The Admission-Free Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk just got even better! Enjoy warm sand, cool surf, hot rides and free entertainment at the only major seaside amusement park on the West Coast.

FREE BANDS ON THE BEACH

Rock out to your favorite bands from the '70s, '80s, and '90s live on the Beach Bandstand!

Berlin starring Terri Nunn

June 15, 2018

For fans of electronic music and the wave of style and pop culture that followed in the wake of the '80s, Terri Nunn is an icon. As the charismatic vocalist for the band that launched electronic dance rock in the U.S., Terri earned the No. 11 spot on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Women in Rock." At this high-energy show, enjoy hits like "No More Words," "The Metro," and "Take My Breath Away" which was featured in the 1986 movie Top Gun and reached #1 on the Billboard Top 100.

The Motels

June 22, 2018

One of LA's original new wave bands, Martha Davis & The Motels netted two gold albums with hits including "Only the Lonely," "Suddenly Last Summer," "Total Control," "Mission of Mercy," "Shame" and "Danger." MTV videos didn't kill this radio star, lead singer and songwriter Martha Davis won Best Performance in a Music Video at the American Music Awards for "Only the Lonely." With an '80s revival now in full swing, Martha Davis & The Motels are back on the road pleasing their legions of fans.

Los Lobos

June 29, 2018

More than three decades have passed since Grammy-winners Los Lobos released their debut album and worldwide smash single, "La Bamba." Since then, they've consistently evolved artistically while never losing sight of their humble roots. Perez, the band's drummer, once called their powerhouse mix of rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues and traditional Spanish and Mexican music "the soundtrack of the barrio." Members of Los Lobos are: Louie Perez - drums, guitars, percussion; Steve Berlin - vocals; Cesar Rosas - saxophone, percussion, flute, midsax, harmonica, melodica, vocals, guitar, mandolin; Conrad Lozano - bass, guitarron; David Hidalgo - vocals, guitar, accordion, percussion, bass, keyboards, melodica, drums, violin, banjo; Enrique "Bugs" Gonzalez - drums/percussion.

Rose Royce

July 6, 2018

Formed in Los Angeles and known universally for their hit "Car Wash" from the movie of the same name, these Grammy Award winners sold millions of records and charted hits throughout the '70s. The R&B funksters will light up the Boardwalk with all their hits, including "I Wanna Get Next to You" and "Love Don't Live Here Anymore."

Smash Mouth

July 15, 2018

Formed in San Jose, California in 1994, Smash Mouth has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Along with their Number One hits "Walkin' on the Sun" and "All Star," they have consistently impacted radio with other hits like "Then the Morning Comes," "Can't Get Enough Of You Baby," and a cover of The Monkees' classic "I'm a Believer," which was prominently featured on the Shrek soundtrack. Having established itself as the ultimate California party band, the vibe surrounding Smash Mouth is all about having fun.

Los Lonely Boys

July 20, 2018

For this trio, family and music are inseparable. The band consists of three brothers from San Angelo, Texas: Henry (guitar, vocals), Jojo (bass, vocals), and Ringo (drums, vocals) Garza. They follow the tradition of their father, Ringo Garza, Sr., who formed a band with his brothers called The Falcons. Los Lonely Boys plays a style of music they call "Texican Rock n' Roll," combining elements of rock and roll, Texas blues, brown-eyed soul, country, and Tejano. Propelled by its No. 1 single, "Heaven," their first album wound up selling over 2 million copies, spending 76 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 album chart and earning them a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.

The Fixx

July 27, 2018

Instantly recognizable, The Fixx sound is unmistakably unique and stands out among the thousands of artists filling the airwaves. Songs such as "One Thing Leads to Another," "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" remain everyday staples on the playlists of the rock, Hot AC and alternative radio stations that continue to break new acts inspired by the era that The Fixx helped to define. Beautiful Friction, released in 2012, was their tenth studio album and found The Fixx sharper than ever.

Y & T

August 3, 2018

Many of the biggest acts of the '80s, including Metalica and Mötley Crüe, became the popular openers for Y&T. With a discography of 18 albums and three greatest hits collections, Y&T has sold over four million albums since their 1974 inception. The band received extensive airplay with hits such as "Forever," "Rescue Me," "Mean Streak," and "Summertime Girls." After five Top 100 albums and two Bammie Awards, Y&T's hits are still played on VH1 Classic and classic rock radio stations everywhere.

The English Beat

August 17, 2018

The English Beat originated in working class, industrial Birmingham, England. They rushed on to the music scene in 1979 with a simple message of love and unity set to a great dance beat. They became known for great songs like "Save it for Later," "Mirror in the Bathroom," and "I Confess." We can't wait for The English Beat to bring their reggae, soul, pop, and rock influences back to the beach.

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

August 24, 2018

In 1979, Mickey Thomas joined the Jefferson Starship as lead vocalist. With his powerful vocals and a new sound, the group was renamed Starship and continued to record amazing hits including "We Built this City," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "Sara." The show will feature an expanded set list that includes the multi-platinum hits of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. Along with an expanded band and the addition of the beautiful and powerful female vocalist, Stephanie Calvert, they now deliver a show that includes all the hit songs and classics.

Papa Doo Run Run

August 31, 2018

Formed in Cupertino in 1965, the group has toured with surf music icons Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys, and served as the "celebrity house band" at Disneyland for an unprecedented 15 years, 1975-1990. Papa's 1975 Top 40 hit "Be True To Your School" reached No. 1 in California. Their groundbreaking CD "California Project" (1985) exploded onto the Billboard Hot 100 Chart at No. 17 and earned the band their second Gold Record and a Grammy Nomination.

FREE MOVIES ON THE BEACH

There's nothing like watching your favorite movies right on the beach with the world-famous Giant Dipper roller coaster lights twinkling overhead and the smell of Kettlecorn, corn dogs, and salt water taffy filling the air!