Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — July 25-27
Summer is in full swing on the Central Coast, and this weekend is shaping up to be one of the best of the season. Whether you are a longtime local, a new resident, or just visiting for the weekend, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties are packed with things to do, places to see, and moments to enjoy. I have lived here for more than 50 years and I still get excited about the energy of a summer weekend like this one.
From the Boardwalk to the redwoods, from farmers markets to live music, here is your guide to July 25-27.
Saturday, July 25
Westside Farmers Market
9:00 AM — 1:00 PM | Corner of Highway 1 and Western Drive, Santa Cruz
Start your weekend right. The year-round Westside Farmers Market brings the best of the region's produce, flowers, artisan breads, and local crafts. Grab a coffee, walk the stalls, and stock up on summer fruit. It has been a Santa Cruz Saturday tradition for decades and it never gets old.
Aptos Farmers Market
8:00 AM — 12:00 PM | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos
If you are on the south end of the county, the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College is a gem. Fresh-picked produce, local honey, prepared foods, and live music. Bring a bag and a appetite.
National Carousel Day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11:00 AM onwards | 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
The Boardwalk is celebrating National Carousel Day with special rides on the historic 1911 Looff Carousel. This is one of the few hand-carved, triple-row carousels still in operation, and it is a joy for kids and grown-ups alike. Ride the original wooden horses, grab a corn dog, and soak in the summer boardwalk energy.
Summer Fun Festival at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
11:00 AM — 3:00 PM | Tyrrell Park, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Free and family-friendly. The museum's annual Summer Fun Festival features hands-on nature activities, live animal encounters, art projects, and interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. Set in beautiful Tyrrell Park right on the bluffs overlooking Monterey Bay. Bring a picnic blanket and make a morning of it.
No Attitudes Beach Volleyball Tournament
9:00 AM | Main Beach, Santa Cruz
Watch or play. The No Attitudes Volleyball Tournament at Main Beach brings together beginner and intermediate players for a day of fun competition on the sand. Great spectator sport with the Boardwalk and ocean as the backdrop.
Pacific Grove Summer Lights Festival
9:00 AM — 9:00 PM | Lovers Point Park, Pacific Grove
Head down to the Monterey Peninsula for the annual Pacific Grove Summer Lights Festival. The day kicks off with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast (9:00-11:00 AM), followed by live music, lawn games, food vendors, and illuminated decorations as the sun goes down. This is a true community gathering with a small-town feel. Free to attend.
Live Blues Music on the Pacific Grove Waterfront
2:00 — 4:00 PM | Lovers Point, Pacific Grove
The Next Blues Band performs live at Lovers Point as part of the Pacific Grove Summer Festival. Hot dogs, tater tots, Marianne's ice cream, beer, and wine available. Pull up a blanket and enjoy the music with the bay behind you.
Carmel Bach Festival — Final Day
Multiple performances | Sunset Center, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and other venues
Saturday is the final day of the 89th Carmel Bach Festival, featuring over 100 musicians across the Monterey Peninsula. Catch Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, and Bach cantatas performed by world-class artists. Performances continue through the day at Sunset Center and other area venues. This is a world-class cultural event right in our backyard.
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music — Donors Concert
7:00 PM | Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz
The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music returns to the Civic with a special donors concert. Known for its bold, adventurous programming, the festival is a highlight of Santa Cruz's cultural calendar. Tickets and details at cabrillomusic.org.
SambaDá at Abbott Square Market
7:00 PM — 10:00 PM | Abbott Square, 725 Front Street, Santa Cruz
SambaDá brings high-energy Brazilian and world music to Abbott Square Market. Dancing is encouraged. Grab a bite from one of the market vendors, find a spot on the plaza, and let the rhythms carry you into the evening. Free.
DJ Dance Party on the Beach
8:30 PM — 9:30 PM | Boardwalk Colonnade, Santa Cruz
Part of the Evenings on the Colonnade series. The Santa Cruz DJ Company spins a free dance party on the beach. Dancing under the stars with the sound of the waves. Every Saturday night through August 6. Free.
Redwood Grove Guided Walk at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
12:00 PM — 1:30 PM | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton
Take a guided walk through the old-growth redwood grove. A park docent leads you through the towering trees, sharing stories about the ecology, history, and wildlife of this beloved state park. Easy walking, suitable for all ages. Park entrance fee applies.
Sunday, July 26
Live Oak / Eastside Farmers Market
9:00 AM — 1:00 PM | 2150 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz
Sunday is farmers market day on the east side. Live Oak's market is a friendly neighborhood affair with local produce, artisan vendors, and a relaxed morning vibe. A great stop before heading to the beach.
Carmel Jewish Food Festival
10:00 AM — 3:00 PM | Congregation Beth Israel, 5716 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel
A wonderful community event. The Carmel Jewish Food Festival features authentic Jewish cuisine for purchase, live music, and cultural activities. Free admission. A flavor-filled Sunday excursion into Carmel Valley.
