Name: Santa Cruz Film Festival
Start: 2026-10-17T11:00:00-07:00

🎬 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.  
Go to our website for our full film guide and schedule for all 5 festival days! 
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

Bay Area

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...

Ranch Kid Field Trip Day at Wilder Ranch State Park is two weeks away, on September 23rd from 11-3! This special event allows your homeschool, non-traditional or small class to travel back in time to experience life on a dairy ranch over 120 years ago through a self-guided field trip at Wilder Ranch State Park. Participate in volunteer-lead stations, games, and activities at your own pace! No RSVP necessary. This event is free but donations are appreciated. Day-use parking is $10 and helps support the park! For questions, please email wilderranch@ports-ca.us....<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/santacruzhomeschooling?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZjjNMrJuzdmMC35g6aNgXwydcFRM_GL-wEvUDVro11HxDdadt3Mr0WKyIUl10P9UC6M0W4UVuLNvx8SNi9u94S2-RiJ4yVg73cWALLyoQTQuq6Q_kRmFN7PHabXmjQJCQDTJNJ5_-g&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>

Local Event: Ranch Kid Field Trip Day at Wilder Ranch

Ranch Kid Field Trip Day at Wilder Ranch

Ranch Kid Field Trip Day at Wilder Ranch State Park is two weeks away, on September 23rd from 11-3! This special event allows...

Capitola Village

Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun featuring a sand sculpture contest, scavenger hunts, corn hole, and a lighted nautical parade. This community celebration also includes a 3-mile fun run, live music from The Beach Cowboys, and various free activities like children's art, fishing derbies, and rowboat races across the village and beach.

Local Event: Capitola Beach Festival: Toy Takeover!

Capitola Beach Festival: Toy Takeover!

Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun featuring a sand sculpture contest, scavenger hunts, corn hole, and a lighted nautical...

Have you had the desire to declutter your space for months or years now but haven’t made much progress?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Let’s do it together.
Decluttering together in a compassionate space can soothe the overwhelm, resistance, loneliness and self judgment that can come with having clutter.&nbsp;
If you feel massive resistance to following through with your desire to declutter or simply don’t know where to begin, this workshop will help you move forward.
This workshop might be the perfect fit if you…
<ul><li>​​Have the desire to declutter but haven’t made progress because you feel overwhelmed.​​</li></ul>
<ul><li>Recently moved, still haven’t fully unpacked and your stuff doesn’t fit in your space.&nbsp;</li></ul>
<ul><li>Inherited someone else's clutter and are drowning in an avalanche of things that never belonged to you.</li></ul>
<ul><li>Have ADHD and find you need gentle, patient and compassionate instructions and emotional support to stay focussed to get tasks done.</li></ul>
<ul><li>Are healing from a chronic illness (physical, mental, emotional) and want to do all you can to feel well again.&nbsp;</li></ul>
<ul><li>Are highly sensitive and crave having a sanctuary that helps you deeply relax and be yourself.</li></ul>
<ul><li>Care about the earth so much that you get paralyzed about where your unwanted things will end up.</li></ul>
Learn The Art of Decluttering
Decluttering can be a healing and transformative process when approached with gentleness and compassion.
In the Simplify To Thrive Workshop you’ll be held in a circle of support and get practical guidance on how to start decluttering. We’ll explore the emotional threads tied to clutter and begin untangling the knots. You’ll take small actionable steps decluttering your space.&nbsp;
Doing it together in a compassionate space gets the momentum going and helps break through the resistance.
Why does doing it together make a difference?
1. FOCUS: Because left to your own devices you get distracted and the next thing you know you’re onto something else. Decluttering never happens.&nbsp;
2. SUPPORT: Because emotional support, practical guidance and gentle accountability will help you stay on track following through with your goals.&nbsp;
3. RELIEF: Because hearing the experiences of others and realizing you are not alone in the pain, shame and overwhelm is a huge relief, comfort and inspiration that is very motivating.
&nbsp;What We’ll Do In The Workshop
<ul><li>Teachings and exercises to help you identify your goals and intentions for your home and life.</li><li>Step by step instructions to guide you through decluttering.</li><li>Explore the emotional side of clutter and how to navigate it.</li><li>Coworking Sessions with specific assignments where you’ll begin working on your home.&nbsp;</li><li>Mini Chi Gong sessions (energy movement practice) to help you get grounded, energized and clear.&nbsp;</li></ul>
We’ll take a 30 minute lunch break about half way through.

