Events & Entertainment

Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community all weekend long with mariachi, folklórico dancers, a free beach concert on Saturday, and Salsa by the Sea on Sunday. Plus, enjoy Boardwalk rides, games, and delicious Latin-inspired food and beverages throughout the park.

Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and Senior Troops camp under the stars and enjoy Boardwalk fun at this epic overnight event!

$99.95

Bring your friends for an evening of fun and frights! Enjoy your favorite scary movies in the Boardwalk's historic Grove ballroom. (21 and over)

Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers and Scout family and friends camp under the stars and enjoy Boardwalk fun at this epic overnight event!

$99.95

Join us for an exciting musical parade as 55 Northern California high school and junior high school marching bands compete next to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the ONLY band review with warm sand, cool surf, and hot rides!

Enjoy a concert by Listeso String Quartet illuminated by candlelight!

*Dates and times vary.

Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!

Join the prize drawing for Santa Cruz County's largest school fundraiser! Over 80 schools fundraise from Sept 9-Oct 18, giving the community a chance to win $25,000 cash and many other amazing prizes.

Step into a world of wonder as magician Alex Ramon brings an evening of mind-bending illusions and jaw-dropping tricks to The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center. Marking 100 years since the death of the legendary Harry Houdini, this special performance is sure to leave audiences of all ages amazed.

Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun!

Check out hundreds of sweet hot rods, street rods, vintage, muscle, custom and classic cars in the Boardwalk Main Lot. Free admission!

Looking for unique gifts? Learn about collecting sea glass and shop over 60 booths filled with beautiful jewelry and ocean art. Free raffle entry with $5 admissions. The event supports ocean conservation. Full bar & tasty food too!

Your favorite beach destination is shining bright for the holidays!

Enjoy festive decorations, enchanting light shows, thrilling rides, arcade games, photos with Santa, delicious holiday treats, and unforgettable seasonal fun.

The Boardwalk Holiday Bash is BACK!
This is the ultimate holiday party for small businesses and groups—no stress, all fun. We handle everything, you just show up and celebrate! Featuring a buffet dinner, free arcade play, DJ, photo booths, and more.

Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 46th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston and Manhattan Clam Chowder, and you can help pick a winner each day. Tasting kit proceeds benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.

Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! 1K race for 12 and under, and a 5K race for ages 4 and up.

Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and Senior Troops camp under the stars and enjoy Boardwalk fun at this epic overnight event!

Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers and Scout family and friends camp under the stars and enjoy Boardwalk fun at this epic overnight event!

Ditch the books and hit the beach!

Enjoy rides, the beach and a whole lot of family‑friendly fun!

Hop down to the Boardwalk for a scavenger hunt. Find the surfing bunny and get a prize at each participating location!

Elevate your dinner plans and join us for a sizzling Summer Luau by the beach! Enjoy a tropical buffet, live music, entertainment, and fun for all ages. Perfect for families, friends, or date night!

Experience a one‑of‑a‑kind overnight adventure at the Boardwalk. Perfect for families, friends, schools, clubs, teams, and anyone ready to create unforgettable memories together.