October is here, and with it comes a full calendar of engaging events throughout Santa Cruz County. As UC Santa Cruz’s school year picks up and a heat wave arrives, Lookout’s calendar of events is full of experiences that celebrate what makes Santa Cruz such a vibrant and unique community. From Open studios to Trick-or-Treating, this month is packed with opportunities to engage and enjoy the county. Here are upcoming events hosted by Lookout and our partners.
We’re proud to partner with local organizations to highlight events that reflect the heart of Santa Cruz. It’s all part of our mission to make local news a living, breathing part of community life.
And we couldn’t do it without our Marketing Partners, who help us spotlight key happenings across the county. Interested in joining our Media Sponsorship program? Contact Duffy Barrett at duffy@lookoutlocal.com.
See you out in the community this month!
REMINDER: Final voting for the Lookout List is Oct. 6 – 26
What are the spots, shops, bites and people you can’t help but recommend to neighbors and visitors alike? The Lookout List: Santa Cruz County Favorites – an annual, countywide celebration of the people, places and businesses that make this community thrive. Whether it’s your go-to dog-friendly restaurant, favorite farmers market vendor, trusted bike shop for tune-ups or a new bike, neighborhood real estate agent or that can’t-miss stop on a First Friday or Open Studios art tour, this is your chance to spotlight your personal highlights of Santa Cruz County life. Make sure to vote October 6-16!
Open Studios – South County | Oct. 4-5
Check out South County local artists and purchase unique artwork directly in their studios. This free, self-guided event features 300-plus artists working across 18 mediums, opening their studios and creative spaces to the public throughout the county.
Santa Cruz Film Festival | Oct. 8-12
Join the Del Mar Theatre, Santa Cruz Cinema, Colligan Theater, The 418 Project and Indexical of Santa Cruz for five nights of celebration and great movies at the 25th Santa Cruz Film Festival. Over five days, these theaters present world-class movie screenings with Q&As, filmmaker meetups, industry panels and more. Schedules for each theater can be found on their websites or on the film festivals website.
Monterey Bay Festival of Birds | Oct. 10-12
Calling all bird lovers: Taking place for three days across Monterey and Salinas, the Festival of Birds is happening for a fourth year in a row. Coinciding with fall bird migration, the Bird School Project invites all birders to join in the free field trips, events, workshops, night markets and more that are celebrating the 300-plus migrating species of birds.
Gourmet Grazing on the Green 2025 | Oct. 11
Soak up sun, fine wine, delicious food, crafts, and live music at Gourmet Grazing on the Green at Aptos Village Park. Explore local offerings and get to know the Aptos community while benefiting local cancer-supporting nonprofits.
Open Farm Tours | Oct. 11-12
Celebrating the 12th year of Open Farm Tours across South and North County farms, immerse yourself in the agricultural community of Santa Cruz. Featuring family-owned farms that incorporate sustainable agricultural practices, speak with local farmers to learn about what they do to deliver high-quality ingredients. Participate in apple pressing and enjoy jam tastings across 15 different farms in the county from 11- a.m. to 3 p.m. over the two days.
Open Studios – North County | Oct. 11-12
Check out North County local artists and purchase unique artwork directly in their studios. This free, self-guided event features 300-plus artists working across 18 mediums, opening their studios and creative spaces to the public throughout the county.
Let the Caged Bird Sing | Oct. 12
Support domestic violence survivors in our community during Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Musical Soulmates and Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center at Kuumbwa Jazz Center from 5 to 7 p.m. The benefit concert features joyful, energetic music that has been curated to highlight the connection among colonialism, racism and domestic violence while empowering survivors.
Uncork Corralitos | Oct. 18-19
Sip, savor, and celebrate local flavor at this year’s Uncork Corralitos! Enjoy an array of wines, craft beer, and cider from local makers in the charming outdoor garden of Alladin Nursery. Soak up the summer evening atmosphere with live music by crowd favorite Alex Lucero—the perfect soundtrack for a community gathering filled with good taste and great company.
Open Studios – All County | Oct. 18-19
Check out local artists and purchase unique artwork directly in their studios. This free, self-guided event features 300-plus artists working across 18 mediums, opening their studios and creative spaces to the public throughout the county.
Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treat | Oct. 31
Join Lookout and many other downtown businesses for trick-or-treating! Almost every Halloween, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the City of Santa Cruz close down Pacific Avenue for kids to trick or treat! This festival of fun lasts from 2 to 5 p.m.