Looking for a great event or festival? We got you covered!
Santa Cruz is much more than just a summer vacation destination. With its year-round events, indoor and outdoor activities, and tourist destinations there are many ways to keep yourself entertained throughout the year.
Here is our mini-bucket list of some of the top events and festivals in Santa Cruz! So let the good times roll and find your next BIG experience from our list of some of the most popular annual events and festivals in Santa Cruz California.
Please scroll down the page and click on a month to view our listings.
Ongoing Over Multiple Months
Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market –
Corner of Cedar & Lincoln streets, Downtown (831) 454-0566
Every Wednesday local farmers and vendors offer fresh and organic products
Tours of the Monarch Grove
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, CA
Weekends from mid-October through January at 11:00a.m. and 2:00p.m.
Meet at the visitor center for a guided tour of the monarch grove. Monarch migration is variable, to find out the current population, or to arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, call (831) 423-4609.
January
Santa Cruz Fungus Fair – TBD 2021
Louden Nelson Center, Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115
Wonderful event that features mushroom exhibits and cooking demonstrations. Bring mushrooms for identification.
Santa Cruz Bridal Expo – TBD 2021
Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz (831) 423-2053
Check out the area’s best photographers, florists, caterers, bakers, wedding and reception venues, entertainment, and other important services. Enjoy bridal fashion shows in the Sun Room, door prizes, and a valuable Grand Prize drawing!
February
Santa Cruz Baroque Festival TBD 2021
UCSC Music Center Recital Hall, 1156 High St. Santa Cruz (831) 457-9693
Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off – TBD 2021
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Area Chefs compete to become the ultimate chowder king!
March
Hummingbird Day – TBD 2021
1156 High Street, University of California Santa Cruz (831) 427-2998
Arboretum at UCSC – Annual Hummingbird celebration that features their feeding, mating, and nesting behaviors in the gardens.
Kayak Surf Festival – TBD 2021
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
This is the largest kayak surfing competition.
Cowells Classic – TBD 2021
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
This is a friendly “without the intense competition” surfing competition.
SCPF Paddleboard Race – March 19-20, 2016
Cowells Beach, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
One of the first paddleboard races of the year.
April
Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt TBD 2021
Capitola Beach, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Children (12 and under) have a wonderful opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny.
Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt TBD 2021
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Children & their families are taken to Bear Mountain where candy eggs are hidden.
Santa Cruz Half Marathon & 10K
Starts at Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz 408-356-0518
The Santa Cruz Half Marathon consists of a 13.1-mile run/walk along scenic West Cliff Drive past breathtaking vistas of the Pacific coastline.
The Santa Cruz 10K Run/Walk consists of a 6.2-mile journey along scenic West Cliff Drive past breathtaking vistas of the Pacific coastline.
19th Annual Ducky Derby TBD 2021
Harvey West Park, 300 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz (831) 479-4070
Adopt a duck and help the Santa Cruz Chapter of Omega Nu meet the charitable needs of the local community. Great prizes, food, games, live music & entertainment.
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Show TBD 2021
Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz (831) 688-8086
Their annual show features over 50 exhibits and approximately 20 dealers who offer rough lapidary material, equipment, gemstones, finished jewelry, books, beads, findings, minerals, and fossil specimens.
May
Capitola Kite Classic TBD 2021
Capitola Beach, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Fly a kite and enjoy the beach with your friends.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration TBD 2021
Downtown Plaza, Main & Peck Streets, Watsonville (831) 724-9005
Traditional Mexican foods and live entertainment are just part of this festival that takes place in downtown Watsonville.
Davenport Cinco de Mayo Festival TBD 2021
Davenport Resource Center, 100 Church St., Davenport (831) 425-8115
Mexican food, exhibits, dance and live music.
