Events

Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party 2026

May 28 to Aug 29 2026
5pm to 8:30ish
Midtown Fridays Lot
1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Get ready, Santa Cruz — Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party is back for its 6th year, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

Every Friday night from May 29 through August 28, we’re throwing the ultimate summer block party right in the heart of Midtown at 1111 Soquel Ave. It’s completely free, super fun, and packed with community vibes all summer long.

We’ve got 14 incredible local Santa Cruz bands hitting the stage throughout the summer, plus a rotating lineup of some of the best local food trucks around (yes, your favorites are back — along with some new ones!). You’ll also find amazing local artists, makers, vendors, specialty drinks, family-friendly activities, and all kinds of fun surprises every single week.

Whether you’re coming for the live music, the food, the shopping, or just to hang out with your community on a warm summer evening, Midtown Fridays is the place to be.

Over the last six years, Midtown Fridays has grown into one of Santa Cruz’s favorite weekly summer traditions — bringing thousands of people together to celebrate local music, local businesses, creativity, and community.

Let’s make this summer unforgettable!

Vendors Apply Here

Santa Cruz Warriors
River Dogs of Boulder Creek
Watsonville Munchies
Cassidy and Daughter
AT&T
White Rabbit
Bee Happy SC
The Multi Shoppe
Paradise Flame Candles
Queen Tide Vintage
Sereia Design
Justin Francavilla
V/A Concepts

Every Friday • May 29 – August 28

5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Midtown Santa Cruz • 1111 Soquel Ave

2026 Live Music Lineup

May 29 – James Durbin and The Lost Boys (Opening Band JAM and the Buttered Biscuits)
June 5 – Members of Santa Cruda (new name announcement)
June 12 – Salsa By The Sea with Dj @its dancing time, El Sol, and DJ Monk Earl of Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz
June 19 – Ribsys Nickel
June 26 – Soul Good Entertainment Take Over ft Skinny Hendrixx & The Earthtones
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

Thank you to our title sponsor:
City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department

And thank you to our Midtown Fridays partners:
Caitlin Phillips, Realtor®Santa Cruz WarriorsSanta Cruz Vibes MagazineThe Starving Musician • Lookout Santa CruzMoe’s Alley • Good TimesGrowing Up In Santa Cruz

Screenshot

Featured

James Durbin and The Lost Boys

JAM and the Buttered Biscuits

Salsa By The Sea with Dj It’s Dancing Time

Ribsys Nickel

Skinny Hendrixx & The Earthtones

Santa Cruz Latin Collective

Hijinx

Ancestree

Ripatti Rose Band

Amp Melo with Special Guest

Trestles

Fire Peach

The Rumba Madre

Alex Lucero Band


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