🎬 Five days of films. A whole lot of Santa Cruz.October 14–18 | Santa Cruz Film Festival 2026
Clear your calendar for independent films, filmmaker conversations, local flavors, and plenty of reasons to stay out after the credits. Here’s how the week unfolds:
MOVIE VENUES: The Del Mar, Santa Cruz Cinema, The 418 Project, The Colligan, The Rio Theater.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Go to our website for our full film guide and schedule for all 5 festival days!&nbsp;
After parties each night!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 — LET’S MAKE A SCENE We open with Lunar Sway at the Del Mar Theatre, then head to the Museum of Art &amp; History for our Opening Night Party. Think music, cocktails, culinary bites, and a room full of people ready to celebrate independent cinema.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 — SIP HAPPENS Discover fresh voices on screen, then keep the conversation flowing at Big Basin Tasting Room. Wine, bites, and fireside conversations bring filmmakers and film lovers together.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 — POUR DECISIONS Make a day of discovering films, then join us at Woodhouse Blending &amp; Brewing for live music, custom SCFF brews, and a Friday night with a few surprises.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 — THE S’MORE THE MERRIERSpend the day exploring the film lineup, then trade your theater seat for some ocean air. Our beachside gathering with Dream Inn brings the community together for fire pits, s’mores, and conversations under the Santa Cruz sky.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 — BRUNCH WITH BENEFITS + CUE THE APPLAUSE Start with brunch and industry conversation about Ai in FILM at Hotel Paradox, catch more festival films, and join us for our Closing Night screening at the Rio Theatre. Then it’s back to Hotel Paradox for the awards celebration and one final toast.
Every day is an invitation to discover artists, support local businesses, and connect with your community. Your support also helps SCFF provide workshop scholarships and a matching ticket and pass program for film students.
🎟️ Bring your curiosity. Bring your people. Explore the schedule and get your tickets.
Thank you to our Luminary Sponsors: The Dream Inn and Bella Babot + Richard Baer

Local Event: Santa Cruz Film Festival 

Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz

California

Santa Cruz Film Festival 

🎬 Five days of films. A whole lot of Santa Cruz.October 14–18 | Santa Cruz Film Festival 2026
Clear your calendar for...

🎬 Five days of films. A whole lot of Santa Cruz.October 14–18 | Santa Cruz Film Festival 2026
Clear your calendar for independent films, filmmaker conversations, local flavors, and plenty of reasons to stay out after the credits. Here’s how the week unfolds:
MOVIE VENUES: The Del Mar, Santa Cruz Cinema, The 418 Project, The Colligan, The Rio Theater.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Go to our website for our full film guide and schedule for all 5 festival days!&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruzfilmfestivals.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">santacruzfilmfestivals.org</a>
After parties each night!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 — LET’S MAKE A SCENE We open with Lunar Sway at the Del Mar Theatre, then head to the Museum of Art &amp; History for our Opening Night Party. Think music, cocktails, culinary bites, and a room full of people ready to celebrate independent cinema.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 — SIP HAPPENS Discover fresh voices on screen, then keep the conversation flowing at Big Basin Tasting Room. Wine, bites, and fireside conversations bring filmmakers and film lovers together.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 — POUR DECISIONS Make a day of discovering films, then join us at Woodhouse Blending &amp; Brewing for live music, custom SCFF brews, and a Friday night with a few surprises.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 — THE S’MORE THE MERRIER &nbsp;Spend the day exploring the film lineup, then trade your theater seat for some ocean air. Our beachside gathering with Dream Inn brings the community together for fire pits, s’mores, and conversations under the Santa Cruz sky.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 — BRUNCH WITH BENEFITS + CUE THE APPLAUSE Start with brunch and industry conversation about Ai in FILM at Hotel Paradox, catch more festival films, and join us for our Closing Night screening at the Rio Theatre. Then it’s back to Hotel Paradox for the awards celebration and one final toast.
Every day is an invitation to discover artists, support local businesses, and connect with your community. Your support also helps SCFF provide workshop scholarships and a matching ticket and pass program for film students.
🎟️ Bring your curiosity. Bring your people. Explore the schedule and get your tickets.
Thank you to our Luminary Sponsors: The Dream Inn and Bella Babot + Richard Baer

Wilder Ranch State Park

Celebrate the season at Wilder Ranch State Park with apple tasting by the California Rare Fruit Growers Assn., live music, and living history demos. This free community event also features delicious food for sale, crafts, and games, with day-use parking available for $10 to support the park.

Local Event: Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival

Celebrate the season at Wilder Ranch State Park with apple tasting by the California Rare Fruit Growers Assn., live music, and...

At the home of Diana & Matt Chapman, Aptos, CA. Address provided upon RSVP.

