Tonight in Santa Cruz
The sun's going down. Let's make tonight memorable. Here's what's happening RIGHT NOW.
What Time Is It?
📱 Check These RIGHT NOW
🎵 Live Music Tonight
The Catalyst: Check their website for tonight's lineup (catalystclub.com)
Moe's Alley: Blues, jazz, funk - usually $10-20 cover (moesalley.com)
The Crepe Place: Free shows on patio some nights
Kuumbwa Jazz: Intimate jazz performances (kuumbwajazz.org)
🎪 Events Calendar
Check our Events Page for tonight's happenings - concerts, comedy shows, special events, and more.
🌅 Sunset Time
Google "sunset today Santa Cruz" - then head to Lighthouse Point, Natural Bridges, or the Wharf 30 minutes before for perfect views.
Sunset & Early Evening (5-7pm)
Start the night right
Best Sunset Spots
🔆 Lighthouse Point (West Cliff Drive)
The classic. Benches, unobstructed views, surfing museum.
🌊 Natural Bridges State Beach
Rock formations, tide pools, dramatic silhouettes.
🎡 Santa Cruz Wharf
Walk out over the water, sea lions, restaurants with views.
Happy Hours (5-7pm)
🍺 Craft Beer
Humble Sea Brewing, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Seabright Brewery
🍷 Wine & Cocktails
Vino Cruz, Venus Spirits, Seabright Social
🌮 Food Specials
Check our Deals Page for tonight's happy hours
🏖️ Beach Bars
Crow's Nest, Zelda's on the Beach, The Dream Inn
Dinner Options (7-9pm)
From casual to upscale
🚶 Walk-In Friendly (No Reservation)
Pizza: Pizza My Heart, Woodstock's, Pleasure Pizza
Mexican: Taqueria Vallarta, Tacos Moreno, Los Pericos
Asian: Akira (sushi & ramen), Pho 75, Bantam (sit at bar)
Burgers: Betty Burgers, The Picnic Basket
📅 Call Ahead (May Have Openings)
Italian: La Posta, Gabriella Cafe, Ristorante Avanti
Seafood: Crow's Nest, Aldo's (harbor views)
Upscale: Oswald, Aquarius at Dream Inn
Farm-to-Table: Oswald
💡 Pro Tip: Bar seating is usually first-come, first-served even at reservation-only restaurants!
Live Music & Shows (8pm-2am)
Check tonight's lineup!
🎸 The Catalyst
Main music venue. National acts, local bands. Check catalystclub.com for tonight's show.
Usually 8pm doors, $15-40 tickets. Bar upstairs, venue downstairs.
🎺 Moe's Alley
Blues, jazz, funk. Intimate venue, usually $10-20 cover. Great sound, 21+.
Shows start around 9pm. Cash bar.
🎹 Kuumbwa Jazz Center
World-class jazz. Serious listeners, reserved seating. Check kuumbwajazz.org.
Usually 7:30pm or 8pm shows. Tickets $20-40.
🌮 The Crepe Place
FREE live music on the outdoor patio (some nights). Casual vibe, all ages.
Check their Facebook for tonight's schedule.
🍺 Brewery Shows
Humble Sea, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing sometimes have acoustic acts.
Check their Instagram for tonight's events.
Bars & Nightlife (9pm-2am)
Where the night takes you
By Vibe
🕺 Dancing & DJ
The Catalyst: Dance floor on show nights
Blue Lagoon: Dance club (21+, $5-10 cover)
The Crease: UCSC students, casual
🍺 Dive Bars & Casual
Asti: Local dive, cheap drinks, pool table
Rush Inn: Classic dive bar
99 Bottles: Craft beer selection
Seabright Social: Neighborhood bar, friendly crowd
🍹 Cocktails & Upscale
Venus Spirits: Craft cocktails, distillery
Vino Cruz: Local wines, small plates
🏖️ Beach Bars
Dream Inn: Upstairs bar, ocean views
Crow's Nest: Harbor views, older crowd
Zelda's: Right on the sand, casual
🎮 Games & Activities
Round 1: Arcade, bowling, karaoke (until 2am)
Santa Cruz Bowl: Bowling, arcade, bar
Beach Boardwalk: Arcade open late (summer)
Late Night Eats (10pm-Midnight+)
When hunger strikes
🍕 Pizza
Pizza My Heart: Open until 2am on weekends, huge slices
Woodstock's Pizza: Open late, delivery available
🌮 Tacos
Taqueria Vallarta: Multiple locations, some open until midnight
Tacos Moreno: Late-night taco window
🍔 Fast Food
In-N-Out Burger: Drive-thru until 1am
Jack in the Box: 24 hours
Taco Bell: Drive-thru until 2am
🍝 Sit-Down Options
Denny's: 24 hours
IHOP: Open late
🛡️ Stay Safe Tonight
🚗 Getting Around
Uber/Lyft: Available throughout Santa Cruz
Designated Driver: Plan ahead if drinking
Parking: Downtown has lots, but they close at 2am
⏰ Last Call
California law: Bars stop serving at 1:30am, close at 2am.
Plan your night accordingly!
📱 Stay Connected
Keep your phone charged. Tell someone where you're going. Have fun but be smart!
💰 Tonight's Budget
Chill Night ($20-40)
Sunset (FREE) → Dive bar ($10-15) → Late night tacos ($8-12) → Uber home ($10-15)
Standard Night ($50-100)
Happy hour ($15-20) → Dinner ($30-50) → Bar hopping ($20-30) → Uber ($10-15)
Full Night Out ($100-150)
Nice dinner ($50-80) → Concert ticket ($25-40) → Drinks ($30-50) → Late night food ($15) → Uber ($15)