Free events in San Benito County, CA

Now in its sixth year, Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party is a free neighborhood celebration in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live local music, a rotating lineup of favorite and new food trucks, local artists and makers, vendors, specialty drinks, family friendly activities, and fresh surprises. The music lineup includes James Durbin and The Lost Boys, Santa Cruda, Salsa By The Sea, Ribsys Nickel, Kentucky Mule, Santa Cruz Latin Collective, Hijinx, Ancestree, Ripatti Rose Band, Amp Melo with a special guest, Trestles, Fire Peach, The Rumba Madre, and Alex Lucero Band. Over the last five years it has grown into a favorite tradition that highlights local music and businesses, creativity, and community. Presented with support from the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department and 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.

First Friday Salinas is a monthly celebration that turns Downtown Salinas into a welcoming spot for community and culture. Enjoy local art, live entertainment, tasty food, and shops that stay open late as you explore the 100 to 300 blocks of Main Street. There is also an opening ceremony from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the One Main Street Stage, in front of the Steinbeck Center. Admission is free.

Catch a seaside screening of The Goonies as part of the free beach movie series on the sand in front of the Colonnade. Settle in with blankets or low-back chairs and enjoy nostalgic Boardwalk treats under the stars, with a 15-minute intermission built into the show. Seating is first come, first served, so please be considerate of others’ space and sightlines. Smoking is not permitted on the beach or Boardwalk, and alcohol and glass are not allowed on the beach. A limited number of assistive listening devices are available for checkout at the Mini Golf Kiosk inside Neptune’s Kingdom. For additional accommodations or to request closed captioning, contact the Manager on Duty at (831) 423-5590 at least 48 hours in advance. Admission is free. This series is presented with support from KDON, KOCN, KWAV, KCDU, and the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Experience a free chamber program of original pieces created, curated, and performed by the adventurous 16 to 24 year old musicians of Cabrillo Festival's 2026 Youth Ensemble. No tickets are needed, and planning to arrive about 15 minutes before the music begins helps avoid disruptions. The Student Staff Ensemble includes Michael Chang, Kaydyn Drake, Benjamin Goodwin, Arden Hardy, Zoë Huet, Logan Manildi, Manuel Mattila, Andrew Neal, Emiliano Ramirez, Jack Roche, Jacob Stone, Ava Storm, Olivia White, and Estella Ye.

Join the Late Night Gym free program for students in grades 6 to 12 at the Centennial Recreation Center. There will be a mix of activities including video games, board games, basketball, homework help, and an activity of the day. Since this is a weekly program, be sure to verify the schedule if it lands on a holiday.

A free outdoor movie series at Abbe Park Field, presented by the City of San Juan Bautista, offers six evenings of family-friendly films beneath the stars. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole crew for a relaxed night on the grass as the series showcases Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, Hoppers, How to Train Your Dragon, GOAT, and Wicked: For Good. Admission is free, parking is available nearby, and guests are asked to dispose of trash properly to help keep the park clean. For questions, call (831) 623-4661 or email recreation@san-juan-bautista.ca.us.

Back at one of their favorite venues, the band brings a lively night to Slys. Regulars know how to have fun, with dancing to free live music, cocktails, and tasty food. Special guest Joe Birtola will join in for the festivities.

A participant is checking whether the regular group swim is still happening after recent visits with low turnout that led to swimming alone. To help coordinate, anyone planning to swim is asked to reply with the word IN so it is clear who will be there. This is a simple roll call to confirm interest and make sure the group connects.

A free health screening is available at Watsonville Public Library's Main Library. No appointment is required. Provided by the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, the screening helps patrons check on their health and learn about risks for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Focus areas vary, including diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Open to all ages. This program is supported in whole or 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, and is also supported by Rural Health Connections.

Concours for a Cause returns as an early highlight of Monterey Car Week, turning a charming village setting into an open-air showcase of vintage, classic, and collector cars. Visitors can wander among the displays, take in work by local artists and community exhibits, and enjoy boutique shopping, dining, and other cultural experiences. The event supports charitable initiatives, and admission is free.

Drop in for Adaptive Teen Hangout Wednesdays, a weekly hangout for teens in grades 6-12 designed for participants with disabilities. Each Wednesday runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and includes a variety of activities, with time to use Teen Center equipment like ping pong and pool tables, computers, and video games. Bring friends along, and a parent must stay on site for the duration of the program. No registration or fee is required.

Live music fills the shoreline at sunset as the bandstand in Capitola Esplanade Park hosts a mix of talented bands with views of Capitola Beach. Bring a beach chair, lace up your dancing shoes, and enjoy an easygoing summer evening by the water. Admission is free, made possible by sponsor support.

Trivia Night at Tipsy Putt offers a weekly quiz hosted by Geeks Who Drink, featuring new questions and fun challenges every time. There is no fee to play, winners receive prizes, and cold beer is available. Teams of 2 to 6 are welcome, and solo players can meet new people and join a team with no pressure. A free RSVP is available to add it to your calendar.

A warm, candid conversation about end-of-life planning brings together attorneys from Fine Point Law with two local experts for a practical, compassionate panel. Kathy Berry of Santa Cruz Memorial will share insights into traditional memorials and how to pre-plan local arrangements that align with personal values. Raina Stoops of Sea Spirit Memorial will discuss eco-friendly maritime options on the Monterey Bay, including ceremonies conducted by chartered boat and the specific considerations of full-body ocean burials. The discussion is intended for anyone reflecting on the future, organizing their affairs, or navigating end-of-life choices. Expect a welcoming setting with coffee, local snacks, and time to explore how to record wishes and put the necessary legal documents in place. Admission is free. Space is limited, and reservations by phone are requested at (831) 471-5293.

Enjoy a free double-header night of live music in downtown Gilroy. The lineup includes Isaiah Pickett and Pinky Ring Party, plus a Bruno Mars tribute, with DJ Paz Cali as well. Grab dinner at local restaurants and vendors beforehand, then head downtown for the event activities. The event runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM, with music typically starting around 7:00 PM.