RSVP for Saturday, October 17, 2026, 5 - 7 PM Senator Cory Booker, Speaker &amp; Reception in support of the Booker Victory Fund
5:00 - 6:30 PM: Main Reception 5:00 PM: Doors Open 5:30 PM: Speaking Program 6:30 - 7:00 PM: Host &amp; Sponsor Private Reception
At the home of Diana &amp; Matt Chapman, Aptos, CA Address provided upon RSVP
Hosts: Diana &amp; Matt Chapman, Sage Lavine, Ocean Robbins, Sean Atsatt, Jamie Barsimantov &amp; Alex Gershenson
Contribution Levels (per person): Co-Host: $2,500* | Sponsor: $1,000* Friend: $500 | Guest: $250 *Co-Hosts &amp; sponsors are invited to join at 6:30 PM for a private gathering with Senator Booker.
RSVP: <a href="https://secure.ngpvan.com/tl6PEt_r406p_h7h7P3YOQ2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://secure.ngpvan.com/tl6PEt_r406p_h7h7P3YOQ2</a>
For More Information: Email Emma Davis: <a href="mailto:edavis@corybooker.com">edavis@corybooker.com</a> Call: (240) 444-3292 Email Mather Martin: <a href="mailto:mather@corybooker.com">mather@corybooker.com</a> Call: (415) 987-8120

Local Event: Senator Cory Booker, Speaker & Reception

Senator Cory Booker, Speaker & Reception

RSVP for Saturday, October 17, 2026, 5 - 7 PM Senator Cory Booker, Speaker & Reception in support of the Booker Victory...

Online event on Google Meet. Free, register on Eventbrite to get the link. A free 30-minute webinar for local business owners: find the patches holding your business together, and what to fix before adding AI. Every tool you own made sense the day you bought it: the booking system, the card reader, the accounting package, the spreadsheet that was only meant to be temporary. None of them were built to talk to each other, so over the years you became the connection. Put AI on top of those patches and you automate the mess. Who should attend: owners of businesses that have been running for ten years or more (practices, trades, crews, rentals, shops), especially if nobody on your payroll has the job of making the software work. In 30 minutes you will find the patches in your own business with a live five-question check, see which popular AI tools are usually not worth it yet and why, learn the order that works (steady what is underneath, connect what can be connected, then automate), and leave knowing what to fix first, whether or not you ever hire anyone to do it. Open questions after for anyone who wants to stay. Everyone who registers gets the recording, so sign up even if you can't make it live. Hosted by Chris Cobb, founder of Sannidhi AI in Santa Cruz.

Local Event: Free Online Webinar: Stabilize Before You Automate

Free Online Webinar: Stabilize Before You Automate

Online event on Google Meet. Free, register on Eventbrite to get the link. A free 30-minute webinar for local business owners:...

Santa Cruz Bible Church

FREE FALL FEST EVENT FOR FAMILIES You are invited! Join us on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Santa Cruz Bible Church for an evening of food trucks, trunk-or-treat, games and more. This event is FREE!
Bring your family, friends, and costumes — it’s going to be a night full of fun and community.
Join us for: • Trunk-or-Treat (costumes welcome!) • Local Food Trucks • Euro Bungee • Water Balls • Preschool Game Area • and More!
Food Truck Lineup: Chubby’s Tacos, Cliffside Coffee Bar, Fire &amp; Slice (wood-fired pizza), River Dogs + Shaved Ice and S&amp;B (sandwiches and burgers).

Local Event: Santa Cruz Bible Church Fall Fest

Santa Cruz Bible Church Fall Fest

FREE FALL FEST EVENT FOR FAMILIES You are invited! Join us on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Santa Cruz Bible Church for an evening of...

UCSC Music Center Recital Hall

UC Santa Cruz Music Department faculty Michael McGushin, Luke Shepherd, Emily Sinclair, and Sheila&nbsp;Willey perform art songs, arias, and selections from musical theater. Proceeds support the UCSC Opera program.
ADMISSION
<ul><li>Attend in person at the Music Center Recital Hall at UC Santa Cruz.</li><li><a href="https://arts.ucsc.edu/news-events/visitor-information/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Accessibility and visitor resources available here online.</a></li><li>General admission tickets $0–$12.</li><li>Free for UCSC students (ticket required).</li><li>Tickets available through Eventbrite only; link to be announced when sales page is live.</li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ucsc-music-department-108641718591" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Follow the Music Dept on Eventbrite</a> for notices and updates.</li><li>Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.</li></ul>

Local Event: One Night Only—A UCSC Music Dept. Faculty Recital

One Night Only—A UCSC Music Dept. Faculty Recital

UC Santa Cruz Music Department faculty Michael McGushin, Luke Shepherd, Emily Sinclair, and Sheila Willey perform art songs,...

