Santa Cruz
Festivals & Annual Events
Santa Cruz, CA
ANNUAL EVENTS
Santa Cruz Festivals & Annual Events
Santa Cruz is much more than just a summer vacation destination. With its year-round events, indoor and outdoor activities, and tourist destinations there are many ways to keep yourself entertained throughout the year.
Please scroll down the page to view our listings.
Featured Santa Cruz Hotels & Resorts
Santa Cruz Dream Inn ─ Click for reviews and book online
175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
Remodeled in June 2008 -- the hotel enjoys an unrivaled location on Cowell's Beach making it he only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz. And it is just steps away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and beautiful West Cliff Drive. This is the best hotel for experiencing the most popular tourist sites in Santa Cruz.
Chaminade ─ Click for Hotel reviews or to book online
One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA
This Santa Cruz hotel is a AAA 4-Diamond Mission Style Resort hotel located on 300 acres in the Santa Cruz mountains. With its wonderful facilities and staff, this is an ideal location for business, pleasure, or a romantic getaway. The great views of Monterey Bay from the main patio areas also makes this a great pick for weddings, too!
Santa Cruz Annual Events
Santa Cruz Farmer's Market - Every Wednesday
Corner of Cedar & Lincoln streets, Downtown (831) 454-0566
Local farmers and vendors offer fresh and organic products
Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz (831) 423-2053
This annual party offers 21 years of age and older an opportuntiy to bring in the New Year!
Louden Nelson Center, Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115
Wonderful event that features mushroom exhibits and cooking demonstrations. Bring mushrooms for identification.
Various locations in Santa Cruz County (831) 685-8463
The consumers judge this tasteful taste off! Taste two crab selections pared with great local wines make make your verdict! $45 fee to judge.
Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz (831) 423-2053
Ninety booths with feature engagement, wedding, reception, and honeymoon planning.
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Santa Cruz Baroque Festival: Boccherini's Bacchanale
UCSC Music Center Recital Hall, 1156 High St. Santa Cruz (831) 457-9693
26th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Area Chefs compete to become the ultimate chowder king!
Quilted Memories - Celebrating 30 Years
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 152 Watsonville (831) 722-8577
30th annual quilt show.
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Hummingbird Day Arboretum at UCSC,
1156 High Street, University of California Santa Cruz (831) 427-2998
Annual Hummingbird celebration that features their feeding, mating, and nesting behaviors in the gardens.
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
This is the largest kayak surfing competition.
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Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt
Capitola Beach, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Children (12 and under) have a wonderful opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny.
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Children & their families are taken to Bear Mountain where candy eggs are hidden.
Santa Cruz Half Marathon & 10K
Starts at Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz 408-356-0518
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.
19th Annual Ducky Derby Harvey West Park,
300 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz (831) 479-4070
Adopt a duck and help the Santa Cruz Chapter of Omega Nu meet the charitable needs of the local community. Great prizes, food, games, live music & entertainment.
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Show
Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz (831) 688-8086
Their annual show features over 50 exhibits and approximately 20 dealers who offer rough lapidary material, equipment, gemstones, finished jewelry, books, beads, findings, minerals, and fossil specimens.
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Capitola Beach, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Fly a kite and enjoy the beach with your friends.
Downtown Plaza, Main & Peck Streets, Watsonville (831) 724-9005
Traditional Mexican foods and live entertainment are just part of this festival that takes place in downtown Watsonville.
Davenport Cinco de Mayo Festival
Davenport Resource Center, 100 Church St., Davenport (831) 425-8115
Mexican food, exhibits, dance and live music.
Rio & Del Mar Theatres, Santa Cruz (831) 459-7676
The festival features hundreds of films from around the globe
Mother's Day Walk: Women of Big Basin
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek (831) 338-3944
Agricultural History Museum, 2601 East Lake Ave., Hwy. 152, Watsonville (831) 724-5898
Learn about life and work on a farm through activities such as sheep-shearing, butter-churning, and hay baling.
