Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey

We are closing out August with a weekend that has a little bit of everything. The Monterey Turkish Arts and Culture Festival brings a world-class cultural event to Custom House Plaza, Midtown Fridays wraps up its block party series, Capitola kicks off its Movies on the Beach season, and the farmers markets are absolutely bursting with late-summer produce. I have lived in Santa Cruz County for more than 50 years, and this final weekend of August always has a special energy. The nights are starting to cool just a touch, the ocean is at its warmest, and there is a feeling in the air that we should soak up every last bit of summer.

Every event in this guide I verified through local sources. Let us get into it.

Friday, August 28

Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party

5:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 1111 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz
The final Midtown Fridays block party of the season. Live music, rotating food trucks, local vendors, and that community street-party energy that has made this a summer staple. Free to enter, family-friendly, and the perfect way to kick off your weekend with the neighborhood. Grab dinner from a food truck, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy one of the last great summer evenings in Midtown. These block parties have been a highlight of the summer, so do not miss the finale.

Music in the Courtyard at Bargetto Winery

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Bargetto Winery, 3535 North Main Street, Soquel
Friday evening wine and live music in the beautiful Bargetto courtyard. One of Santa Cruz County's oldest and most beloved wineries, Bargetto opens its courtyard every Friday in summer for live music, wine by the glass or bottle, and a relaxed evening in the Soquel hills. Their Regan Estate wines are excellent. No cover. A lovely way to ease into the weekend.

Free Elements at Discretion Brewing

5:30 PM | Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Avenue, Soquel
Friday live music at one of the county's best brewery patios. Free Elements brings their acoustic sound to the spacious Discretion taproom and outdoor space. Great beer, family-friendly atmosphere, dogs welcome, and free live music. A relaxed start to the weekend in Soquel.

Aloha Friday with Slack Key Ohana at Pono Hawaiian Grill

6:00 PM | Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
Friday night Hawaiian music and island vibes in downtown Santa Cruz. Slack Key Ohana plays traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and contemporary island sounds in Pono's warm, welcoming space. Great food, tropical cocktails, and genuine aloha spirit. No cover.

BASH AT THE SHACK at Shanty Shack

6:00 PM | Shanty Shack, 112 Bronson Street, Santa Cruz
Friday evening at one of Santa Cruz's coziest neighborhood brewery taprooms. Shanty Shack is tucked away in the Bronson Street industrial area and regularly hosts live music and community events. Their beers are excellent, the space is intimate, and the BASH series brings fun local entertainment. Free entry.

High Sierra Jam All Stars at Abbott Square Market

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Abbott Square Market, 725 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Friday night live music in the outdoor plaza at Abbott Square Market. The High Sierra Jam All Stars bring a rootsy, jam-band energy to one of the best downtown gathering spots. Grab dinner from one of the market vendors (Luna's Boriken Bites, India Gourmet, and more), pick up a drink from the bar, and settle into the plaza for live music under the summer sky. Free to attend.

Michael Michael Motorcycle at The Crepe Place

7:00 PM | The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz
Indie pop and folk-rock at one of Santa Cruz's most beloved neighborhood restaurants. The Crepe Place has that perfect tucked-away patio and consistently books interesting local and touring acts. Great food, good drinks, and a Friday show that keeps things low-key and fun. Check the venue for cover details.

Capitola Movies on the Beach: Zootopia 2

7:30 PM | Capitola Beach, 1400 Wharf Road, Capitola
Free outdoor movie on the sand in Capitola Village. The Capitola Movies on the Beach series kicks off its season with Disney's "Zootopia 2." Bring a blanket or low-back chair, grab dinner from a Capitola Village restaurant beforehand, and settle in for a movie with the sound of the waves and the lights of the wharf. This is a beloved Capitola tradition that runs Fridays through September. Free and family-friendly.

Mestizo Beat at Moe's Alley

Doors 8:00 PM, Show 9:00 PM | Moe's Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz
Mestizo Beat brings their infectious blend of Latin funk, psychedelic cumbia, and soul to Moe's Alley. This band knows how to get a room moving. High-energy, horn-driven, and absolutely danceable. Tickets $25 at moesalley.com. If you want to dance on Friday night, this is where you want to be.

