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Harvest Festival

New & Noteworthy

For Immediate Release

Contact: shiri@downtownsantacruz.com

831-359-7130

downtownsantacruz.com

Harvest Festival: 3nd Annual Celebration 

Santa Cruz, CA – Sept 15, 2026 – Join us for the 3rd annual Harvest Festival on October 3rd from 12-4pm in Parking Lot 16 and Church Street between Cedar and Center Streets. This vibrant community event is produced in partnership with the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Community Farmers' Market.

The Harvest Festival offers a delightful array of activities for the whole family, including:

  • Carnival Games: Enjoy classic carnival activities like Striker, Glitter Tattoos, Face Painting, Plinko, Froggy Fly, Corn Hole, and Foosball. New this year: Mechanical Bull, Apple Press and 360 photobooth
  • Food: Savor delicious fall flavors with popcorn, churros, empanadas and more!
  • Live Music: Experience the lively sounds of local musicians, including the Rhythm Rangellers
  • Wreath Making: with the Santa Cruz Community Farmer’s Market. Arrange foraged foliage, dried fruit and flowers - and bring the sweetness of fall into your home.
  • Farm Stands: Grab some local fall produce including pumpkins.
  • Apple Press: Turn the crank and watch apples turn to juice. 
  • Petting Zoo: One of the highlights of last year returns. Garden Variety Cheeses will be bringing by some barn yard buddies. 
  • Beer Station: Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
  • Partnering vendors: Santa Cruz Warriors, Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History and many more!

The Harvest Festival is a celebration of community, a chance to come together and appreciate the simple joys of the season. Bring your family and friends to enjoy live music, delicious food, fun games, and enjoy a vibrant day in Downtown Santa Cruz.

"This year we’re proud to announce that Harvest Festival proceeds benefit the Market Match program through the Santa Cruz Community Farmer’s Market. It greatly increases the CalFresh access for local families to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables.” says Shiri Gradek, Director of Marketing & Events. “Harvest Festival is just wholesome fun for all ages. I’m especially looking forward to eating churros and riding the mechanical bull - but not at the same time.”

Event Details:

  • Date: October 3
  • Time: 12-4pm
  • Location: Parking Lot 16 and Church Street at Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA

For more information, please visit https://downtownsantacruz.com/do/harvest-festival-1

or follow Downtown Santa Cruz on Instagram and Facebook. 


About the Downtown Santa Cruz Association

The Downtown Santa Cruz Association is a non-profit business organization dedicated to promoting a vibrant downtown experience for residents and visitors. Our downtown includes hundreds of businesses! Learn more at www.DowntownSantaCruz.com