Watsonville Airport, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville (831) 763-5600
Golden Age, Warbirds, Homebuilts, B-17, Aerobatics, Car Show, helicopter-Biplane Rides, fireworks and much more.
24th Annual Santa Cruz Longboard Club Invitational
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 917-4371
Billed as the West Coast's oldest competitive surfing event, it features amateur and pro surfers.
27th Annual Civil War Battles and Encampment
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Visit Union & Confederate camps, and watch the reenactments Civil War battles .
Boulder Creek Art, Wine & Music Festival
Downtown Boulder Creek (831) 338-2578
The festival is made up of over 200 vendor booths, and features live music and international food and local wineries booths.
16th Annual Santa Cruz Blues Festival
Aptos Village Park, Aptos (831) 479-9814
Two days of music performed in a natural amphitheater surrounded by Oaks & Redwoods.
Various Santa Cruz County wineries & restaurants (831) 685-8463
The event features wine tasting, winery tours, food, music, and art exhibits.
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Santa Cruz Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride
Pacific Ave. & San Lorenzo Park (downtown), Santa Cruz (831) 425-5422
Various Santa Cruz County wineries & restaurants (831) 685.8463
The event features wine tasting, winery tours, food, music, and art exhibits.
3rd Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Enjoy a day filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and good family fun at the beach! Call the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce at (831) 475-6522 for more information.
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos (831) 685-6444
Celebrate the unique history of the WW1 Concrete Ship Palo Alto, the natural wonders of Seacliff’s fossil beds, and the many animals that call the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary their home. Enjoy music, fun and food.
end of Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 459-3800
Celebrate our blue planet with free admission to the Center's hall & aquarium. Come learn more - it's your ocean!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton (831) 335-4598
Discover the park's nightlife under the moon and stars.
Laurel Park, Washington St. at Maple St., Santa Cruz (831) 420-6177
Juneteenth celebrates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Treat dad to a steam train ride and Chuckwagon BBQ.
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free concerts that showcase stars of the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
Mission Plaza Park, Santa Cruz (831) 462-4589
The fair celebrate the arts, craft, and culture of Japan.
Pro Am Beach Soccer Championships
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz 415-383-5425
A sand soccer tournament for kids and adults in Santa Cruz, California
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
Enjoy over 200 classic "woodies" on display at the Santa Cruz municipal wharf.
Bikes on the Bay: Soquel Vintage Motorcycle Show
Main Street, Soquel (831) 475-6522
Vintage motorcycles roar into Soquel!
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Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free concerts that showcase stars of the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
World Disc Games
UCSC, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz (831) 462-5293
10K Firecracker Race & Kids 1K
Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz (831) 439-7049
The Firecracker course start and ends at Harvey West Park with the tough climb in the middle, then a downhill finish.
4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Scotts Valley Community Center & Skypark, Scotts Valley (831) 438-3251
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Aptos 4th of July Celebration
Soquel Dr. & State Park Dr., Aptos Village (831) 688-1467
Old-Fashioned Independence Day
Wilder Ranch State Park, Hwy. 1, Santa Cruz (831) 426-0505
Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center St., Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 425-PLAY
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition: A Magic Web - The Tropical Forest of Barro Colorado Island
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff, Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115
Shakespeare Santa Cruz - Summer Festival
Theatre Arts Mainstage & Festival Grove, UCSC, Santa Cruz (831) 459-2121
15th Annual "Cops 'n Rodders" Classic Car Show & Cruise
Siltanen Park, Scotts Valley (831) 440-5663
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
36th Annual Wharf to Wharf Race
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 475-2196
A scenic six-mile race with forty live bands.
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Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free concerts that showcase stars of the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
46th Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz (831) 420-5260
Considered one of the most distinguished festivals of new symphonic music in the United States.
14th Annual Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival -
Ramsey Park, Watsonville (831) 566-1230
Strawberries take center stage at this celebration. Enjoy delights, foods, arts, crafts, and fun.
