Cruz Midtown Summer Block Party

[Drunk Monk]

June 2 to September 29
5:00 to 8:30ish
Midtown Square
1111 Soquel Ave.


MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! 
June 30th: Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz w/opener Poi Rogers

Poi Rogers & Afrobeats 

This was a fun little gathering about 4 blocks from our bungalow. I took Yuki and we were both amused. He got lots of petting and some taco droppings. I got a cucumber lime agua fresca which was pricey but very satisfying. 
Poi Rogers was a couple, standing bass & acoustic guitar/pedal steel, a mash up of Hawaiian and country. They did an ennio morricone tribute that was funny.
Afrobeats is a DJ. Yuki liked his scratching but it got to loud for him so we left.
Under a hundred peeps there when we arrived and it grew to under two hundred. Very chill scene. We’ll go again.

[Drunk Monk]

05/31/2024
05:00 pm
Event Santa Cruz
1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
Come Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at our Summer Block Party, happening every Friday!
Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors
The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 31 to August 31.
Interested in becoming a Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Vendor? Fill out the application here
Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show
May 31st: Dylan Rose Band
June 7th: A.C. Myles – Opener: Pattie Gilbert
June 14th: Funkranomicon – Opener: Trianna (GTRI)
June 21st: TBD – Opener: Nyreay
June 28th: Hijinx – Opener: Mo Cruz (Animo)
July 5th: The Money Band
July 12th: Santa Cruda
July 19th: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen
July 26th: Locomotive Breath
August 2nd: John Michael Band
August 9th: Cowboys After Dark
August 16th: Ribsy’s Nickel
August 23rd: Spun
August 30th: Alex Lucero Band
Midtown Fridays! Partners: City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department, Off The Lip Radio Show, Lookout Santa Cruz, and Santa Cruz Realtor – Loren Morse.

Might have to check out next Friday - some of the guys in Dylan Rose live right across the street from our bungalow and I have yet to hear them play (we do hear them practice occasionally and that sounds good).

[Greg]

No flashback bands? Or is that a different program?

[Drunk Monk]

I think you're thinking of the boardwalk bands. That kinda ended with the pandemic, sad to say. They no longer erect the bandshell. Instead, they do a smaller one near the arcade. It doesn't attract major acts. They have not posted for this year.
These Midtown events are much smaller. They're held in an empty lot about 4 blocks from our bungalow. I'll probably take Yuki again. It's a short walk and we can bail easily if need be.

[Greg]

That's exactly what I was thinking. The bandshell.

[Drunk Monk]

MIDTOWN FRIDAYS SUMMER BLOCK PARTY 2025
Come Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at our Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors! The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 31 and runs through to August 30. Midtown Friday Summer Block Parties are located at Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave, in Santa Cruz, beginning at 5pm and going until 8:30ish. 

• May 30, 2025: Santa Cruz Super Group
  
• June 6, 2025: Santa Cruz Latin Collective
  
• June 13, 2025: James Durbin and The Lost Boys
  
• June 20, 2025: Santa Cruda
  
• June 27, 2025: Ribsys Nickel
  
• July 18, 2025: Hijinx
  
• July 25, 2025: Ripatti Rose Band
  
• August 1, 2025: Alwa Gordon/Silvandgold & Friends
  
• August 8, 2025: Alex Lucero Band
  
• August 15, 2025: Ancestree & Friends
  
• August 22, 2025: Jive Machine
  
• August 29, 2025: Streetlight Records 50th Anniversary Party
  

[Drunk Monk]

I didn't make a single midtown Friday last year. Maybe this year...

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 five 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!
 
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 – Santa Cruda Announce New Band Name Night June 12 – Salsa By The Sea with Dj It’s Dancing Time
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