APRIL 16-26, 2026

Join us for 11 days of powerful performances, art, poetry, fashion, music, and cultural celebrations throughout Santa Cruz County. The Ripple Effect Arts Festival brings together community, creativity, and culture to reflect the unique artistic pulse of our coastal community.

Opening with Santa Cruz Dancing in the Streets from 5-9PM
in Downtown Santa Cruz
Experience 11 Days of Community & Creativity in venues throughout Santa Cruz County
Closing with the Grand Finale from 4-9PM at
The Grove @ Santa Cruz Boardwalk

🎉 STAY TUNED!

More events, pop-ups, and artist lineups will be announced soon!

Keep an eye on this space, the list is expanding every day!

Wed, Apr 08
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Santa Cruz
Details
Apr 08, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Santa Cruz, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
The Chamber of Commerce will help us celebrate the grand opening of the festival with ribbon cutting ceremony from 5-7 pm
Multiple Dates
Sun, Apr 19
April in Santa Cruz Music Festival
Santa Cruz
Details
Apr 19, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Santa Cruz, 402 McHenry Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
This annual event is organized by the UC Santa Cruz Music Department and features a wide range of performances by faculty, graduate students, and guest artists, showcasing both experimental and traditional music.
Fri, Apr 24
FashionTeens
Santa Cruz
Details
Apr 24, 2026, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Santa Cruz, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
An inspiring youth-led fashion initiative featuring teen designers, models, and stylists. Expect bold, thoughtful, and eco-conscious collections that challenge norms and celebrate identity. Events include workshops, runway s
Sun, Apr 26
Guelaguetza Festival
Santa Cruz
Details
Apr 26, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Santa Cruz, 300 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Celebrate Latinx culture through the vibrant lens of Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza - featuring traditional dance, music, storytelling, and visual arts from indigenous and contemporary Latin American communities.
Sun, Apr 26
Earth Day Santa Cruz Saturday, April 18, 2026
Santa Cruz
Learn more
Apr 26, 2026, 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Santa Cruz, 725 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Earth Day 2026 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper St, Pacific Ave, and Abbott Square. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education.
Sun, Apr 26
Closing Night: The Grand Finale
Santa Cruz
Details
Apr 26, 2026, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Santa Cruz, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
End the festival on a high note with our Finale Event at the iconic Grove Venue on the Boardwalk. Expect an immersive evening of live music, interactive installations, and performances that celebrate everything the Ripple Effect represents - art that echoes, amplifies, and connects.