Free events in Hollister, CA

Midtown Fridays returns for its sixth summer, transforming Midtown Santa Cruz into a free weekly block party filled with local music, food and community energy. Across the season, 14 Santa Cruz bands take the stage while a rotating mix of favorite and new food trucks serves up bites. Local artists, makers and vendors set up shop, specialty drinks add to the festive mood, and family friendly activities plus surprise moments keep each week fresh. This edition spotlights Trestles on the live music lineup. Now a beloved summertime tradition, it celebrates local music, independent businesses, creativity and community. Presented with support from the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department, with partners including Caitlin Phillips, Realtor, Santa Cruz Warriors, Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine, The Starving Musician, Lookout Santa Cruz, Moe’s Alley, Good Times and Growing Up In Santa Cruz.

Enjoy a free seaside screening of The Goonies on the sand by the Colonnade, part of the Free Movies on the Beach series. Spread out a blanket or use a low-back chair, as seating is first come and consideration for others’ views is appreciated. Each movie pauses for a brief 15 minute intermission. Smoking is not allowed on the beach or Boardwalk, and alcohol or glass containers are not permitted on the beach. A limited number of assistive listening devices are available for checkout at the Mini Golf Kiosk inside Neptune's Kingdom. For other accommodations or to request closed captioning, contact the Manager on Duty at least 48 hours in advance at (831) 423-5590. The series is presented with support from KDON, KOCN, KWAV, KCDU, the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Bring a yoga mat for a complimentary morning session presented with Santana Row and lululemon. This outdoor class takes place in Santana Row Park, next to the chess area. It is free and open to the public, and sign up is available.

Enjoy an R&B-infused brunch that flows into a daytime party at Maslococantina. Tickets are free. The event is open to all ages. To reserve a table, text 510-706-1997.

Enjoy a season of free family movies under the stars at Abbe Park Field, presented by the City of San Juan Bautista. Spread out a blanket or set up lawn chairs and relax with family and friends while the community gathers for feature films. Across six evenings, the lineup includes Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, Hoppers, How to Train Your Dragon, GOAT, and Wicked: For Good. Admission is free. Parking is available nearby, and everyone is asked to help keep the park clean by disposing of trash properly. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and a great attitude for a laid-back night at the park.

The Rockafellas return to Sly McFly's in Monterey for a night of live music with no cover. Expect dancing along to the band, cocktails to sip, and food to enjoy. A special guest, Joe Birtola, will join the lineup.

Strengthen your powerhouse with small group training inspired by Pilates at SPENGA Los Gatos. Marina, a seasoned instructor with more than a decade of teaching experience, leads focused sessions that emphasize core control and smart movement. Groups are kept intimate with a maximum of 12 participants to support attention to form and personalized guidance. The first class is complimentary for local guests. Each workout is designed to help you feel strong and ready for the demands of the next day.

Watsonville Public Library hosts a free health screening with no appointment required. The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley offers quick checks and practical guidance to help patrons understand their risk for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. This session highlights blood pressure. All ages are welcome. Support for this program is provided in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian, with additional support from Rural Health Connections.

Concours for a Cause returns to Carmel-by-the-Sea as an early highlight of Monterey Car Week, presenting a curated showcase of vintage, classic, and collector automobiles. The setting invites leisurely exploration of local art, community displays, boutique shops, dining, and cultural activities, all in support of charitable causes. Admission is free.

A free, open ended park playdate at Cahalan Park invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore, create, and connect through play. Activities are set up for ages one to five and focus on building community as children meet new friends in a relaxed, playful setting. Bring a blanket to sit on and pack snacks or a lunch. The activity changes each week, encouraging curiosity and hands-on learning. Supervision is not provided by APPS, so caregivers should remain with their children. To spot the group, look for a bright red canopy and team members wearing red APPS tees.

A welcoming event at History Park is open to the public at no cost. It offers a simple opportunity to spend time at the park and enjoy the setting for free.

Browse the market for handmade goods from local makers with the Hollister Artisans. Enjoy something to eat as you explore and shop local.

At Townsend Park, families can explore free, interactive math games in a relaxed, drop-in format. This is a smaller gathering than typical math festivals, with activities set up near the playground.

Trivia Night at Tipsy Putt is hosted by Geeks Who Drink and features new questions and lively challenges each week. Participation is free. Form a team of two to six or come on your own and link up with others, no pressure. Winners take home prizes, and cold beer is available. A free RSVP is offered to add it to a calendar.

Explore practical and compassionate end-of-life planning in a welcoming small-group setting. This free panel brings together attorneys from Fine Point Law with two local specialists, Kathy Berry of Santa Cruz Memorial and Raina Stoops of Sea Spirit Memorial, to explain options that include traditional memorials, eco-conscious choices on the water, chartered gatherings on Monterey Bay, and full-body ocean burials. The discussion will cover how to select arrangements that reflect personal values, how to organize clear instructions, and which legal documents help keep everything in order. Coffee and local snacks will be available to support open conversation. This event is designed for anyone contemplating the future, settling affairs, or helping loved ones navigate these decisions. Attendance is limited to keep the conversation intimate, and RSVPs are managed by Fine Point Law at (831) 471-5293.

West Valley Branch Library hosts a free introductory workshop for Make-A-Will Month, presented by the San José Public Library Foundation. Attendees receive straightforward guidance from estate planning professionals, learn practical next steps to protect their legacy, and can enjoy light refreshments while hearing from local experts. Whether starting from scratch or refining existing plans, this session focuses on simple, actionable ways to take charge of future arrangements.

Downtown Gilroy fills with free live music during a summer series that brings the neighborhood to life. Take a leisurely walk, soak in the sounds, and visit the Town Cats booth to learn about adoptable cats, volunteering, fostering, and other ways to get involved. It is a laid back outing that pairs live performances with opportunities to connect with the local community.