Key Takeaways
- The year 2026 is expected to bring various exciting events to Santa Cruz County, including sports, music, and literary events.
- Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, with the Harlem Globetrotters, Emmylou Harris, Pat Metheny, and Booker T. Jones performing in Santa Cruz.
- The Santa Cruz Symphony will culminate its 2025-26 season with two big weekend concerts, and Santa Cruz Shakespeare will feature performances of William Shakespeare’s plays and other productions.
- The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Clam Chowder Cook-Off and Chili Cook-Off are also upcoming events.
- The county will host various other shows, concerts, and performances at venues such as The Catalyst, Moe’s Alley, and Felton Music Hall.
Introduction to 2026
As the year 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to look forward to the exciting events and activities that 2026 has in store for Santa Cruz County. While it’s natural to worry about global issues like climate change and political uncertainty, New Year’s Day is a time to focus on the future and the positive experiences that await us. In this article, we’ll explore the various events and attractions that will take place in Santa Cruz County in 2026, from sports and music to literature and food.
Upcoming Sports Events
Two major sports events will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in 2026. First, Super Bowl LX will be played on February 8, and it’s possible that the San Francisco 49ers will be competing in the big game. Even if they’re not, the event is sure to attract out-of-towners and create a lively atmosphere in the region. Later in the year, Levi’s Stadium will host qualifying-round games for the FIFA World Cup, although it’s unclear if Team USA will be participating. These events are sure to be exciting for sports fans, and it’s worth reserving a seat at a favorite sports bar or trying to cheer on a different team.
Music and Entertainment
In addition to sports, Santa Cruz County will host a wide range of music and entertainment events in 2026. The Harlem Globetrotters will perform at Kaiser Permanente Arena on January 15, and Emmylou Harris will play live at the Santa Cruz Civic on April 18. Other notable performers include Pat Metheny, who will appear at the Rio Theatre on May 3, and Booker T. Jones, who will play back-to-back shows at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center on March 29. The "45 Years of the Violent Femmes" tour will also stop at the Civic on March 3, and Lila Downs will perform at the Quarry Amphitheater on the campus of UC Santa Cruz on March 6.
Literary Events
Literary fans will also find plenty to enjoy in Santa Cruz County in 2026. George Saunders, one of America’s most brilliant writers, will appear at the Rio Theatre on February 3 to discuss his new novel, "Vigil." Humorist David Sedaris will return to Santa Cruz to read at the Civic on May 9, and food activist Marion Nestle will deliver the Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture at the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn on the campus of UC Santa Cruz on February 12. These events offer a great opportunity to learn from and engage with renowned authors and thinkers.
Classical Music and Theater
The Santa Cruz Symphony will culminate its 2025-26 season with two big weekend concerts, featuring Mozart’s music and dramatic narration from the play "Amadeus" on March 28-29, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on May 2-3. Santa Cruz Shakespeare will continue its ambitious schedule with a summer season featuring performances of William Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Macbeth," as well as August Wilson’s "Fences." The company will also stage a fall season with productions of Noel Coward’s "Private Lives" and the musical "The Last Five Years" by Jason Robert Brown.
Food and Community Events
Finally, Santa Cruz County will host a range of food and community events in 2026. The Clam Chowder Cook-Off will take place at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on February 21-22, and the Chili Cook-Off will follow on October 24. The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music will return to the Santa Cruz Civic from July 26 to August 9, and various other shows, concerts, and performances will take place at venues around the county. With so many exciting events on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a great year for Santa Cruz County.
