Whether your family is into dancing on the beach, marching bands, or orchestra performances, there’s something happening nearly every weekend from September through October. We’ve gathered the must-see fall concerts across Monterey Bay so you can plan memorable outings with ease.
From Seaside to Santa Cruz, most of these events are free, family-friendly, and set in beautiful outdoor locations.
September 2025 Concerts
Monterey County Pops! Labor Day Concert
- Where: Seaside City Hall Lawn, 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside
- When: September 1 | Pre-show 1:00 PM, Concert 2:00 PM
- What: Celebrate Labor Day with a full orchestral performance by Monterey County Pops. Arrive early for pre-show activities and enjoy a patriotic program outdoors.
- For more info
Jazz at the Library
- Where: Santa Cruz Downtown Library
- When: September 1 & October 3 | 12:00 PM
- What: Local jazz musicians perform during this lunchtime concert series.
- For more info
Downtown First Friday Art Tour
- Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
- When: September 5 | 5:00–8:00 PM
- What: While not strictly a concert, this lively art walk features live music, street performers, and food trucks.
- For more info
Music in the Watsonville Plaza
- Where: Downtown Watsonville
- When: September 5 & 19 | 6:00–8:00 PM
- What: Family-friendly concerts with Banda, Banda, Banda (Sept. 5) and Sixth Street Alternative (Sept. 19).
- For more info
Discover Pacific Grove Concert
- Where: Jewell Park, Pacific Grove
- When: September 6 | 5:00–7:00 PM
- What: Season finale featuring live music by Kaye Bohler.
- For more info
Fiesta en la Playa
- Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- When: September 6
- What: A vibrant cultural celebration with live music and performances by Latinx artists.
- For more info
Boogie on the Wharf – DJ & Dance Series
- Where: Santa Cruz Wharf
- When: September 7 & 21 | Time varies
- What: Free dance sessions with DJ music, including family-friendly line dancing in September.
- For more info
Tuesday Night Live at the Santa Cruz Wharf
- Where: Santa Cruz Wharf
- When: September 9 | 6:00–8:00 PM
- What: A high-energy oceanfront concert series. September features Jive Machine, a funky dance band.
- For more info
Carmel Valley Library Concert Series
- Where: Carmel Valley Library, 65 West Carmel Valley Road
- When: September 23 & October 18 | 6:30–7:30 PM
- What: The Family Music Series presents a variety of musicians in an intimate setting.
- For more info
Monterey Jazz Festival Concert on the Lawn
- Where: Tim Jackson Garden Stage, Monterey
- When: September 25 | 11:30 AM–12:45 PM
- What: Student jazz ensembles perform outdoors during Monterey Jazz Festival week. Pack a lunch and enjoy.
- For more info
Concert Series in Scotts Valley
- Where: Skypark, Scotts Valley
- When: September 28 | 2:30–6:00 PM
- What: A community concert with food, wine, beer, and concessions for purchase, hosted by Kiwanis and local businesses.
- For more info
October 2025 Concerts
Downtown First Friday Art Tour
- Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
- When: October 3 | 5:00–8:00 PM
- What: Art walk with live music, performers, and food trucks.
- For more info
Santa Cruz Symphony Season Opening Street Party
- Where: Outside Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
- When: October 4 | 5:00 PM
- What: A Mediterranean-themed street party with live music, dancing, and food vendors to celebrate the Symphony’s season launch.
- For more info
Santa Cruz Band Review
- Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- When: October 18 | All morning
- What: A marching band extravaganza featuring 55 high school bands from across Northern California. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy a lively musical morning.
- For more info
Plan Your Fall Concert Adventures
From jazz in Santa Cruz to marching bands on the Boardwalk and family picnics with live music in Monterey County, fall is one of the best times to enjoy free concerts on the Central Coast. Pack a blanket, bring the kids, and get ready to enjoy music outdoors this season.
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