Looking for something to do this weekend?
From sampling chili beside the Boardwalk to celebrating Día de los Muertos, exploring California’s seaweed culture, enjoying live music in Carmel, or dressing up the kids and pets in Los Gatos, there is plenty happening around the region.
Here are five events to add to your weekend plans.
Boardwalk Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Public tasting begins at 1:00 pm
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Professional and amateur chefs will take over the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to compete for the title of Best Chili.
Admission to the Boardwalk is free, with tasting kits available for purchase. Each kit includes eight taste tickets and a People’s Choice ballot, allowing guests to sample the competition and vote for their favorite.
Public tasting begins at 1:00 pm, and winners will be announced at 4:00 pm. Tasting proceeds support local youth programs. beachboardwalk.com
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Saturday, October 24 | 12:00-3:00 pm
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
The MAH and Senderos are bringing the community together for an afternoon honoring Latino cultural heritage and the traditions of Día de los Muertos.
The free celebration will include traditional music and dance performances, community-created altars, hands-on art activities, and opportunities to reflect on and honor loved ones.
The event takes place at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History at 705 Front Street. MAH
California Seaweed Festival
Saturday, October 24 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Old Custom House Plaza, Monterey
The seventh annual California Seaweed Festival celebrates the connections between food, science, art, and the health of California’s coastal ecosystems.
Guests can explore tastings, demonstrations, educational conversations, art, and presentations featuring chefs, researchers, ocean advocates, and members of the seaweed community.
The main festival is free and takes place at Old Custom House Plaza in Monterey. Additional workshops, tours, and film screenings may require separate tickets. californiaseaweedfestival.org
Celtic Thunder
Saturday, October 24 | 7:00 pm
Sunset Center, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Celtic Thunder brings its signature vocal harmonies and theatrical performance style to the Sunset Center for an evening of traditional songs and international favorites.
The concert combines live music, dramatic staging, lighting, and choreography inside one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s most recognized performance venues.
Tickets are required and availability should be confirmed through the Sunset Center. Sunset Center
Halloween Harvest and Kid and Pet PAWlooza
Sunday, October 25 | Activities begin at 9:00 am
Downtown Los Gatos and Town Plaza Park
Costumes are encouraged for this family and pet-friendly Halloween celebration in downtown Los Gatos.
Town Plaza Park will feature activities such as face painting, balloon art, crafts, live music, and a costume promenade. Downtown trick-or-treating takes place from 12:00-2:00 pm at participating businesses.
The event is free. Pets are welcome in the park but cannot enter the farmers’ market. Kid & Pet PAWlooza
Make a Weekend of It
Whether you stay close to home in Santa Cruz, head south toward Monterey and Carmel, or make the trip to Los Gatos, this weekend offers a mix of food, culture, music, creativity, and seasonal fun.
Events like these are part of what makes living in and around Santa Cruz County so special. There is always another local tradition to experience, community to support, or place to rediscover.
Save this guide and send it to someone you want to make plans with.
Considering a move to Santa Cruz County or the Monterey Bay? The Strock Team can help you explore the communities, homes, and lifestyle each area offers.
Strock Team | eXp Luxury
Where Remarkable Real Estate Lives in California
831-688-9800
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