Santa Cruz Beach Events

This week on the beach

Pick a Day

next 30 days

Every week

9 AM

Surf Lessons at Cowell's

Cowell's Beach · Active

Multiple surf schools operate year-round at Cowell's, the gentlest break in Santa Cruz and the best beginner wave on the bay. Wetsuits included.

Big Days

annual

Oct

O'Neill Coldwater Classic

Legendary surf contest at Steamer Lane -- one of the longest-running surf competitions in the US, drawing top pros and a huge local crowd to the W Cliff Drive bluffs.

Jul

Santa Cruz Film Festival

A week of independent film screenings at venues around Santa Cruz, with a focus on surf, ocean and environmental cinema.

Jun

Woodies on the Wharf

Classic wooden-bodied station wagons fill the wharf parking area for one weekend in June -- a beloved, free Central Coast car show with a surf culture theme.

see you out there

Confirmed events are dated listings from ticketing feeds and local calendars, refreshed daily. Every week is the beach’s recurring lineup. Times shift and seasons end, so check the venue before you go. Sun-timed events track each day’s real sunset and the countdown runs on the live local clock.