The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will present a drone show in the night sky on May 17, taking part in a growing trend of using computer-choreographed light shows in place of more dangerous fireworks displays.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Boardwalk announces summer entertainment schedule
A first-ever drone show kicks off summer programming at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on May 17, with free Friday movies and a variety of other acts starting in June.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk owner will pay $5.9 million to settle wage theft claims
The company that owns the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will pay $5.9 million to settle a class-action lawsuit claiming that it cheated employees out of overtime pay and failed to follow California labor law in other ways, including allowing meal and rest breaks. After legal fees, employees who worked at Seaside Company locations from July 25, 2019, through Aug. 11, 2024, will receive a combined $3.5 million.
High temps drove strong summer Santa Cruz tourism season
High temperatures drove growth in tourism for Santa Cruz County this summer, as inland California residents fled to the coast.
Job fair will be held Thursday at Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove
One of Santa Cruz County’s longest-running annual job fairs will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Cocoanut Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 400 Beach St.
Tiffany will perform Saturday at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Pride Day
Tiffany, of 1980s pop “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been” fame, will perform as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk celebrates Pride Day on Saturday. She’ll perform a free concert from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the Boardwalk’s main stage. A DJ will perform from 2 to 4 p.m., and informational booths on LGBTQ+ issues and resources will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer guide: Your top events in the Santa Cruz summer
From music, beer, art and wine festivals to an array of entertainment at the Beach Boardwalk, ambitious productions on local stages and annual traditions like the Wharf to Wharf race, summer options are virtually endless in Santa Cruz County (and beyond).
Motion Pacific dance studio struggles to find new home
Motion Pacific will have to be out of its Front Street studio space — its home since 2011 — by Sept. 30. The building’s owner is Santa Cruz Seaside Co., the parent company of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Seaside spokesperson Kris Reyes said, “Our plan is to use the space to support Boardwalk operations.”
Happy Birthday, baby: Santa Cruz’s enduring symbol, the Giant Dipper, hits the century mark
Santa Cruz’s most identifiable icon will celebrate its 100th birthday Saturday with a ceremony and fireworks, and ahead of the milestone, Wallace Baine not only talked to some of those who know and love the Giant Dipper best, he also got a close-up look that few who haven’t worked at the Beach Boardwalk have experienced.
Boardwalk celebrates Giant Dipper centennial with custom craft beer by Discretion Brewing
In honor of the Giant Dipper roller coaster’s 100th birthday, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk teamed up with Discretion Brewing in Soquel to brew a commemorative beer. Giant Dipper Golden Ale will be released May 18 and will be available through the summer.

