Celebrate fall migration through guided bird walks, workshops and community events around Santa Cruz County and the Monterey Bay region. Advance registration is required for field trips.

Gateway's Fall Festival is back! Come for the hay rides, stay for the tacos, and enjoy everything in between--inflatable obstacle courses, face painting, crafts, games, Gladiator battles, Penny Creamery--and more! All are welcome to enjoy this festive community tradition!

Dress up for a Halloween train ride and enjoy pumpkin decorating, character photos, live entertainment, bounce houses and a bubble station. The event runs on selected weekends Oct. 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25; reserve a train departure time.

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—and join us for the official worldwide Thrill the World dance on October 24 at 3 PM in Downtown Santa Cruz.

The Friends of the Scotts Valley Library will hold a book sale on Saturday, October 10th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Scotts Valley Library located at 251 Kings Village Road. Gently used books, dvds, cds, audiobooks, puzzles and games will be sold. Find books on gardening, crafts, cooking, travel, history, nature, humor, and poetry. Fiction and nonfiction…

Meet local farmers and explore working farms while learning how food is grown. South County farms welcome visitors Saturday, followed by North County farms Sunday. Check the activity guide for individual schedules.

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…

Explore artists’ working spaces throughout North County, from Santa Cruz neighborhoods to mountain communities. Meet makers and discover a range of techniques and media.

Enjoy the best of Seacliff! Get ready for an afternoon of fun at the 6th Annual Seacliff Village Street Fair! The adorable Doggie Parade kicks off the fair at 11:30 AM Delicious bites from the food trucks, Local Vendor Stalls Live music by the Steven Graves Band and The Joint Chiefs. Crafts Ice Cream a Kids’ Corner packed with activities.…

🎉 Join the Party at the 5th Annual Beach Hill Bash! 🎉 Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 10th from 1:00–4:00 PM and come celebrate 35 incredible years of hospitality, community, and global connection with the Santa Cruz Hostel! The Beach Hill Bash is back and bigger than ever, bringing together locals, travelers, neighbors, and friends for an unforgettable afternoon…

Family Friendly Fall Market at Woodhouse Brewery, 119 Madrone Street. Live music by Bongo and the Tontons as well as local vendors and fun fall treats.

Enjoy music, dancing and a social afternoon by the bay. All levels and a variety of swing styles are welcome.

Rio Theatre & Sante Adairius Midtown Portal team up to support Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship Join us for the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Adventure Night October 10th at 7 pm, Rio Theatre Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Join us when we…

The Banff World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide. Head to the Rio Theatre as they screen this all new Adventure line up of films featuring the BEST DAY EVER, the Audience Choice Award Winner and Best Film: Mountain Sports and five other engaging films.

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.

Welcome the monarch migration with butterfly-themed crafts, games, music and family activities while learning about monarchs and their winter habitat.

Browse handmade jewelry, soap, clothing and other locally made goods while enjoying free live music at Abbott Square.

Veterans, families, friends and community members are invited to an evening of remembrance, hope and support honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action. Flags may also be brought for respectful retirement.

The 32nd annual Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza is back!  Finish off your beach town weekend with a grand finale over the restored Capitola Wharf. This show is free and fantastic! 

Watsonville community members are invited to SOMOS Watsonville for a guided, interactive activity with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History alongside existing afterschool programming. This free, all-ages drop-in program is ADA accessible and materials are provided. Learn, explore, and connect with science and nature through hands-on activities.

PAWS Afterschool Club (Ages 7–10) Looking for something fun to do after school? Love animals? Join PAWS and discover what it takes to care for shelter animals while making new friends and learning through hands-on activities! Each week, children enjoy one hour of fun animal-themed education and activities, followed by one hour socializing with our shelter animals. They'll learn about…

Hosted Mic’d Board Games 6 – 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…

Voted the Best Elementary, Middle and Private School in Santa Cruz, Gateway’s campus is robust with purpose and play. From the creative haven of Kindy Island, to the muddy hands and bright minds in our Life Lab outdoor classroom, every space of our campus invites discovery. And don’t miss our middle schoolers diving deep into electives fueled by their passions…

Junior Animal Care Team (Ages 11+) Ready to level up your animal skills? If you love animals and want real, hands-on experience, the Junior Animal Care Team gives you the chance to go behind the scenes at the Santa Cruz SPCA! Start with a three-week training program where you'll learn how to safely support shelter animals and prepare for your…

Come to Peoples Coffee, the official Santa Cruz location for the Southmost events for the Golden Gate Gamemakers! Come join us as a branch under GGG known as Game Designers of Santa Cruz! It's a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games, get feedback on your own prototypes if you are a game designer, and get advice…

