Events - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Fri, Jun. 26

Food Truck Friday

Head to Skypark in Scotts Valley for the area’s largest food truck festival! Lots of excitement, more food vendors, the fabulous SVEF Beer & Wine Garden, amazing Live Music and face painting! Music Lineup: • April 24 (Starts 4:30 PM) — Music by Shady Rest Band • May 29 — Music by The Swag Tones • June 26 — Music…

Skypark, Scotts Valley, CA

Fri, Jun. 26

Free Movie on the Beach

Come join the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during the global soccer match tournament and unwind with a free movie on the beach. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will be playing “Kicking & Screaming” film starring Will Ferrell!

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA

Sat, Jun. 27

CRUZN SC Presents Leah Morales!

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk presents Leah Morales, the #1 female footvolley player in the U.S., hits Main Beach to show off her unbelievable skills live on the sand. Brought to you by CRUZN SC. 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Footvolley Exhibition Matches 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Youth Skills Session Then join the boardwalk for Evenings on the…

Santa Cruz Main Beach, Santa Cruz

Sun, Jun. 28

CRUZN SC Presents U.S. Beach Soccer National Team

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk presents members of the U.S. Beach Soccer National Team step onto Main Beach for a beach soccer exhibition like no other. Watch stars like Tanner Akol, Cody Valcarcel, and their teammates bring speed, skill, and serious talent to the sand. Brought to you by CRUZN SC. 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Beach Soccer Exhibition…

Santa Cruz Main Beach, Santa Cruz

Mon, Jun. 29

Hosted Board Game Night

Hosted Mic'd Board Games 5 - 8 Trivia 8 - 10 The Game Night Collective is a Santa Cruz-based board game community that creates welcoming, hosted tabletop events where people can discover new games, meet new friends, and enjoy structured game nights without needing prior experience. Unlike a typical board game meetup where players are expected to know games or…

The Cruz Room, Santa Cruz

Wed, Jul. 1

Summer Twilight Concerts

Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs…

Thu, Jul. 2

Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in…

Santa Cruz Harbor Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

Thu, Jul. 2

Music in the Courtyard

Head to Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! There is no cover charge and wine by the glass and light snacks are available for purchase. May 7, 2026: Alex Lucero May 14, 2026: James Durbin May 21, 2026: The Joint Chiefs May 28, 2026: Sambada June 4, 2026: Alex Lucero June 11,…

Bargetto Winery, Soquel, CA

Fri, Jul. 3

Free Music Concert

There will be food trucks, beer, and wine for purchase. Live music includes The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin. Locals Love: The front row view from the cliffs for viewing talented surfers. First Timers Miss: The lighthouse itself is a free museum for the history of surfing. Insights: There are public e-bike stations in front of the lighthouse and throughout Santa…

Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, CA

Sat, Jul. 4

4th of July Parade & Block Party

Join us for our annual Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade & Flyover. Parade begins at 11am (same route as last year). Celebrate Scotts Valley 60th bday bash at the block party 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (Boys & Girls Club Parking Lot) featuring: Live Music & Beer Garden hosted by Kiwanis Club of Scotts Valley Food Trucks by Food Trucks A…

Sat, Jul. 4

Firecracker Run

America turns 250 — and Santa Cruz runs! Join us for one of the county’s most beloved Fourth of July traditions, the Firecracker Run. The legendary 10K features the notorious “Thrill of the Hill” through Pogonip’s redwoods. The flat, fast 5K is perfect for families and fully ADA/wheelchair accessible. The 1K Kids’ Dash kicks off the morning for our youngest…

Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz, CA

Sat, Jul. 4

4th of July Parade

Would your family enjoy a parade with beach views and grey whale statues the kids can climb along the parade route? You could park at the Boardwalk and cross the scenic footbridge to the parade start! After the parade, explore the shops and restaurants along Seabright Avenue with very little car traffic to interrupt your stroll!

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz, CA

Sat, Jul. 4

Village Market

Held on the first Saturday of each month from June through October, this vibrant market offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, delicious foods, and live music. Enjoy family-friendly activities and meet talented local creators. Whether you’re shopping for unique goods, savoring local flavors, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Village is a must-visit event.

Ben Lomond County Park, Ben Lomond

Sat, Jul. 4

Pollution Prevention Outreach @ Cowell & Main Beach

Volunteer with us this 4th of July holiday as we engage beach visitors and encourage leave-no-trace principles, hand out trash bags to prevent litter from being left behind, and discuss why trash ending up in the ocean is harmful. *Please note this is NOT a cleanup event. Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us near…

Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

Sat, Jul. 4

Party in the Park

Was the world’s shortest parade just too… short? Never fear! There is more fun to be had at Aptos Village Park! There will be activities for the whole family: games food trucks vendors beer for sale to parents live music

Aptos Village County Park, Aptos

Sun, Jul. 5

Holiday Relief Beach Cleanup @ Cowell & Main Beach

Join Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup at Cowell & Main beach after the holiday! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us at the base of the stairs to Cowell Beach, located on the right side of the wharf entrance. Facilities & Accessibility: There are restroom and drinking fountains available. Parking is very limited,…

Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

Sun, Jul. 5

Holiday Relief Beach Cleanup @ Beer Can Beach

Join Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup at Beer Can Beach after the holiday! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us at the top of the stairs to the beach at 900 Vía Palo Alto, Aptos, CA 95003. Facilities & Accessibility: There are no restrooms or drinking fountains on site. Street parking is limited, please plan…

Beer Can Beach, Aptos, CA

Mon, Jul. 6

Vacation Bible Camp

A week of fun for 3 year olds through incoming 5th graders, July 6-10, 9am-12:30pm. An affordable, high quality week where faith meets fun, food, and friends! There are plenty of scholarships available if needed.

