Celebrate the day of the dead in beautiful downtown Watsonville. Enjoy family friendly activities, local arts vendors, community ofrendas, art installations and more October 30th from 3-7 pm. Coco screening in the plaza from 7:00 to 9.

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.

Enjoy a curated lineup of food vendors serving street food, desserts, and specialty drinks. With live entertainment and a curated maker market, every stop is built to be shared—friends, families, and first-timers welcome. You’ll find: 🍜 Street food + global-inspired eats 🍧 Desserts worth the stop (and the comeback) 🧋 Specialty drinks & refreshing sips 🛍️ Local makers + vendor…

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.

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.

The Halloween Aptos Chamber Parade is creeping into town, and you won’t want to miss it! Enjoy a fang-tastic time behind the New Leaf Community Market in the Aptos Village as the ghouls and goblins take over the streets. Dress up in your most creative and spine-chilling costumes and bring your family and friends.  There will be costumes, candy, and…

Every Halloween, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the City of Santa Cruz close down Pacific Avenue for kids to trick or treat! Watch for signs in the windows of participating businesses.​

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.

Bring the kiddos for trick-or-treating around the market With delicious food, festive drinks, live music, and plenty of Halloween cheer, this is one downtown celebration you won’t want to miss.

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.

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. Together you will: • 🚴 Bike, walk, skate, and roll through car-free streets • 🎶 Enjoy live music, dance, and…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

Are you holding onto boxes of sensitive documents? Not sure what to do with the shredded paper you've accumulated? (Shredded paper is not accepted in the curbside recycling bin.) Dispose of your confidential documents at our free Paper Shred Event on Saturday, May 9th from 9 am - 1 pm, at the City Hall Parking Lot (corner of Chestnut and…

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…

Join Save Our Shores for a river levee cleanup along the San Lorenzo River! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us on the river levee near the Mimi De Marta Dog Park, 119 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Cleanup will take place on both sides of the river from Laurel St to the river mouth…

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…

Join Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup at Salinas River State Beach! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us in the parking lot off of Monterey Dunes Way and Molera Road. Facilities & Accessibility: There are no drinking fountains on site, porta potty restroom available. Free parking available in large paved lot. How to…

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.

Join Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup at Capitola Beach! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us in the Esplanade Park at 120 Monterey Ave. Facilities & Accessibility: There are restrooms and drinking fountains available on site. Paid parking in the village is limited, additional large parking lot available at 426 Capitola Ave,…

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.

Over 50 craft vendors will offer unique jewelry, art, bags, pottery, candles, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, clothing, books and more. Friends of the Library Book Sale offers books for gifting and winter reading for all ages and interests. Bake Sale and Prize Raffle of vendor donated crafts hosted by Library's Advisory Council of Teens. Local food trucks Tacos el…

Make your holidays extra special with our DIY Christmas ornaments! Decorate 4 frosted glass holiday-shaped ornaments with gold & silver decorations. Take them home with you that day! Finished ornaments make great gifts for friends and family. The image shows finished ornaments. There will be stencils for tracing directly onto the glass and inspiration for decorating the ornaments. This workshop…

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…

Audiences are invited to the UC Santa Cruz Music Department Ensemble Showcase Concert.Information about this event is available at—https://events.ucsc.edu/event/music-ensemble-showcase-concert/—QUESTIONS?Contact [email protected] visitor information on the Arts Division website here

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…

Head to the Rio Theatre for a screening of TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing, followed by a conversation with one of the film’s directors and producers, Louis Massiah and Gina Dent, Ph.D. TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing (2025, 105 minutes) is a biography of the influential writer, filmmaker and cultural worker, who…

UCSC Wind Ensemble presented by the Music department.Information about this event is available at https://events.ucsc.edu/event/ucsc-wind-ensemble-fall-2026/—QUESTIONS?Contact [email protected] visitor information on the Arts Division website here

Join Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup at Hidden Beach! Registration is required, click here to register. Meet Up Location: Please meet us by the benches overlooking the beach near the end of the path, past the playground. Facilities & Accessibility: There is a bathroom on site and drinking fountain available in the park. Parking is very limited in…

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…

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…

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.

Make your holidays extra special with our DIY Christmas ornaments! Decorate 4 frosted glass holiday-shaped ornaments with gold & silver decorations. Take them home with you that day! Finished ornaments make great gifts for friends and family. The image shows finished ornaments. There will be stencils for tracing directly onto the glass and inspiration for decorating the ornaments. This workshop…

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…

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…

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…

UCSC Orchestra - Copland's Billy the Kid and Tchaikovsky's Symphomy No. 5 in E minor, Op 64Information about this event is available at https://events.ucsc.edu/event/orchestra-fall-2026-27/—QUESTIONS?Contact [email protected] visitor information on the Arts Division website here

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.

UCSC Jazz Combos presented by the Music Department.The UCSC Jazz Combos present a fall concert under the direction of Charles Hamilton.More information will be available here: https://music.ucsc.edu/news-events/—ADMISSIONAttend in person at the Music Center Recital Hall at UC Santa Cruz.Free for UCSC students (ticket required).Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.—ADVISORIESTicket holders not seated at least…

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.

UCSC Concert Choir presented by the Music department.The UCSC Concert Choir present a fall concert under the direction of Nathaniel Berman.Information about this event will be available at https://events.ucsc.edu/—ADMISSIONAttend in person at the Music Center Recital Hall at UC Santa Cruz.Free for UCSC students (ticket required).Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.—ADVISORIESTicket holders not seated…

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.

UCSC Chamber Singers presented by the Music Department.The UCSC Chamber Singers present a fall concert under the direction of Michael McGushin.Information about this event will be available at https://events.ucsc.edu/—ADMISSIONAttend in person at the Music Center Recital Hall at UC Santa Cruz.Free for UCSC students (ticket required).Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.—ADVISORIESTicket holders not seated…

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

UCSC Jazz Big Band presented by the Music Department.The UCSC Jazz Big Band present a fall concert under the direction of Charles Hamilton.Information about this event will be available at https://events.ucsc.edu/—ADMISSIONAttend in person at the Music Center Recital Hall at UC Santa Cruz.Free for UCSC students (ticket required).Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.—ADVISORIESTicket holders…

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 Local Creativity at the Winter Art Market! Join us on Saturday, Dec 12 from 10 am - 5 pm for the 14th Annual Winter Art Market at the Tannery Arts Center! Shop unique gifts from 20+ open artist studios, savor local bites, enjoy live music 🎶, engage in hands-on activities and check out the new public art installations! ✨…

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…

Flynn Creek Circus brings its all-human big-top production The Cricket & the Wren to Capitola for the holidays. The original fairytale features breathtaking acrobatics, aerialists, jugglers, knife throwers and comedy, blending classic storybook characters with imaginative new heroes. The show is designed to delight all ages.Performances run December 17 through January 3 with multiple showtimes; some evening performances are designated…

Shop local artists, makers and small businesses at this indoor holiday market at Hotel Paradox. Families can enjoy visits with Santa, photos and ornaments while browsing gifts from local creators. Free onsite parking is available for the day.

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…

Celebrate Christmas Eve with the 10th Annual Boulder Creek Reindeer Run, a festive 5K run/walk through Boulder Creek. Families, walkers, runners, strollers and pets are welcome, and costumes and holiday attire are encouraged. The event begins and ends at Junction Park and benefits the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District Foundation. Children age 12 and younger can participate free without…