Wed
Nov
18
Drop-In Draw provides a live model and room monitor. There is no formal lesson and only dry media is allowed (no paints). ADVISORIES • These…
+ 6 more dates →Free things to do in Santa Cruz
204 upcoming, page 2 of 4. In person only, on purpose.
Wednesday, Nov 18
Wed
Nov
18
Join us every Tuesday night at Britannia Arms Capitola for FREE Pub Trivia! Two games. Two chances to win. Prizes handed out twice! 🧠 Game…
+ 4 more dates →Wed
Nov
18
As I Lay Dying headlines a free evening of metalcore, bringing heavy riffs and high-energy performance.
Thursday, Nov 19
Thu
Nov
19
Wings provides free birth certificates and notary services for people experiencing homelessness.
+ 5 more dates →Thu
Nov
19
Far West Fungi’s Santa Cruz Store & Café is launching Myco-Mixers, Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites…
+ 1 more date →Thu
Nov
19
Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Thu
Nov
19
Free Health Screening at Everyone’s Harvest Seaside Farmers’ Market! 1259 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside Stop by during the farmers market for: • A1C &…
Thu
Nov
19
Each year, 9 million pounds of pesticides are applied in the Monterey Bay Bioregion, causing childhood asthma and neurological issues, birth defects in marine mammals…
Thu
Nov
19
Advancing Ideas: Artificial Intelligence Monthly Meetup
Where: Idea Fab Labs Santa Cruz
When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Price: FREE
Join us at Idea Fab Labs for a monthly round table discussion that keeps up-to-date on emerging machine learning technologies, while pondering the cultural implications…
Thu
Nov
19
True Source Waters THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19TH @ 6:30PM
Where: Santa Cruz
When: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM · Price: FREE
Join us for an evening of Water Education!
Thu
Nov
19
Rebecca Coupe Franks / Trumpet Nancy Heth / Vocals and Piano
+ 4 more dates →Thu
Nov
19
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…
+ 1 more date →Friday, Nov 20
Fri
Nov
20
CSE Colloquium: Explore/Exploit in Human and AI Foraging and Creativity
Where: Engineering 2
When: 2:40 AM – 3:45 PM · Price: FREE
Presenter: Chris Kello, Professor of Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced Abstract: Exploring the unknown and exploiting the known are central to natural…
Fri
Nov
20
CreativeMornings: DEVOTION with Chel Mandell
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
When: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM · Price: FREE
On Friday November 20, CreativeMornings Santa Cruz is back at the MAH. For our DEVOTION event, we are honored to feature Rabbi Chel Mandell, a…
Fri
Nov
20
Fuel Reduction Workday at Big Basin Redwoods
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
When: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Price: FREE
This is a Fuel Reduction Workday, in which we manually clear fallen debris in select areas of the Redwood Grove of Big Basin, and by…
Fri
Nov
20
UCSC: Carlos Motta Exhibition
Where: UCSC Institute of the Arts and Sciences
When: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Price: FREE
Carlos Motta’s When Time Stands Still features new and recent installations, videos, and sculptures highlighting the artist’s preoccupation with the historical and aesthetic productions of…
+ 10 more dates →Fri
Nov
20
Demystifying Failure: The Necessity of Mistakes
Where: Academic Resources Center (ARC)
When: 1:20 PM – 2:05 PM
In this workshop, you will: In this workshop, you will: Move from “failing” to “flourishing” by learning to reframe setbacks and build resilience in academia…
Fri
Nov
20
Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
+ 2 more dates →Fri
Nov
20
Live Music Fridays and Saturdays
Where: Kissed By an Angel Wines
When: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Price: FREE
Enjoy live music from location musicians every Friday and Saturday. Venue is 21+ with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options.
+ 6 more dates →Fri
Nov
20
Scarlett Fyre "Weir All Grateful" Thanksgiving Party
Where: Aptos
When: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Price: FREE
Come see Scarlett Fyre play at the Grateful Red Barn; be grateful, be thankful, groove to the music!
