Join Santa Cruz Film Festival and Dream Inn for a free community night on the sand, right outside Dream Inn. Watch an independent film under the stars, with beach fire pits, s'mores, and ocean air. Everyone is welcome. Bring a blanket or chair, and dress warm. Reserve a free ticket so we know how many marshmallows to bring.
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.
Cowell Beach at Dream Inn Santa Cruz 175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California
The S'more The Merrier Beachside with SCFF + Dream Inn
Oct 17, 2026 | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cowell Beach at Dream Inn Santa Cruz 175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California
She Sets The Table
Oct 24, 2026 | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Reserve your seat for a rare evening of standout chefs, thoughtful wine pairings, and ocean views this October.
Wilder Ranch State Park 1842 Coast Road Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Birding Walk
Oct 09, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot.
All of Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County: Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
Oct 09, 2026 | 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Mark the fall migration at one of the most beautiful places on the planet for the Monterey Bay Festival of Birds featuring field trips, workshops, family-fun activities, and keynote speakers. Activities are planned throughout the Monterey Bay area in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, and Monterey.
UCSC CASFS Farm and Garden 152 Farm Road Santa Cruz, CA 95064
All-Star Fest
Oct 17, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join for the annual Harvest Festival at the UCSC Farm! Enjoy face painting, pumpkin painting, tractor rides, live music, an apple pie bake-off, and more. Fun for all ages.
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Santa Cruz Wharf: 13 Days of Halloween
Oct 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Celebrate 13 Days of Halloween on the Santa Cruz Wharf! Trick-or-treat on Halloween Day from 3 to 6 PM, take a festive photo with the bay and lighthouse behind you, enjoy Halloween-themed Wharf specials, and hunt for hidden pumpkins to win a prize.
London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, 95060
Downtown Santa Cruz: Halloween Mask Making Festival
Oct 17, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Enjoy this FREE annual event! Bring the family for a creative day of mask making, carnival games, Thriller performances plus Nightmares – A Stage Spooktacular. This event has been a Halloween tradition for families for over 25 years!
Mission Plaza Park 103 Emmett Street Santa Cruz, CA
Mission Plaza Park: Japanese Cultural Fair
Oct 10, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Martial Arts
- Japanese Food
- Arts and Crafts
- Kids Activities
- Ikebana and Bonsai
- Live Music and Dance
Free parking will be available at the Santa Cruz Government Center located in the designated parking area for the fair where you may access a free shuttle to the fair at the historical Mission Plaza.
Santa Cruz Wharf 21, Municipal Wharf Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Santa Cruz Wharf: T-Birds on the Wharf
Oct 10, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Check out the Classic, Vintage and Retro Thunderbirds on display then stick around to enjoy fabulous shopping and/or grab a bite at one of the many fine local eateries with the best views in Santa Cruz!
Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Santa Cruz Wednesday Night Sailboat Races
Oct 07, 2026 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
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