Events in San Benito County today

Bring your Biewer Terriers out for the Golden State Biewer Terrier Fanciers event at Manzanita Park. Enjoy the show atmosphere with local exhibitors and fans gathering at the park.

Ninja Mountain Bike Performance brings a full weekend of mountain bike skills clinics to DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. Sessions are available for beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced trail users, with options ranging from half day and full day clinics to a comprehensive two day camp that brings the Ninja curriculum together over the weekend. Clinic choices include a two day camp, Co-Ed Fundamentals half day, Women’s Only Fundamentals half day, Fundamentals Trail Application half day, a Fundamentals Full Day Combo, a Jumping Mini Clinic half day, and an Intermediate and Advanced full day clinic. Offerings can vary by location and date. After registration, participants receive an email with the exact meeting spot for their selected clinic.

Enjoy harvesting your own produce at the UC Santa Cruz Farm. Check in near the tent cabins to pick up containers, then head into the fields to gather your favorites. Payments are cashless only, so bring a smartphone and a credit card and be ready to enter your card number on your own device. Free parking is available in lots 115 and 116 and in the Hay Barn lot during u-pick hours, and parking in the dirt lot by the back gate is not allowed. One ADA parking space is available on the farm for visitors with a valid placard. The landscape includes hills and uneven ground. For accommodation requests, email agroecology@ucsc.edu. Pets should stay at home, though service animals are permitted.

A freeform dance session comes to the Palomar Ballroom in downtown Santa Cruz, hosted and DJed by Daniel Mollner. The space invites movement in whatever way feels right, with the option to dance solo or connect with others at your own pace. The session lasts two hours, attendees are encouraged to stay for the full experience, and entry is available only during the first hour. Admission is $20 cash at the door. Children attend at no cost, and dancers receive free entry during their birthday week. Community guidelines emphasize authenticity, respect for the space and everyone in it, and a drug and alcohol free environment, with conversations kept off the dance floor to support embodiment, creativity, and connection. Participants are responsible for their own well being and safety. Everyone is welcome, including People of Color and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or same gender loving, along with seniors and neurodiverse dancers. All bodies, ages, sizes, and abilities are valued.

The Kruz3r Mob Annual Monterey Ride traces a scenic route along the Monterey Peninsula from Seaside Beach to Lovers Point, with a lunch break at Cannery Row. The plan includes additional stops for refreshments and photo opportunities. The ride welcomes families, and sunscreen and locks are suggested.

A special Second Sábado poetry reading spotlights Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Nancy Miller Gomez alongside Adela Najarro, a Latinx poet whose work has earned awards. Nancy’s poems have appeared in Best American Poetry, Best New Poets, and many other journals and anthologies. She received a Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets and a special mention in the Pushcart Prize anthology, and Ellen Bass has praised her voice for its hard-earned compassion and wisdom and for the way it blends memory with ferocity. Nancy also co-founded an organization that brings poetry into jails and offers workshops for marginalized youth in the county. Adela’s fifth collection, Variations in Blue, was published in 2025 through the Letras Latinas and Red Hen collaborative. The California Arts Council recognized her as an established artist in the Central California Region and named her an Individual Artist Fellow. With family roots in Nicaragua, she serves as Board President of Círculo de Poetas and Writers and collaborates with Latinx communities nationwide to connect creative writing with social justice. Wine and refreshments will be available, with time to mingle and a Q&A where attendees can ask both poets about their writing and their efforts to bring poetry to marginalized communities. Seating is limited and offered on a first come basis.

Scrumptious brings its award-winning British-style fish and chips to Humble Sea Brewing Co. Recognized by Good Times as Santa Cruz's Best Take Out/Seafood for five consecutive years, Scrumptious serves its signature fish and chips alongside other options like shrimp and bangers. There are also three loaded chip dishes, including one for vegan diners. While at the brewery, orders can be placed through DoorDash or Uber Eats.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea at the John Steinbeck House, featuring tea along with delicious baked goods. If you’re curious about who Beth is, you’ll just have to ask. This is a seasonal-style tea gathering with other dates offered throughout the month.

Join a conceptual abstract mixed-media art class where you’ll experiment with color, movement, texture, and personal expression. The session encourages playful, intuitive creation using everyday materials and creative prompts, with time to explore your own visual language. It’s designed for teens and adults to connect, reflect, and enjoy making art together.

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.

