Besides the main attractions you just have to visit in Santa Cruz, there are always some great Santa Cruz events going on. Use the list below to find out what’s going on NOW and don’t forget to check the list of best annual events. To post your own event in Santa Cruz, let us know from our contact page and once approved we’ll add it to this page.
Santa Cruz Events – Blues Festival
UCSC Arboretum volunteer training classes
Each year, the Arboretum holds a six week training session for its volunteers, especially tour guides, people to meet and greet, gift shop staff, and librarians. If you have a love for flora, you won’t want to miss this opportunity, which begins January 12th. For more information, visit http://arboretum.ucsc.edu/pdfs/Bulletin3503.pdf
Seymour Center
Enjoy community free Friday at the Seymour Center and experience fascinating marine-life exhibits without charge! JANUARY 13, 2012
831.459.3800
http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/
Wine Passport Program
Seize this opportunity to visit wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This Santa Cruz event is not normally open to the public. $40/ person
January 21, 2012
http://www.scmwa.com/
Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival
Chocolate tastings from more than 30 area vendors, live jazz, as well as several gift items for sale. Free festival admission; tasting tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door; monies benefit reentry student scholarships at UCSC.
January 22, 2012
http://www.santacruzchocolatefestival.org/
Ano Nuevo State Park
On January 28, 2012, enjoy Seal Adventure Saturday. Tickets allow you to linger for a morning or afternoon of seal watching at the peak of breeding season. Tickets for the Seal Adventure may be purchased online for $50/person at http://www.smcnha.org/seal_adventure.html
Santa Cruz County Symphony Concert “Certified Organic”
Not all of Santa Cruz County’s organic treats are found at the Farmer’s Market. The Symphony performs two of the greatest works for organ, Poulenc’s Organ Concerto and Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony, with San Francisco Symphony organist Jonathan Dimmock.
January 28-29, 2012; call for tickets 831.420.5260
http://www.santacruzsymphony.org/
Cocoanut Grove Santa Cruz Bridal Expo
January 29, 2012; 10am- 4pm
Find all the information you need to plan the perfect wedding. Talk with more then 100 wedding specialists and service representatives from the Monterey Bay area. $7 at the door; $2 coupon at
http://www.cocoanutgrovesantacruz.com/
Natural Bridges Migration Festival
Learn about migratory animals while bidding farewell to migrating butterflies. Free admission to this Santa Cruz event. February 12, 2012
831.423.4609
http://www.thatsmypark.org/
Neary Lagoon & U.C. Santa Cruz Arboretum
Ohlone Audubon, Santa Cruz, CA
Feb. 12, Sat. 9:00am
Join the Ohlone Audubon for an extraordinary birding opportunity in Neary Lagoon.
http://www.ohloneaudubon.org/
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Clam Chowder Cook-Off; Saturday, February 25, 2012
Come watch wacky chefs compete for the title of best clam chowder at this annual fundraiser for Santa Cruz City Parks and Recreation! One of the more delicious Santa Cruz events!
http://www.beachboardwalk.com/clamchowder/
Seymour Center
Enjoy community free Friday at the Seymour Center and experience fascinating marine-life exhibits without charge! March 9, 2012
831.459.3800
http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/
Santa Cruz Paddlefest
Join in the the 26th annual Santa Cruz Paddlefest. This is the largest paddle powered surf contest in the world in kayaking, wave skiing and stand-up paddling. Featuring nightly parties, surf demos and a stand-up race. March 16-18, 2012
831.458.3648
http://www.asudoit.com/
Central Coast Home and Garden Expo
If you are in need of home improvement ideas, come to the Central Coast Home & Garden Expo. Culinary demonstrations and wine tasting. The first 200 people through the door win free T-shirts, plants, and other door prizes. Adults $3, Kids 12 and under FREE with paid adult. March 24-25, 2012
831.423.2053
http://www.cocoanutgrovesantacruz.com/public-events/hgexpo/
The Awakened Educator
Become the educator you were meant to be!
March 31, 2012 1-5pm
Nextspace Downtown – 101 Cooper Street, Santa Cruz, CA
http://awakenedplanet.com/educator
Gilroy Gardens
April 1, 2012 opening day at the park
http://www.gilroygardens.org/
Santa Cruz Half Marathon/ Santa Cruz 10K Run/Walk
April 1, 2012
The Santa Cruz Half Marathon consists of a 13.1-mile run/walk along scenic West Cliff Drive past breathtaking vistas of the Pacific coastline.
The Santa Cruz 10K Run/Walk consists of a 6.2-mile journey along scenic West Cliff Drive past breathtaking vistas of the Pacific coastline.
Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt
Hunt for easter eggs on the beach and visit with the Easter bunny. For kids age 12 and under. This event is free to the public. April 7, 2012
831.475.6522
http://www.capitolasoquelchamber.com/
Easter on the Farm Egg Hunt
A classic family egg hunt with Easter baskets & bonnets. Free admission. April 7, 2012
831.724.5898
http://www.aghistoryproject.org/index.html
Easter Sunday Celebration at Chaminade
Hop on down to Chaminade for their annual Easter Sunday Brunch & festivities. Easter egg hunts, the Easter Bunny & more. April 8, 2012
831.475.5600
http://www.chaminade.com
Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt
The Roaring Camp Eggspress takes children & their families to Bear Mountain to hunt for candy eggs & win prizes. April 7-8, 2012
831.335.4484
http://www.roaringcamp.com/events#easter_Hunt
Earth Day 2012
Saturday, April 21st; 11am to 5pm rain or shine in the San Lorenzo Park
and Benchlands behind the County building. This exciting community event provides educational information, live music, and activities for the kids including an arts and crafts tent.
http://www.ecocruz.org/
Capitola Kite Classic
Spend a fun day at the beach with friends and family while flying kites for prizes! Free admission. May 5, 2012
831.475.6522
http://www.capitolasoquelchamber.com/
Davenport Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Enjoy Mexican cuisine, spectacular folkloric dance performances, live music, and displays of Mexican culture! This event is free. May 5, 2012
831.425.8115
http://www.ci.watsonville.ca.us/
Santa Cruz Blues Festival
Top names in blues and roots music for two days in a natural amphitheater surrounded by oaks and redwoods near the Pacific Ocean. State-of-the-art sound system and staging.
Artist booth for audience meet-and-greet and autographs. If you are into blues music, this is a Santa Cruz event that you don’t wanna miss!
http://www.santacruzbluesfestival.com/
18th Annual Woodies on the Wharf
Come celebrate the surf spirit and classic surf wagons as more than 200 “woodies” predating 1950 line the Santa Cruz Wharf. Free admission and free bike valet. Saturday, June 23, 2012, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Call 831-420-5273
http://www.santacruzwoodies.com/woodiesonthewharf/
20th Annual Aloha Celebrity Races & Polynesian Festival
Sunday, August 26, 2012; Races start 9 a.m. and the festival starts 11 a.m.
Discover the excitement of outrigger canoe racing at the Santa Cruz Wharf. This free festival provides a taste of the tropics with fresh flower leis, Hawaiian shaved ice, and hula dance performances.
Call 831-420-5273
Trick-or-Treat on the Wharf
Bring your little witches, goblins, monsters, and ghosts to this free and safe trick or treating event at Santa Cruz Wharf businesses.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Call 831-420-5273
Additional events to be posted. Contact us to post your event.