Looking for a great event or festival? We got you covered!
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 Half Moon Bay.
To refine your search and focus exclusively on a specific travel destination, e.g., Monterey or Yosemite, please select the desired vacation location from our Destination Explorer and search away!
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.
Please scroll down the page 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 for 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 for 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
UCSC Music Center Recital Hall, 1156 High St. Santa Cruz (831) 457-9693
Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off — TBD for 2021
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Area Chefs compete to become the ultimate chowder king!
March
Hummingbird Day — TBD for 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 for 2021
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
This is the largest kayak surfing competition.
Cowells Classic — TBD for 2021
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
This is a friendly “without the intense competition” surfing competition.
SCPF Paddleboard Race — TBD for 2021
Cowells Beach, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
One of the first paddleboard races of the year.
April
Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt
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.
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 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
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 Beach, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Fly a kite and enjoy the beach with your friends.
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
Davenport Resource Center, 100 Church St., Davenport (831) 425-8115
Mexican food, exhibits, dance and live music.
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
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek (831) 338-3944
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 Airport, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville (831) 763-5600
Golden Age, Warbirds, Homebuilts, B-17, Aerobatics, Car Show, helicopter-Biplane Rides, fireworks and much more.
24th Annual Santa Cruz Longboard Club Invitational
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
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Visit Union & Confederate camps, and watch the reenactments Civil War battles .
Boulder Creek Art, Wine & Music Festival
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
Aptos Village Park, Aptos (831) 479-9814
Two days of music performed in a natural amphitheater surrounded by Oaks & Redwoods.
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
Pacific Ave. & San Lorenzo Park (downtown), Santa Cruz (831) 425-5422
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
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.
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.
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!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton (831) 335-4598
Discover the park’s nightlife under the moon and stars.
Laurel Park, Washington St. at Maple St., Santa Cruz (831) 420-6177
Juneteenth celebrates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Treat dad to a steam train ride and Chuckwagon BBQ.
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.
Mission Plaza Park, Santa Cruz (831) 462-4589
The fair celebrate the arts, craft, and culture of Japan.
Pro Am Beach Soccer Championships
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz 415-383-5425
A sand soccer tournament for kids and adults in Santa Cruz, California
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
Main Street, Soquel (831) 475-6522
Vintage motorcycles roar into Soquel!
July
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—July 7 – 13, 2016
UCSC, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz (831) 462-5293
10K Firecracker Race & Kids 1K—July 4, 2016
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
Scotts Valley Community Center & Skypark, Scotts Valley (831) 438-3251
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Soquel Dr. & State Park Dr., Aptos Village (831) 688-1467
Old-Fashioned Independence Day
Wilder Ranch State Park, Hwy. 1, Santa Cruz (831) 426-0505
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
Shakespeare Santa Cruz – Summer Festival
Theatre Arts Mainstage & Festival Grove, UCSC, Santa Cruz (831) 459-2121
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
44th Annual Wharf to Wharf Race — TBD for 2021
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 475-2196A scenic six-mile race with forty live bands.
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music — TBD for 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 for 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
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 for 2021
Siltanen Park, Scotts Valley (831) 440-5663
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music — TBD for 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 for 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
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 for 2021
DeLaveaga Golf Course, 401 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz (831) 423-7214
Summer Gathering of Mountain Men
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Scotts Valley Festival of Art and Wine
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 –
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
Races 9am, Festival 11am-5pm.
Race Thru The Redwoods – 8:10 – 10:30 a.m.
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 for 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 for 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 for 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 for 2021
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Art, wine, food and music.
Santa Cruz County Fair — TBD for 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 for 2021
Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz (831) 423-6640
Great family entertainment! This musical revue showcases a large cast of performers.
Mission Adobe Day – Noon – 4 p.m.
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 for 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 for 2021
Pajaro Valley (831) 763-5600
Live Music and Dance, Art and Culure
Big Basin Founder’s Day and Redwood Jubilee — TBD for 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 for 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 for 2021
Various locations, Countywide (831) 475-9600
Meet local artists in their studios. Purchase of calendar required for admission.
Pacific Rim Film Festival
Various theatres in Santa Cruz County
This annual Festival hosts international films. Admission is free except a benefit event on the last day.
Big Trees Scottish Gathering & Highland Games — TBD for 2021
Historic Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton, California
Celebration of Celtic culture! Music & dance.
Welcome Back Monarchs Day — TBD for 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 for 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.
O’Neill Cold Water Classic — TBD for 2021
Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz (831) 475-4151
Classic surfer competition
For a list of local area pumpkin patches, please go to https://explorer1.com/santacruz/santa-cruz-pumpkin-patches/. It has a comprehensive list of farms, reviews, and activities.
For Halloween inspired events, please go to https://explorer1.com/santacruz/santa-cruz-halloween-celebrations/
November
Free Family Festival: Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead — TBD for 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 for 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.
Getting your family’s Christmas tree can become a cherished family memory and the beginning of a new family tradition!
Multiple locations for pick and cut Christmas farms are listed at https://explorer1.com/santacruz/things-to-do/christmas-tree-farms/.
For additional holiday inspired events, please go to https://explorer1.com/santacruz/santa-cruz-christmas-celebrations/.
December
Santa Cruz Christmas Tree Farm Locations Late Nov & Dec.
Getting your family’s Christmas tree can become a cherished family memory and the beginning of a new family tradition!
Multiple locations for pick and cut Christmas farms are listed at https://explorer1.com/santacruz/things-to-do/christmas-tree-farms/.
For holiday inspired events, please go to https://explorer1.com/santacruz/santa-cruz-christmas-celebrations/.
Are we missing an event that should be featured in this section? Please let us know and we may add it! Send a name/description to us by clicking here >>
