NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2026
Contact: Kris Reyes
pr@beachboardwalk.com
Santa Cruz, CA – The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk announced their 2026 free summer entertainment plans for the world-famous seaside amusement park. This year’s family-friendly lineup of entertainment will include a thrilling drone show, the popular Free Movies on the Beach summer series, half price mornings in Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom, and Evenings on the Colonnade. The Boardwalk will also host several activities in celebration of the World Cup including a watch party on Main Beach when USA plays Türkiye on June 25.
“This summer at the Boardwalk will feature something fun for every member of the family,” said Boardwalk spokesperson Kris Reyes. “Classic movies, great music, DJ dance parties, a drone show, and World Cup watch parties will create unforgettable summer memories that will last a lifetime.”
“The sky above Main Beach will light up on Saturday, May 16 during the Boardwalk’s summer kick off drone show. Starting at approximately 9:00pm, the ideal viewing area will be on the Boardwalk and Main Beach between the Giant Dipper and Under Tow roller coasters.
Guests can also enjoy the ultimate free movie night on the beach in front of the Boardwalk. Beginning Friday, June 12 and continuing every Friday night through August 7 (except July 3), popular favorites such as The Lost Boys, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and The Goonies will delight Boardwalk guests of all ages. Each showing will include a 15-minute intermission, and beach seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Evenings on the Colonnade start Monday, June 15 and continue daily through Thursday, August 6. Boardwalk guests will enjoy live music, magicians, acrobats, and a DJ dance party. Mornings at the Arcade will begin on Monday, June 15 and continue daily through Friday, August 7. Each day guests will enjoy half price arcade games at the Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom.
The Boardwalk will host a world-class soccer celebration with watch parties at Coaster’s Bar & Grill and soccer exhibitions on Main Beach. Fans can cheer on Team USA against Türkiye during a live watch party on Main Beach on Thursday, June 25.
All Boardwalk summer entertainment is free to guests and the public. For more information on this year’s summer entertainment please visit beachboardwalk.com/events/.
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