Mark your calendar For these can't miss local events

From concerts to cultural events, Santa Cruz is alive with activities celebrating everything from art and fashion to food and film. Here are a few rad events worth adding to your social calendar.

400 Beach Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 United States

SC Beach Boardwalk: National Roller Coaster Day

Aug 16, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by taking a spin on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's National Historic Landmark, the Giant Dipper.

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(UCSC Farm) Farm Road, Santa Cruz, California 95064 Farm Road Santa Cruz, 95064

UCSC Farm to Fork Dinner

Aug 29, 2026 | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Enjoy a reception and dinner on the UCSC Farm followed by dancing in the Hay Barn!

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Highway 17 Studios, 831 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz

All-Star Fest

Sep 05, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Free and open to all — join for a stacked lineup of Santa Cruz restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, makers, artists, and assorted businesses from Santa Cruz and beyond filling 20,000 sq ft, presented by Collective Santa Cruz and Double Meat Please.

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Aloha Terrace, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

SC Beach Boardwalk Octoberfest

Sep 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

A first-ever Oktoberfest by the beach with live music, dancing, brews, wine, and Bavarian bites.

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Capitola Village Esplanade Capitola, CA

Capitola Art & Wine Festival

Sep 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

The 43rd Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival returns September 12–13 with fine art, wine tasting, live music, and dancing in beach-side Capitola Village. Free admission!

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400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Evenings on the Colonnade

Daily | 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Free nightly entertainment on the Colonnade Stage, June 15–August 6 — just steps from Dream Inn. Enjoy magicians, live music, movies on the beach, and weekend DJ dance parties, most evenings starting at 8:30 PM.

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Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Santa Cruz Wednesday Night Sailboat Races

Jul 29, 2026 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Grab a spot on the harbor and watch Santa Cruz's sailing community race every Wednesday evening. It's free, it's local, and it's one of the best views in town.