Part four of the nine part series Growing Up Twisted unfolds in the garden at the Cayuga Stage, presenting 13 coming of age tales from a time of innocence before adult cynicism. Storyteller and impresario Kevin Keelan, a genial troublemaker who has performed across California and Ireland, weaves memories drawn from school days, neighborhood rites of passage, improvised tools, altered states in a dusty garage, family clubs, swashbuckling imaginings, clubs both wholesome and not, a peer’s puzzling bravado, secret fizzies rituals, an underground fort collapse, a peanut butter predicament, and the awkward intersection of sports and puberty. A $1 cover helps with attendance tracking, and additional contributions support the ongoing effort and soloist George Demarest. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic and a bottle of wine, fostering an easygoing sense of fellowship and a brief mental getaway.

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.

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.

At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the fifth annual hillclimb sends drivers up the Corkscrew in the opposite direction. Over a 90-minute session, a mix of specialty cars and race cars tackles the climb while chasing the benchmark, with each run aimed at surpassing the world record time of 29.535 seconds set in 2025.

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.

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.

Catch Much Ado About Nothing at Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruz. It’s scheduled for Saturday evening at 8:00 PM.

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.

Tri-Valley Dive Club is organizing a shore dive at Monastery Beach, a dramatic Monterey Peninsula site set beside the Carmel Submarine Canyon. Expect striking underwater features, rocky reef structure, kelp, and the chance to see a range of Central California marine life. When conditions cooperate, the site’s terrain can make for a memorable experience. This is an advanced dive with demanding entries and exits due to a steep beach of coarse sand, unstable footing, breaking waves, and surge. It is best suited to divers experienced in cold-water shore diving and confident managing their gear in active surf. Plans are dependent on weather, swell, and surf, and safety is the top priority. Diving will proceed only if conditions are suitable, and the club may shift to an alternate location if needed, so check for updates before heading out. Plan enough time to unload, assemble your gear, and be ready for the pre-dive briefing. Bring full cold-water equipment, proper exposure protection, and any essentials for a safe and enjoyable outing.

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.

Santa Cruz Warriors Lacrosse (SCCLA) offers a no-travel, once-a-week summer league at Harbor High School for boys and girls ages 4 to 10 in PreK through 4th grade within Santa Cruz County. New and experienced players are welcome. Weekly sessions combine skill development with a game in a supportive, community-minded setting that emphasizes the fundamentals of lacrosse. Teams are grouped by grade level, with separate divisions for girls and boys when there are enough players, or coed if needed. Rosters are finalized before the season begins, and loaner sticks are available at the start.

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.

This gathering is dedicated to supporting Emmus House and local vendors. It offers a simple way to show encouragement for the organization and for the vendors involved.

Scrumptious brings its traditional British-style fish and chips to Humble Sea Brewing Co., backed by five consecutive Best Take Out/Seafood honors from Santa Cruz’s Good Times. Alongside the signature dish, look for shrimp and bangers, plus three loaded chip choices that include a vegan-friendly option. Ordering via DoorDash and Uber Eats is available while they are at Humble Sea for added convenience.

Comforting plant-based barbecue takes center stage at a pop-up in Santa Cruz from the spot named the number one vegan BBQ joint in the country by VegNews and USA TODAY. The menu focuses on Southern favorites and hearty sandwiches, with options such as fried chickun-style fare, smoked meats, mac n cheeze, beer-cheeze battered Beyond Burgers, jambalaya, po boy style selections, Cajun corn, totchos, and more. Everything is prepared without nuts, and several gluten-free choices are available.

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.

A monthly outdoor dance gathers at Oceanview Park with silent disco headphones and a welcoming, family friendly vibe. People of all ages are welcome. The atmosphere is relaxed, drug and alcohol free, and centered on movement, creativity, and community care. Headsets are $10 each. Cash is preferred, with Venmo available if needed. Feel free to bring a blanket, a picnic, dogs, kids, hoops, a slackline, or other items that support expression and respectful connection. The dance floor is an open movement space where you can move in whatever way feels right and choose whether to dance on your own or with others. Expect a two hour DJ guided musical journey by Daniel Mollner, beginning with a gentle downtempo warmup for about 10 to 15 minutes, building gradually to an energetic peak in the second half, then easing into softer music for relaxation and rest as it wraps up. Community guidelines encourage everyone to be themselves, accept others, and respect the space and the people in it. Conversations are kept outside the dance area to maintain focus, and the event remains drug and alcohol free. Care is taken to foster a setting that feels reasonably safe and welcoming for all, especially those who have been marginalized, including LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, people of diverse body types, neurodiverse participants, and seniors. Attendees are asked to help uphold these values, and those from traditionally marginalized groups are encouraged to take part as the community learns and grows.

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.