MAH Yappy Hours

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Early-morning coffee, art, and dogs in the MAH courtyard. Yes, the pun is intentional. Bring your pup, grab a coffee, and explore the museum's exhibitions before the crowds arrive. The MAH just opened its "MAH Belong" exhibition on August 20, exploring what it means to belong in Santa Cruz County. A lovely way to start your Friday morning.

Watsonville Farmers Market

2:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Watsonville Plaza, Downtown Watsonville
Friday afternoon and evening farmers market in the heart of Watsonville's historic downtown. Fresh local produce, artisan goods, and the vibrant energy of Pajaro Valley's farming community. Late August at this market means strawberries, corn, tomatoes, and stone fruit at their peak. A wonderful early stop before heading into your Friday evening plans.

U-Dream Show "Ocean of Dreams"

Evening | Custom House Plaza, Monterey
A creative performance and art installation at Custom House Plaza on the Monterey waterfront. Part of the weekend's cultural programming leading into the Turkish Arts Festival. Free to attend. Check oldmonterey.org for exact timing.

Saturday, August 29

26th Annual Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Custom House Plaza, Monterey (next to Old Fisherman's Wharf)
This is the weekend's standout event. The Monterey Turkish Arts and Culture Festival returns for its 26th year with a full weekend of live Turkish music, folk dancing, whirling dervish performances, belly dancing, carpet weaving demonstrations, and ebru water marbling art. Children's activities keep the little ones engaged while adults explore the food booths with Turkish coffee, kebabs, baklava, and more. Free admission. Presented by the Turkish American Association of California. This festival is a gem: cultural, colorful, delicious, and completely free. Saturday runs 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a second day on Sunday. Do not miss the whirling dervishes.

Westside Santa Cruz Farmers Market

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Mission Street Extension and Western Drive, Santa Cruz
Late August at the Westside market is peak season. Heirloom tomatoes in every color, sweet corn, melons, peaches, pluots, basil, sunflowers, and dahlias. This market is a Saturday ritual for good reason. Grab a coffee from a local roaster, walk the full loop, and buy way more than you planned. You will thank yourself when you are eating that perfect tomato sandwich on Tuesday.

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Voted "America's Favorite Farmers Market in California" three years running. Over 90 vendors offering certified organic produce, artisan cheeses, pastured meats, fresh pasta, flowers, and live bluegrass from the Farmers Market String Band. August is one of its best months. Do not skip the fresh-picked berries or the artisan cheese booth.

Scotts Valley Farmers Market

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Graham Plaza, 219 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley
A smaller but mighty market in the San Lorenzo Valley. Seasonal produce, local crafts, and that friendly mountain community feel. A great stop if you are starting your Saturday in the hills above Santa Cruz.

KBCZ Music Fest 2026 in Boulder Creek

Doors 2:00 PM | Garrahan Park, Boulder Creek
The San Lorenzo Valley's own community radio station KBCZ hosts its annual music festival in Boulder Creek's Garrahan Park. Live music all afternoon featuring the Coffis Brothers and a full lineup of local and regional acts. Garrahan Park is a beautiful setting surrounded by redwoods. Family-friendly, community-driven, and one of the best ways to experience the mountain community spirit. Check KBCZ's website for tickets and lineup details.

The Coffis Brothers at Garrahan Park

3:00 PM | Garrahan Park, Boulder Creek
The Coffis Brothers are a Santa Cruz Mountains staple. Roots-rock harmonies, original songs, and the kind of warm, authentic sound that makes you feel like you are on a back porch somewhere beautiful. They play as part of the KBCZ Music Fest lineup. If you have not seen them yet, this is the perfect introduction.

831 Day at SubRosa Community Space

5:00 PM | SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
831 Day is a local celebration of our area code and everything that makes Santa Cruz County home. SubRosa hosts an evening of community, art, music, and good vibes to celebrate 831 Day. SubRosa is a cozy creative space downtown that regularly hosts some of the most interesting community events in the city. Free or by donation.

Rivets & Rust at Discretion Brewing

5:30 PM | Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Avenue, Soquel
Saturday evening live music and craft beer on the Discretion patio. Rivets & Rust bring their folky, Americana sound to one of the county's best breweries. Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and the beer list is always rotating. A relaxed Saturday evening option with great local beer.

Island Oasis Saturday at Pono Hawaiian Grill

6:00 PM | Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
Saturday night Hawaiian music and island vibes downtown. Live entertainment, excellent Hawaiian plates, and tropical cocktails. Pono has become a beloved downtown spot for a reason. No cover.