Santa Cruz Film Festival TBD 2021
Rio & Del Mar Theatres, Santa Cruz (831) 459-7676
The festival features hundreds of films from around the globe
Mother’s Day Walk: Women of Big Basin TBD 2021
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek (831) 338-3944
Day on the Farm! TBD 2021
Agricultural History Museum, 2601 East Lake Ave., Hwy. 152, Watsonville (831) 724-5898
Learn about life and work on a farm through activities such as sheep-shearing, butter-churning, and hay baling.
Watsonville Fly-In & Air Show TBD 2021
Watsonville Airport, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville (831) 763-5600
Golden Age, Warbirds, Homebuilts, B-17, Aerobatics, Car Show, helicopter-Biplane Rides, fireworks and much more.
35th Annual SCLU Longboard Invitational – TBD 2021
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 917-4371
Billed as the West Coast’s oldest competitive surfing event, it features amateur and pro surfers.
27th Annual Civil War Battles and Encampment TBD 2021
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Visit Union & Confederate camps, and watch the reenactments Civil War battles .
Boulder Creek Art, Wine & Music Festival TBD 2021
Downtown Boulder Creek (831) 338-2578
The festival is made up of over 200 vendor booths, and features live music and international food and local wineries booths.
16th Annual Santa Cruz Blues Festival TBD 2021
Aptos Village Park, Aptos (831) 479-9814
Two days of music performed in a natural amphitheater surrounded by Oaks & Redwoods.
Vintners’ Festival TBD 2021
Various Santa Cruz County wineries & restaurants (831) 685-8463
The event features wine tasting, winery tours, food, music, and art exhibits.
June
Santa Cruz Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride TBD 2021
Pacific Ave. & San Lorenzo Park (downtown), Santa Cruz (831) 425-5422
Vintners’ Festival TBD 2021
Various Santa Cruz County wineries & restaurants (831) 685.8463
The event features wine tasting, winery tours, food, music, and art exhibits.
3rd Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show TBD 2021
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Enjoy a day filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and good family fun at the beach! Call the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce at (831) 475-6522 for more information.
Festival at the Cement Ship TBD 2021
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos (831) 685-6444
Celebrate the unique history of the WW1 Concrete Ship Palo Alto, the natural wonders of Seacliff’s fossil beds, and the many animals that call the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary their home. Enjoy music, fun and food.
World Ocean’s Day TBD 2021
end of Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 459-3800
Celebrate our blue planet with free admission to the Center’s hall & aquarium. Come learn more – it’s your ocean!
Full Moon Madness TBD 2021
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton (831) 335-4598
Discover the park’s nightlife under the moon and stars.
Juneteenth Celebration TBD 2021
Laurel Park, Washington St. at Maple St., Santa Cruz (831) 420-6177
Juneteenth celebrates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Hats off to Dad TBD 2021
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Treat dad to a steam train ride and Chuckwagon BBQ.
Free Friday Night Bands TBD 2021
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free concerts that showcase stars of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Japanese Cultural Fair TBD 2021
Mission Plaza Park, Santa Cruz (831) 462-4589
The fair celebrate the arts, craft, and culture of Japan.
Pro Am Beach Soccer Championships TBD 2021
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz 415-383-5425
A sand soccer tournament for kids and adults in Santa Cruz, California
Woodies on the Wharf TBD 2021
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
Enjoy over 200 classic “woodies” on display at the Santa Cruz municipal wharf.
Bikes on the Bay: Soquel Vintage Motorcycle Show TBD 2021
Main Street, Soquel (831) 475-6522
Vintage motorcycles roar into Soquel!
July
Free Friday Night Bands TBD 2021
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free concerts that showcase stars of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
World Disc Games — TBD 2021
UCSC, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz (831) 462-5293
10K Firecracker Race & Kids 1K — TBD 2021
Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz (831) 439-7049
The Firecracker course start and ends at Harvey West Park with the tough climb in the middle, then a downhill finish.