University of California, Santa Cruz

Set in a failing movie theater in central Massachusetts, three employees sweep up spilled popcorn and tend to the last remaining 35-mm film projector in the state. Their daily struggles and quiet heartbreaks in the search for connection remind audiences to hold on to authenticity in hard times in The Flick, written by playwright Annie Baker and directed by UC Santa Cruz students Lina Valderrama and Felix Rae Whitehouse.
ABOUT BARNSTORM UC Santa Cruz students experiment with and create their own innovative theater and gain a sense of operating and creating art in the Barnstorm Theater Company, a student-run theater arts production company established in 2004.ADMISSION $0-$20 - Pay what you like ticket pricing Tickets available on Eventbrite.com Performances at Theater Arts B100 Studio Theater on campus at UC&nbsp;Santa Cruz. FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Thu., Oct. 29, 2026, 7:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 30, 2026, 7:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 31, 2026, 2:00 p.m. matinee Sun., Nov. 1, 2026, 7:30 p.m. —

Local Event: Barnstorm Presents: The Flick, by playwright Annie Baker

Barnstorm Presents: The Flick, by playwright...

Set in a failing movie theater in central Massachusetts, three employees sweep up spilled popcorn and tend to the last...

Barnstorm Presents: The Flick, by playwright Annie Baker

Set in a failing movie theater in central Massachusetts, three employees sweep up spilled popcorn and tend to the last remaining 35-mm film projector in the state. Their daily struggles and quiet heartbreaks in the search for connection remind audiences to hold on to authenticity in hard times in The Flick, written by playwright Annie Baker and directed by UC Santa Cruz students Lina Valderrama and Felix Rae Whitehouse.
ABOUT BARNSTORM 
UC Santa Cruz students experiment with and create their own innovative theater and gain a sense of operating and creating art in the Barnstorm Theater Company, a student-run theater arts production company established in 2004.
ADMISSION 
$0-$20 - Pay what you like ticket pricing 
Tickets available on Eventbrite.com 
 
Performances at Theater Arts B100 Studio Theater on campus at UC Santa Cruz. 
 
FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 
Thu., Oct. 29, 2026, 7:30 p.m. 
Fri., Oct. 30, 2026, 7:30 p.m. 
Sat., Oct. 31, 2026, 2:00 p.m. matinee 
Sun., Nov. 1, 2026, 7:30 p.m.

Hummingbird Valley Retreat Center

Sunday, November 1, 2:00 to 5:30 pm, at Hummingbird Valley Retreat Center in Santa Cruz.A Santa Cruz afternoon for women crossing into perimenopause and menopause. Six local practitioners each share the first thing they want a woman in this phase to understand, answer the questions guests bring, and then meet guests one to one at open tables.Panelists: Michelle Bean, DC; Tonya Fleck, ND; Alexandra Johnson, MD; Melanie Shine, DC; Aimée Shunney, ND; and Kate Wilson, DACM, L.Ac. Joined by Taflyn Wilschinsky, PT, DPT, pelvic floor and physical therapy. Hosted and moderated by Eireann Del Bonta, RN, founder of Lotus Flow Health.Tea and refreshments throughout. Every guest takes home a printed practitioner guide. Seating is intentionally limited. Tickets are $33, which covers the room, the refreshments and the printed guide.This is an educational gathering. Panelists share general education drawn from their training and practice. Individual care, diagnosis, and treatment take place later, in a private appointment with a provider you choose.Tickets and details: https://lotusflowhealth.com/threshold

Local Event: Act III: The Threshold, Perimenopause and Menopause

Act III: The Threshold, Perimenopause and...

Sunday, November 1, 2:00 to 5:30 pm, at Hummingbird Valley Retreat Center in Santa Cruz.A Santa Cruz afternoon for women...

Act III: The Threshold, Perimenopause and Menopause

Are you holding onto boxes of sensitive documents? Not sure what to do with the shredded paper you've accumulated? (Shredded paper is not accepted in the curbside recycling bin.)&nbsp;Dispose of your confidential documents at our free Paper Shred Event on Saturday, November 7th from 9 am - 1 pm, at the City Hall Parking Lot (corner of Chestnut and Church St).&nbsp;
A maximum of 3 standard-size banker boxes (10″x 12″x 15″) per household for City of Santa Cruz residents only. Paper will be shredded in front of you and then responsibly recycled at a Steri-Cycle facility.
The event lasts until 1 p.m. or until the truck is full, whichever comes first. We hope to see you there!&nbsp;

Local Event: Fall Paper Shred Event

Fall Paper Shred Event

Are you holding onto boxes of sensitive documents? Not sure what to do with the shredded paper you've accumulated? (Shredded...