The Deadly Gallows

6:00 PM | Venue varies, check local listings
Folk-punk and acoustic alternative music in Santa Cruz. The Deadly Gallows bring their storytelling, folk-infused sound to a Saturday evening show. A great option for something off the beaten path.

Tour Elkhorn Slough with a Sea Otter Scientist

Morning / Afternoon | Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing (20 minutes south of Santa Cruz)
A rare guided eco-tour of Elkhorn Slough led by a real sea otter scientist. Learn about the southern sea otters that call the slough home, see them feeding and grooming in the eelgrass beds, and get the inside story on otter conservation in Monterey Bay. Booked through Monterey Bay Eco Tours. This is a special, educational experience that is perfect for nature lovers of all ages.

Monterey Peninsula Barter Fair

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Village Square of The Dunes Marina, Monterey
A community trading event where you can bring items to barter, trade, or give away. No money changes hands. Books, plants, kitchen items, clothes, garden produce. A wonderful community-building tradition on the Monterey Peninsula. Free to participate.

"The Beauty and Wonder of Wabi-Sabi" Art Exhibit

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Japanese American Citizens League Hall, Monterey
A free pop-up art exhibition exploring the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence. Runs Saturday and Sunday. A meditative, beautiful small exhibition in a historic Monterey building.

Sunday, August 30

26th Annual Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival – Day 2

11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Custom House Plaza, Monterey
A second full day of Turkish music, dance, food, and cultural demonstrations at Custom House Plaza. If you missed Saturday, Sunday is your last chance. The whirling dervish performances are breathtaking, the Turkish coffee is strong and sweet, and the children's activities make this a perfect family outing. Free admission.

Live Oak / Eastside Farmers Market

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 15th Avenue and East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Sunday is farmers market day on the east side. A neighborhood-friendly market with local produce, artisan vendors, and live music. Grab your market finds and walk a block to Seabright Beach or the coastal trail for a Sunday morning picnic. The live music lineup adds a lovely soundtrack to your shopping.

"The Beauty and Wonder of Wabi-Sabi" Art Exhibit – Day 2

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Japanese American Citizens League Hall, Monterey
Final day of this free pop-up art exhibition. One last chance to experience the calm, contemplative beauty of wabi-sabi art on the Monterey Peninsula.

Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead – Final Performance

2:00 PM Matinee | Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre, Downtown Santa Cruz
Tom Stoppard's brilliant absurdist comedy has been running since August 14, and Sunday is the final performance. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead reimagines Hamlet from the perspective of two minor characters, blending sharp humor with existential questions. A fantastic production from one of Santa Cruz's most talented theater companies. Tickets $35 or $40 at santa-cruz-actors-theatre.org. Sunday matinee. Do not miss the last chance to see it.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare: Macbeth – Final Weekend

Check santacruzshakespeare.org for showtimes | Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Shakespeare's production of Macbeth runs through August 30. An outdoor Shakespeare performance under the redwoods in DeLaveaga Park is one of the quintessential Santa Cruz summer experiences. The Scottish play, performed by one of the region's finest theater companies, in one of the most beautiful outdoor venues anywhere. Sunday is one of your last chances to see it. Bring a blanket, a jacket, and arrive early for the pre-show atmosphere.

All Weekend: Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking Elkhorn Slough

Daily | Moss Landing (about 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz)
Elkhorn Slough in late summer is teeming with wildlife. Sea otters drifting through the eelgrass, harbor seals hauled out on the mudflats, egrets and herons stalking the shallows. Kayak Connection and Blue Water Ventures offer rentals and guided tours. The slough is calm and protected, perfect for beginners. Early morning is the best time to see the otters at their most active, and this weekend you can also book the special Sea Otter Scientist tour on Saturday.

Hiking the Redwoods

Daily | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton; Fall Creek Unit, Felton; Nisene Marks State Park, Aptos
Three incredible redwood parks within 15 minutes of each other. Henry Cowell has the easy 0.8-mile old-growth loop with the towering trees that will make you feel small in the best way. Fall Creek offers quieter, creekside trails through second-growth forest. Nisene Marks has 30-plus miles of trails from flat fire roads to steep climbs like the Aptos Creek Fire Road. All are shaded and cool even on warm late-August days. Bring water.