Fri
Nov
20
Every first and third Fridays at Cat Alley Street, our beat conductors take you on a high-style ride showcasing underground street sounds- Brought to you…
Saturday, Nov 21
Sat
Nov
21
Cabrillo Farmers Market
Where: Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
When: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Price: FREE
Saturday mornings at Cabrillo College in Aptos, 8 to noon. A certified farmers' market with the week's fresh produce and plenty of free parking. Show…
+ 2 more dates →Sat
Nov
21
Every Saturday from late spring through fall, a circle of regional farms, local food businesses and makers set up their stands in Scotts Valley, 9…
Sat
Nov
21
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…
+ 4 more dates →Sat
Nov
21
Sit and Dharma Talk with Dawn Neal
Where: Insight Santa Cruz
When: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM · Price: FREE
Please join Insight Santa Cruz Guiding Teacher Dawn Neal (or guest teachers) for a silent meditation followed by a Dharma talk. This offering will take…
+ 15 more dates →Sat
Nov
21
UCSC Arboretum Gift & Wreath Sale Fundraiser
Where: UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
When: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Price: FREE
Discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted botanical gifts and festive holiday decor unlike anything else in Santa Cruz! Get ready to be inspired! For months, local Arboretum artisans…
Sat
Nov
21
Thrill the World Classes
Where: London Nelson Community Center
When: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Price: FREE
Join Thrill the World Santa Cruz for free community dance classes and spooky Halloween performances! Learn Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” choreography, no dance experience required…
+ 10 more dates →Sat
Nov
21
Castro Adobe State Historic Park: Open House
Where: Castro Adobe State Historic Park
When: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM · Price: FREE
If you love California history and our state’s cultural heritage, come celebrate with us at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park! Visit at the next…
+ 1 more date →Sat
Nov
21
Vaquero & Rancho Days Come Alive at the Castro Adobe!
Where: Castro Adobe State Historic Park
When: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM · Price: FREE
Vaquero & Rancho Days Come Alive at the Castro Adobe! Saddle up for a colorful journey into California's Rancho era! Castro Adobe State Historic Park…
Sat
Nov
21
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
When: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM · Price: FREE
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat…
+ 12 more dates →Sat
Nov
21
Get clear, unbiased info on 2026 Medicare options at HICAP?s Annual Enrollment Forum, November 21st, 11:00AM-12:30PM at La Selva Beach Library. Free event?call 831-462-5510 to…
Sat
Nov
21
Watsonville Woman’s Club: Holiday Native Arts Market
Where: Watsonville Woman's Club
When: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Price: FREE
Enjoy the second Holiday Native Arts Market in Santa Cruz County! Buy made in the USA by from a variety of indigenous artisans. There will…
Sat
Nov
21
Glazed and Amused Ceramics Market
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
When: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Price: FREE
It is never too early to start holiday shopping. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is here to help those ready to get…
Sat
Nov
21
Queer Movie Club Date: Every third Saturday of the month Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Ages: 18+ Cost : Free! Join…
Sat
Nov
21
Destiny's Birthright: A Local Playwright Staged Reading
Where: Scratch Studio
When: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM · Price: FREE
Good Egg Productions, along with Scratch Studio, present the first show in their 2026-2027 season, a staged reading of Isaac Ludington's "Destiny's Birthright." "Destiny's Birthright"…
Art & Culture
Sunday, Nov 22
Sun
Nov
22
Fresh produce, crafts, and prepared foods, every Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
+ 1 more date →Sun
Nov
22
We invite you to join us on Sunday, November 22, 1-4 PM as we celebrate the grand reopening of Ramsay Park. Explore the park’s remarkable…
Monday, Nov 23
Mon
Nov
23
Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
+ 3 more dates →Mon
Nov
23
Reiki Sound Bath with Dallas McKenzie & Jessica McCord
Where: Soulcare Studios
When: 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM · Price: FREE
Join Dallas McKenzie and Jessica McCord at SoulCare Studios for a restorative evening designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and unwind. ✨ This special…
+ 1 more date →Tuesday, Nov 24
Tue
Nov
24
California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and…
Outdoors
Free
+ 8 more dates →
Tue
Nov
24
UCSC Orchestra: Copland’s Billy the Kid and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64
Where: Music Center Recital Hall
