pint, and compete for prizes at Britannia Arms Capitola!
These hands-on science workshops introduce Next Generation Science Standards skills through interactive projects.
Come kick off the weekend early with The Thursday Night Wine Down. Grab a glass of wine at Cocoa Vino in Capitola Village and settle in for a musical journey through chill house music. I'll be playing a laid-back mix of jazz, deep, and melodic house from 7–9 PM. Bring some friends and hang out. Thursday Night Wine Down Music by Ryan James Cocoa Vino | Capitola Village 7–9 PM
In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
Come join the magical world of D&D storytelling, where you can be a bard, a wizard, or a barbarian for a few hours and let your creativity run free.
Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
A crowd favorite band that is 3 generations deep! Playing classic Hawaiian music as well as contemporary. Hula is a must!
Sing your heart out! We will start at 5pm....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.
Presented by: Ruby Hernandez, Adron Beene, Susan von Thun or Erin Carlson-Jones with Joyce Leonard. Each Sunday, one of the musicians performs a sound bath. This is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in sound vibrations produced by instruments like gongs and singing bowls. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity by allowing the sounds to wash over the body and mind. Joyce offers Reiki, providing a moment of personal attention, inviting you to settle more fully into stillness and the healing experience.
Come for the songs, stay for the play!
Join us for Storytime featuring songs, rhymes, and books designed to help preschoolers develop early literacy skills.
Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12. By appointment only. Please, no drop-ins! To make an appointment, call 831-427-7713
This is a clinic for Softball Athletes 12+, designed specific to athletes by athletes. Throughout three 4-week sessions, athletes will focus on every aspect of becoming a complete offensive player. We'll cover hitting mechanics, swing fundamentals, approach at the plate, pitch selection, live pitching, front toss, situational execution, base running, and the mental side of the game.
Join us every Tuesday night at Britannia Arms Capitola for FREE Pub Trivia! Two games. Two chances to win. Prizes handed out twice! 🧠 Game 1: 7–8 PM 🏆Game 2: 8–9 PM 💰 FREE to play Bring your friends, build a team, or come solo and join the fun. Test your knowledge, enjoy a pint, and compete for prizes at Britannia Arms Capitola!
Come kick off the weekend early with The Thursday Night Wine Down. Grab a glass of wine at Cocoa Vino in Capitola Village and settle in for a musical journey through chill house music. I'll be playing a laid-back mix of jazz, deep, and melodic house from 7–9 PM. Bring some friends and hang out. Thursday Night Wine Down Music by Ryan James Cocoa Vino | Capitola Village 7–9 PM
Play cards with fun folks every 2nd and 4th Friday.
In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
Mystery Writers of America Norcal Chapter author panel.
Join a group of writers working together to improve their writing.
Step back into the golden era of ’70s pop-soul with Mark Van Haren—guitarist, vocalist, and lifelong devotee of the music that made AM radio magic. Raised on Stevie Wonder, Hall & Oates, Al Green, James Taylor, Steely Dan, Bill Withers, Bacharach, and the Beatles, Mark brings that era’s warmth, melody, and heart to life. His sets blend rich vocals, rhythmic guitar, and harmonically complex arrangements, mixing familiar-but-forgotten favorites like “Baby Come Back” with soulful deep cuts such as “Knocks Me Off My Feet.” Every song is chosen for connection—music that feels good, hits deep, and brings audiences together.
Join the costume parade behind a fire engine and the Soquel High Senior Band. The route winds through the village to Esplanade Park, followed by trick-or-treating at participating shops.
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.
Presented by: Ruby Hernandez, Adron Beene, Susan von Thun or Erin Carlson-Jones with Joyce Leonard. Each Sunday, one of the musicians performs a sound bath. This is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in sound vibrations produced by instruments like gongs and singing bowls. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity by allowing the sounds to wash over the body and mind. Joyce offers Reiki, providing a moment of personal attention, inviting you to settle more fully into stillness and the healing experience.
This Spanish conversation group meets every other Monday. Contact Patrick for materials before each session at [email protected].
Come for the songs, stay for the play!
Come join a community of readers who meet the 4th Monday of each month to hear poetry and discuss its curious powers.
Practice reading to a trained therapy dog! Registration is required.
Join us for Storytime featuring songs, rhymes, and books designed to help preschoolers develop early literacy skills.
Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12. By appointment only. Please, no drop-ins! To make an appointment, call 831-427-7713
This is a clinic for Softball Athletes 12+, designed specific to athletes by athletes. Throughout three 4-week sessions, athletes will focus on every aspect of becoming a complete offensive player. We'll cover hitting mechanics, swing fundamentals, approach at the plate, pitch selection, live pitching, front toss, situational execution, base running, and the mental side of the game.
Join us every Tuesday night at Britannia Arms Capitola for FREE Pub Trivia! Two games. Two chances to win. Prizes handed out twice! 🧠 Game 1: 7–8 PM 🏆Game 2: 8–9 PM 💰 FREE to play Bring your friends, build a team, or come solo and join the fun. Test your knowledge, enjoy a pint, and compete for prizes at Britannia Arms Capitola!
Take a deep dive into the cult classic that continues to draw in the quirky crowds with this 2025 documentary directed by Linus O'Brien.
Come kick off the weekend early with The Thursday Night Wine Down. Grab a glass of wine at Cocoa Vino in Capitola Village and settle in for a musical journey through chill house music. I'll be playing a laid-back mix of jazz, deep, and melodic house from 7–9 PM. Bring some friends and hang out. Thursday Night Wine Down Music by Ryan James Cocoa Vino | Capitola Village 7–9 PM
In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
Sing your heart out! We will start at 5pm....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.