“Ni de aquí, ni de allá” (“neither from here, nor there”), is a phrase commonly used by bilingual, bicultural communities. In the exhibition the phrase becomes a bold declaration of dual belonging against a violent notion of nationalism and identity. Through paintings, immersive installations, sculptural works, and a curated soundscape, Marka27 invites gallery goers into a vibrant, layered world where…

We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It’s time to get your hands dirty! Join us and volunteer in the Museum’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington…

Connect with community and the UC Santa Cruz Farm at the annual Harvest Festival! Harvest Fest will have activities for all ages including face painting, flower pressing, pumpkin painting, cider pressing, tractor rides, live music from Sambada and Lucas Lawson, and more! Plus, enjoy food and treats from local food trucks, participate in an apple pie bake-off, connect with local…

Experience an old-fashioned harvest celebration with living-history demonstrations, crafts, games, music and heritage apple tasting at the historic ranch.

Catch artists you missed or revisit favorites during the final Open Studios weekend, when participating studios reopen across Santa Cruz County.

The Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Office invites families to a free, interactive afternoon exploring how elections work. Kids and adults can learn about voting and civic participation together through welcoming, hands-on activities ahead of the November 3 General Election. This countywide event is offered at multiple locations, including the Felton Branch Library, Watsonville Public Library and Simpkins Family Center. Check…

Enjoy live music, food trucks and local wine, beer and cider in a garden setting. The fundraiser benefits local youth, hospice and hospital programs.

Make a splash while searching for a Halloween pumpkin in the pool, then decorate it with seasonal crafts. Enjoy swimming, games, prizes and family activities.

Browse more than 40 local makers and artists on Pacific Avenue for a family-friendly Sunday of handmade goods and downtown exploring.

InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam and Anthology Launch Reading– How to Get Home in the DarkAre you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on October 20, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct, a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring the anthology launch reading of How to Get Home in the Dark:…

Join the Santa Cruz Public Libraries and California Film and Cultural Center for a free family movie matinee featuring Casper. Enjoy library popcorn or bring your own snacks for an afternoon movie at the Felton Branch Community Room. This monthly program is designed for families and is free to attend.

Rescue Readers is a special opportunity to read bedtime stories to our shelter animals while helping them feel calm, comfortable, and cared for as they settle in for the night. Kids can choose to read to dogs or cats and enjoy a cozy 30-minute session filled with stories, quiet companionship, and plenty of animal love. It’s also a wonderful way…

Are you looking to earn community service hours while making a real difference for animals? Join our Teen Volunteer Saturdays and get hands-on experience behind the scenes at the Santa Cruz SPCA! During this three-hour program, teens will learn about shelter life, help with important projects like gardening, cleaning, organizing, and creating animal enrichment, then spend time socializing and connecting…

ANNUAL PUMPKINS & PANCAKES EVENT Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM LOSD Farm | 1959 Merrill St., Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Join us for a fun morning at the farm with family, friends, and our Live Oak School District community! Pancakes will be provided, along with lots of fall activities for the whole family: - Pumpkin Patch -…

Watch amateur and professional cooks compete, then sample chili and vote for your favorite. Public tasting begins at 1pm, with awards at 4pm.

Pick up a barbecue lunch while supporting local Scouts attending Hi-Sierra Summer Camp in 2027.

Enjoy costumed dancers performing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, first downtown and then beside the bay at the Wharf.

Settle in for an outdoor screening of the PG-rated Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. Bring chairs, blankets and warm layers for a movie beside the bay.

Explore the restored two-story Castro Adobe and its museum-quality exhibits while learning about the Castro family, Vaquero culture, and life during California’s Mexican Rancho period. Preregistration is encouraged. Continuous rain cancels. Free admission; donations are appreciated.

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.

Enjoy a family-friendly night market at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds with a curated lineup of street food, desserts and specialty drinks, plus live entertainment and a maker market. Families and first-time visitors are welcome.

Drop in to decorate a mask inspired by animals, nature or something spooky. All ages are welcome to make a creative addition to their Halloween costumes.

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Collect candy from participating Boardwalk businesses and enter the costume photo contest. The package includes a collectible candy bag and a MyBoardwalk Card for games.

Put on your favorite costume and join friends and neighbors for a Halloween celebration with candy and festive fun in Aptos Village.

Trick-or-treat at Wharf businesses, enjoy a festive photo backdrop and watch a Thriller dance performance. Families can also take part in the Great Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt.

Calles Libres transforms downtown Watsonville into a vibrant, car-free space where people of all ages can walk, bike, roll, dance, connect, and celebrate everything that makes Watsonville unique. Inspired by Día de los Muertos, this free community event honors culture and community.

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.

Join Monterey Bay Aquarium staff for a special ocean-themed sensory play time for infants and toddlers. Interactive toys and activities introduce young children to ocean plants and animals. Designed for ages 0–3. Free.

