The inaugural  Ripple Effect Santa Cruz Arts Festival will take place April 16-26, 2026.

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The arts community of Santa Cruz County is coming together for this exciting new 11-day celebration showcasing the region's rich artistic landscape.

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The festival will feature performances, exhibitions, workshops, and interactive events across venues countywide, inviting audiences of all ages to experience the transformative power of art.

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Known for our stunning coastline and redwood forests throughout Santa Cruz County, the Ripple Effect Arts Festival invites visitors to also discover the talent and creativity of our local artists, as well as the hospitality that make this region a world-class destination.

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The Ripple Effect Arts Festival was born out of a shared belief that the arts not only enrich our lives but also strengthen our community and economy. At a time when many artists and organizations face mounting challenges, Ripple Effect provides a new opportunity for collaboration, visibility, and collective support. Grassroots and volunteer-driven, the festival is powered by the dedication of local arts organizations and community partners who believe in the unifying force of creativity.

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Terence Concannon, CEO of Visit Santa Cruz shares, “April is celebrated as Arts, Culture & Creativity Month in California and Santa Cruz, making it the perfect time to highlight the power of the arts and launch a new countywide festival".

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By participating, visitors directly invest in the vitality of Santa Cruz County’s creative economy, helping sustain local artists, small businesses, and cultural organizations while experiencing the county through an authentic community-driven celebration.

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Through partnerships with local artists, arts organizations, businesses, and community leaders, Ripple Effect will highlight the county’s role as a major cultural destination. From hands-on activities to spectacular performances and exhibitions, the festival aims to make the arts accessible locally, while drawing visitors from the greater Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond.

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“In times like these, it’s more important than ever for the arts community and artists to stand together. Supporting one another is what we’ve always done—and what we continue to do now, with even greater strength.” Collette Tabone, Executive Director Motion Pacific Dance

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The Ripple Effect Arts Festival is set to become an annual tradition, one that celebrates creativity, fosters collaboration, and builds a stronger, more connected community. By amplifying the voices of local and global artists alike, the festival strengthens Santa Cruz.

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Image credits: Kevin Panchaud for Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Crystal Birns for Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and Sköna

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