Presented by: Ruby Hernandez, Adron Beene, Susan von Thun or Erin Carlson-Jones with Joyce Leonard. Each Sunday, one of the musicians performs a sound bath. This is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in sound vibrations produced by instruments like gongs and singing bowls. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity by allowing the sounds to wash over the body and mind. Joyce offers Reiki, providing a moment of personal attention, inviting you to settle more fully into stillness and the healing experience.
Capitola Plein Air brings 40 professional artists to Capitola to paint outdoors throughout the city. Families can watch artists work along the wharf, shore and streets, enjoy the Quick Paint event, and see hundreds of paintings at the final exhibition, competition and sale. Free to attend.
Artists set up their easels on the wharf, shore, and streets of beautiful Capitola, to paint live for four days. You’ll find hundreds of paintings on display, for sale, and entered into competition. You can take home a piece of Capitola culture, vote for your favorites for the People’s Choice Award, have a delicious meal from the food trucks, or get creative and make some art yourself!
Denise will lead a tea ritual while we gather at her handcrafted tea table. This will include: meditation, tea tasting and getting to know each other around the tea table.
Conscious Connected Breathwork is a dynamic, full-breath technique that uses continuous, deep inhales and exhales through the mouth—no pauses, no holding your breath. The pace of your breath shifts throughout the session, creating a rhythm that helps release tension, unlock stuck emotions, and shift your consciousness. This powerful practice is accompanied by carefully curated music that guides the journey, allowing you to drop into your body and tune into the sensations, emotions, and insights stored within. New and experienced participants are welcome.
Join us every Tuesday night at Britannia Arms Capitola for FREE Pub Trivia! Two games. Two chances to win. Prizes handed out twice! 🧠 Game 1: 7–8 PM 🏆Game 2: 8–9 PM 💰 FREE to play Bring your friends, build a team, or come solo and join the fun. Test your knowledge, enjoy a pint, and compete for prizes at Britannia Arms Capitola!
Come kick off the weekend early with The Thursday Night Wine Down. Grab a glass of wine at Cocoa Vino in Capitola Village and settle in for a musical journey through chill house music. I'll be playing a laid-back mix of jazz, deep, and melodic house from 7–9 PM. Bring some friends and hang out. Thursday Night Wine Down Music by Ryan James Cocoa Vino | Capitola Village 7–9 PM
Sing your heart out! We will start at 5pm....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.
Presented by: Ruby Hernandez, Adron Beene, Susan von Thun or Erin Carlson-Jones with Joyce Leonard. Each Sunday, one of the musicians performs a sound bath. This is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in sound vibrations produced by instruments like gongs and singing bowls. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity by allowing the sounds to wash over the body and mind. Joyce offers Reiki, providing a moment of personal attention, inviting you to settle more fully into stillness and the healing experience.
Quarterly meetings to support parents and educators. Join a welcoming and informative support group dedicated to parents and educators of children with dyslexia. This is a safe space to share experiences, learn about resources, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges and strengths of dyslexic learners.
Play cards with fun folks every 2nd and 4th Friday. Join us every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month for the card game, Hand & Foot. Cards and instruction are provided. All levels welcome.
Bring the whole family to a free community carnival hosted by Cradle to Career Santa Cruz County. Enjoy games and prizes, a live magician, face painting, entertainment and food. Free and open to the community.
Enjoy sipping local wines while strolling through our charming shops and boutiques in Capitola by the Sea.
Sing your heart out! We will start at 5pm....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.
Join us for Neighbors for Neighbors: Belonging Builds Community, presented by Housing Matters in partnership with Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Neighbors for Neighbors is a welcoming space where community members, both housed and unhoused, can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. The format for our meetings focuses on building community. The discussion is an active participatory experience. To register visit: https://housingmatterssc.org/event/neighbors-for-neighbors/ https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/15509566
Come join a community of readers who meet the 4th Monday of each month to hear poetry and discuss its curious powers. Come join a community of readers who meet the 4th Monday of each month to hear poetry and discuss its curious powers. Discussions facilitated by Paola Bruni, Elaine Fletcher Chapman, and Jessica Cohn. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/14321587 Poets in 2026 January 26 Joy Harjo February 23 Billy Collins March 23 Eavan Boland April 27 Arthur Sze May 18 * Emily Dickinson June 22 Gary Snyder July 27 Dean Young August 24 Lucille Clifton September 28 Sharon Olds October 26 Juan Felipe Herrera November 23 Ada Limon December 28 Jericho Brown *Note: Third Monday in May because of Memorial Day
Play cards with fun folks every 2nd and 4th Friday. Join us every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month for the card game, Hand & Foot. Cards and instruction are provided. All levels welcome.
Denise will lead a tea ritual while we gather at her handcrafted tea table. This will include: meditation, tea tasting and getting to know each other around the tea table.
Conscious Connected Breathwork is a dynamic, full-breath technique that uses continuous, deep inhales and exhales through the mouth—no pauses, no holding your breath. The pace of your breath shifts throughout the session, creating a rhythm that helps release tension, unlock stuck emotions, and shift your consciousness. This powerful practice is accompanied by carefully curated music that guides the journey, allowing you to drop into your body and tune into the sensations, emotions, and insights stored within. New and experienced participants are welcome.
Play cards with fun folks every 2nd and 4th Friday. Join us every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month for the card game, Hand & Foot. Cards and instruction are provided. All levels welcome.
Play cards with fun folks every 2nd and 4th Friday. Join us every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month for the card game, Hand & Foot. Cards and instruction are provided. All levels welcome.
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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