The 2026 Santa Cruz Paddlefest is more than a surf contest. The 35th annual event will take over Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz’s most iconic surf spot, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for three days of surf competitions using kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and wave skis. The courses stretch along the beach and out into the waves, where surfers of all ages and skill levels are challenged to navigate the dynamic coastal energy. Watching the action from West Cliff Drive is free. – Lily Belli
Here are some local events you might be interested in this weekend:
Thursday, March 26
- Wine Dinner w/ Bernardus Winery | 6 p.m. @ High Tide at La Bahia | $225
- What is the Value of a Wave? Screening & Panel with Save The Waves | 6:30 p.m. @ Patagonia Santa Cruz | Free
- Live Celtic Music | 7 p.m. @ Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub & Restaurant | Free
- “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical” | 7 p.m. @ The Colligan Theater | $26-$30
- Dave Matthews Tribute Band (21 and over) | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall | $22
Friday, March 27
- 2026 Santa Cruz Paddlefest | 7:20 a.m. @ Steamer Lane | Free
- 5-Year Anniversary Event | 10 a.m. @ Staff of Life Watsonville | Free
- Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Texas Legends, Valkyries Night | 7 p.m. @ Kaiser Permanente Arena | $32-$128
- Moshe & Boaz Vilozny – Songs & Stories | 7 p.m. @ Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse | $20
- The Record Company Live | 7 p.m. @ The Catalyst | $40
- Lakecia Benjamin | 7 p.m. @ Kuumbwa Jazz | $58
- Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz with DJ Hani Gata, DJ Monk Earl & La Familia SC | 8 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley | $25-$28
Saturday, March 28
- Boardwalk Fun Run | 6:30 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $32-$48
- Qingming Festival | 9:30 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History | Free
- Santa Cruz County STEAM Expo 2026 | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds | Free
- Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Fundraiser ~ Paint Your Pet – Warhol Style | 11 a.m. @ The Painted Cork | $75
- Exceptional Women Awards Brunch | 11 a.m. @ Annieglass Inc | $14
- Beehive Dive & Honey Tasting | 2 p.m. @ Chaminade Resort and Spa | $140-$156
- La Mujer Vendor & Craft Fair | 3 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Cider Company | Free
- Libation & Mocktail Workshop | 3 p.m. @ Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm | $50
- Spring Barn Line Dance | 6:30 p.m. @ Roaring Camp Railroads | $20
- Lunasa concert | 7:30 p.m. @ Kuumbwa Jazz | $16.75-$36
- Wolf Jett w/ Bella Rayne Band | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall | $29
Sunday, March 29
- Accessible Egg Hunt | 10 a.m. @ Highlands County Park | Free
- River Cleanup with Save our Shores | 10 a.m. @ Felton Covered Bridge Park | Free
- Documentary: “Going Inside” | 2 p.m. @ Resource Center for Nonviolence | $10-20 donation
- Sourdough Sunday at Sand Rock Farm | 3:30 p.m. @ Sand Rock Farm | $130
- Jazz On Tap | 3 p.m. @ Discretion Brewing | Free
- SUNDAY HONKY TONK! | 4 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | Free
- Booker T. Jones | 7 p.m. @ Kuumbwa Jazz | $63