Live Blues Music on the Pacific Grove Waterfront
2:00 PM — 4:00 PM | Lovers Point, Pacific Grove
Sunday brings the Wharf Rats to Lovers Point for another afternoon of live blues. Same spot, same good vibes. Food, drinks, ice cream, and ocean views included.
DJ Dance Party on the Beach
8:30 PM — 9:30 PM | Boardwalk Colonnade, Santa Cruz
The Sunday edition of the Evenings on the Colonnade dance party. Another chance to dance on the sand with the summer crowd. Free.
Sue Foley at Moe's Alley
4:00 PM | Moe's Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz
Award-winning blues guitarist and singer Sue Foley brings her powerhouse sound to Moe's Alley for a Sunday afternoon show. A fantastic way to wrap up the weekend with live music in an intimate venue.
Monday, July 27
Evenings on the Colonnade — Juggling and Surfing Magic
8:30 PM — 9:30 PM | Boardwalk Colonnade, Santa Cruz
Monday night at the Boardwalk features Juggling with Keith Eveslage at 8:30 PM followed by Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins at 9:00 PM. Two shows, one night, completely free. The perfect way to cap off a summer evening.
All Weekend: Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking Elkhorn Slough
Daily | Moss Landing (about 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz)
Elkhorn Slough is one of the best places in California to kayak with wildlife. Sea otters, harbor seals, and hundreds of bird species. Multiple outfitters offer rentals and guided tours including Monterey Bay Kayaks and Kayak Connection. Calm, protected waters that are great for beginners. Sunday July 26 has availability bookable online.
Surf Lessons on Cowell Beach
Daily | Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz
Gentle waves, soft sand, and a dozen surf schools ready to get you standing up. Club Ed Surf School, Adventure Out, and Surf School Santa Cruz all offer lessons with gear included. Kids surf camps are also running. If you have always wanted to learn to surf, July is the month.
Hiking in the Redwoods
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, and Big Basin, Boulder Creek
The redwoods are spectacular in summer. Henry Cowell offers an easy 0.8-mile loop through old-growth giants. Big Basin (now Sempervirens Wilderness) has trails for every level. Both parks are about 15-20 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz. On Saturday, Big Basin offers a guided walk, "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," at 11:00 AM.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Open daily, 10:00 AM — 5:00 PM (Sat-Sun 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM) | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey
A world-class attraction in our own backyard. The Kelp Forest, Open Sea exhibit, and the always-mesmerizing jellyfish gallery are must-sees. Plan for a few hours. Tickets sell out on summer weekends, so book ahead.
Carmel Valley Wine Tasting
Daily | Carmel Valley Village
Carmel Valley Village has more than a dozen tasting rooms within walking distance of each other. Parsonage, Holman Ranch, McIntyre, and Windy Oaks are all open weekend afternoons. A low-key, grown-up way to spend a summer afternoon.
Shareable Social Captions
Planning to post about your weekend? Here are some ready-to-copy captions for Instagram and Facebook, written as if I am sharing my own plans with friends.
Weekend mode: ON. Starting Saturday at the Westside Farmers Market, then walking over to the Boardwalk for National Carousel Day. Sunday is for kayaking Elkhorn Slough with the sea otters. Who is joining me? 🌴 🌊 #SantaCruzEvents #ThingsToDoSantaCruz #WeekendInSantaCruz #SantaCruzLife #WeekendVibes
Three days, two counties, endless summer. Saturday: Pacific Grove Summer Lights Festival (pancake breakfast, live blues, glowing lights at Lovers Point). Sunday: Carmel Jewish Food Festival in the Valley. Monday: Boardwalk magic show. This is why we live here. 🌙 #MontereyBay #SantaCruzEvents #WeekendVibes #ThingsToDoSantaCruz #CaliforniaWeekend
Hot tip: The Summer Fun Festival at the Museum of Natural History is FREE and perfect for families with kids. Live animals, art projects, nature activities. Pack a picnic for Tyrrell Park and make it a whole morning. 🦊 🌿 #SantaCruzLife #FamilyFunSantaCruz #SantaCruzEvents #WeekendInSantaCruz
Saturday night plans. SambaDá at Abbott Square + DJ dance party on the Boardwalk beach. Brazilian rhythms, then dancing under the stars with the waves as your soundtrack. Free, fun, and so Santa Cruz. 🟡 🦶 #SantaCruzLife #WeekendVibes #ThingsToDoSantaCruz #SantaCruzEvents #CaliforniaSummer
My kind of weekend: redwoods, farmers markets, live blues, and a sunset paddle. Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties have so much going on this weekend. Grab your people and get out there. 🌲 🌊 #WeekendInSantaCruz #SantaCruzEvents #MontereyBay #WeekendVibes #SantaCruzLife
Enjoy the weekend, everyone. If you are thinking about making Santa Cruz or Monterey County your home, or if you are curious about what the market looks like in your neighborhood, give me a call 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® — Century 21 Masters
More from Kieron Bery: Neighborhood guides | Client reviews | Summer living in Santa Cruz County | July 2026 market update | About Kieron