Surfing at Cowell's Beach

Daily | Cowell's Beach, Santa Cruz (just west of the Wharf)
August has the warmest water temperatures of the year. Cowell's is the classic beginner break with gentle waves, sandy bottom, and plenty of surf schools. Club Ed, Adventure Out, and Surf School Santa Cruz all offer lessons with gear included. If 2026 is the year you learn to surf, this is the weekend.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat-Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey
The Kelp Forest exhibit, the Open Sea gallery with its tuna and sea turtles, the touch pools, and the mesmerizing jellyfish gallery. Book ahead online to guarantee entry. Late August is a wonderful time to visit without the peak summer crowds.

Biking the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove
One of the most scenic paved trails in California. Flat and easy. Rent a bike from Bay Bikes on Alvarado Street and ride the section between Monterey and Pacific Grove for ocean views, Cannery Row, and the Pacific Grove waterfront. Combine it with a stop at the Turkish Festival at Custom House Plaza for a perfect Saturday.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Open daily with extended summer hours | 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
The Giant Dipper, Logger's Revenge flume ride, the historic 1911 Looff Carousel, mini golf, laser tag, and the Colonnade Stage with nightly DJ dance parties through the summer. The Boardwalk is in full summer mode. Friday night you can catch Zootopia 2 on Capitola Beach, or stay at the Boardwalk for the Friday evening bands on the beach. The evening lights reflecting on the sand never get old.

Whale Watching

Daily departures | Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Harbor
Humpback whales are actively feeding in Monterey Bay through the summer. Half-day tours depart from both the Santa Cruz Harbor and Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf. Blue Ocean Whale Watch and Princess Monterey Whale Watching offer daily trips. August has the warmest sea temperatures and frequent surface activity. Bring a jacket. The whales are breaching right now and it is spectacular.

Food & Drink Highlights

Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival Food

The festival's food booths are a highlight. Turkish coffee, kebabs, baklava, and traditional Anatolian dishes served right on Custom House Plaza. The food alone is worth the drive to Monterey. Try the Turkish coffee if you need an afternoon pick-me-up. Strong, sweet, and brewed the traditional way.

Mane Kitchen & Cocktails

1222 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
Chef Desmond Schneider's new fine dining destination at 1222 Pacific Avenue has been one of the most talked-about openings of the summer. Mane Kitchen & Cocktails brings elevated American cuisine and craft cocktails to downtown Santa Cruz in a beautifully designed space. The restaurant replaces the former Betty's Eat In spot. Reservations recommended. A great option for a special weekend dinner.

Breakfast Club at Midtown

1108 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
The newly opened Breakfast Club at Midtown has become an instant downtown favorite. All-day breakfast classics in a bright, casual space. The space formerly housed Alderwood Pacific and Assembly. Great for a weekend brunch before or after the farmers market.

Manresa Bread

334 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz
Avery Ruzicka's Manresa Bread has opened a new bakery-bar-bistro in the former Izakaya West End space. World-class bread, pastries, and a full bistro menu in a gorgeous Westside space. Grab a loaf of their sourdough or a morning pastry to fuel your weekend adventures.

Abbott Square Market

725 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Our downtown food hall on the edge of Abbott Square. Luna's Boriken Bites serves excellent Puerto Rican dishes. India Gourmet has a permanent kiosk serving their famous farmers market favorites seven days a week. Multiple other vendors and a full bar. The outdoor plaza is perfect for warm August evenings, especially with the High Sierra Jam All Stars playing Friday night.

Bargetto Winery

3535 North Main Street, Soquel
Friday evening Music in the Courtyard at this historic Soquel winery. Estate wines by the glass or bottle, live music from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and that beautiful courtyard setting. Bargetto has been making wine in Santa Cruz County since 1933. No cover. A lovely way to start your weekend.

Notable Community News & New Openings

Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival Returns for 26th Year. This free, family-friendly festival at Custom House Plaza is one of the most vibrant cultural events on the Central Coast. Live Turkish music, whirling dervish performances, folk dancing, carpet weaving, ebru water marbling, and incredible food. Free admission, all weekend. A wonderful way to experience a different culture without leaving the Monterey Bay.

Midtown Fridays Block Party Finale. This summer's Midtown Fridays series wraps up this week with its final block party on Friday. The weekly event has brought live music, food trucks, and community energy to Soquel Avenue all summer. A fitting send-off for a wonderful neighborhood tradition.

