Celebrate Labor Day in Santa Cruz County
Ask Santa Cruzans, and they'll probably tell you that their favorite season is fall in Santa Cruz. The weather is some of the sunniest of the year and there are many fun activities scheduled. Join us in early fall to enjoy uncrowded beaches and your choice of events, including the air show, festivals, county fair, birding festival, wine tasting, and more. Or, enjoy all of the other great attractions, beaches, food and drinks, and annual events Santa Cruz County is known for. Have a fun and safe Santa Cruz Labor Day!
Begonia Festival
This annual festival features a whole weekend of celebrations featuring a sand castle contest, float construction viewing, a concert, a movie on the beach, and the annual nautical parade, with begonia-covered barges floating down Soquel Creek.
Watsonville Fly-In & Air Show
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Watsonville’s Annual Fly-in & Air Show. Enjoy chills and thrills by the dozen and delight your senses. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach
Hang out on the beach at the Boardwalk for a free concert featuring your beach party favorites at shows at 6:30pm and 8:30pm on the Beach Bandstand.
Big Basin Redwood Walks, Campfire Program, Junior Rangers, Nature Club and more!
Join docents for walks by waterfalls, rock formations, and old-growth redwoods. Relax in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story, fire lighting, and marshmallows. Learn astonishing facts about the ancient redwood environment and see the tallest, most rare trees in Big Basin. Explore, practice outdoor skills, and play games as you learn about plants, animals, habitats, and more. Furthermore, there are programs for children and adults of all ages all weekend at Big Basin State Park.
Watsonville Certified Farmers Market
An enchanting farmers market with a "mercado" feel. Lots of wonderful produce and prepared foods can be found here!
Coast Nature Walks
Take a two-hour natural history excursion to explore the plants, animals, and geology of the spectacular coastal bluffs. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain cancels.
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
In 2011 and 2012, our farmers markets were voted "America's Favorite Farmers Market in California." Additionally, Coastal Living Magazine named the Aptos Farmers Market one of "The Coast's Best Farmers Markets." Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Featuring 90 vendors, most of which are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods.
Tours of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is now leading tours on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Join us for an informative half hour, a half mile out at sea! 30-minute tours are every Saturday and Sunday, year-round, rain or shine. Learn about marine research in progress, from clean energy pursuits to marine mammal behavior and conservation. Find out how you can help solve ocean pollution.
Westside Farmers’ Market
This market is proud to have been named best market by the Santa Cruz Metro’s, “Peoples Poll” multiple times. The market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, wine, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats and eggs along with cook-to-order cuisine, live local music and full espresso bar operated by local coffee roaster, Lu Lu Carpenters. With easy access and an abundance of free parking, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing.
Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market
Started in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, the market represents farmers and specialty food purveyors along with cook-to-order food. This local market is the place for the the Scotts Valley community to get their fill of fresh, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables. During the summer months, SCCFM music series showcases local music and there is a shaded cafe seating area, along with space for the young ones to hang out and play. The market provides unlimited free parking and is located next to Sky Park across the from the Scotts Valley Library.
Live Oak Farmers' Market
Started in 2000, this neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Now established as a year round market, you will find an excellent selection of organic produce from local farms, tree ripened fruits, dried fruit and nuts, baked goods, pastries, seafood, pasture raised organic meats and more. The market is also the epicenter of the clean food movement, showcasing amazing Sunday brunch offerings like fresh wood fired breakfast pizzas, smoked pastured-raised local pork and egg street tacos and cook-to order custom traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes using fresh organic ingredients. This is your Sunday destination.
Annual Day on the Monterey Bay Regatta
The largest Santa Cruz Yacht Club sponsored regatta, sumptuous BBQ, live music & raffles for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Big Kahuna Triathalon
The Big Kahuna starts and finishes near the historic Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, CA. The courses are almost entirely coastal with breathtaking views of the rugged California coast, lighthouses and a dramatic finish at the main stage of the Beach Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz County Fair
Whether you attend to enjoy the exhibits, food, and entertainment, or take part in the competition, fair memories last a lifetime. The Santa Cruz County fair features games, rides, displays, and livestock, It is a great event for the whole family.
The Santa Cruz Follies
The Santa Cruz Follies is a large cast of talented performers — all 50 years and older — who put on an original musical revue of song and dance. Our annual theatrical event has continued to attract dynamic and talented performers since 1955. The show is a two hour variety presentation of the talents and theatrical skills of members of this prestigious organization.
Monterey Bay Birding Festival
​Designed for birders of all levels, as well as outdoor lovers, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore, learn and appreciate world-class habitats such as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Pinnacles National Monument. You’ll be able to go to outings in the mountains, shoreline, chaparral, sloughs and grasslands.
Capitola Art and Wine Festival
The Capitola Art & Wine Festival combines Art, Wine, Music & Food all in Capitola Village by the Sea.
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»