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.

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.

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.…

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

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! 

“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…

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.

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:…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…