Capitola Village hosts a variety of festivals, events and activities every year! We invite you to come and experience them! Let us know if you have any questions about these events!
Surfer’s Path 10k/5k Race– Third Sunday in February – Sign up to race the Surfer’s Path with breathtaking scenery of beachfront and bluff views of the Monterey Bay along the majestic Santa Cruz County coastline. You travel the Surfer’s Path, passing many of the world’s most famous surf breaks. There is plenty of surf music and celebration at the finish area located in the heart of Capitola Village. Grab some friends and take part in this event and make memories in this picture postcard setting. Surfs Up!
Surfer’s Path Half Marathon– Last Sunday in April – Whether you choose the 26.2 mile Marathon or 13.1 mile Half Marathon, you will be treated to scenic courses, featuring breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay coastline and a series of world renowned surf breaks. An ideal destination event, participants can experience a quintessential California vacation. Click Here for more information
UCSC Graduation Weekend– Mid-June – Celebrate your graduate from UCSC with a family beach vacation to Capitola!
Capitola Rod & Custom Car Show – Second Weekend in June – Voted in the top 10 Car Shows in USA, come on down to Capitola this weekend and enjoy a weekend filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and family fun at the beach! Click Here for more information
Twilight Concert Series – Wednesday nights in June, July, and August – Bring a blanket, beach chairs, snacks, and your dancing shoes to enjoy a concert while the sun sets at Esplanade Park by Capitola Beach!
Art and Music by the Beach in Capitola Village – Sundays in the Summer – Enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Capitola taking place six Sundays throughout the summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. View and purchase quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media from local artists and enjoy live music on the Esplanade Stage. This family friendly event is free and open to the public.
Wharf to Wharf Race – Last Sunday in July – Each year, on the fourth Sunday in July, thousands of runners from across America and around the globe return to Santa Cruz, California for the annual six-mile race to Capitola-by-the-Sea. Click Here for more information
Capitola Art & Wine Festival – Second Weekend in September – One of our most popular events of the year! This is such a fun weekend for the whole family! The Capitola Art & Wine Festival combines Art, Wine, Music and Food, all in charming Capitola Village overlooking the Monterey Bay. Sip on some amazing tastes of local wine while browsing through amazing artist’s work and shopping, too! The best combination. Click Here for more information
Capitola Beach Festival – Last Weekend in September – Remember the Annual Begonia Festival that took place during Labor Day? Luckily, the Capitola Beach Festival has replaced it! This family-friendly event includes a 3-Miler Fun Run hosted by the Wharf to Wharf, a Horseshoe Tournament, the Lighted Nautical Parade, a Fishing Derby, a Sand Sculpture Contest, the Chalk Art Event, a Concert in Esplanade Park, Rowboat Races and more! Click here for more information
Mermaid Triathlon – First Saturday in October – The T9 Mermaid Tri & Du Capitola is one of the best all women triathlons on the West Coast. Capitola offers an ocean swim around the wharf, views of the Pacific Ocean, fun bike course featuring a gradual climb into the coastal redwoods, followed by a run on the ocean bluff overlooking Capitola Village. The Mermaid Series is building a welcoming community that inspires women from all backgrounds to experience the joy of crossing the finish line. Click here for more information
Monte Fireworks Show over Capitola Wharf – Sunday in October – Come to Capitola Village for an incredible fireworks show over Capitola Wharf! This show lasts about 20 minutes long and it feels like a grand finale for the whole show! You definitely want to experience this. Subject to date change
Capitola Children’s Halloween Parade– Last Sunday in October – Dress up your kiddos in a Halloween costume, and walk down Capitola Avenue for the cutest kid parade ever! Subject to date change
