Upcoming events
Afrobeats Nite
Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz is your bi-weekly dose of dance, rhythm, and pure vibes. Hosted by DJ Monk Earl at Abbott Square Market, it's more than just a party—it's a community celebration built on the beats of Afrobeats, the spirit of connection, and the joy of moving together. Come for the music, stay for the energy. Let’s dance, Santa Cruz!
SambaDa
SambaDá will move through you and create an energy that is undeniable through downtown Santa Cruz. Do not miss this one!
SambaDá musically unites the Americas, drawing from percussion-based styles of South and Central American samba and salsa, and blending them with the funk celebrating the roots of Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian song!
Made possible by Abbott Square Market and these amazing musicians.
Free and all ages
Sweet Voodoo
Sweet VooDoo is a solid band of seasoned players bringing super danceable rock-n-funk-n-jams to the party. The voodoo that WE do will get you moving, grooving and singing along to a mix of epic hits and rare gems from the deep vault of all-time greats like Aretha, Hendrix, Zeppelin, Santana, Joplin, and many more. We’ll rock the house and tickle your funky bone with a tight rhythm section, a shredding guitarist, and a dynamic leading lady… come check out the show!
Second Sunday Artisan Faire
Second Sunday Artisan Faire – This Weekend!
Join us Sunday August 10th for our Second Sunday Artisan Faire, featuring a curated lineup of local artists and makers offering handcrafted goods including clothing, bags, soaps, ceramics, and original art.
Shop small, support local
Live music by Dan Frechette from 1–3pm
Sunday summer vibes all day long
Come hang out, discover something new, and soak up the creative energy!
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Tuesday Night Social Dance
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
Afro HiLife
Tropical Fusion, Afro Funk, Soukous, HiLife, Afro Reggae, Afro Beat
AfroHiLife is a band formed in Santa Cruz CA - The band performs music that will get you dancing ; whether it’s a slow Tropical ballad or a pumping Soukous the band’s hypno-rhythms will take you for a journey.
Matt Masih and The Messengers
Feel the funk, feed your soul, find that groove and jam out here at Abbott Square Market. You won't want to miss this group! They definitely bring that need to dance energy!
Free and all ages - provided by Abbott Square Market. Grab a bite and enjoy yourself!
**FULL BAND | FUNK , SOUL, GROOVE**
To find out more:
www.fb.com/mattmasihmusic
Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival
SANTA CRUZ JUG BAND FESTIVAL 2025
The Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival will be Sunday, August 17, 2025, 11 AM to 5 PM. It will be held in Abbott Square, 118 Cooper Street, Santa Cruz.
Headlining the Festival are the following bands: The Rivertown Skifflers, The Trolley Drops Brass Jug Band, Quake City Jug Band, and Washboard Rhythm Co. There will be opportunities for musicians to join acoustic jams between sets, so bring your own instruments.
Santa Cruz’ own Trolley Drops Jug Band is sponsoring the event, which is open and free to the public.
More information can be found at http://trolleydrops.com/festival/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thetrolleydrops
Contact: Peter Thomas thetrolleydrops@gmail.com
What's Jug Band Music?
It’s bluesy, jazzy, and fun! With roots from Appalachia, New Orleans, and Africa, jug band music started in the south (notably Louisville, Kentucky and Memphis, Tennessee) in the 1920’s and 30’s. Highly popular "back in the day", jug bands such as Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers and the Memphis Jug Band incorporated a variety of conventional and home-made instruments (such as spoons, kazoos, harmonicas, washtub bass, and washboard), and, of course, featured jug-blowing as a rhythmic backbone. Jug band music could have quietly slid into obscurity if not for a revival in the 1960’s by notable musicians such as John Sebastian, Jerry Garcia, Jim Kweskin, and Maria Muldaur. Today, with or without jug and home-made instruments, the genre is alive and well as you’ll get to hear and see when you come to the festival.
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Hosted by Brian Snyder
Tuesday Night Social Dance
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
Afrobeats Nite
Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz is your bi-weekly dose of dance, rhythm, and pure vibes. Hosted by DJ Monk Earl at Abbott Square Market, it's more than just a party—it's a community celebration built on the beats of Afrobeats, the spirit of connection, and the joy of moving together. Come for the music, stay for the energy. Let’s dance, Santa Cruz!