Boulder Creek Community Church, Boulder Creek

Wed, Jul. 8

Summer Twilight Concerts

Thu, Jul. 9

Sister Act, The Musical

Cabrillo Stage is a musical theatre company dedicated to presenting high-caliber, large-scale musical productions to the area. They are committed to the creation of musicals with Broadway-level production values. In this way, they foster educational opportunities while giving audiences the highest-quality family entertainment. They aim to be a destination point for the best of live theatre. Sister Act hits the…

Cabrillo College Crocker Theater, Aptos, CA

Thu, Jul. 9

PlayStation FC26 Tournament

Join us for the in-person FC26 tournament at Watsonville Youth Center, where the top teams will clash for championship glory and prizes. Register by June 5. Click the link below or here to register. GRAND PRIZE: 1 PS5 per person for the winning Team. Playstation 5’s donated by the San Jose Earthquakes Foundation. GRAN PREMIO: 1 PS5 para cada compañero…

Watsonville Youth Center, Watsonville, CA

Thu, Jul. 9

FIFA World Cup Activation

United Way presents FIFA World Cup Activations at Watsonville Youth Center with fun-filled activities! See below for each event detail: June 12, 2026 | FC Tournament Kick-Off – Celebrate the tournament kickoff with crafts, wellness, activities and healthy competition. July 9, 2026 | FC Tournament Semi-Finals – Join United Way for semi-final excitement, community activities, and mental wellness resources. July…

Watsonville Youth Center, Watsonville, CA

Thu, Jul. 9

Free Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts

Santa Cruz Harbor Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

Thu, Jul. 9

Sister Act, The Musical

Cabrillo College Crocker Theater, Aptos, CA

Thu, Jul. 9

Free Outdoor Movie Night

Grab some lawn chairs and some blankets and cozy up for this free movie night on Seabright! July 9: The SpongeBob Movie July 16: Legally Blonde July 23: Minecraft Movie July 30: Shrek August 6: Hoppers August 13: Goat

Murray St and Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Fri, Jul. 10

Summer Sundowner Concerts

Live music, food and wine overlooking the Lester Family Vineyards in the heart of Pleasant Valley. Friday, June 12 from 5-8pm: Music by Alex Lucero Band⁠ and Food by SnB Food Truck Friday, July 3 from 5-8pm: Music by B-Movie Kings and Food by Happy Dog Friday, July 10 from 5-8pm: Music by Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash and Food…

Lester Estate Wines, Aptos, CA

Sat, Jul. 11

Beach Cleanup @ Del Monte Beach

Join Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup at Del Monte Beach! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us at the entrance to the beach off of the Municipal Wharf 2 parking lot, next to the bathrooms. This beach is also known as Municipal Beach. Facilities & Accessibility: Restrooms and drinking fountains are available.…

Del Monte Beach, Monterey, CA

Sat, Jul. 11

Agricultural History Project

Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even drive a tractor and go on a hayride. Local Santa Cruz County 4-H clubs will be hosting their Annual Spring Fair. This action-packed day is admission free, and donations are…

Agricultural History Project Center and Museum, Watsonville, CA

Sat, Jul. 11

Glass Coasters Workshop

Make your own beautiful set of four glass coasters with Smithsonian artist, Annie Morhauser. Everything you need will be provided—glass, stencils, colorful glass enamels, adhesive feet, and expert guidance throughout the process. You’ll design and decorate 4″ glass squares, then load them into the kilns (don’t worry—they’ll be off!). Annieglass will fire your pieces for you, and you can have…

Annieglass, Watsonville, CA

Sat, Jul. 11

Drag Story Time

This event is a family-friendly program where drag performers from Drag Story Time Santa Cruz read children's books that highlight themes of diversity, self-expression, and community. Drag Story Time Santa Cruz is a collective of small Santa Cruz County businesses and organizations that are committed to offering Drag Story Time events to the community that are diverse, welcoming, and inclusive…

Branciforte Branch Library, Santa Cruz, CA

Sun, Jul. 12

Antiques Faire

The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.

Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire, Santa Cruz, CA

Sun, Jul. 12

Free Archery Lessons

Go learn about the Santa Cruz Archery Range and archery in general at this event. This free opportunity includes two sections for lessons! Preregister to save your spot in the link in the orange button above. This is limited to 15 participants at each lesson. Walk-ins are welcome but space is limited. Santa Cruz Archers has been around since 1968…

DeLavega Park, Santa Cruz

Mon, Jul. 13