Friday is packed with fun 4th of July events throughout Santa Cruz County, and there’s plenty of other events to keep you busy throughout this long weekend.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
4th of July Activities
4th of July is one of the busiest days of the year in Santa Cruz, and for good reason. There are a ton of great events to help you celebrate the 4th. Check out all the fun 4th of July events going on today:
- 50’s Family July 4th Fest!
- Aptos 4th of July
- Old-Fashioned Independence Day
- Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade and Fireworks!
- Spirit of Watsonville July 4th Parade
- 4th of July BBQ Pool Party
- 2014 Santa Cruz Firecracker
- Fourth of July Festivities at Chaminade Resort
- 4th of July Parade
- 4th of July Pancake Breakfast
- LeonardPalooza
Click here for a full list of 4th of July Events
First Friday Events
Today is the First Friday of the month, which means it’s time for the First Friday Art Tour. While the art tour is always a highlight, it isn’t the only perk that comes with the first Friday of each month:
- First Friday Art Tour
- What Cheer? Brigade Plays Abbott Square!
- First Friday Free Day at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Questing For (the other) Giants
When: Friday, 7/4 at 3:00 pm
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
How Much: Free
The Central Coast is known for its humongous redwoods, which can sometimes literally and figuratively overshadow the other trees native to the region. Take this tour to learn more about madrones, sycamores, maples, and other wooden giants in our own backyard.
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach – The Tubes
When: Friday, 7/4 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
The Tubes’ “She’s a Beauty” dominated the early days of MTV (way back when it was actually a music channel). All these years later, the San Francisco punk band will perform that and other hits like “White Punks on Dope” at the Boardwalk.
Tidepool Tours at Natural Bridges State Beach
When: Friday, 7/4 through Sunday, 7/6, at 11:00 am
Where: Natural Bridges State Beach
How Much: Free
Natural Birdges’ tidepools are home sea stars, sea urchins, crabs, and other crustaceans and sea creatures. This guided tour, perfect for all ages, will give you insight into the little critters we’re lucky enough to share the beach with.
Altar Boyz
When: Saturday, 7/5 through Sunday, 7/6, at 7:30 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
How Much: $16-$45
In between catchy tunes, this satirical musical pokes fun at boy bands, Christian music, and much more of American culture. The show has won an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off Broadway Musical.
Homegrown Marketplace – Outdoor ART Market at the MAH
When: Saturday, 7/5 at 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Abbot Square
How Much: Free
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) is kicking off its summer Art Markets in Abbott Square by showcasing the artistic side of eating. You’ll find edible art and artistic plants among the more traditional art, with tastings galore.
As You Like It
When: Saturday, 7/5 at 8:00 pm through Sunday, 7/6, at 7:30 pm and 2:00 pm
Where: Sinsheimer-Stanley Festival Glen
How Much: $20
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s ultimate comedy of errors, built on layers of misunderstandings and double meanings. Santa Cruz Shakespeare will perform this tale of cross-dressing love through August 10th.
Lumberjack Days
When: Saturday, 7/5 at 11:00 am through Sunday, 7/6, at 5:00 pm
Where: BC Hardware
How Much: Free
Do you know there’s a lot more to being a lumberjack than an unkempt beard and a flannel shirt? Come test your skills at Boulder Creek hardware in downtown Boulder Creek with contests like axe throwing and log rolling, games, and barbecue.
Wildflower Walk
When: Sunday, 7/6 at 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Butano State Park
How Much: Free
Bring out your inner botanist with a leisurely walk through Butano State Park. You’ll be identifying and learning about animals as well as flowers, and beginners are welcome.
Sunday Art and Music at the Beach
When: Sunday, 7/6 at 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Esplanade Park
How Much: Free
This Capitola tradition gives everyone an opportunity to take in local art and crafts, and even buy something if it catches your fancy. Singing Wood Marimba will be providing the entertainment this week.
Free Docent-Led Tour of the UCSC Farm
When: Sunday, 7/6 at 2:00 pm
Where: UCSC Farm
How Much: Free
Always wanted to know more about the acres and acres of UCSC that aren’t taken up by classrooms and dorms? Gain some insight as you tour UCSC’s greenhouses, crop fields, gardens and more.
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
Friday through Sunday
- Planet Ord
- Visual Art: “In a Golden State” 84th Annual California Statewide Landscape Exhibit
- Santa Cruz Mosaic Artists
Saturday:
- FREE SWIM LESSONS once a month
- Star Spangled Beach Cleanups in Santa Cruz County
- Rasa Vitalia at the Crepe Place Santa Cruz
- Orangegoose, The Brothers Vilonzy
- Extra Large
- Pablo Moses & The Revolutionary Dream Band
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
- Building Methods at the Mission
Sunday:
- S. Carey (Bon Iver), The Pines
- Free Music Together Preview Classes
- Way up on Westridge Hike
- Creek Detectives
- Monthly XStream Beach Cleanup at Davenport Main Beach
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- Free Wildlife Eco-Tours of the Santa Cruz Wharf (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Tours of the Reserve at Elkhorn Slough (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Sunday Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center (weekly event – every Sunday)
- Santa Cruz Farmers Markets (weekly events)
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest (weekly event – every Sunday night)
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