Arts, Music, and Theater
Santa Cruz County has a very lively performing arts, visual arts, and music scene. From world-class performances to hand-made crafts, Santa Cruz is an art-lover's delight.
Santa Cruz County has a very lively performing arts, visual arts, and music scene. From world-class performances to hand-made crafts, Santa Cruz is an art-lover's delight.
Public Art and Galleries
Santa Cruz County is home to a wide array of Art Galleries & Dealers, artists, painters, and sculptors. Pacific Avenue alone has more than 20 public art pieces, which you can view using the Public Art Walking Tour brochure. Don’t miss Santa Cruz Open Studios in October, when you get a chance to peek into the studios of local artists.
And, if you’re here on the first Friday of the month, don’t miss the chance to visit participating galleries, which are open between 12noon and 9 p.m, through First Friday Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz County is home to a wide array of Art Galleries & Dealers, artists, painters, and sculptors. Pacific Avenue alone has more than 20 public art pieces, which you can view using the Public Art Walking Tour brochure. Don’t miss Santa Cruz Open Studios in October, when you get a chance to peek into the studios of local artists.
And, if you’re here on the first Friday of the month, don’t miss the chance to visit participating galleries, which are open between 12noon and 9 p.m, through First Friday Santa Cruz.
Art & History Museums
Santa Cruz County has museums to cater to all your interests, from art to surfing to agriculture:
Santa Cruz County has museums to cater to all your interests, from art to surfing to agriculture:
Music, Theater, and Live Performances
Santa Cruz County is a wonderful place to experience live music. A vibrant performing arts community in Santa Cruz ensures that there's always a performance to catch in the area. Here are just a few of the public venues in the County:
Santa Cruz County is a wonderful place to experience live music. A vibrant performing arts community in Santa Cruz ensures that there's always a performance to catch in the area. Here are just a few of the public venues in the County:
- Barn Theater (UCSC)
- Cabrillo College Theater (Aptos)
- Cabrillo College Performing Arts Center (Aptos)
- Henry J Mello Center (Watsonville)
- Kresge Town Hall (Kresge College, UCSC)
- Kuumbwa Jazz Center (Downtown)
- Rio Theatre (Midtown)
- Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium (Downtown)
- UCSC Music Center Recital Hall (UCSC)
- UCSC Theater Arts Mainstage (UCSC)
- Vets Hall (Downtown)
Natural Beauty
Santa Cruz County natural museums, aquarium, and gardens showcase the natural beauty of the area:
Santa Cruz County natural museums, aquarium, and gardens showcase the natural beauty of the area:
Look for the Chamber decal
For more than 120 years, Santa Cruz Chamber members have been committed to improving our community for everyone who visits, works, or lives in Santa Cruz County.
For a list of local Santa Cruz Chamber member attractions, visit the Attractions section of the Chamber business directory.
Events this Week and Beyond
For more ideas on what to do while you're in Santa Cruz, view the complete Calendar of Annual Events.
Looking for something to do this month? Check out the Santa Cruz monthly calendar of events»
For more than 120 years, Santa Cruz Chamber members have been committed to improving our community for everyone who visits, works, or lives in Santa Cruz County.
For a list of local Santa Cruz Chamber member attractions, visit the Attractions section of the Chamber business directory.
Events this Week and Beyond
For more ideas on what to do while you're in Santa Cruz, view the complete Calendar of Annual Events.
Looking for something to do this month? Check out the Santa Cruz monthly calendar of events»