4th of July Fireworks Celebration TBD 2021
Scotts Valley Community Center & Skypark, Scotts Valley (831) 438-3251
’50s Family July 4th Fest! TBD 2021
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Aptos 4th of July Celebration TBD 2021
Soquel Dr. & State Park Dr., Aptos Village (831) 688-1467
Old-Fashioned Independence Day TBD 2021
Wilder Ranch State Park, Hwy. 1, Santa Cruz (831) 426-0505
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition: A Magic Web – The Tropical Forest of Barro Colorado Island TBD 2021
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff, Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115
Shakespeare Santa Cruz – Summer Festival TBD 2021
Theatre Arts Mainstage & Festival Grove, UCSC, Santa Cruz (831) 459-2121
Art on the Wharf TBD 2021
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
44th Annual Wharf to Wharf Race – TBD 2021
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 475-2196A scenic six-mile race with forty live bands.
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music — TBD 2021
147 South River Street, Suite 232, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 426-6966
Considered one of the most distinguished festivals of new symphonic music in the United States.
18th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Bicycle Ride — TBD 2021
Starts at Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Dr., Scotts Valley (831) 460-1818
Features three challenging rides: 100 mi., 100K, and 50K. $40 reg fee. 6:30 am – 5:30 pm
August
Free Friday Night Bands TBD 2021
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free concerts that showcase stars of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
“Cops ‘n Rodders” Classic Car Show & Cruise TBD 2021
Siltanen Park, Scotts Valley (831) 440-5663
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music TBD 2021
147 South River Street, Suite 232, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 426-6966
Considered one of the most distinguished festivals of new symphonic music in the United States.
22nd Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival – TBD 2021
Ramsey Park, Watsonville (831) 566-1230
Strawberries take center stage at this celebration. Enjoy delights, foods, arts, crafts, and fun.
Shakespeare Santa Cruz 2016 Season TBD 2021
UCSC, Santa Cruz (831) 459-2159
This year’s season features Shakespeare’s glorious comedy As You Like It, his most sublime tragedy King Lear and Shaw’s Pygmalion.
Santa Cruz City Amateur Golf Championship TBD 2021
DeLaveaga Golf Course, 401 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz (831) 423-7214
Summer Gathering of Mountain Men TBD 2021
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Musical Saw Festival TBD 2021
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Scotts Valley Festival of Art and Wine TBD 2021
Skypark, 361 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley (831) 438-1010
Work from more than 80 local artists are accompanied by food, wine, music. Free admission!
Aloha Races and Polynesian Festival – TBD 2021
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
Races 9am, Festival 11am-5pm.
Race Thru The Redwoods – TBD 2021
Downtown Felton (831) 335-4323
10K Race and Kids’ 1-Mile from downtown Felton through beautiful Henry Cowell State Park.
September
Capitola Begonia Festival – TBD 2021
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 476-3566
This annual event includes a nautical parade, sand sculptures, fishing derby and much more.
Big Kahuna Triathlon – TBD 2021
Main Beach, Santa Cruz 877-366-7223
The Big Kahuna delivers the Spirit of Aloha for both serious competition or just for fun.
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition: A Magic Web – The Tropical Forest of Barro Colorado Island
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff, Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115
35th Annual Greek Culture and Food Festival – TBD 2021
Church St., between Cedar & Center, Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 429-6500
The 35th Annual Greek Culture & Food Festival Features traditional Greek foods and pastries, and live Greek music & dancing.
26th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival – TBD 2021
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Art, wine, food and music.
Santa Cruz County Fair TBD 2021
County Fairgrounds (2601 East Lake Ave., off Hwy. 152) Watsonville (831) 724-5671
Six days of fun in the sun! Fair activities include a large carnival.
The 53rd Anniversary Santa Cruz Follies! TBD 2021
Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz (831) 423-6640
Great family entertainment! This musical revue showcases a large cast of performers.
Mission Adobe Day – TBD 2021
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Santa Cruz (831) 425-5849
The living history activities include adobe brick making and tortilla making. Tour of mission.
