5 Best Free (Or Cheap) Outdoor Events In Santa Cruz!

Summer is in full swing here in Santa Cruz, which means it's a great time to soak up the sunshine, explore the community and enjoy some fun without spending a fortune. We’ve rounded some free (or cheap!) outdoor events happening in and around the Santa Cruz area — perfect for families, friends or a solo summer outing. Make sure to check with event organizers before you head out — dates/times, parking info, ticket requirements or weather cancellations can change.

1. Free Movies on the Beach

Where: Main Beach at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (in front of the Colonnade) – 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA
When: Fridays at 9 PM

• July 11 – Jumanji
• July 18 – Clueless
• July 25 – Wizard of Oz
• August 1 – Despicable Me 4
• August 8 – The Goonies

🔗 Click here for more info.

2. Evenings on the Colonnade

Where: Colonnade Deck & Plaza Stage at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – 400 Beach St , Santa Cruz, CA
When: All week – 8:30 - 9:30 PM

• Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays – Magicians & acrobats
• Thursdays – Live music
• July 10 – Fire Peach
• July 17 – Burnin Vernon
• July 24 – Locomotive Breath
• July 31 – Billy Martini
• August 7 - Tsunami
• Fridays – Free movies on the beach (see above)
• Saturdays & Sundays – DJ dance parties with Santa Cruz DJ Company

🔗 Click here for more info.

3. Crow’s Nest Free Beach BBQ & Concert Series

Where: 2222 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
When: Every Thursday throughout the summer, 5:30 - 8:00 PM

• July 10 – Jive Machine
• July 17 – Fishook
• July 24 – Extra Large
• July 31 – Matt Masih & The Messengers
• August 7 – The Houserockers
• August 14 – The Joint Chiefs
• August 21 – Sambada
• August 28 – Alex Lucero Band

🔗 Click here for more info.

4. Midtown Fridays Summer Block Parties

Where: The Midtown Lot – 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
When: May 30 to August 29, 5:00 - ~8:30 PM

• July 11 – DJ Monk Earl of Afrobeats Nite
• July 18 – Hijinx
• July 25 – Ripatti Rose Band
• August 1 – Alwa Gordon & Silvandgold & Friends
• August 8 – Alex Lucero Band
• August 15 – Ancestree & Friends
• August 22 – Jive Machine
• August 29 – Streetlight Records 50th Anniversary Party with Slow Gherkin; Voluntary Hazing opening

🔗 Click here for more info.

5. Santa Cruz Shakespeare

Where: Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park – 501 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz, CA
When: July - September, with daily performances during summer

• Main Stage Productions:
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare
• Into the Woods, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine; licensed by Music Theatre International
• Pericles, by William Shakespeare and George Wilkins
• "Master Harold"...and the boys, by Athol Fugard

Note: There are other performances off the main stage, including Monday Night Revels & The Tuesday Fringe Series.

🔗 Click here for more info.

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