Free Weekly Summer Event Features Live Music, Food Trucks, Local Vendors, and Community Fun in Midtown Santa Cruz
SANTA CRUZ, CA — Event Santa Cruz is excited to announce the return of the Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party for its 6th year, bringing live music, food trucks, local vendors, artists, and community vibes back to Midtown Santa Cruz all summer long.
Running every Friday from May 29 through August 28, Midtown Fridays turns the parking lot at 1111 Soquel Ave into a lively outdoor summer block party filled with live performances, local makers, food trucks, specialty drinks, shopping, dancing, and community connection.
The free weekly event takes place from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM and has become one of Santa Cruz’s favorite summer traditions, bringing thousands of people together throughout the season to celebrate local music, creativity, and small businesses.
“Midtown Fridays has always been about creating a fun place for the community to come together during the summer while supporting local musicians, artists, food vendors, and small businesses,” said Event Santa Cruz founder Matthew Swinnerton. “Every year the event keeps growing, and we’re excited to make this summer the biggest one yet.”
This year’s series will feature 14 weeks of live music with a diverse lineup of Santa Cruz artists and bands spanning rock, funk, Latin music, reggae, soul, indie, and dance music.
In addition to the music, attendees can expect:
- Rotating local food trucks and food vendors
- Local artists, makers, and artisan vendors
- Specialty drinks
- Family-friendly activities
- Outdoor summer nightlife atmosphere
- Free admission every week
2026 Midtown Fridays Live Music Lineup
May 29 – James Durbin and The Lost Boys
Opening Band: JAM and the Buttered Biscuits
June 5 – Santa Cruda Announce New Band Name Night 🤫
June 12 – Salsa By The Sea with DJ It’s Dancing Time
June 19 – Ribsys Nickel
June 26 – Special Guest TBA Soon
July 3 – Santa Cruz Latin Collective
July 10 – Hijinx
July 17 – Ancestree
July 24 – Ripatti Rose Band
July 31 – Amp Melo with Special Guest
August 7 – Trestles
August 14 – Fire Peach
August 21 – The Rumba Madre
August 28 – Alex Lucero Band – Finale
Event organizers say this year’s series will include expanded community participation, additional vendors, new food experiences, and several surprise moments throughout the summer.
Midtown Fridays is presented by Event Santa Cruz with title sponsorship from the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department.
Additional partners include:
Caitlin Phillips, Realtor® • Santa Cruz Warriors • Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine • Lookout Santa Cruz • Good Times • Growing Up In Santa Cruz
For updates, vendor announcements, and additional event information, visit EventSantaCruz.com and follow Event Santa Cruz on social media.
Event Information
Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party
Every Friday • May 29 – August 28, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
1111 Soquel Ave • Midtown Santa Cruz
Free Admission
Media Contact
Matthew Swinnerton
Event Santa Cruz
info@eventsantacruz.com
EventSantaCruz.com