Enjoy free admission to the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden on Community Day, held the first Tuesday of each month. Explore the Arboretum’s diverse plant collections and garden paths with the family. Children should be supervised while visiting the gardens.

InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring editor and contributor readings from Magpie On the Gallows anthology.Are you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on Nov 3, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct, a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring readings from editor and contributors of Magpie On the Gallows anthology.Magpie on…

Enjoy a free, family-friendly Jug Band Jam hosted by the Trolley Drops Jug Band on The Crepe Place garden stage. Sing along or bring a ukulele, jug, kazoo, washboard, guitar, fiddle or another instrument and join in; all instruments and experience levels are welcome. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to discover art and crafts for the season. Enjoy live music as you stroll through town, with food and drinks available for purchase along the way. A free community evening for families to enjoy downtown Boulder Creek.

Explore art exhibits, galleries, studios and creative spaces across Santa Cruz County during the monthly First Friday Art Tour. First Friday is free and family friendly, with participating venues and programs varying each month. Check the official event listings before heading out for venue-specific times and age-appropriate exhibits.

See hundreds of hot rods, street rods, vintage, muscle, custom and classic cars at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Gates open at 7am, with show activities throughout the day and the show closing at 4:30pm.

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Education Director for a guided walk exploring the San Lorenzo River estuary, where freshwater meets Monterey Bay, and learn why these habitats are vital for wildlife. This free, easy-to-moderate 1–2 mile walk is best suited for school-age children and adults. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and optional binoculars. Please leave…

Browse more than 50 sea glass and ocean-art makers in the historic Grove event center. Admission includes a chance to win a gift basket, and the event supports ocean conservation.

First Saturday Tours are a great way for families and visitors to explore the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and learn more about its plant collections. Tours vary with the season and guide, and may explore plants, birds, mammals, ecology and the adaptations plants use to thrive in different climates. Check the Arboretum website for current visitor details.

Step back into the history of Wilder Ranch and experience the historic dairy ranch during a family-friendly living history day. Explore the ranch setting and learn about life and work on the California coast. Event admission is free; the state park day-use parking fee is $10.

The Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) is pleased to announce its Fall/Winter season of exhibitions. On view are exhibitions highlighting two artists whose explorations in video, installation, painting, and sculpture examine some of the most enduring and challenging issues of our time: Carlos Motta: When Time Stands Still, a poetic and aesthetically rich exploration of the historical and…

Come explore science and nature with little ones during Toddler Tumble Time. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will share hands-on items from its educational collection for young children to explore and learn from. This free family program is part of the Museum's Vamos Afuera community programming in Watsonville.

Come see how Santa Catalina prepares students to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Our co-ed Lower and Middle School (PreK–Grade 8) and all-girls Upper School (Grades 9-12) are holding Open House events at our 36-acre Monterey campus. Explore our stellar academic programs, take a tour of campus, and talk to students and teachers about clubs, activities, leadership, and campus…

Join us for 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.

Shop antiques, collectibles, artisan goods and unique finds at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. A family-friendly opportunity to browse local and regional vendors. Check the official event listing for the latest operating details.

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.

Need holiday gifts and goodies? Browse more than 50 craft vendors offering jewelry, art, bags, pottery, candles, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, clothing, books and more. The Friends of the Library Book Sale offers books for gifting and winter reading for all ages and interests, and local food trucks will be on site. Free admission.

Supporting Second Harvest Food Bank Sustaining Sponsor Seacrest Fund/Peter & Maura Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. The tour will visit the Rio Theatre on November 14th with films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using film, art and ideas to inspire…

Explore more than 150 years of Quail Hollow Ranch history on Within These Walls: Ghosts of the Past at Quail Hollow, a docent-led tour of the historic ranch house. Volunteer docent Richard James shares stories spanning the property’s colorful past, including its connections to the era of Abraham Lincoln.This free two-hour history program is a good fit for families with…

InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring Lisa Allen OrtizAre you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on November 17, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct, a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring poet Lisa Allen Ortiz.Lisa Allen Ortiz is the author of two poetry collections: Stem winner of the 2021 Idaho…

Explore the restored two-story Castro Adobe and its museum-quality exhibits while learning about the Castro family, Vaquero culture, and life during California’s Mexican Rancho period. Preregistration is encouraged. Continuous rain cancels. Free admission; donations are appreciated.

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 reveal tide pools and stretches of beach rarely exposed at extreme low tide. Families exploring the coast should check tide timing and conditions, stay well back from waves and unstable cliffs, and practice responsible tide…

Come explore Quail Hollow Ranch under the moonlight on a guided hike along the lower trails. Search for nighttime critters and enjoy the forest after dark. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, drinking water, dress for the weather, and wear good walking shoes. Ages 8+; participants 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and advance registration…

Celebrate the holidays at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on select dates with festive decorations, light shows, rides, arcade games, photos with Santa and seasonal treats. The Boardwalk lists the event from Nov. 26 through Jan. 3, noon–7pm, on select dates.

