Inter|Act Spoken Word Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam with featured poet Luke Johnson.Are you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on November 18, 2025 at Satori Arts for Inter|Act, a FREE spoken word open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring poet Luke Johnson!Luke Johnson is the author of Quiver (Texas Review Press 2023), A…

PROMOVIENDO LA CONDUCTA POSITIVA: BERRINCHES Y LUCHAS DE PODER PARA FAMILIAS CON NIÑOS DE NACIMIENTO - 5 AÑOS miércoles, el 19 de noviembre, 2025 • 6:00 – 7:30 pm Asista a este taller GRATUITO de crianza para aprender: -Lo que su niño quizás esté tratando de comunicar por medio de su conducta -Cómo manejar la desobediencia sin atraparse en una…

Members and partners are invited to join staff in celebrating Lookout’s five year anniversary at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Join us as we celebrate five years of Lookout Santa Cruz and help us envision the future, looking ahead to the next five and beyond. From 6 to 7 p.m., explore the MAH’s galleries while enjoying local…

Come for great food and good vibes! Treat yourself to our mouthwatering specialty pub-style dishes, available for a limited time. They’re even better when paired with one of the Bay Area’s best craft brews. Specialty Food Available: Specialty burger slider of the week Chicken wings with buffalo, Korean BBQ, or cilantro-lime sauces to choose from Brussel sprouts with balsamic honey…

Presented by the Department of Performance, Play & Design The SpongeBob Musical is a Broadway production based on the popular animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants. It premiered in Chicago in 2016 and then debuted on Broadway in 2017, receiving 12 Tony Award nominations. The musical tells the story of SpongeBob and his friends in Bikini Bottom as they face the potential…

Event timeline: Welcome by Mayor of Watsonville Performance Convocation Santa Tree Lighting

UCSC Wind Ensemble presented by the Music department.UC Santa Cruz Wind Ensemble presents a fall concert. Directed by Nathaniel Berman.—ADMISSION- General admission- Free for UCSC students (ticket required).- Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.- Ticket holders not seated at least 5 minutes before the advertised start time may forfeit their ticket/seat and no refund…

Deep Roots Dance Festival is a stunning celebration of heritage, innovation, and artistic evolution. Each year, artists of the African Diaspora draw from traditional dance forms to create bold, contemporary works that reflect the depth and beauty of their cultural roots. This year’s festival features extraordinary artists from Congo, Haiti, the Caribbean, Kenya, and Senegal, along with poetry, visual art,…

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, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…

UCSC Chamber Singers presented by the Music Department.Join the UC Santa Cruz Chamber Singers for a fall concert. Directed by Michael McGushin—ADMISSION– General admission.– Free for UCSC students (ticket required).– Tickets available here online through Eventbrite only.– Follow the Music Dept on Eventbrite for notices and updates.– Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.– Ticket…

Dine, shop and explore the Seabright neighborhood while it has restricted car access and enjoy the walkability and views! You could win a souvenir with only one stamp! How to Play Get Your Gameboard – Pick up a gameboard at the harbor office, participating businesses, the county visitor center at the MAH, or download it here. Collect Your Stamps –…

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center,…

Fall Wreath Making Workshop at Santa Cruz Maker Studios! Celebrate the magic of Autumn! This is a cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll design and craft your very own fall wreath made with all real flowers and foliage, perfect for your front door, a gift, or a festive center piece. No prior experience needed! The materials will be provided and the…

UCSC Orchestra presented by the Music department.Bruce Kiesling conducts the UCSC Orchestra in a Fall quarter concert.—ADMISSIONGeneral admissionDoors scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start timeFree for UCSC students (ticket required)—ADVISORIESThis event is expected to have a full house and it is recommended to arrive earlyTicket holders not seated at least five minutes before the advertised start time…

Following a sold out run in 2024, A Christmas Carol returns as a holiday tradition for the whole family! Audiences can expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic play in the heart of Santa Cruz. Directed by Charles Pasternak and Alicia Gibson, A Christmas Carol stars Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with returning favorites Julie James, Charlotte Munson…

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 market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf spot. The…

Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter-themed activities. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Hot Cider Winter Themed Activities DATES November 28 – 30 December 6 – 7 December 13 – 14 December 20 –…

A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the…

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2025 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 28, 2025 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Christmas Eve. HOLIDAY LIGHTS is over a 1/2 mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you.…