Los Bahianatos
Dust off your dance shoes and invite your favorite parejas to an evening of non-stop partner dancing at Abbott Square Market! Los Bahianatos specialize in Colombian accordion music including cumbia, vallenato, salsa and música sabanera - with a sprinkling of psychedelic Peruvian chicha thrown in, for good measure. Formed in Oakland, California, during the early days of the pandemic, Los Bahianatos remain the premier cumbia and vallenato group en La Bahía.
Papiba and Friends
It's going to be a party! Free and all ages show made possible by Abbott Square Market and all these amazing musicians.
A collision of rock, soul, funk, reggae, and samba, this group takes current world music and stirs it up to create a refreshing new sound.
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Tuesday Night Social Dance
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
Moto (Copy)
Moto, a brand new local fusion band has emerged!
Elie Mabanza and Ryan Price bring together a superband fueled by heavy grooves and out of this world melodies that will for sure keep you entranced and moving your feet! Members include Anne Stafford on Sax, Jaime Sanchez on drums, and Robert Jackson on Keys.
Come check out their “in the moment” set sure to keep you captivated and loving every minute!
The Puffball Collective
Enjoy live music from The Puffball Collective out in Abbott Square.
Grab a tasty meal or delicious beverage in Abbott Square Market. Explore the interactive art and history exhibitions just a few steps away inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Run into old friends and make new ones in the plaza.
Free and all ages.
Made possible by Abbott Square Market.
__________________________________
More about the band:
The Puffball Collective(TPC), is a legendary local Santa Cruz band, that touches the hearts of anyone who witnesses them. Every performance we will celebrate as community the power & healing of music & song with happy-feet-dance, spirit- lifting-revival , and unifying-revelry….The power of TPC!!!
Tuesday Night Social Dance
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Afrobeats Nite SC
Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz is your bi-weekly dose of dance, rhythm, and pure vibes. Hosted by DJ Monk Earl at Abbott Square Market, it's more than just a party—it's a community celebration built on the beats of Afrobeats, the spirit of connection, and the joy of moving together. Come for the music, stay for the energy. Let’s dance, Santa Cruz!
The Rumba Madre
The Rumba Madre brings mixes sounds from all around the world to bring you some fresh and very original music.
Alternative Zen Blues Trial
The distinguished purveyors of fine blackstrap funk are bringing the full experience of in-the-moment, rock/blues/funk-based improvisation to Abbott Square in Santa Cruz.
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Tuesday Night Salsa Social
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Tuesdasy night Salsa Social
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
Afrobeats Nite
Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz is your bi-weekly dose of dance, rhythm, and pure vibes. Hosted by DJ Monk Earl at Abbott Square Market, it's more than just a party—it's a community celebration built on the beats of Afrobeats, the spirit of connection, and the joy of moving together. Come for the music, stay for the energy. Let’s dance, Santa Cruz!
Los Bahianatos
Dust off your dance shoes and invite your favorite parejas to an evening of non-stop partner dancing at Abbott Square Market! Los Bahianatos specialize in Colombian accordion music including cumbia, vallenato, salsa and música sabanera - with a sprinkling of psychedelic Peruvian chicha thrown in, for good measure.
Formed in Oakland, California, during the early days of the pandemic, Los Bahianatos remain the premier cumbia and vallenato group en La Bahía. With over 200 performances under our belt, we can’t wait to finally take our sound to Santa Cruz. See you there!
Ryan Price & Friends
Mixed genres of music heard through the sounds of percussive and melodic string work.
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Tuesday Night Salsa Social
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
Afro HiLife
Tropical Fusion, Afro Funk, Soukous, HiLife, Afro Reggae, Afro Beat
AfroHiLife is a band formed in Santa Cruz CA - The band performs music that will get you dancing ; whether it’s a slow Tropical ballad or a pumping Soukous the band’s hypno-rhythms will take you for a journey.
Big Bad Wolf
Enjoy live music from Big Bad Wolf out in Abbott Square.
Grab a tasty meal or delicious beverage in Abbott Square Market. Explore the interactive art and history exhibitions just a few steps away inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Run into old friends and make new ones in the plaza.
Free and all ages.
About Big Bad Wolf:
Classic Rock, Soul, and Blues
Big Bad Wolf's collection of classic covers ranges from Beatles to Bowie to James Brown to CCR with many interesting stops in between.
www.bigbadrockingwolf.com
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Tuesday Night Salsa Social
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Salsa Social Dance
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
The Trolley Drops - 1st Sundays (Copy)
The Trolley Drops play hokum blues and novelty tunes from the 20s and 30s. Vocally rich, carefree, and infectiously fun, this good time dance music, often known as Jug Band Music, blends the call and response of gospel with the drive of the delta blues and the ruckus sounds of New Orleans Jazz. The line up currently includes bass, banjo, guitar, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone with kazoo, washboard and jug players occasionally sitting in...our motto is: The more the merrier… Jug till you Drop…..