The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center

Santa Cruz Sea Glass &amp; Ocean Art Festival Saturday November 7th 10am-5pm Sunday November 8th 10am-5pm
60 Authentic Sea Glass and Ocean Artists plus ceramics, fabric art, mosaics, resin art and so much more.
Located at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk inside at the historic Grove Sun &amp; Bay View rooms overlooking the beach.
$5 admission supports ocean conservation through the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. Admission includes a chance to win a spectacular gift-basket. Four drawings per day.
Full bar, Food, Kids get in Free!

Local Event: Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival

Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival

Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival Saturday November 7th 10am-5pm Sunday    November 8th 10am-5pm
60 Authentic Sea Glass...

Rio Theatre

<h2>Sustaining Partner Seacrest Fund/Peter &amp;&nbsp;Maura&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Supporting Second Harvest Food Bank</h2>
Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. The tour will visit the Rio Theatre on November 14th with films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. This year's screening will present the Adventure playlist.Mountainfilm on Tour in Santa Cruz has been hosted at the Rio Theatre since 2016. &nbsp;While presenting an inspiring film collection, the show is also an opportunity to support Second Harvest Food Bank as they kick off their Holiday Food Drive. Every ticket purchased, along with beer sales (provided by Sante Adairius Midtown Portal) will share a portion of revenue with this organization.

Local Event: Mountainfilm on Tour Santa Cruz

Mountainfilm on Tour Santa Cruz

Sustaining Partner Seacrest Fund/Peter & Maura 
Supporting Second Harvest Food Bank
Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of...

Join me for a free 60 minute workshop online about how clearing clutter heals and how to break free from the burden of clutter. You’ll walk away with clarity and motivation and an approach that will help you break through the stagnation, and begin getting things done.
Follow the link to learn more and register: <a href="https://www.simplifytothrive.com/clutterclearingheals" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">simplifytothrive.com/clutterclearingheals</a>

Local Event: How Clutter Clearing Heals-Online Workshop

How Clutter Clearing Heals-Online Workshop

Join me for a free 60 minute workshop online about how clearing clutter heals and how to break free from the burden of clutter....

Cabrillo's Crocker Theater

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Santa Cruz City Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker. Widely regarded as a local gem and the best holiday present in Santa Cruz, this absolutely fantastic show sparkles on stage and is presented by the International Academy of Dance. Shows on 12/19 &amp;&nbsp;12/20, 1:00 PM&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;4:30 PM&nbsp;both days only at Cabrillo's Crocker Theater.

Local Event: Nutcracker

Nutcracker

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Santa Cruz City Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker. Widely regarded as a...

Bay Area

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El Capulin Nursery

We offer a wide variety of plants/trees from fruit trees, flowers, palms, grasses and succulents, our property is over 3 acres full of plants ready to make your garden / backyard beautiful 595 green valley rd Watsonville ca Open Everyday 8am-5pm

We offer a wide variety of plants/trees from fruit trees, flowers, palms, grasses and succulents, our property is over 3 acres full of plants ready...

Illusive Comics & Games, LLC

All are welcome at Illusive Comics &amp; Games, located in Santa Clara. Woman owned and all spectrum friendly, we are a brightly lit, well organized, and welcoming shop. It's easy for anyone to come in and wander, and shop. Roll some gorgeous dice and play some boardgames if you have the time. We will you pick out the perfect item you're looking for! We have the largest selection of new comics in the Bay Area. You can also find Dungeons &amp; Dragons, Pokemon, Magic: the Gathering, and a huge selection of boardgames. We've got comic books for every age, starting with Superhero board books. We have a full weekend of events all of the time, which we update on our website each week. There's also space for free Boardgaming for you and your friends. Illusive has been a Santa Clara mainstay since 2007. We're on Stevens Creek at Lawrence Expy and 280, next to Harbor Freight, on the other end of the center from MicroCenter. Open every day of the year, our Holiday Hours for 2026/27 are Mon 11a-7p Tues 12p-7p Wed 11a-8p Thur 11a-7p Fri 11a-9p Sat 10a-7p Sun 11a-7p (Libraries, Teachers and Schools- contact us for bulk ordering discounts for your schools and fundraising options!)

All are welcome at Illusive Comics & Games, located in Santa Clara. Woman owned and all spectrum friendly, we are a brightly lit, well organized,...

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Events and Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA

Wednesday, October 21

Free Online Webinar: Stabilize Before You Automate

OCT

21

12:00 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Friday, October 16

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Sunday, October 18

Wednesday, October 21

Saturday, October 24

Thursday, October 29

Friday, October 30

Saturday, October 31

Sunday, November 1

Saturday, November 7

Sunday, November 8

Saturday, November 14

Thursday, November 19

Saturday, December 19

Free Online Webinar: Stabilize Before You Automate

El Capulin Nursery

Illusive Comics & Games, LLC