Published on June 03, 2026
The Seabright and Harbor neighborhoods will host a series of community-focused summer events designed to bring residents and visitors together through outdoor entertainment, family activities, and local shopping experiences throughout the 2026 summer season.
The lineup includes curated vintage markets, weekly family movie nights, and a daytime family festival aimed at increasing foot traffic, supporting local businesses, and creating vibrant public gathering spaces during the ongoing Murray Street Bridge closure.
“We want to remind both residents and visitors that Seabright and the Harbor area businesses are open and accessible all summer long, and this event series is a fun way to attract repeat visits to these businesses while the critical Murray Street Bridge project moves forward,” said Rebecca Unitt, Economic Development Manager for the City of Santa Cruz.
“Events like these help create positive energy for local businesses while giving families and visitors new reasons to spend time in the area,” Unitt said. “Even during construction, the Seabright and Harbor neighborhoods continue to offer the restaurants, shops, and community experiences that people love in Santa Cruz.”
The Saltwater Market is a curated outdoor thrift and vintage market featuring local vintage resellers, clothing vendors, artists, and creatives. Designed to attract younger shoppers and encourage visitors to explore the neighborhood, the markets will create a casual, walkable atmosphere centered around browsing, dining, and discovering local businesses.
Scheduled Events
The community is invited to explore the market and be sure to check out the surrounding businesses for more shopping and dining opportunities.
The community is invited to join us for a six-week outdoor movie series, Thursday Night Family Movie Nights, beginning July 9 through August 13. Movies will be shown outdoors on Murray Street at Seabright Avenue. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the free outdoor screenings, and be sure to grab dinner at nearby restaurants before or during the movies.
The event series is free to attend and will feature family-friendly programming throughout the summer. Showtimes are a little after 8 p.m., after sunset.
Movie Schedule
Additional summer programming includes Harbor Family Play Day, a daytime festival planned for July featuring carnival-style games and interactive activities for children and families.
The event is designed to provide simple, accessible entertainment for local families while creating another opportunity for community gathering in the Harbor area. Additional details and final scheduling information will be announced soon.
Together, the events represent an ongoing effort to activate public spaces in Seabright and the Harbor through recurring, community-oriented programming that supports local businesses and encourages repeat visitation throughout the summer season.
“Our goal is to keep these neighborhoods vibrant and connected throughout the bridge construction period,” said Rebecca Unitt. “By creating consistent, welcoming events for families, shoppers, and visitors, we’re helping reinforce Seabright and the Harbor as destinations where people can gather, explore, and support local businesses.”
For event updates, schedules, and additional information, visit exploreseabrightharbor.com.
Ashley Hussey Community Relations Specialist (831) 420-5213 ahussey@santacruzca.gov
Explore Sebright and the Harbor
Murray Street Bridge Project