AZA
AZA unites traditional Tamazight (Berber) music, indigenous to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, with the global influences of its diverse members.
Jive Machine
Don't miss this opportunity. Horns, reggae, classic rock... it's an all out party when Jive Machine sets the stage.
Jive Machine takes listeners on a sonic roller coaster that fuses elements of funk, rock, and blues. The band is defined by infectious grooves, crisp horn lines, tasteful lead guitar virtuosity, and contagious energy.
www.jivemachine.com
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
Salsa Social Dance
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Surf City Line Dancing
Sunday Funday at Abbot Square! Save the last Sunday of every month from 6-8 pm for a perfect evening of line dancing outdoors in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz. No experience needed, no cover charge - just bring your energy! There will be beginner line dance lessons with open line dancing mixed in. Come early and enjoy some of the delicious food & drinks Abbott Square has to offer! Open to all ages!
Burnout
Burnout is a four-piece indie rock and country band hailing from Ventura and Santa Cruz, California. Drawing inspiration from artists like Zach Bryan, The Red Clay Strays, and The Backseat Lovers, Burnout blends the raw storytelling of country and folk with the energy and melodies of indie rock to create a sound that’s both dynamic and unmistakably their own
Mathew Hartle Band
Guitarist Matt Hartle, a Pennsylvania native now based in Santa Cruz, CA, channels the spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area’s rich musical legacy. With a background in jazz and a passion for blending rock, blues, folk, and improvisation, his fluid, expressive style has drawn comparisons to Jerry Garcia and Carlos Santana—though his voice remains uniquely his own. A key figure in bands like Shady Groove, Painted Mandolin, Spirit of '76, and The China Cats, Hartle also leads the popular “Grateful Sundays” series and shares his love of music through teaching guitar and piano.
Afrobeats Nite SC
Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz is your bi-weekly dose of dance, rhythm, and pure vibes. Hosted by DJ Monk Earl at Abbott Square Market, it's more than just a party—it's a community celebration built on the beats of Afrobeats, the spirit of connection, and the joy of moving together. Come for the music, stay for the energy. Let’s dance, Santa Cruz!
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
Salsa Social Dance
Spice up your Tuesdays! Join us every Tuesday night from 7–10pm at Abbott Square Market for a sizzling social dance party! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect midweek vibe. All levels welcome—just bring your energy and your dancing shoes!
Astronomy On Tap
NO BAD QUESTIONS: EXOPLANETS EDITION
EVER WONDERED...
HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO GET TO AN EXOPLANET?
CAN THERE BE LIFE ON GAS GIANTS?
WHAT TYPE OF PLANET IS THE RAREST? THE MOST COMMON?
HOW DO WE FIND EXOPLANETS? ARE WE SURE THEY’RE REAL?
ASK OUR PANELISTS YOUR WILDEST QUESTIONS!
Comedy Night
Come hang out in the garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT.
Featuring comedians from all over the Bay Area and beyond.
Quarteto Bahia
Quarteto Bahia is a close friend group from parts of California, Minnesota, and Brazil who enjoy the same tradition of music brought by the tropical paradise down south. Lorenzo Costanza(vocals/guitar) and Marcelo Manriquez(bass) met amongst the scene of local Santa Cruz musicians who specialize in Latin Music and together formed a duo playing their niche childhood music. With help from friends Johnny Graves(drums) and Vida Sanchez(keys) they quickly formed Quarteto Bahia.
Taking inspiration and paying tribute to a wide array of Brazilian artists from Djavan to Antonio Carlos Jobim, "Bahia" has a unique and nostalgic 70's sound through many rhythms from funk, samba, and much more
Moto
Moto, a brand new local fusion band has emerged!
Elie Mabanza and Ryan Price bring together a superband fueled by heavy grooves and out of this world melodies that will for sure keep you entranced and moving your feet! Members include Anne Stafford on Sax, Jaime Sanchez on drums, and Robert Jackson on Keys.
Come check out their “in the moment” set sure to keep you captivated and loving every minute!
SC DJ Sessions
Join SCDJ Sessions for another hot summer night! This month we will be grooving with the coolest DJs around...
Denver Drake
Lucho
Stuart Hill Robinson
Scallywags
and
Priscilla! Will be providing the epic tunes for this month's incredible showdown!! See y'all on the outdoor dancefloor for another amazing evening folks!
