A Delicious Weekend in Santa Cruz

June 19-21, 2026

The forecast? Salt air, strawberries, live music, and staying out a little later than you planned.

Here are a few ways to spend the weekend.

🌅 Thursday Night

Crow's Nest Beach BBQ Party
📍 Crow's Nest Beach, Santa Cruz Harbor
🕠 5:30 PM
🎶 Live Music: Jive Machine
💵 Free Admission

One of Santa Cruz's favorite summer traditions. Live music on the beach, drinks by the harbor, boats in the marina, and a front-row seat to sunset.

🎶 Friday Night

Midtown Summer Block Party
📍 Midtown Santa Cruz
🕔 Evening

Live music, food vendors, local artists, cold drinks, and a chance to run into half the town.

🍓 Saturday Morning

Westside Farmers Market
📍 Westside Santa Cruz
🕘 Morning

Come hungry. Leave with strawberries, flowers, fresh bread, and whatever else catches your eye. The perfect way to start a weekend.

🎸 Saturday Night

The Verve Pipe
📍 Felton Music Hall
🕗 Show starts at 8PM

A little nostalgia tucked into the redwoods. If you came of age in the '90s, this might be your sign to grab a ticket and sing along.

🎡 All Weekend

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
📍 Beach Street

Rides, people-watching, beach walks, summer energy, and evening entertainment. Some things never get old.

🚂 Weekend Adventure

Roaring Camp Railroad
📍 Felton

A ride through towering redwoods that somehow feels magical no matter how many times you've done it.

🌊 Free Activities (Highly Recommended)

Sunset at West Cliff
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and stay 30 minutes after.

Walk the Harbor
Grab a coffee and wander the docks.

Natural Bridges
Bring a blanket and watch the sky change colors.

Pleasure Point
Watch the surfers and remember there's no prize for rushing.

Capitola Village
Ice cream, ocean views, and aimless wandering encouraged.

This Weekend's Assignment

Buy the flowers.

Stay for the second glass of wine.

Watch the sunset all the way through.

Leave room for something unexpected.

Take a bigger bite.