Events

Stuffie Hide & Seek Friday, August 1, 10am - 6pm Every day through December 1 A cuddly, book-loving stuffed animal is hiding in the Children’s Room—can you track it down? Explore the shelves, uncover fun books and surprises, and when you find the critter, let a librarian know to earn a sticker prize! This passive […]

Ice Skating by the Bay November 21 - January 4 Join us for ice skating by the bay. Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice […]

Chanukah Story Hour Monday, December 1, 5-6pm Free Please join Temple Beth El for a Chanukah Story Hour! We'll light the menorah, sing the blessings, read stories, and sing songs. Perfect for families with children of all ages! Your RSVP helps us plan for your arrival and keep in touch with any changes. Thank you […]

Community Day Free Admission! First Tuesdays, 9am - 5pm The first Tuesday of each month, Community Day, the Arboretum is open and free for visitors. See dates and times UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open. NOTE: Due to limited parking at the Arboretum and the popularity of Community Day, we greatly encourage […]

Ice Skating by the Bay November 21 - January 4 Join us for ice skating by the bay. Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice […]

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY -- and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready. From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories: […]

5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12) Tuesdays, 4–6pm September 2 – 30 A 5-week hands-on program where kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product—and discover how the 3DE Club helps young innovators build early entrepreneurial and leadership skills through 3D modeling and […]

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY -- and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready. From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories: […]

Ice Skating by the Bay November 21 - January 4 Join us for ice skating by the bay. Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice […]

A great selection of local artisan foodstuffs, delicious baked goods, and currently many unique, high quality options for grab-and-go lunch and dinner.

English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz 1st Wednesdays, 7-9pm, starting September 3 Join us on First Wednesdays for lively English country dancing in Santa Cruz at the  Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange No partner or dancing experience needed — dances are taught and prompted. Everyone is welcome! Gender-neutral roles/calling (Odds/Evens) Wear comfortable non-marking sticky shoes […]

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY -- and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready. From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories: […]

Winter Solstice, Stories & Crafts Thursdays 11am-12pm Learn how people celebrate this season of light and learn about the Winter Solstice through stories, songs, and lots of fun! Followed by a craft! This program takes the place of our regular Preschool Storytime & Craft. Preschool Storytime & Craft takes place in the Felton Community Room […]

Ice Skating by the Bay November 21 - January 4 Join us for ice skating by the bay. Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice […]

King Tide Walks at New Brighton State Beach December 4 & 5, 3-4pm Join Us for King Tide Walks at New Brighton State Beach! The king tides are almost here! King Tides are the highest predicted tides of the year. They occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align during new or full moons, and […]

Full Moon Hike at Quail Hollow Thursday, December 4, 6–8:30pm Join us for a quiet full moon hike at 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 we may try to hike […]

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol November 26 through December 24, 2pm & 7pm options Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Running November 26 through Christmas Eve at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz. Audiences can again expect a theatrical and […]

HOLIDAY POP-UP and coming!! Fridays-Sundays 10am-5pm, November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-13 & 19-20 Join us for a special pop-up for four weekends (Fri-Sun) starting THIS weekend, NOV 28-30! 1407 Pacific Ave. Sponsored by @firstfridaysantacruz Check our website scmmakersmarket.com for all the details!

Elkhorn Slough Free Tour of the Preserve Every Saturday AND Sunday, 10 am and 11 am Guided hikes with naturalists are offered at 10am and 11am every Saturday and Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for tours at the Visitor Center front desk. If you have questions, call (831) 728-2822.  

Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series Fridays 10am, August 1 - November 21 Session 1 August 8, 15, 22, 29th Session 2 September 5, 12, 19, 26 Session 3 October 3, 10, 17, 24th Session 4 October 31st, November 7, 14, 21st Fall cohorts now enrolling... Parenting is better together! If those early […]

Little Discoverer Infant/Toddler Fridays Fridays 10:30-11am Make Fridays memorable with the Museum of Discovery's Infant Toddler Class—a fantastic blend of play, exploration, and social experiences. Located in the party room programming changes weekly offering magical experiences for you and your child. Free with daily admission and no pre-registration required Ages 0-3 years  Join us and […]

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY -- and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready. From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories: […]

Ice Skating by the Bay November 21 - January 4 Join us for ice skating by the bay. Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice […]

Jazz at the Library Friday 12 - 1pm, August 1 Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians! In memory of her husband, bassist and jazz singer, Betty has created the William H. Nadeau Memorial Fund promoting and rewarding excellence in jazz performance. In partnering with the library, the […]

King Tide Walks at New Brighton State Beach December 4 & 5, 3-4pm Join Us for King Tide Walks at New Brighton State Beach! The king tides are almost here! King Tides are the highest predicted tides of the year. They occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align during new or full moons, and […]