Second Sunday Artisan Faire w/ Elie Mambanza
Join us for our Second Sunday Artisan Faire and celebrate local creativity at Abbott Square Market! Discover original, one-of-a-kind pieces from talented local artists and makers — the perfect place to treat yourself or find a unique Father’s Day gift.
Looking for a chill Sunday vibe? Swing by for live entertainment and good company. Local musician Dan Frechette will be playing from 1-3pm.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Los Pendejos Imbiciles
The music of Los Pendejos Imbeciles transcends space and time illuminating the hero’s journey in an epic battle pitting the forces of soul and groove in defiance against the titanic forces of complacency and mediocrity.
Alex Lucero and the Live Again Band
Abbott Square... You're in for a treat! Both the band and the amazing offerings here at the market.
Alex Lucero & The Live Again Band is a 5-piece band crossing genres ranging from; Soul, Funk, Jazz, Americana and beyond. The band has independently released five all original albums comprised of both studio and live performances, with their latest Single entitled "Don't Look Back" released on July 18th 2022. Alex Lucero & The Live Again Band have received incredible response across California being played regularly on multiple radio stations and on permanent rotation on the well known KPIG 107 “oink” 5. With a steamrolling effect of success over the past few years, releasing multiple albums, including their latest release "Opportunity", the band continues to evolve crossing over more genres and appealing to all ages and all walks of life.
Trivia Night
Trivia is BACK every Wednesday starting Janurary 15th, hosted at front and cooper inside of Abbott Square!
Come test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails!
4th of July Festival
4th of July Festival at Abbott Square & Cooper Street
FIRST FRIDAY, July 4 | 8AM–8PM | Free Admission
Celebrate Independence Day and our community, Santa Cruz–style, with a day-long block party in the heart of downtown! We're taking over Abbott Square and closing down Cooper Street for a full day of food, music, art, games, and summer fun for all ages.
Start your day with a buzz—@catcloudcoffee will be pouring your favorite brews and toasting your favorite pastries and bites from 8AM, fueling early risers with caffeine and good vibes.
Our beloved market vendors will be serving up signature flavors all day long-
Cooper Street Comes Alive (12–6PM)
We’re closing the street to traffic and filling it with:
• A Car Show & Shine featuring classic and exotic rides
• A Bonus Art Market spotlighting local artisan makers
• Family-friendly fun like oversized horseshoes and DIY spin art you can take home
Live Music All Day on the Patio
Micro Tiger 12pm-1:45pm
Burnin Vernon 2:15pm-4:00pm
Jive Machine 5:00pm- 7:00pm
Grab a cold one from the bar—open all day with last call at 7:30PM. (Pro tip: Ask your bartender for the drink of the day!)
Wrap Up at 8PM
We’ll wind things down just in time for you to catch fireworks elsewhere. But the memories? They'll stick around longer.
Come for the coffee, stay for the connection—this is your downtown Santa Cruz Fourth of July.
Joint Chiefs
R&B Funk & Soul
If you make it to a Joint Chiefs show it's always a Good time Dance Party !!
http://thejointchiefsband.com/
The Fellswoop
The Fell Swoop pays homage to classic funk, soul, and rock n’ roll through a mix of original tunes and covers. Their new album, Swoopstakes, is a tapestry of modern and classic sounds, touching on themes of mental health, psychedelia, and love
It's Good To Be Here - DJ showcase
A dance & creative arts event focusing on providing a platform and a spotlight for artists in the Santa Cruz community, along with some friends from neighboring cities. An event made for the whole family to enjoy!
Jianna and the Cruzers
We are a multi-genre band revolving around soul, funk, and pop with some sprinkles of rock and country influence. In addition to a variety of covers, we also perform originals written by Jianna Andrews, Malakai Lawton, Alex Bahler, and Quinn Becker. You can guarantee a great jam sesh, dancing, and a lot of laughs attending one of our shows
Second Sunday Artisan Faire with Ryan Price
Join us for our Second Sunday Artisan Faire and celebrate local creativity at Abbott Square Market! Discover original, one-of-a-kind pieces from talented local artists and makers — the perfect place to treat yourself or find a unique Father’s Day gift.
Looking for a chill Sunday vibe? Swing by for live entertainment and good company. Local musician Ryan Price will be setting the mood all afternoon with smooth tunes and good energy.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Ancestree
Come down for this reggae party
https://www.instagram.com/ancestree/
https://www.youtube.com/@ancestreereggae