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, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…

A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the…

Gather your loved ones and head to the Boardwalk’s Main Plaza to kick off Winter Wonderland with a tree lighting countdown and festive drone show! Enjoy free entertainment, cookies, and hot cocoa as you help up light up the Boardwalk with holiday cheer! Schedule: 12pm: Park Opens 5pm: Performance by Soquel Jazz Band 5pm: Complimentary Cookies & Hot Cocoa while…

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center,…

Inter|Act Spoken Word Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring Santa Cruz Youth Poets LaureatesAre you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on December 2, 2025 at Satori Arts for Inter|Act, a FREE spoken word open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring the Santa Cruz Youth Poets Laureate!Please welcome four members of the Santa Cruz…

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 lowest tides hit our shores and create an even more dramatic coastline. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The extreme low tides, expose tide…

This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat,…

Mi Casa es Tu Casa is an annual Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit inspired by the traditional holiday of Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico and beyond through altars to remember and honor those who have passed. This cherished tradition brings together families, communities and friends as they prepare to welcome the spirits back each year. PVA…

Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though you may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. For ages 8 &…

On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have…

Meet Santa Cruz Artists and Makers and take home some hand-made delights at the Frost Fest Holiday Market! Locally-made jewelry, crochet, stained glass, art, and much more for sale by local vendors in the MAH atrium. First Friday, December 5th, 5-9 PM Frost Fest, December 6th, 12-5 PM

Curated by Donna Mekis (poetry) and Rose Sellery (visual art), with broadside design by Gary Young, Director of the Cowell Press at UC Santa Cruz, Broadsides No. 2 invites audiences to experience how the union of word and image can expand the possibilities of both forms.​​​ 

Ho, ho, ho! They’re at it again! Start out at Abbott Square in downtown Santa Cruz for the annual shenanigans wandering throughout the city. Part festive interaction with our community, part pub crawl — total silly fun!  This is free to attend.  No tickets or registration is required. For ages 21+

UCSC Concert Choir presented by the Music department.The UCSC Concert Choir presents a fall quarter concert. Directed by Nathaniel Berman.—ADMISSION- General admission- Free for UCSC students (ticket required).- Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.- Ticket holders not seated at least 5 minutes before the advertised start time may forfeit their ticket/seat and no refund…

So many wonderful things are made from start to finish in the Pajaro Valley right here in Santa Cruz County! Get some holiday shopping done right from the factory! Driscoll’s Berry Store – Fresh berries and Driscoll’s Branded attire and products Annieglass – Handmade glass dinnerware, serve-ware, decor and jewelry. Martinelli Company Store – Martinelli Juice and Cider. Martinelli Branded…

UCSC Jazz Combos presented by the Music Department.The UCSC Jazz Ensembles present a spring quarter concert with the UCSC Small Jazz Combos followed by the UCSC Jazz Big Band.—ADMISSION- General admission- Free for UCSC students (ticket required).- Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.- Ticket holders not seated at least 5 minutes before the advertised…

This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. Please…

Go for the crafts, stay for the joy and find one of a kind gifts made with heart! Stroll through a beachy winter wonderland of local vendors featuring: Pottery Paintings Candies Jewelry Wind Chimes Knitted Treasures & More! Enjoy drinks from a no-host bar, featuring holiday cocktails available for purchase. Santa Claus will be stopping by for photos and holiday…

Follow along with local artist, Ana of Follow the Sun, to create your own Holiday Palm inspired masterpiece! In just two hours you will be guided, step by step, in creating the painting of the day. Great for complete beginners and seasoned creatives alike. You have the freedom to add your personal touch – tweak the colors & composition, or…

Food, wine, wonderful musicWhy we became musicians...Espressivo is the small, intense orchestra that is making big news in Santa Cruz County. Comprised of regional professional musicians, Espressivo presents select masterpieces of classical music composed for 12-26 players. Espressivo was founded in 2015 by Michel Singher after his career as a conductor of major international orchestras and opera companies. Now in…

UCSC Jazz Big Band with guest artist Benny Green presented by the Music Department.Join the UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band for a fall concert with guest artist Benny Green. Directed by Charles Hamilton.—ADMISSION– General admission.– Free for UCSC students (ticket required).– Tickets available here online through Eventbrite only.– Follow the Music Dept on Eventbrite for notices and updates.– Doors…