Lego Brick Builder Fridays Fridays, 3-4pm Calling All Master Builders! Get ready to unleash your creativity and engineering skills at the Children's Museum of Discovery's LEGO Challenge Build Event! This exciting event is perfect for LEGO fans of all ages. Here's what you can expect: A Fun Challenge: We'll have a special build theme announced […]

First Friday Boulder Creek Sip & Savor 1st Fridays 5-8pm, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5 At First Friday in Boulder Creek, you can find unique arts and crafts at vendor booths throughout the downtown core, food trucks, and most months will include a special activity and/or kid zone on Forest […]

Sparky’s Holiday Lights Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, November 28 - December 24 Bonus nights December 22 - 24 Gather your loved ones and kick off the season— Sparky's Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Sparky is here to light up the nights (and your smiles) at this year's magical drive-thru and walk-thru […]

“Jack is Back” Holiday Performance Fridays & Saturdays 6pm & 8pm through the New Year Kianti’s celebrates 21 years of performances and is bringing “The Nightmare Before Christmas” back to life. This holiday performance features Jack Skellington, pizza spinners, dancing staff and a flame-raising kitchen. Shows every Friday & Saturday night October 10 thru the […]

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater Friday, December 5, 7 - 8:30pm Come see the cute, funny, Popovitch comedy pet show. Direct from the Vegas Strip. The cutest, furriest show on the strip will delight the young and the young-at-heart. This family show features more than 30 house cats, dogs, parrots, even a miniature horse and a mini […]

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol November 26 through December 24, 2pm & 7pm options Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Running November 26 through Christmas Eve at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz. Audiences can again expect a theatrical and […]

Sequoia Lights at Roaring Camp Fridays, October 10, 17, 24, 7:15 PM – Close Join us for a one of a kind lighted stroll, Sequoia Lights, beneath giant old-growth redwoods. Immerse yourself in the majesty of the ancient sequoia redwoods with this intimate new art and light installation in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Giant intricate […]

Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses....

Watsonville Holiday Shopping Sale Saturday, December 6, 9am - 4pm Watsonville Holiday Shopping Sale features products made, grown and produced right here in Watsonville, so get your Christmas shopping, decorating and entertaining list ready and support local businesses. Start your day at the El Pajaro CDC Kitchen Incubator in their Winter Market and then explore […]

The market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, wine, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cuisine, live local music and full espresso bar

Holiday Parade Downtown Santa Cruz 2025 Saturday, December 6, 10am Join us for our traditional holiday parade, the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration and the annual tradition of highlighting Santa Cruz County schools, youth based organizations and local nonprofits. The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators. Rain […]

Elkhorn Slough Free Tour of the Preserve Every Saturday AND Sunday, 10 am and 11 am Guided hikes with naturalists are offered at 10am and 11am every Saturday and Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for tours at the Visitor Center front desk. If you have questions, call (831) 728-2822.  

HOLIDAY POP-UP and coming!! Fridays-Sundays 10am-5pm, November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-13 & 19-20 Join us for a special pop-up for four weekends (Fri-Sun) starting THIS weekend, NOV 28-30! 1407 Pacific Ave. Sponsored by @firstfridaysantacruz Check our website scmmakersmarket.com for all the details!

Mike the Magician Winter Magic Show Downtown Library: Saturday, December 6, 10:30 - 11:15am Live Oak Library: Saturday, December 6, 1 - 1:45pm Join us for a magic show inspired by the most magical season of the year, a time of shorter days, colder nights, and annual celebrations of light. Come warm yourself this season with a […]

Ice Skating by the Bay November 21 - January 4 Join us for ice skating by the bay. Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice […]

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY -- and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready. From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories: […]

Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Saturdays 11am-12pm Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk […]

Aptos Tree Lighting and Market Saturday, December 6, 1-4pm Come out and shop local vendors, enjoy live performances, sit with Santa, and get in the holiday spirit and sing along to holiday carols! Kick off the holiday season with us at the Aptos Village Green! Enjoy a cheerful afternoon filled with local shopping, holiday treats, […]

Science Saturdays Saturdays 1 - 2pm Join us every Saturday from 3 - 4:30pm for fun and interactive science adventures at the Children's Museum of Discovery! Each week, we’ll bring learning to life through engaging science lessons, followed by hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity for all. From exciting experiments to interactive demos, Science […]

READ program with Ziggy the mini One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning  November 30 and December 1 READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment. […]

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol November 26 through December 24, 2pm & 7pm options Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Running November 26 through Christmas Eve at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz. Audiences can again expect a theatrical and […]

Rhythms from Around the World Saturday, December 6, 2:30-4pm Join Dror's engaging presentation, "Rhythms from Around the World," to explore diverse percussion instruments from the Middle East to West Africa, including the Bendir, Riq, Doumbek, and Djembe. Experience the rich history and unique rhythms of each instrument in this educational and entertaining musical journey! Dror's […]

