Countryside Arts Festival Kicks Off in Santa Cruz County

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A countywide celebration of visual and performing arts, the Ripple Effect Santa Cruz County Arts Festival, kicked off on Thursday and will run through April 26. The grassroots, volunteer-driven festival aims to highlight the local creative community during California's Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, bringing together artists, cultural organizations, and venues to showcase a broad range of artistic disciplines including visual arts, music, dance, theater, poetry, fashion, and interactive workshops.

Why it matters

The festival is an effort to strengthen the local arts community and economy in Santa Cruz County, providing a platform for artists and cultural organizations to showcase their work and engage with the public. It also aligns with the state's initiative to celebrate arts and creativity during the designated month.

The details

Events include exhibitions, performances, pop-ups, and hands-on workshops across multiple venues throughout the county. While some activities are free, others, such as the grand finale at The Grove near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, require tickets. Each venue manages its own events and ticketing, and parking options vary by location.

• The festival kicked off on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
• The festival will run through April 26, 2026.

What’s next

The festival will conclude with a grand finale event at The Grove near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from 4-9pm on April 26, 2026.