Locals Summer Is Here: The Crowds Ease, the Fun Continues

Published on September 09, 2026

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Locals Summer Is Here: The Crowds Ease, the Fun Continues with Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation

 

SANTA CRUZ, CA. — As the summer crowds ease, Santa Cruz locals have even more reasons to get out and enjoy the city. The City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department invites the community to make the most of “Locals Summer” with fall events, recreation programs and plenty of ways to enjoy Santa Cruz parks and public spaces.

Here are a few ways to get out, get moving and enjoy Santa Cruz this fall:

  • Hike & Help at DeLaveaga Park | Sept. 10 and Hike & Help at Arana Gulch | Sept. 17
    Join Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship for a social hike and light trail maintenance while helping care for local trails.
  • Learn the “Thriller” Dance | Saturdays, Sept. 12–Oct. 10
    Get spooky at London Nelson Community Center with free, drop-in Thriller Dance Classes from 10 a.m.–noon, then put those moves to work at October performances around Santa Cruz.
  • 34th Annual Aloha Outrigger Races | Sept. 19
    Paddle, cheer and celebrate the spirit of aloha with outrigger canoe racing, hula performances, and waterfront fun. Event time 8:30am-2pm
  • Santa Cruz Surfing Museum 40th Anniversary & Keepers of the Light Celebration | Sept. 26
    Celebrate 40 years of Santa Cruz surf history at Lighthouse Point with the renewed lighthouse beacon and unveiling of the new Keepers of the Light plaque.
  • Find Your Fall Adventure
    Explore the 2026 Fall Activity Guide for sports, arts, fitness, enrichment, and recreation programs for all ages.
  • Dancing by the Sea
    Swing and Salsa dancing at the Wharf Commons.
  • 13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf | Beginning Oct. 19
    Celebrate the spooky season with Halloween fun along the waterfront. Outdoor Halloween Movie October 24th 6:30pm, Trick or Treating 3pm-6pm October 31st.
  • Big Shows, Big Variety — See What’s Playing at the Civic
    The Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium has something for just about everyone this fall: Roller Derby | Sept. 19; Back-to-School Rave | Sept. 22; Enlightenment Expo | Sept. 26–27; Santa Cruz Symphony | Oct. 3; Soulja Boy | Oct. 9; and Bonnie Raitt | Oct. 14. Check out the full lineup and ticket information at SantaCruzTickets.com.
  • Mask Making Festival | Oct. 17 | Noon–4:30 p.m.
    Get into the Halloween spirit at London Nelson Community Center’s annual Mask Making Festival, featuring creative mask making, theater performances and a Thriller the World Santa Cruz performance, with more spooky fun to be announced.
  • Rediscover Parks & Public Spaces
    Enjoy the quieter season at Santa Cruz parks, beaches, trails, community centers, the Wharf, Lighthouse Point and more.

“Fall is one of the best times to be a local in Santa Cruz,” said Tony Elliot, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Whether you’re trying a new recreation program, enjoying an event or rediscovering a favorite park or public space, there are so many ways to get out and enjoy your community.”

There’s More Happening This Fall
Explore the Parks & Recreation Events Calendar for more upcoming Parks & Recreation, permitted and community events.

For Parks & Recreation programs, facilities and more, visit SantaCruzParksAndRec.com.

 

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