Live music 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.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca brings a showcase of classic race cars to the heart of Monterey to kick off Monterey Car Week. Thirty vintage machines line Alvarado Street near the Monterey Conference Center and the Portola Hotel and Spa. Attendees can meet the drivers, take in live music, and enjoy giveaways.

A Days Between tribute to the Jerry Garcia Band arrives at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, featuring R&B, Motown, reggae, country rock, and soul selections from the Jerry Garcia Band songbook. Tiger’s Tale features Jim Lewin on guitar and vocals from Edge of the West, Tatiana Peña on backing vocals from Floratura, Diana Zitmanis on backing vocals from Edge of the West, Josh Salesin on keyboards from FunkUrSoul, Sebastian Hegenbart on bass from Redwood Express, and Michael Owens on drums from China Cats. The band name nods to Tiger, the guitar most played by Jerry Garcia and the last he used with the Jerry Garcia Band before his death. A cover charge applies. Co-sponsored by Mountain Music Productions.

Sammy Johnson brings his smooth, soulful sound to the Golden State Theatre, joined by Lot 49 in support.

Catch Bria Skonberg for an evening of jazz at Kuumbwa Jazz. The show is scheduled for 7:00 PM, with local venue times listed on the page. Tickets are available via Bandsintown.

Honey Buckets is performing at San Benito County Historical Park. The show starts at 8:00 PM.

Catch Empire Grade live at The Crepe Place in Santa Cruz. The show gets underway at 8:00 PM.

Head to Pono Hawaiian Grill Downtown Santa Cruz for a live performance by Kanekoa, an electrifying Hawaiian ukulele-powered band. Expect a mix of traditional Hawaiian sounds and other upbeat genres, all driven by Kanekoa’s signature four-string style. It’s a two-hour in-person show with no refunds listed.

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.

First Call brings live music to Bubbles & Brew in Morgan Hill, a welcoming wine bar and bistro known for wines from local producers, a broad selection of beers on tap, and dishes made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. The patio stays cozy when it is cool thanks to heaters and fire pits, creating a relaxed setting for the performance. In addition to public shows, First Call also plays private events including parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings.

Chill out with tasty brews, cheesy bites, fresh bread, and live tunes at this 21+ beer, cheese, and bread pairing night. You’ll sample cheese paired with Voodoo Ranger, Fat Tire, and Bell’s Two Hearted IPA, plus a sweet finish with dessert cheese dipped in chocolate sprinkles and a caramel stroopwafel cookie paired with a milk stout. Bread and cheese will also be served, including Parmesan Herb and Cheddar & Garlic Beer Bread. Tickets include beer, bread slices, and cheese squares, and there’s also a full bar available. Outside beverages or beverage containers aren’t allowed on the property.

The Brotherhood Tour brings Los Lobos and Los Loney Boys to the Golden State Theatre. Both bands appear together on the same stage for this event.

The Rounder Circle is set to perform at San Benito County Historical Park in Tres Pinos. Show time is 7:00 PM.

Experience CONTROL at the 2026 Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, featuring Cristian Măcelaru and a lineup of contemporary works. The program includes Clarice Assad’s Kontrol with violinist Philippe Quint, Jackson A. Waters’ Defending Greenwood, Hannah Ishizaki’s Spin, and Dan Dediu’s Concerto for Orchestra. The concert explores power, agency, and the forces that shape contemporary life.

Soul Titanium and Cat Alley Street present an intimate Santa Cruz night as Colette brings her Sunshine Tour celebrating 30 years of Om Records to the city for the first time. An internationally recognized DJ, producer, vocalist, and founder of Candy Talk Records, Colette has spent more than three decades shaping house music through productions, performances, and collaborations. With roots in Chicago’s house scene, Billboard-charting releases, and five studio albums, she remains a significant presence in dance music. The tour is inspired by her contribution to Om Records’ 30th anniversary project, The Sunshine. The program features an extended headlining set from Colette. Mike Soultanian opens the night, and the event also marks his birthday, bringing together friends, music lovers, and the local dance community while benefiting the LA County High School for the Arts Foundation. The foundation supports arts education for more than 550 student artists from over 80 schools and communities across Los Angeles County. Capacity is limited, and tickets will be available soon. Event artwork by Marisa Cooper.

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.

Sweet Sally is performing at San Benito County Historical Park in Tres Pinos. The show starts at 10:00 AM and tickets are available through Bandsintown.

James Durbin performs at Cottage Creek Vineyards. The singer and songwriter from Santa Cruz, California reached the Top 4 on American Idol in 2011 and has since released six solo albums.

Celebrate the Leo spirit at a festive party at Vino with Richie The Lip. It is a cheerful gathering focused on Leos and a chance to honor the sign together.

The David Outlaw Band is back at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with Southern blues, honky tonk, soul, and bluegrass. Admission is a $10 cover.

This special afternoon offers a timeless atmosphere inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and other legends, paired with a curated selection of artisan foods, plus beer and wine.

Catch a live performance by Shane Dwight at Gilroy Rodeo. The show gets underway at 6:00 PM.

The Cabrillo Festival brings its 2026 season to a close with a program focused on shared possibility, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Eunike Tanzil’s "Ascending Creatures" receives its first West Coast appearance, exploring the relationship between the individual and the collective through the flight of birds. Violinist Tessa Lark draws on her Appalachian roots in Lisa Bielawa’s "Pulse", also new to the West Coast. Elena Kats-Chernin’s "Rainbow Promise" makes its United States premiere with a jubilant nod to marriage equality. Sean Shepherd’s "Wanderlust" debuts on the West Coast and drives the season to a bold finale. A Post Season Reflection follows, supported by Bookshop Santa Cruz in honor of its 60th anniversary. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove joins for a special closing moment, performing original poetry that honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. alongside Barber’s "Adagio for Strings". The poetry is heard on the West Coast for the first time, offering a thoughtful coda to a season of remembrance, reckoning, and looking ahead. An annual street party wraps up the night with cake and bubbly.

Vino By The Sea is the spot for the after-parties that follow the Tuesday Night Summer Concert Series.

Tuesday Night Live returns to the Wharf Commons stage with Fish Hook, formerly known as Santa Cruda. Presented by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, Choose Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Wharf Tenants, this installment features live music alongside Wharf business pop ups. Consider reserving a table for dinner before the show. Because it is Local’s Tuesday, a stamp from any Wharf business provides two hours of free parking. Guests may want to bring a chair or lace up their dancing shoes. After the performance, the celebration continues upstairs at Vino by the Sea.

Keep the summer momentum going with an after party following the concert at Vino By The Sea. It is a simple way to continue the night with fellow attendees after the show.

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.

Angelo De Augustine brings his indie-folk sound to Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz. The show starts at 7:30 PM.

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.

Take a seat by the fireplace to hear Dave Conley on piano in the lounge. The atmosphere is relaxed and centered on live piano music.