Shakespeare Santa Cruz 2008 Season
UCSC, Santa Cruz (831) 459-2159
This year's season features Shakespeare’s glorious comedy As You Like It, his most sublime tragedy King Lear and Shaw’s Pygmalion.
10th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Bicycle Ride -
Starts at Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Dr., Scotts Valley (831) 460-1818
Features three challenging rides: 100 mi., 100K, and 50K. $40 reg fee. 6:30 am - 5:30 pm.
Cabrillo Music Art & Wine Festival - 11am - 8pm.
Church St., in front of Civic Auditorium, Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 426-6966
Two days of world music & dance. Admission is free.
Santa Cruz City Amateur Golf Championship
DeLaveaga Golf Course, 401 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz (831) 423-7214
Summer Gathering of Mountain Men
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Scotts Valley Festival of Art and Wine
Skypark, 361 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley (831) 438-1010
Work from more than 80 local artists are accompanied by food, wine, music. Free admission!
Aloha Races and Polynesian Festival -
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
Races 9am, Festival 11am-5pm.
Race Thru The Redwoods - 8:10 - 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Felton (831) 335-4323
10K Race and Kids' 1-Mile from downtown Felton through beautiful Henry Cowell State Park.
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 476-3566
This 54rd annual event includes a nautical parade, sand sculptures, fishing derby and much more.
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Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 476-3566
This 54th annual event includes a nautical parade, sand sculptures, fishing derby and much more.
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition: A Magic Web - The Tropical Forest of Barro Colorado Island
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff, Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115
27th Annual Greek Culture and Food Festival -
Church St., between Cedar & Center, Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 429-6500
The 25th Annual Greek Culture & Food Festival Features traditional Greek foods and pastries, and live Greek music & dancing.
26th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Art, wine, food and music.
113th Annual Santa Cruz County Fair
County Fairgrounds (2601 East Lake Ave., off Hwy. 152) Watsonville (831) 724-5671
Six days of fun in the sun! Fair activities include a large carnival.
The 53rd Anniversary Santa Cruz Follies!
Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz (831) 423-6640
Great family entertainment! This musical revue showcases a large cast of performers.
Mission Adobe Day - Noon - 4 p.m.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Santa Cruz (831) 425-5849
The living history activities include adobe brick making and tortilla making. Tour of mission.
16th de Septiembre Celebration
Downtown Plaza, Watsonville (831) 724-9005
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz (831) 454-8200
A community art installation - spotlights line West Cliff Drive for International Peace Week.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton (831) 335-7077
Learn about the Ohlone Indians culture, dance, dress, and food.
Pajaro Valley (831) 763-5600
Live Music and Dance, Art and Culure
Big Basin Founder's Day and Redwood Jubilee
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, North of Boulder Creek (831) 338-3944
Celebrate where the movement to “SAVE THE TREES!” all began. The event features lively melodrama, music, historic hikes and games for kids.
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 685-4718
T-birds line the Wharf at this annual Classic Thunderbird invitational.
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Open Studios Art Tour - 11am - 6pm
Various locations, Countywide (831) 475-9600
Meet local artists in their studios. Purchase of calendar required for admission.
Various theatres in Santa Cruz County
This annual Festival hosts international films. Admission is free except a benefit event on the last day.
12th Annual Loch Lomond Highland Games - 9am - 3pm.
Highlands Park, 8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond (831) 457-6716
Celebration of Celtic culture! Music & dance.
Hot Rods at the Beach! - 10am - 5pm.
Beach Street parking lot opposite Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz 1-866-8HOTROD
This car show benefits the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association. Features raffle, food, and music.
Welcome Back Monarchs Day - 10am - 4pm.
Natural Bridges State Park, Santa Cruz (831) 423-4609
Discover why these amazing butterflies call Santa Cruz their home. Activities include: arts, crafts, games, and music.
Annual Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza! -
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos (831) 685-3317
A great family event that features many game and food booths, live entertainment and a fireworks display.
Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz (831) 475-4151
Classic surfer competition
Main Beach, Santa Cruz 877-366-7223
The Big Kahuna delivers the Spirit of Aloha for both serious competition or just for fun.
Marine Masquerade & Scary Aquary - 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Seymour Center, Long Marine Lab, Santa Cruz (831) 459-3800
Fun for the whole family. Enjoy storytelling, nighttime whale skeleton tours, crafts, and scavenger hunt.
Heritage Harvest Festival - 11 am - 4pm.
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz (831) 426-0505
Enjoy live music, wagon rides, draft horse demonstrations, harvest and decorate pumpkins.
Santa Cruz Mask Festival - Noon - 5 p.m.
Louden Nelson Center, Santa Cruz (831) 420-6177
A fun filled day for the whole family. The festival features: dance, theater, and storytellers.
Free Family Festival: Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. (831) 429-1964
All ages will enjoy enjoy music and art activities. Admission is free.
Roaring Camp, Felton, CA
This is a family and children’s Halloween event! Relive “The Legend of Sleepy Hallow” as you ride vintage railway cars through a Redwood forest. Named one of the Top 10 Best Family and Children’s Halloween Events by USA Today. Reservations required. For tickets and information, call 831-335-4484.
Halloween Parade - 2 p.m.
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
The annual Halloween Parade features ghosts and goblins. Enjoy Trick or Treat bags after parade.
Children's Halloween Downtown -
Pacific Ave. & Lincoln St., downtown, Santa Cruz (831) 429-8433
Merchant Trick-or-Treat and other Halloween activities from Laurel to Water St.
Halloween on the Wharf - 4 - 6 p.m.
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
Ghosts, goblins and their parents can enjoy safe & sane trick-or-treating.
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Ravi Shankar's Festival of India
Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street (831) 459-2159
Enjoy this legendary sitarist, composer, performer and teacher phenomenon in the classical music world!
Santa Cruz Community Tree Lighting - 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Corner of Pacific Ave. & Water Sts., Downtown, Santa Cruz (831) 429.8443
A community event that features Santa, Victorian carriage rides, tree lighting, holiday caroling, and food drive fro the needy.
Surfin' Santa - Starts at noon.
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Santa & his reindeer surf into Capitola Beach!
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Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz (831) 459-3800
Marching bands, floats, horses, classic cars, and Santa parade down Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz (831) 475-6161
Marching bands, floats, horses, classic cars, and Santa parade down Pacific Ave.
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade - 10-11am.
Pacific Ave., Downtown, Santa Cruz (831) 429-8433
Marching bands, floats, horses, classic cars, and Santa parade down Pacific Ave.
Snow Night - Downtown Santa Cruz - 5-8 pm.
Corner of Pacific Ave. & Cooper St., Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 429-8433
Children 12 & under can experience a "White Christmas" in this snow play area! Food donation required.
Holiday Time at the Ranch - 11am-3pm.
Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz (831) 426-0505
Experience the winter holidays as Santa Cruzeans did in the early 20th century. Activities include: crafts, games, and treats.
Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz (831) 423-2053
This annual party offers 21 years of age and older an opportunity to bring in the New Year!
Top Christmas Celebrations
Top Tree Farm Locations
Getting Your Family's Christmas Tree Can Become a Cherished Family Memory and the Beginning of a New Family Tradition!
Santa Cruz Mountain Christmas Tree Farms
Half Moon Bay Christmas Tree Farms
Top Decorated Neighborhoods
South San Francisco – On 280, exit West Bourough and travel East toward the hills. When you cross over El Camino, West Bourough becomes Chestnut Street. Continue driving to Woodside Court. Please note that Woodside Court is not a through street, so it is recommended that you park outside the court and walk in.
Palo Alto – Palo Alto's "Christmas Tree Lane" is located on Fulton Street between Embarcadero Road and Seale.
Redwood City – Redwood City's "Candy Cane Lane" is located on Dewey Avenue between Carson Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
Santa Cruz –
San Mateo –
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