Ohlone Day TBD 2021
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton (831) 335-7077
Learn about the Ohlone Indians culture, dance, dress, and food.
Monterey Bay Birding Festival TBD 2021
Live Music and Dance, Art and Culure
Big Basin Founder’s Day and Redwood Jubilee – TBD 2021
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, North of Boulder Creek (831) 338-8883
Celebrate where the movement to “SAVE THE TREES!” all began. The event features lively melodrama, music, historic hikes and games for kids.
Thunderbirds on the Wharf – TBD 2021
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 685-4718
T-birds line the Wharf at this annual Classic Thunderbird invitational.
October
Open Studios Art Tour – First three weekends in Oct. TBD 2021
Various locations, Countywide (831) 475-9600
Meet local artists in their studios. Purchase of calendar required for admission.
Welcome Back Monarchs Day – TBD 2021
Natural Bridges State Park, Santa Cruz (831) 423-4609
Discover why these amazing butterflies call Santa Cruz their home. Activities include: arts, crafts, games, and music.
Annual Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza! – TBD 2021
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos (831) 685-3317
A great family event that features many game and food booths, live entertainment and a fireworks display.
– Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Patches
Harvest Faire & Steam Festival TBD 2021
Roaring Camp, Felton, CA
Step into the incredible world of steam power at the Harvest Faire & Steam Festival presented by Kinetic Steam Works and Roaring Camp Railroads. Welcome Fall with heritage children’s activities like scarecrow making, pumpkin patch picking, candle making and gold panning. Behold steam-powered line shafts, player pianos, letter presses, printing presses and more! For tickets and information, call 831-335-4484.
Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party™ TBD 2021
Roaring Camp, Felton, CA
TBD 2021 — Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas™ and Percy™, for a 20 minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family.
Giant Pumpkin Contest — TBD 2021
Half Moon Bay—The gathering of titanic pumpkins will take place at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off! Nearly 100 participants will enter their massive pumpkins in hopes of capturing the coveted title and a share of $30,000 in prize money.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival — TBD 2021
Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA
45 miles north of Santa Cruz is the wildly popular Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. Admission is free.
Spooky or Not Spooky? TBD 2021
Saturday, October 27 at 1:00 pm
AND Saturday, October 28 at 11:30 am
A Big Basin special walk for Halloween! The walk in the forest focuses on the weird and wonderful.
Be Natural Youth Halloween Rock Concert — TBD 2021
Flynn’s Cabaret & Steakhouse in Felton (formally Don Quixote’s)
This is their biggest concert fundraiser in the Fall! BIG RAFFLE PRIZES! Great food, drinks 7 friends!! All TEN youth rock bands are performing!
Heritage Harvest Festival — TBD 2021
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz (831) 426-0505
Enjoy live music, wagon rides, draft horse demonstrations, harvest and decorate pumpkins.
The Missing Arm of William Waddell — TBD 2021
Big Basin Redwoods State Park (831) 338-8860
A 1/2 mile guided walk through a forest decorated in the spirit of Halloween. Walks leave every 20 minutes, from 7 pm. FREE
Floating Pumpkin Patch – TBD 2021
979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 454-7901
In addition to pumpkins, they’ve got plenty of other fun activities planned for the day, including games, prizes, music, popcorn, and pumpkin decorating, and the waterslide will be open!
Scotts Valley Haunted House — TBD 2021
Scotts Valley High School
555 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley, CA (831) 439-9555
It’s scary so no kids under 10 years old
Haunted Halloween Concert – TBD 2021
6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 479-6100
Celebrate Halloween with the spooky tunes from the Cabrillo College Piano Department.
Fish, Fins, and Flukes Fall Festival — TBD 2021
Seymour Center, Long Marine Lab, Santa Cruz (831) 459-3800
Guests will explore our marine lab’s Science Showcase featuring unique science artifacts, our skull collection, and a whale of a skeleton (or two!). Family crafts, El Buen Taco food truck, and live music from The Singing Scientist complete the day..
