Music in the Plaza

The Watsonville summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series is back! Enjoy an evening of music outdoors. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, then sit back and relax to the sounds of summer. A variety of bands from different genres will be showcased at these concerts. Grab a bite at the downtown restaurants […]

Woodies on the Wharf

Celebrate the Santa Cruz surf lifestyle and classic surf wagons at Woodies on the Wharf. Come see the more than 200 “Woodies”, gorgeous, pre-1950s cars that feature wood bodies, line the Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll the Wharf and enjoy dozens of shops and restaurants and stellar coastal views while you soak up the sun and […]

Pleasure Point Street Fair

Pleasure Point will be buzzing as the community takes to the street to enjoy the Pleasure Point Street Fair. This event will be held on Portola Drive between 41st and 38th Avenues. There will be bike parking available, and admission is free.

Morgan Hill Celebrates Independence Day Like No Other Bay Area City

Morgan Hill’s annual Freedom Fest has had continuous July 4th celebrations since 1876 and stands out as one of the only SF Bay Area cities that continues to have a full roster of events surrounding the 4th of July. Events include the popular "Patriotic Sing" at the downtown amphitheater, the Freedom Run, a family-friendly music […]

Roaring Camp Railroads: 4th of July Weekend

This Fourth of July, take either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Enjoy the nostalgic town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities, live music and a good ol’ American BBQ. ACTIVITIES Live Music Kids Club Activities Chuckwagon BBQ

Scotts Valley: Fourth of July Parade and Flyover

Go see the Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade and Flyover! 10-11:45am- Kids zone free activities & food trucks Parade starts at 12:00pm. ADA Parking and Viewing is located at 5007 Scotts Valley Dr. Food trucks continue after the parade until 3pm

Watsonville: Fourth of July Parade

The Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July parade proceeds down Main St. from St. Patrick’s Church to First Street. Thousands of spectators line the route five to six people deep. Those wanting a front row seat, place their chairs along the route early in the morning of the parade date

Aptos: “World’s Shortest Parade”

Welcome to the world’s shortest parade this July Fourth! The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive and will continue to Trout Gulch Road.

Gizdich Ranch: U-Pick Strawberries

Weather can change if u-pick is open, so please call the ranch in advance before you go! Experience the most fun part of growing fruits at the Ranch! Combined with fresh air, sunshine and a little sweat, it’s a whole lot of fun for the kids and the entire family. Don’t forget your camera. When […]

Aptos: Hot Rods on the Green

A fun event at Twin Lakes Church for the whole family. Kingsmen have always had over 120 classic and modern cars and truck to check out! Stop by and enjoy!

Noble Harvest Farm: Lavender U-Pick

Check the Noble Harvest website to visit their boutique lavender field when its in full bloom and harvest your own bunches. Spend time snapping pix surrounded by the sweet scent of lavender and the gentle hum of bees. Feel free to bring snacks and relax under the sun sails, then browse their hand-crafted lavender products […]

THURSDAY NIGHT BEACH PARTIES AT THE CROW’S NEST

Each Summer on Thursday evenings, the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes on until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ and outdoor bar, beach parties […]

Wharf to Wharf Race

The annual 6-mile, scenic seaside run from Santa Cruz to Capitola-by-the-Sea is widely acclaimed as “The best little road race in California”. The Wharf to Wharf is the biggest summer event of its kind on the West Coast. The race route is lined with fans, bands, and all kinds of great fun! Come to Santa […]

Watsonville: U-Pick Dahlias

Visit the small family farm of Vallejo Street in the heart of beautiful Watsonville, CA to see their field of nearly 2,000 dahlia plants in over 80 varieties, and pick a bouquet for yourself or a special someone to take home! Feel free to arrive at any time during your ticket’s time window, but be […]

30TH ANNUAL WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival provides a fun, family-friendly experience in historic downtown Watsonville. Head to the plaza for a full weekend of carnival attractions, live entertainment and delicious strawberry treats! Shop a variety of local artisans, businesses and specialty vendors for a unique shopping experience. Delicious foods, family activities, vendors, and live entertainment! About the […]

Gizdich Ranch: U-Pick Strawberries

Weather can change if u-pick is open, so please call the ranch in advance before you go! Experience the most fun part of growing fruits at the Ranch! Combined with fresh air, sunshine and a little sweat, it’s a whole lot of fun for the kids and the entire family. Don’t forget your camera. When […]

THURSDAY NIGHT BEACH PARTIES AT THE CROW’S NEST

Each Summer on Thursday evenings, the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ and outdoor bar, beach parties are […]

Scotts Valley: Art, Wine, and Beer Festival

Scotts Valley Art, Wine, and Beer Festival is back in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. This premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains has something fun for everyone! The fun includes over 100 artists, live music, kid zone, food trucks, Cops Car Show on Saturday, Dog Day on Sunday, beer, […]

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: National Roller Coaster Day

Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by taking a spin on our National Historic Landmark, the Giant Dipper. The first 100 riders on the Giant Dipper will receive a Boardwalk Souvenir Cup. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.

