Things to do in Santa Cruz in August

Christina Kharbertyan

The peak of summer in Santa Cruz happens in August, when the sun is shining brightly and locals and visitors alike spend their ample free time outdoors. There are so many events and activities in Santa Cruz to enjoy in August that it may take longer than a month to do it all. While your itinerary may be full of excitement, you’ll be sure to relax and make the most of this glorious summer month with our roundup of things to do in Santa Cruz in August. Image Caption: Carols Angel-Barajas (Friar Francis), Isabel Pask (Ursula), Josh Saleh (Claudio), Suzanne Sturn (Antonia), Patty Gallagher (Leonata), Mike Ryan (Benedick), and Greta Wohlrabe (Beatrice) in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Photo by rr jones.

Church Street Fair

Downtown Santa Cruz

Taking place during the first weekend of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, the Church Street Fair is a mini “festival within the Festival” highlighting the arts and crafts of local artisans. On August 8 and 9, Church Street will be bustling with outdoor music, decadent food, wine and beer, workshops like DIY instruments and a variety of handmade jewelry for sale.

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Watsonville Strawberry Festival

Downtown Watsonville

Strawberries are the quintessential summer fruit, their sweetness and tartness a perfect addition to cakes, smoothies and popsicles. The Watsonville Strawberry Festival on August 1 and 2 celebrates strawberries in every shape and form—as jam, pie, lemonade, tempura, pizza and even BBQ sauce drizzled over tri-tip sandwiches. If eating strawberries isn’t entertainment enough, there will be music and local arts and crafts in addition to pie eating contests.

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Movies on the Beach

Capitola Village

Capitola Village is a quaint oceanfront community but that can’t stop them from showing blockbusters on the big screen. Starting Friday, August 28 and running weekly through September, you can spend the evening under the stars—and maybe a blanket—watching your favorite films on the beach. Come early to reserve your spot and munch on free popcorn with your family and friends. Movies start at 7:30 p.m. or dusk and are shown on the Esplanade stage.

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Friday Night Bands on the Beach

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

It’s no surprise that there’s lots to do on the beach in August—it’s summertime in this seaside town, after all. On Friday nights, visitors of the boardwalk can catch a concert after a day spent screaming on rides and indulging on treats like deep-fried Oreos. Upcoming performers include Y & T on August 7, Everclear on August 14, Blue Oyster Cult on August 21 and Smash Mouth on August 28.

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Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

Downtown Santa Cruz

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music kicks off on August 8, with David T. Little's 'Haunted Topography.' Performances continue with 'Yellow Earth' on August 9, and 'Kronos Quartet in the Blue Room' on August 9. A free family concert and orchestra tour is on August 9 during the afternoon. Other incredible performances that you should add to your calendar include the 'Wish You Were Here' concert on August 15. The festival takes a field trip southwards on August 16, with 'Angeles de Luz: Music at the Mission' at the historic Mission San Juan Bautista.

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Santa Cruz Shakespeare

UC Santa Cruz

Tucked away in the redwood forest of UC Santa Cruz, the Sinsheimer-Stanly Festival Glen is home to Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s summer production program. The towering trees impart a magical quality to their performances of Much Ado about Nothing, David Ives’ The Liar, Macbeth, and Aphra Behn’s The Rover, with showings through August. Photo credit: rr jones.

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23rd Annual Aloha Races and Polynesian Festival

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf

A summer tradition in its 23rd year, the Aloha Races and Polynesian Festival celebrates Santa Cruz’s rich Hawaiian culture on August 23. The event begins with an outrigger canoe race designed for novice paddlers to discover the fun of the sport, then follows with the Polynesian Festival. Flower leis, shaved ice and dance performances transport visitors from the Santa Cruz shore to the Hawaiian Islands.

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Libation Lab Summer Party at Motiv

Downtown Santa Cruz

Take the season’s festivities from the sand to the club with Motiv’s Libation Lab Summer Party every Thursday night through August. With DJ Ster Ster and Syntax playing new hip hop, top 40 hits and electronic music, Motiv is the hottest spot to be in Santa Cruz, except maybe basking in the summer sun.

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Wine Tasting Adventure aboard the O’Neill Catamaran

Santa Cruz Harbor

While sailing is a classic summer activity on its own, Bonny Doon Vineyard transforms it into an adventure with their Wine Tasting aboard the O’Neill Catamaran on August 26. In addition to the variety of Bonny Doon Vineyard wines for guests to sample, the excursion includes a selection of light appetizers to go with each tasting and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz coastline. Book now, spaces fill fast.

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