GT Staff

Check out these photos from the Best of Santa Cruz 2026 mixer at Hotel Paradox.

Psych-folk artist Ruth Garbus brings her quiet, genre-blurring sound to the Crepe Place on Aug. 20, performing music from Profound, an album that moves between indie folk, free jazz and R&B.

Honolulu surf-rock band Twin Fin brings its blend of surf, country, ’60s pop and alternative rock to Felton Music Hall on Sunday, Aug. 16.

Honus Honus brings Man Man’s gloriously skewed blend of experimental rock, cabaret, music hall and country-folk to the Catalyst, Friday August 7

The Cash Box Kings bring distorted harmonica, powerhouse vocals and Chicago-style blues to Moe’s Alley, with Bay Area favorite Aki Kumar joining the bill.

Acclaimed Americana songwriter James McMurtry brings his poetic, hard-edged songs to the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz on Thursday, July 23.

Water Tower brings bluegrass chops and punk fury to Kuumbwa, with founding member Kenny Feinstein leading the band’s fiercely independent, ever-evolving collective.

Explore the Santa Cruz County Editors’ Picks for 2026, highlighting the places, people and experiences that make the region unforgettable. From pizza and fine dining to hidden trails, live music, beaches and local treasures, these are the editors’ favorite discoveries.