Holiday Barn Dance

FELTON - Join us for our first Holiday Line Dance Party in the gorgeous Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp! Instructors will lead you in a variety of line dances.

Ice Skating by the Bay

MONTEREY - Celebrate the holidays amidst the scenic coastline at Ice Skating by the Bay's seasonal ice skating rink located in Custom House Plaza behind Portola Hotel & Spa. Skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland right by the Bay.

Thanksgiving Buffet

MONTEREY - Come to the Portola Hotel & Spa for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration at the Annual Thanksgiving Buffet in De Anza Ballroom. As you savor an array of delectable dishes, be serenaded by the soothing melodies of David Conley on piano, enhancing your festive experience. This Thanksgiving buffet features a rich selection of traditional […]

Holiday Lights Train

FELTON - November 29-30, December 7-8, 14-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past the homes of Santa Cruz. Plan your holidays before tickets sell out!

Cannery Row Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

MONTEREY - Cannery Row kicks off the holiday season in Monterey with its 30th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring festive family entertainment for children of all ages and of course, the arrival of Santa Claus. This event is FREE.

Holiday Lights Train

FELTON - November 29-30, December 7-8, 14-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past the homes of Santa Cruz. Plan your holidays before tickets sell out!

Paint ‘n’ Sip at Guglielmo Winery

MORGAN HILL - Paint 'N Sip at Guglielmo Winery is one of our most popular events—selling out every time! Due to high demand, we’re offering two class times for our special Christmas edition. Join us on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, for a fun and festive experience with Tami from Paint'N With Friends—and enjoy our special […]

Christmas in the Adobes

MONTEREY - Monterey State Historic Park Association (MSHPA) and California State Parks present the 40th Annual Christmas in the Adobes. Return to the days of Alta California during Monterey’s premier holiday event, Christmas in the Adobes. This early evening walking tour of Monterey’s historic adobes adorned in holiday décor surprises and delights visitors with welcoming, […]

Ano Nuevo State Park: Guided Elephant Seal Viewing Area

DEC 15, 2024 - MAR 31, 2025 SANTA CRUZ:  Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour guided trail! Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Bring water. Food, umbrellas, and strollers are not permitted inside the preserve.

New Year’s Train

FELTON - Bring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz. Light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ will keep spirits bright and help bring in 2025 right.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf Celebrates 180 Years

MONTEREY - Old Fisherman’s Wharf is pleased to announce a special milestone: its 180th anniversary. Old Fisherman's Wharf will celebrate with a variety of special promotions and events throughout 2025. During the month of January, Old Fisherman’s Wharf commemorates the Wharf's 180 years of fishing, delivering, and cooking fresh calamari in a variety of delicious […]

Roaring Camp Railroads: Rain Forest Weekends

JAN 4-MAR 30 SANTA CRUZ:  Learn about California's own Coastal Redwood Forest, aboard a 100-year-old steam train. Along the journey, you will get to hear fascinating information about the coastal redwoods and their ecosystems from docent specialists.

Blues and R&B Soul

MONTEREY/SEASIDE - Feel the soul and rhythm this Sunday! Enjoy an afternoon of live Blues and R&B as the Minor Williams Band takes the stage, Sunday, Jan 12 from 3 PM - 6 PM. Let the music move you!

Big Sur Foragers Festival 2025

BIG SUR - Join in celebrating the unique bounty of Big Sur with top chefs, local restaurants, and the finest wineries and breweries. This is a fantastic opportunity for culinary professionals to showcase their talents and connect with fellow food enthusiasts! Offering Four “Wild Foraging Walk and Talk” Hikes on Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, […]

Controlled Chaos Improv!

MONTEREY - Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter and unpredictable fun at the Monterey History & Art at Stanton Center. Controlled Chaos Improv puts their own twist on traditional improvisational theatre. Quick wit and spontaneous energy are combined with truth in comedy to bring something fresh and fun to the stage! Grab your […]

Cambria Film Festival

FEB 5-9 CAMBRIA:  Festival events this year include: Emerging Filmmaker Night; Awards Night; Student Film Competition Block; Late Nite Cinema, and more!