Capitola Movies on the Beach Season Begins. Capitola's free outdoor movie series on the beach kicks off Friday night with Zootopia 2. Movies run Friday evenings through September on the sand at Capitola Beach. Bring a blanket and arrive early to grab a good spot.

Downtown Santa Cruz Dining Scene Heats Up. Mane Kitchen & Cocktails, Breakfast Club at Midtown, and Manresa Bread have all opened this summer, bringing new energy to downtown Santa Cruz's dining landscape. Anthropologie also opened a new store at 1134 Pacific Avenue in the former New Leaf Market space. Downtown is feeling more vibrant than it has in years.

Summer Produce at Peak. This may be the best weekend of the year to shop the farmers markets. Heirloom tomatoes, peaches, pluots, sweet corn, melons, basil, sunflowers, and dahlias. The Westside market on Saturday, Aptos and Scotts Valley markets Saturday morning, Live Oak on Sunday, and Watsonville on Friday evening are all overflowing. Buy extra. You will thank yourself next week.

Final Weekend for Santa Cruz Shakespeare. Macbeth closes Sunday after a successful run. If you have not made it to DeLaveaga Park yet this summer, this is your last chance. Outdoor Shakespeare under the redwoods is one of those experiences that defines a Santa Cruz summer.

Shareable Social Captions

Planning to post about your weekend? Here are some ready-to-copy captions for Instagram and Facebook. I write these the way I share my own weekend plans with friends.

The Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival is this weekend and it is completely free. Whirling dervishes, Turkish coffee, kebabs, baklava, live music, and folk dancing at Custom House Plaza right next to Fisherman's Wharf. Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 11-6. I am taking the whole family. This is one of those weekends that makes the Central Coast special. 🇹🇷 ✨ #SantaCruzEvents #MontereyBay #ThingsToDoMonterey #TurkishArtsFestival #WeekendInSantaCruz #MontereyWeekend

Final Midtown Fridays Block Party tonight. Free live music, food trucks, and community vibes on Soquel Avenue from 5-8:30 PM. Then head over to Capitola Beach for Zootopia 2 under the stars at 7:30. Both free, both family-friendly, and both the perfect way to close out summer weekends. ☀️ 🎬 #SantaCruzEvents #ThingsToDoSantaCruz #WeekendInSantaCruz #MidtownSantaCruz #Capitola #SantaCruzLife

My Saturday plan: Start at the Westside Farmers Market for heirloom tomatoes and dahlias, then head down to the Monterey Turkish Festival at Custom House Plaza for lunch and whirling dervishes. Sunday morning at the Live Oak market, then the final performance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at 2 PM. August weekends do not get better than this. 🌾 🎶 #SantaCruzEvents #WeekendInSantaCruz #ThingsToDoSantaCruz #MontereyBay #SantaCruzLife

Free outdoor movie on Capitola Beach starts this Friday. Zootopia 2 at 7:30 PM on the sand. Perfect for families or a low-key date night. Grab dinner in Capitola Village first, bring a blanket, and watch the sun set over the wharf before the movie starts. Movies run Fridays through September. 🎬 🌊 #Capitola #SantaCruzEvents #ThingsToDoSantaCruz #WeekendInSantaCruz #FreeMovie #SantaCruzLife

This weekend is the sweet spot of late summer. Farmers markets at peak, the Turkish Festival in Monterey, live music everywhere, final shows from Santa Cruz Shakespeare and Actors' Theatre, and the warmest ocean of the year. If you have been meaning to get out and explore, this is the weekend. I will be at the Turkish Festival on Saturday and the Live Oak market on Sunday. Who is joining me? ☀️ 🎵 #SantaCruzEvents #WeekendInSantaCruz #ThingsToDoSantaCruz #MontereyBay #CaliforniaSummer

Enjoy the weekend, everyone. Whether you are exploring the Turkish Arts Festival in Monterey, catching the last Midtown block party, watching Zootopia 2 on Capitola Beach, hearing the final performance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, or just filling your bags at the farmers market and finding a quiet spot to read, I hope this weekend gives you exactly what you need. I have lived here for more than 50 years, and weekends like this remind me why this stretch of coast is so special. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, or if you have questions about the market in your neighborhood, I would love to hear from you. Call me at (831) 247-5719 or visit the contact page. I want you to make informed decisions, and I love helping people find their place in this beautiful corner of California.

Talk soon.
Kieron Bery, REALTOR® with Century 21 Masters

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, August 28-30