food, fun, festivals: Calendar of events
Not everything just favorites: For all Current Events go Here
Singing the Blues
May
The home of Santa Cruz's best festival, held since 1993 at Aptos Village Park, and featuring top-notch talent such as Ray Charles, B.B. King, Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Albert Collins, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, Johnny Copeland, Trombone Shorty...and many, many more. Cabrillo Stage
June - August
Cabrillo Stage: Professional Musical Theatre In its 31th season, this musical theatre company produces Broadway caliber shows complete with a full pit orchestra. Aptos, CA | 831.479.6154 - ticket line | visit web site | more info Bands on the Beach
June - September
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach Two free live concerts every Friday night (June 17 - Sep 2) with stars of the 70's, 80's and early 90's! FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.5590 | visit web site | more info Woodies on the Wharf
June
Surf City Classic: Woodies on the Wharf 17th Annual Surf City Classic car show promises scenic views of the Monterey Bay and a celebration of the surf spirit! FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.420.5273 | visit web site | more info Beer Festival
July
The California Beer Festival Coming to Santa Cruz! Come sample some of the best Craft Beers from around the world along with mouth watering food from local restaurants, entertainment from 4 live bands & Bocce Ball! Aptos, CA | 805.765.4294 | visit web site | more info Wharf to Wharf
July
Annual Wharf to Wharf Race Annual 6-mile, scenic, seaside run from Santa Cruz to Capitola-by-the-Sea. Limited to 15,000 runners! Cheer them on! Santa Cruz, CA | 831.475.2196 | visit web site | more info Squiddddd
August
Calamari Festival Returns Joze has been celebrating our local cephalopods with cooking classes, & food parade dinners of international flair since 1980. Join us as this culinary cornerstone squirts its lovely ink. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.325.3633 | visit web site | more info |
The Arts at UCSC
Here is a complete list of all arts events: performance, visual, musical, and others.
Redwood Mountain Faire
June
Redwood Mountain Faire Celebrate community, showcase arts, music and raise awareness! Felton, CA | 831.216.6525 | visit web site | more info Capitola Concerts
June - August
Capitola Summer Twilight Concerts Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper and the family to enjoy live music and the sunset. FREE Capitola, CA | 831.475.7300 x297 | visit web site | more info Go for Baroque
July
Santa Cruz Baroque Festival: Boomeria Organ Extravaganza Discover a Santa Cruz secret: the grounds of Boomeria are full of surprises, including a pipe organ in the 'Chapel Royal'. Bonny Doon, CA | 831.459.2159 | The Bard!
July - September Shakespeare Santa Cruz
Featuring two Shakespeare plays in the outdoor glen and 2 contemporary American plays indoors on Mainstage. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.2159 | visit web site | more info Mountain Bikes
July
Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Bicycle Ride One of the most difficult 1-day events on the West Coast, climbs some of our most scenic & strenuous roads. 100 mi. & 100K. Scotts Valley, CA | 831.475.5234 | visit web site | more info Begonias...love them
September
Capitola Begonia Festival 59th annual event includes a Nautical Parade, Sand Sculpture Competition, movies, concerts & many more free family events. FREE Capitola Village, CA | 831.476.3566 | visit web site | more info Coastal Cleanup
September
Annual Coastal Cleanup Day Help remove trash from beaches & waterways, learn about how to reduce our impact on the ocean. FREE Santa Cruz County, CA | 831.462.5660 | visit web site | more info |
