Santa Cruz Weekend Guide: Things to Do August 21–23, 2026
Summerween, live music, farmers markets, flowers, Shakespeare in the redwoods and a triathlon by the sea. Here’s what’s worth doing in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos and Watsonville this weekend, August 21–23.
Things to Do in Santa Cruz This Weekend | August 14–16, 2026
Summer is showing off in Santa Cruz. From strawberries at the UCSC Farm and art and wine under the redwoods to live music, local makers and a Sunday ride on the Giant Dipper, here’s what’s worth leaving the house for this weekend.
Your Perfect Santa Cruz Weekend: Strawberry Festivals, Farmers Markets & Coastal Magic (August 1–2)
Summer is showing off this weekend. From strawberry-filled streets in Watsonville to slow mornings at the Aptos Farmers Market, Shakespeare beneath the redwoods, and sunset along the coast, here's your curated guide to the best things happening around Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Aptos. Slow down, wander a little, and let the weekend surprise you.
Alley Oop: Santa Cruz's Best Kept Secret
Some places announce themselves. Alley Oop doesn't. Hidden in downtown Santa Cruz, this moody speakeasy serves cocktails, caviar, and enough intrigue to make an ordinary night feel like a scene from another era. I went for a drink and left feeling like I'd discovered a secret.
My New Local Loves in Santa Cruz
Discover my favorite local spots in Santa Cruz, from cozy coffee shops and charming bakeries to beachside boutiques, farmers markets, and breathtaking sunset views. After moving from San Francisco, these are the places that have already become part of my everyday rhythm — plus a look at what I still miss from the city and what I’m more than happy to leave behind.
You Don't Need a New Life. You Need a Different Saturday.
We're always waiting for the next chapter to begin. But what if a beautiful life isn't built through dramatic changes? What if it starts with a slower Saturday, a walk by the ocean, and noticing the moments we've been rushing past all along?
A Delicious Weekend in Santa Cruz
A Delicious Weekend in Santa Cruz | June 19-21
Living at Full Throttle
An evening of dirt bikes, custom builds, and people who refuse to sleepwalk through life. Sometimes living deliciously isn't about slowing down. Sometimes it's about going full throttle. 🏍️✨
This Weekend in Santa Cruz & Capitola - 1/9/26 - 1/11/26
Discover what’s happening this weekend in Santa Cruz and Capitola, from local events and art to cozy cafés, coastal walks, and slow winter wandering by the sea.
This Weekend in Santa Cruz & Capitola
Art nights, ocean air, and the kind of plans that don’t rush you.
A Winter Garden in Balance
A winter garden doesn’t have to be bare. Explore how to design symmetrical raised beds in Santa Cruz with winter vegetables and herbs that nourish both your table and your sense of calm.
This Weekend in Santa Cruz: Holiday Glow, Market Wandering, and Coastal Cheer
Looking for things to do in Santa Cruz this weekend? Discover holiday events, local makers markets, farmers markets, and festive happenings around town. From downtown holiday lights to winter produce and coastal strolls, this weekend guide highlights the best seasonal events in Santa Cruz.