Little Bellas offers a weekly Santa Cruz program for girls ages 7 to 13 that centers on exploring local trails by bike, playing skill based games, and building confidence in a welcoming setting. Designed for riders of all abilities, this Play & Explore series rotates between DeLaveaga Park, Glenwood West Trails, and Wilder Ranch State Park so participants experience a variety of singletrack, doubletrack, and open areas suited for challenges and fun. Riders pedal with a team of Mentors who emphasize guidance and encouragement rather than formal coaching, progressing skills in a positive, non competitive environment. Each session blends trail rides, group activities, and games to foster new abilities, friendships, and a love of riding together. The series spans eight weeks with a focus on exploration and skill development through time on the trail. If a rider needs a bike or financial assistance, those needs can be noted on the registration form.

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.

Catch a performance of Macbeth at Audrey Stanley Grove. The show is scheduled for Sunday evening, with tickets available through showtime.

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.

This class helps clarify the difference between anger and related states like being assertive, feeling stressed, or behaving aggressively. Participants learn to recognize and assess their own reactions, develop practical strategies to handle anger effectively, and practice ways to remain composed when situations get tense.

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.

This book club meets each second Thursday to explore notable reads and exchange lively conversation with fellow book enthusiasts. The focus is on hot-topic titles in the news and the wider book buzz, including works that prompt debate, newly anointed classics, and heavily hyped selections. Registration is required.

Plan a cozy evening for two with a four course dinner that features a chef’s selection of pintxos, a Caesar salad, your pick of paella, and churros for dessert. Paella choices include Del Mar, La Granja, and Primavera. Two glasses of Estéban’s signature sangria are included, and the set menu is priced at $79. Reservations are recommended. To reserve, call 831-375-0176.

The Adaptive Social Club is a fun, interactive program for teens and adults ages 14 and up with special needs. Participants can enjoy a variety of activities, including multiple-choice options, and use the Teen Center’s equipment like a pool table, ping-pong table, computers, and video games. Caregivers are encouraged to help guide and engage participants. Come to hang out or meet new friends.

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.

This event focuses on learning and practicing a few beginner and beginner level 2 line dances that are tailored for the dance floor.

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.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca springs to life for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion with historic race cars on track and genuine paddock activity. Expect early engine start ups, practice laps through the famous Corkscrew turn, and crews fine tuning cars between sessions. Access puts you close to the workings of a true race meet rather than a staged display. It is a rare opportunity to experience motorsport history at speed and hear it at full intensity.

Experience a huge lineup of historic and modern race cars at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The weekend highlights include events and races such as the Rennsport Reunion Cup and the Rennsport Reunion Classic, featuring cars from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s alongside more modern competitors. The event runs from the morning through the afternoon each day, with the main date starting at 8:00 AM.

Explore the Hollister Farmers' Market, where the Hollister Artisans showcase handmade gifts from local makers. Browse their creations and enjoy something to eat while supporting local businesses.

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.

The program features songs and storytelling, followed by Stay & Play activities for continued fun.

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.

This weekly local One Piece tournament brings players together to compete for the title of King of the Pirates. The entry fee is $10.

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.

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

A freeform dance gathering fills the Palomar Ballroom in Santa Cruz, hosted and DJed by Daniel Mollner. This twice weekly community space invites you to move in the way that feels right for you, whether you prefer to remain solo or to connect with others. Participants are encouraged to stay for the full session, and doors close after the first hour, so early arrival matters. Admission is $20 cash at the door. Kids attend at no cost, and anyone celebrating a birthday week is welcomed to dance for free. Everyone is asked to take responsibility for their own experience, health, and safety. The dance floor is conversation-free and kept drug and alcohol free to support embodiment, creativity, and community. Be yourself and honor the space and everyone in it. Every body is unique, and all identities and backgrounds are welcome, including People of Color, LGBTQ, questioning, intersex, and same-gender-loving people, as well as seniors and neurodiverse participants. All shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities are invited and appreciated.

The Futuro Clásico class at Concours Carmel highlights Ferrari models from 2021 to 2026 in a prime showcase. Participation includes a $50 donation that supports Rancho Cielo’s student automotive program. Capacity is limited for this featured display.

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.

Mecum Auctions, recognized as the world’s largest collector car auction company, returns to Monterey, California. An estimated 600 classic and collector vehicles are expected to cross the auction block, with services available such as financing, auto transport, and completion of ownership transfer for purchases. The auction serves as a single destination to find and acquire a dream car. Information is available about vehicle consignment, bidder registration, spectator tickets, and the lineup of cars slated for the block.

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.