Spooky or Not Spooky? — TBD 2021
A Big Basin special walk for Halloween! The walk in the forest focuses on the weird and wonderful.
Halloween Parade — TBD 2021
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
The parade begins at 2:00 PM. Line-up at 1:30 PM in the Pacific Cove Parking Lot above Capitola Police Department and City Hall. The parade winds through Capitola Village and ends at Esplanade Park.
Enjoy refreshments, entertainment, goody bags, balloons, and trick-or-treating at Village merchants. This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce.
Halloween on the Wharf — TBD 2021
21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, California 95060
Join us for 13 days of frightful fun on the Santa Cruz Wharf October 19 – 31! Take part in the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, snap a photo at our scenic photo booth, dance to Thriller at Zombie Night and enjoy festive Wharf specials ALL 13 days! It all kicks off October 19!
Click here to see more Halloween inspired activities in Santa Cruz
November
Free Family Festival: Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead – TBD 2021
Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. (831) 429-1964
All ages will enjoy enjoy music and art activities. Admission is free.
Hot Rods at the Beach Car Show – TBD 2021
Over 500 classic & street rod cars will be on display. Also featured: raffles, food, music, and more. All proceeds are donated to the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association.
Santa Cruz Christmas Tree Farm Locations Late Nov & Dec.
Multiple locations for pick and cut Christmas farms are listed.
Getting your family’s Christmas tree can become a cherished family memory and the beginning of a new family tradition!
Santa Cruz Community Tree Lighting – To be announced
Corner of Pacific Ave. & Water Streets., Downtown, Santa Cruz (831) 429.8443
A community event that features Santa, Victorian carriage rides, tree lighting, holiday caroling, and food drive fro the needy.
Surfin’ Santa – TBD 2021
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Santa & his reindeer surf into Capitola Beach!
Santa Cruz Community Tree Lighting – To be announced
Corner of Pacific Ave. & Water Sts., Downtown, Santa Cruz (831) 429.8443
A community event that features Santa, Victorian carriage rides, tree lighting, holiday caroling, and food drive fro the needy.
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train – TBD 2021
Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers lend their voices to holiday carols, sip hot spiced cider and listen to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones, or the young at heart!
December
Santa Cruz Christmas Tree Farm Locations Late Nov & Dec.
Multiple locations for pick and cut Christmas farms are listed.
Getting your family’s Christmas tree can become a cherished family memory and the beginning of a new family tradition!
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train – TBD 2021
Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers lend their voices to holiday carols, sip hot spiced cider and listen to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones, or the young at heart!
Lighted Boat Parade TBD 2021
Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz (831) 475-6161
Decorated boats parade through Santa Cruz Harbor. This is a fun event for the whole family.
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade TBD 2021
Pacific Ave., Downtown, Santa Cruz (831) 429-8433
Marching bands, floats, horses, classic cars, and Santa parade down Pacific Ave.
Snow Night – Downtown Santa Cruz
Corner of Pacific Ave. & Cooper St., Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 429-8433
Children 12 & under can experience a “White Christmas” in this snow play area! Food donation required.
Holidays on the Ranch – TBD 2021
Wilder Ranch State Park
Two miles north on Hwy. 1, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426.0505
Experience the winter holidays as Santa Cruzeans did in the early 20th century with traditional games, crafts, and music.
Jingle Shells Art & Book TBD 2021
Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz (831) 459-3800
Their annual holiday celebration features ocean- and nature-inspired gifts by local artists and crafts people. In addition, there are plenty of children’s crafts, musical performances, and holidays decorated exhibit hall. The festivities conclude with the lighting of their outdoor blue whale skeleton.
The Nutcracker TBD 2021
Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre
2800 South Rodeo Gulch Road, Suite C, Soquel, CA 95073 (831) 477-1606
Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre boasts a fully professional orchestra for its annual “The Nutcracker” as well as a Music Director.
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