When: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Price: FREE
Audiences are invited on a journey from the American Wild West into the rich depths of late-Romantic darkness, culminating in a triumphant finale as the…
Tue
Nov
24
Experience some of the highest and lowest tides of the year along the Santa Cruz County coastline. King tides can create dramatic high-water conditions and…
Family
Outdoors
+ 1 more date →
Wednesday, Nov 25
Wed
Nov
25
R.E.A.D: Reach every amazing detail
Where: Branciforte Branch Library
When: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Price: FREE
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one free reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12. By appointment only. Please, no drop-ins! To make an appointment, call 831-427-7713 R.E.A.D sessions are…
+ 1 more date →Wed
Nov
25
Open House: Aptos Village Park & Valencia Hall
Where: Santa Cruz County Parks
When: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Get to know two of our beautiful venues, Valencia Hall & Aptos Village Park, at our Open House.🏡🌟 Stop by from 4:30 to 6:30 pm…
+ 1 more date →Thursday, Nov 26
Thu
Nov
26
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
When: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Price: FREE
Get in the holiday spirit, celebrate the season at the beach! Enjoy a festive stroll through dazzling holiday lights and decorations at no cost. If…
+ 1 more date →Thu
Nov
26
BITE ME! No Cover • Last Thursday of Every Month Cat Alley Street (upstairs above The Catalyst), Santa Cruz https://catalleystreet.com A high-energy Goth / Industrial…
+ 4 more dates →Friday, Nov 27
Fri
Nov
27
Santa Cruz Creative Mornings
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
When: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM · Price: FREE
What is CreativeMornings? A free, live, monthly breakfast lecture series for creatives, community-builders, entrepreneurs, and more! Each month features a short lecture by a local…
+ 2 more dates →Fri
Nov
27
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Birding Walk
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
When: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Price: FREE
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the…
+ 1 more date →Fri
Nov
27
West Cliff Thanksgiving Outdoor Market
Where: Lighthouse Point
When: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Price: FREE
This one-of-a-kind market takes place along West Cliff Drive in beautiful Santa Cruz, overlooking the iconic Steamers Lane surf spot, a favorite destination for both…
+ 1 more date →Fri
Nov
27
Just in time for holiday shopping, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind…
Fri
Nov
27
Drop your letter to Santa in the North Pole mailbox on Pacific Avenue near Walnut Avenue, in front of Super Silver. Santa wants to hear…
+ 1 more date →Fri
Nov
27
★ Featured
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
When: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Price: FREE
Celebrate the holidays at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with festive decorations, light shows, rides, arcade games, photos with Santa and seasonal treats. Winter Wonderland…
+ 22 more dates →Fri
Nov
27
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…
+ 4 more dates →Fri
Nov
27
Free Health Screening at Watsonville City Plaza during the Farmers Market! 358 Main St. Watsonville Stop by during the farmers market for: • A1C &…
Fri
Nov
27
Jackie Greene at The Catalyst, November 27. Doors 7 PM, show 8 PM.
Music
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz
Saturday, Nov 28
Sat
Nov
28
Santa Cruz Mountains: Holiday Makers Market
Where: Felton Community Hall
When: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Price: FREE
Over a decade of Makers Markets in Felton! Let the holiday shopping begin! Head to the Felton Community Hall on Saturday, November 28 from 10am-5pm…
Sat
Nov
28
RAINBOW PLAYGROUP @ Raíces y Cariño (Community Offering)
Where: 7 Hangar Way suite b, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA
When: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Event: RAINBOW PLAYGROUP @ Raíces y Cariño Date: 4th Saturday of the Month Saturday, January 25 Time: 10:30 am -12:00 pm Location: RC Fam 7…
+ 2 more dates →Sat
Nov
28
Get ready for Santa Cruz County's first cozy book fair! It's like the Scholastic Book Fair meets BookTok meets a holiday market. You'll have the…
Sat
Nov
28
Paws for Cause - Shop Local & Give Back
Where: Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
When: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Price: FREE
Join us for a fun-filled day of shopping, food, and community at Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 11 a.m…
Festivals
Markets
Sat
Nov
28
Bring the family to welcome Santa to the shores of Capitola Beach! Santa will be riding the waves via Kayak for his annual visit to…
Add these events to your calendar: Google Calendar · Apple or Outlook · .ics file
Hosting something rad?
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.
Submit your event →