Events & Entertainment

Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by taking a spin on our National Historic Landmark, the Giant Dipper. First 100 riders on the Giant Dipper will receive a Boardwalk souvenir cup. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.

Enjoy FREE outdoor salsa dancing by the sea, featuring rotating DJs spinning an exciting mix of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha-Cha, Cumbia, and more. Located on the Colonnade Stage.

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.

$99.95

Join us for an Oktoberfest celebration packed with lederhosen, dirndls, great brews and wines, and delicious Bavarian bites by the beach. This 21+ event features live music, games, and festive fun all night long. It’s time to raise a stein Boardwalk-style!

Show your PRIDE and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with free live entertainment, giveaways and info booths. Enjoy rides and games plus fun photo ops and exclusive merchandise available throughout the park.

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

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!

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!

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!

Get in the holiday spirit - Celebrate the season at the beach!

Enjoy rides, games, arcades, festive decorations with lights, photos with Santa, holiday treats, fire pits and more!

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!