What You’ll Get Out Of This Workshop:
<ul><li>Identify areas of your home that feel stuck and stagnant.</li><li>Clarity on your intentions for decluttering and what to focus on.</li><li>Feeling held in a compassionate circle of support and loving accountability.</li><li>Inspiration and insight through the teachings and the experiences of your fellow participants.</li></ul>Meets Online
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time:&nbsp; 9:00am-3:00pm PDT&nbsp;
Cost: $150
Space is limited to 12 participants
Follow the link to learn more details about the workshop:
<a href="https://www.simplifytothrive.com/simplifytothriveworkshop" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.simplifytothrive.com/simplifytothriveworkshop</a>
"Megan's decluttering class felt like a sanctuary where I could learn, ask questions, and deepen my understanding of my relationship with our home. Even after the class, I continue to be surprised by the insights around home, clutter, and health that come up for me. The pairing of learning and practical action within a communal group felt solid for me- especially as someone who struggles to take action on my own. Taking Megan's class has also helped guide conversations with my partner to talk more about what we want in a home and how to move forward with our current home. I would highly recommend Megan's class if you feel ready and open to building a new relationship with your home. She has a special way of holding your fears, concerns, and struggles with such good care, while also providing strong support and wisdom to help you move forward." -Sarah Mehta

Local Event: Simplify To Thrive Online Workshop

Simplify To Thrive Online Workshop

Have you had the desire to declutter your space for months or years now but haven’t made much progress?  
Let’s do it...

Messiah Lutheran Church

Oktoberfest Santa Cruz-A celebration of German-Bavarian culture.
Oktoberfest Santa Cruz is the longest running independent-neighborhood Oktoberfest event in Santa Cruz County! We are celebrating our 27th anniversary.
Come and enjoy: Homemade German food, the largest selection of German beers and wines in Santa Cruz County, live German polka music with The Thirsty Nine, family activities which include a Live Petting Zoo.
Admission is FREE! Adult meals tickets are $20, Children's meals (ages 12 and under) Free! 
For more information call 831-423-8330.OktoberfestSantaCruz.com

Local Event: Oktoberfest Santa Cruz

Oktoberfest Santa Cruz

Oktoberfest Santa Cruz-A celebration of German-Bavarian culture.
Oktoberfest Santa Cruz is the longest running...

Santa Cruz Elks Lodge #824

Join us for food, games, face painting, artisan craft fair, biergarten and pie contest!
The Santa Cruz Elks Lodge is bringing back the fun for our second annual Fall Festival!
Gather your family and friends for an afternoon of autumn excitement featuring delicious food, games, face painting, an artisan craft fair, biergarten, and pie contest.
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! Join us from noon–5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 for a festive day filled with community, creativity and seasonal fun.
This event is a fundraiser! Proceeds from beer sales and booth fees will support the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. (CHEMPI) which helps provide free physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and vision screenings for children with disabilities across California and Hawaii.
Thank you for donating to our event: Discretion Brewing
Artisan Craft Fair Lineup
<ul><li>Dorrene Albertson: Handmade items, kitchen linens, tote bags, makeup bags, hair accessories; specializing in unique luna moth handiwork</li><li>Carole Chetrit: “The Majic Crumb” Cookies and cookie activities</li><li>Sandra Daroza: Home decor and flower brooches</li><li>Amy Doherty: Vintage and other jewelry, mandala rocks</li><li>Emillie Feenan: A wide assortment of items from custom tumblers to bean bags and accessories.</li><li>Jackie Fitzgerald: Fused glass - functional and artistic pieces</li><li>Kristen Graham: tumblers, shirts, canvas</li><li>Hilda Kausen: Sea glass art</li><li>Lydia Rossiter: “Kira’s Creations” Crafts and baked goods</li><li>Peggy Thurmann “This 'n That” boutique: Handcrafted jewelry, decorative horseshoes and resin home goods See less</li></ul>
INTERESTED IN SIGNING UP AS A VENDOR? Booth space is just $50 with proceeds supporting Elks Charities.
Sign up here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CgFeUpb20XhiM6VEp9yUnkIrejRIVuSO" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CgFeUpb20XhiM6VEp9yUnkIrejRIVuSO</a>

Local Event: Santa Cruz Elks Lodge Fall Festival

Santa Cruz Elks Lodge Fall Festival

Join us for food, games, face painting, artisan craft fair, biergarten and pie contest!
The Santa Cruz Elks Lodge is bringing...