Paint and Play Saturdays Saturdays 10:30am Unleash creativity and have a blast with colors at MOD's Paint & Play! Recommended for ages 4 and up, this informal class is perfect for anyone who can independently use a paintbrush. Learn a variety of fun painting techniques, from basic strokes to more advanced styles, while letting your […]

"Give Your Kids Wings to Fly" Saturdays 4-6pm Join this fun and interactive 2-hour workshop with your kids (ages 8–12) and watch them soar as high as their creativity and imagination can take them! This free workshop is led by the 3DE Club—an online after-school program that helps kids develop entrepreneurial, leadership, and financial skills […]

Sparky’s Holiday Lights Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, November 28 - December 24 Bonus nights December 22 - 24 Gather your loved ones and kick off the season— Sparky's Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Sparky is here to light up the nights (and your smiles) at this year's magical drive-thru and walk-thru […]

Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade 2025 Saturday, December 2, 5:30 - 7pm The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor. The parade takes place in the South Harbor between […]

“Jack is Back” Holiday Performance Fridays & Saturdays 6pm & 8pm through the New Year Kianti’s celebrates 21 years of performances and is bringing “The Nightmare Before Christmas” back to life. This holiday performance features Jack Skellington, pizza spinners, dancing staff and a flame-raising kitchen. Shows every Friday & Saturday night October 10 thru the […]

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol November 26 through December 24, 2pm & 7pm options Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Running November 26 through Christmas Eve at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz. Audiences can again expect a theatrical and […]

Organic produce from local farms, tree ripened fruits, dried fruit and nuts, fresh bread, pastries, seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and more

HOLIDAY POP-UP and coming!! Fridays-Sundays 10am-5pm, November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-13 & 19-20 Join us for a special pop-up for four weekends (Fri-Sun) starting THIS weekend, NOV 28-30! 1407 Pacific Ave. Sponsored by @firstfridaysantacruz Check our website scmmakersmarket.com for all the details!

Monthly Wharf  Walks Monterey, CA. February 22, 2021. Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf Association continues the monthly Wharf Walks with noted Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author, Tim Thomas. On Sunday, March 7th, the monthly "Wharf Walks - Walking Tours at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf that are held on the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 […]

Join us for a Very Aptos Christmas Market Sunday, December 7, 10am–2pm Our annual Holiday Market is Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10am–2pm, and we’d love to celebrate with you! Enjoy a joyful mix of makers and artists offering locally made treasures crafted with love. It’s the perfect spot to find heartfelt holiday gifts and support […]

Familypower Boundary Skills for ages 7-12 with their adults Sunday, December 11, 10-11am Boundary skills help people of all ages have more fun and fewer problems with people – including friends and family members! This program covers boundary-setting skills and strategies to stay safe with ourselves and others emotionally and physically. Learn how to use […]

Visit the fully restored Castro Adobe Saturdays 10:30am-3:30pm: March 22, May 17, June 14,  August 16, October 18 Sundays 10:30am-3:30pm: April 27, September 21, November 16, December 7 Castro Adobe is the first State Historic Park in the Pajaro Valley This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of […]

Ice Skating by the Bay November 21 - January 4 Join us for ice skating by the bay. Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice […]

The Farm & Garden Market is a small, friendly, open air market made up of local farmers and gardeners who grow within about a five mile radius of Corralitos. Seasonally we have the tastiest strawberries, blueberries, cherries, lemons, tomatoes, herbs, squash, potatoes, carrots, peas, beets, and avocados, as well as a variety of other fruits, […]

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY -- and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready. From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories: […]

Treasure Barn Holiday Gift Sale & Party Sunday, December 7, 12pm–4pm Join us for a festive afternoon at the Treasure Barn’s annual Holiday Gift Sale & Party! Enjoy refreshments, music, and good company while browsing a curated selection of art, gifts, and handmade goods. Featuring work from local artists and craftspeople, this is the perfect […]

Redwood Loop Tour – Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Sundays, February 16, 12 - 2pm Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Every Sunday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will […]

READ program with Ziggy the mini One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning  November 30 and December 1 READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment. […]

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol November 26 through December 24, 2pm & 7pm options Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Running November 26 through Christmas Eve at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz. Audiences can again expect a theatrical and […]

Sparky’s Holiday Lights Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, November 28 - December 24 Bonus nights December 22 - 24 Gather your loved ones and kick off the season— Sparky's Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Sparky is here to light up the nights (and your smiles) at this year's magical drive-thru and walk-thru […]

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol November 26 through December 24, 2pm & 7pm options Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Running November 26 through Christmas Eve at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz. Audiences can again expect a theatrical and […]