November 2026 Events in Santa Cruz County
Your Guide to Local Festivals, Family Fun, Art, Music & Holiday Festivities
November is here, bringing cozy fall days, community celebrations, and the beginning of the holiday season to Santa Cruz County! From coastal art festivals and local wine tastings to family friendly outings and festive holiday traditions, there's plenty happening around town this month. Here are some fun local events to add to your November calendar!
November 2-8 | Capitola Plein Air Festival
Various Times, Capitola Village & Surrounding Areas
Watch talented artists capture the beauty of Capitola during this weeklong outdoor painting festival. The celebration culminates in an exhibition and art sale featuring beautiful works inspired by our coastal community.
November 6 | Downtown Boulder Creek Giving Thanks Party
5-8 PM, Downtown Boulder Creek
Kick off the season of gratitude with a festive community gathering featuring local arts and crafts, live music, food, drinks, and plenty of that small town charm we love particularly during the holidays.
November 6-7 | Santa Cruz Art League: Luck of the Draw
526 Broadway, Santa Cruz
Support local artists at this annual art fundraiser! Stop by the First Friday reception on November 6 to preview original artwork, then return November 7 from 2-5 PM for the main event, where ticket holders are selected to take home donated artwork.
November 7 | Hot Rods at the Beach
8 AM-4 PM, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Main Parking Lot
Calling all car enthusiasts! This annual car show features hundreds of hot rods, vintage vehicles, muscle cars, and custom classics. Admission is free for spectators.
November 7-8 | Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival
10 AM-5 PM, The Grove, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
Discover beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations from more than 50 sea glass and ocean inspired artists. Browse handcrafted jewelry, coastal artwork, and unique treasures while supporting ocean conservation.
November 7 | Redwood Tour at Henry Cowell
12-2 PM, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton
Explore the beauty of the redwoods during a guided walk through the park's Redwood Grove. Learn about the ecology and natural history of these magnificent coastal trees.
November 7 | Living History Dairy Ranch
11 AM-3 PM, Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz
Step back in time and experience life on a historic California dairy ranch! Enjoy hands on living history activities and discover what daily life was like generations ago. The event is free with paid state park parking.
November 7 & 28 | UCSC Farm U-Pick
9 AM-12 PM, UCSC Farm, 152 Farm Road, Santa Cruz
Enjoy a morning at the beautiful UCSC Farm, picking seasonal organic produce, flowers, and other farm fresh favorites while supplies last.
November 13-14 | Antique & Artisan Fair
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville
Browse more than 100 vendors offering antiques, vintage treasures, handcrafted goods, clothing, home décor, garden finds, food, and beverages.
November 13: 10 AM-4 PM
November 14: 9 AM-3 PM
November 14 | Mountainfilm on Tour
7-9 PM, Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz
Enjoy an inspiring evening of adventure-focused documentary films celebrating exploration, the outdoors, and the human spirit. This special event supports Second Harvest Food Bank.
November 15 | Downtown Santa Cruz Fall Wine Walk
2-5 PM, Downtown Santa Cruz
Sip, stroll, and shop your way through Downtown Santa Cruz! Sample wines from Santa Cruz Mountains wineries while exploring participating local businesses.
Must be 21 or older to participate.
November 21 | Art in the Aquarium
10:30-11:30 AM, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz
Bring the kids for a creative morning inspired by ocean life! This family-friendly art activity combines creativity with the fascinating marine exhibits at the Seymour Center.
November 21 | Santa Cruz Turkey Trot
Starting at 7:45 AM, Natural Bridges Drive & Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
Get moving before Thanksgiving at this annual coastal running event! Choose from a kids' 1K, 5K, or 10K course along the scenic Westside of Santa Cruz.
Race Times:
Kids' 1K: 7:45 AM
5K: 8 AM
10K: 8:30 AM
November 24-26 | California King Tides
Various Times, Santa Cruz County Coastline
Witness some of the year's most dramatic tidal changes along the Santa Cruz County coast. These exceptionally high and low tides offer a fascinating glimpse into our changing shoreline. Be sure to observe from a safe distance and check tide conditions before heading out!
November 26-January 3 | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Select Dates, 12-7 PM, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The holiday season arrives at the beach! Enjoy festive lights, seasonal decorations, holiday treats, fire pits, games, and classic Boardwalk fun as the waterfront transforms into a winter wonderland.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
One of our favorite things about living in Santa Cruz County is the incredible sense of community and the variety of experiences right outside our doors. Whether you're exploring a local art festival, enjoying the outdoors, or kicking off the holiday season with family and friends, November is full of opportunities to make memories.
From all of us at EF Homes, we wish you a wonderful November filled with good company, local adventures, and plenty to be thankful for!