Ride vintage excursion cars decorated with thousands of holiday lights through Santa Cruz streets. The 60-minute trip includes holiday sing-alongs, live music, hot cider and a Santa visit. Trains depart from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 5pm and 6:30pm; additional departures may be added.

Shop a holiday outdoor market along West Cliff with local makers, artists and seasonal gifts. Check the event page for vendor and weather updates.

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and Agricultural History Project present Holiday Lights 2026, a festive half-mile drive-through experience filled with illuminated holiday displays, giant Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, lighted tunnels and more. Holiday Lights opens November 27 and runs on select evenings through December 24, with special walk-through nights December 3-5. Check the official event page for the…

Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain, sip hot cider, greet Santa and enjoy winter-themed activities in the town of Roaring Camp.

Enjoy free admission to the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden on Community Day, held the first Tuesday of each month. Explore the Arboretum’s diverse plant collections and garden paths with the family. Children should be supervised while visiting the gardens.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare brings Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol back as a holiday tradition for the whole family, with a theatrical and music-filled adaptation in downtown Santa Cruz. Performances run December 3–24, 2026; see the official performance page for individual showtimes and tickets.

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation's 49th Annual Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair fills the Harvest, Crosetti and Fine Art buildings with handmade crafts and holiday gift ideas. The fair runs noon to 9pm Friday and Saturday, and includes walk-through access to Sparky's Holiday Lights, which come on at 5:30pm.

Bundle up in your tackiest holiday sweater and head to downtown Boulder Creek for arts and crafts, live music, food and drinks, plus an ugly sweater contest.

Explore art exhibits, galleries, studios and creative spaces across Santa Cruz County during the monthly First Friday Art Tour. First Friday is free and family friendly, with participating venues and programs varying each month. Check the official event listings before heading out for venue-specific times and age-appropriate exhibits.

Celebrate the season in Downtown Santa Cruz with a festive community parade featuring local groups, music, performers and holiday spirit. A family-friendly downtown tradition.

First Saturday Tours are a great way for families and visitors to explore the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and learn more about its plant collections. Tours vary with the season and guide, and may explore plants, birds, mammals, ecology and the adaptations plants use to thrive in different climates. Check the Arboretum website for current visitor details.

Watch beautifully decorated power and sailboats parade through the Santa Cruz Harbor shortly after sunset. Viewing is available from harbor paths and the East Harbor launch ramp; allow extra time for parking.

Shop local craft vendors, enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, take photos with Santa, watch performances and gather for the holiday tree lighting in Aptos Village.

Gather with family and friends for a holiday market with vendors, children’s activities, Santa, wine and seasonal fun at Hallcrest Vineyards.

Come explore science and nature with little ones during Toddler Tumble Time. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will share hands-on items from its educational collection for young children to explore and learn from. This free family program is part of the Museum’s Vamos Afuera community programming in Watsonville.

Celebrate Chanukah aboard Roaring Camp's festive train through the streets of Santa Cruz. The family-friendly evening includes Chanukah music, warm latkes and hot apple cider, games, treats and prizes, plus a ceremonial menorah lighting before departure. Security will be present. Tickets are required for guests ages 2 and up; children under 2 are free.

Relax and recharge this holiday season with a hands-on wreath-making workshop at Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm. Participants will create a winter wreath using locally sourced greens and natural decorations such as seed pods and fall foliage, with tools, materials and instruction provided by Farm Discovery staff. Holiday cookies and a festive beverage are included. The workshop runs rain…

Celebrate the season at historic Wilder Ranch with a Victorian-style holiday experience and family activities. The event is free; state park day-use parking is $10.

Enjoy holiday decorations and Wharf specials, see Santa arrive by vintage fire engine, take photos with Santa, play in a snow area, and enjoy balloons, face painting and other family activities.

Explore the restored two-story Castro Adobe and its museum-quality exhibits while learning about the Castro family, Vaquero culture, and life during California’s Mexican Rancho period. Preregistration is encouraged. Continuous rain cancels. Free admission; donations are appreciated.

Celebrate the season at the historic Felton Covered Bridge with handmade gifts from local artists and makers, live music, caroling and holiday lights. Food and warm drinks will be available in the park. Hosted by the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Santa Cruz County Parks and the San Lorenzo Valley Post. Rain or shine and accessible.

InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring Veronica KornbergAre you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on Dec. 15, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct, a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring poet Veronica Kornberg.A Bay Area poet, Veronica Kornberg splits her time between Portola Valley and Pescadero. She is the recipient…