UCSC Music Center Recital Hall

Audiences are invited to&nbsp; journey across cultures, centuries, and traditions, where the elegance of Baroque music meets the spirit of folk music from around the world.
Violinist Edwin Huizinga and guitarist William Coulter bring these musical worlds together, revealing the rhythms, stories, and shared humanity that connect them. For this special performance, Fire &amp; Grace is joined by flamenco dancer Fanny Ara, whose powerful artistry fills the stage with movement, passion, and joy. They are also joined by pianist and harmonium player Ian Scarfe, a longtime friend of Huizinga, whose expressive playing adds rich color and depth to the evening.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPt_m6IFZok" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Experience a bit of Fire &amp; Grace &amp; Flamenco in advance via this video here on YouTube</a>.
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 $49.87 plus service fees.</li><li>Free for students (ticket required).</li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996536192497?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tickets for sale by event organizer William Coulter in advance and at the door through Eventbrite only</a>.</li><li>Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.</li></ul>

Local Event: Fire & Grace & Flamenco with Special Guests Fanny Ara and Ian Scarfe

Fire & Grace & Flamenco with Special Guests...

Audiences are invited to  journey across cultures, centuries, and traditions, where the elegance of Baroque music meets the...

Fire & Grace & Flamenco with Special Guests Fanny Ara and Ian Scarfe

Midtown Community Center, 115 South Morrissey Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Sat, Oct 10, 1:30pm baker arrival, 2pm Cake Enjoyment and Community Mingle!Santa Cruz Bake &amp; Gather is a friendly baking potluck where everyone is welcome. It is the intent of this event that at least one attendee from each group bring a baked good to showcase and share on the day of the event. All attendees are asked to register so we can maintain an accurate headcount, as space at this venue is limited. Whether you are an experienced baker or just giving it your best shot, this event is about sharing recipes, enjoying great desserts, and meeting your neighbors. No competition, no pressure, just good food and good company.Santa Cruz Bake &amp; Gather is a free event and open to all. Tickets are available at no cost. While donations are never required, they are deeply appreciated and help cover venue and event costs. Contributions can be made during ticket registration on Eventbrite or through our donation page.Our goal is simple. To build community one slice at a time.No cost. While donations are never required, they are deeply appreciated and help cover venue and event costs.Presented by Santa Cruz Bake &amp; Gather.

Local Event: Santa Cruz Bake & Gather

Santa Cruz Bake & Gather

Sat, Oct 10, 1:30pm baker arrival, 2pm Cake Enjoyment and Community Mingle!Santa Cruz Bake & Gather is a friendly baking...

Capitola-Soquel

Scotts Valley

Santa Clara County

Los Gatos

Watsonville

Saratoga

Campbell

Cupertino

Gilroy

Los Altos

Mountain View

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,...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Santa Cruz|Local Event

Santa Cruz Film Festival

Event Details

More Upcoming Events

Ranch Kid Field Trip Day at Wilder Ranch

SEP

23

11:00 AM

1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA

Capitola Beach Festival: Toy Takeover!

SEP

26

8:00 AM

Santa Cruz, CA

Simplify To Thrive Online Workshop

SEP

26

9:00 AM

Santa Cruz, CA

Oktoberfest Santa Cruz

SEP

26

12:00 PM

Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 High St, Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz Elks Lodge Fall Festival

SEP

26

12:00 PM

Santa Cruz Elks Lodge #824, 150 Jewell St, Santa Cruz, CA

Fire & Grace & Flamenco with Special Guests Fanny Ara and Ian Scarfe

OCT

2

7:30 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz Bake & Gather

OCT

10

1:30 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

El Capulin Nursery

Illusive Comics & Games, LLC