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Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you won’t want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS
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In 2026, jazz is often considered an old person’s genre. Let’s face it, it’s not like the jazz clubs are the hot spots all the kids are clamoring to get into. However, Sylvia Cuenca is trying to change that. A powerhouse drummer from the San Francisco and New York scenes, Cuenca is bringing together multiple generations of musicians together to play original numbers as well as standards throughout America’s past. Featuring saxophonist Rico Jones, pianist David Kikoski, Wallace Roney Jr. on trumpet, and bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, they are showing every generation why jazz will never go out of style. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
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Do not miss this showcase!
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Purchase tickets here Show 8pm // 21+ ***This is a standing room general admissions show. There will be a limited number of chairs located in the back of the concert hall. Seating will be first come first served. Bar and food will be open at 5pm.
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Anthony Arya plays the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with his band on the Colonnade stage Thu August 6th 8:30-9:30 pm.
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Showing 30 of 140 upcoming events · Art & Culture · from 2026-08-06 · to 2026-08-13
SUBMERGE exists for the dancers and for the artists. It's a dance party, a movement meditation and a fantastic workout all at once. Drawing inspiration from the great dances of music festivals and burning man, as well as the best parts of the ecstatic dance movement, SUBMERGE exists to provide dancers a deep canvas for movement, and also for experienced artists (often with decades of wisdom) to get fairly paid. 100% of ticket revenues go to the artists.
1 booked, 8 available Katy Kenyon-Abel
0 booked, 6 available Handbuilding
This exhibition brings together a range of analog games – including board, card, role-playing, and other participatory works – that engage social and political realities in different ways. The works span widely circulated commercial games to independently produced projects, one-of-a-kind artworks by artists, faculty, alumni, and students, and materials drawn from UC Santa Cruz Special Collections and Archives. In part, the exhibition challenges the persistent assumption that games and play are detached from social and political life. On the contrary, game designers and artists across diverse perspectives and positions have long used play to engage questions of social systems, lived experience, and how power operates. This exhibition does not attempt to represent that full spectrum. Instead, it brings together a particular set of works that foreground how games can make systems visible, intervene in them, and imagine alternatives. All games embody values, whether intentional or not. – Mary Flanagan , game designer and scholar Across all of these works, games are not only forms of entertainment, though they may be that as well. They are encountered in multiple ways: as objects, as systems, as artworks, and as experiences that unfold unpredictably through interaction. In each case, rules and constraints shape what participants can do. In these different forms, the works stage systems – such as housing and land ownership, capitalism, race and identity, civil rights and protest, fascism, and colonialism – in ways that are simplified and easy to see, opening space to recognize similar structures beyond the game. In this sense, the works suggest that rules are not neutral – they organize experience, distribute power, and produce meaning. Games are the art of agency. – C. Thi Nguyen , philosopher The exhibition is intentionally dense. This abundance reflects the breadth of ways games operate across contexts, from activism and education to art and everyday life. While it cel
Visit the IAS, UCSC’s premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10–August 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm – 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posada’s first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time
Step into the MAH's Archives Reading Room during our weekly Open Archives hours. Meet the archivist, see a unique item from the collection on display, and discover where Santa Cruz history is preserved. Please note: Open Archives is an informal drop-in experience, not a time for in-depth research appointments. If you'd like to schedule research time, please contact us in advance by email or phone. We usually pop open the archives every week-though every now and then we take a break. For more information, email [email protected]
Are you interested in learning about technology? Visit us during our weekly Tech Café program where you have the opportunity to get basic tech-related questions answered and test a new piece of technology. This program will take place on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm at the Main Library (unless otherwise indicated). The technology we demo will change each month; here is a list of what technology will be featured: - January (program starts on the 15th): Doodle Pens - February: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) - March: 3D Printer - April: Spheros (programmable robots) - May: Cricut - June: Glowforge - laser cutter (This program will take place at the Freedom Branch) - July: iPad Stop Motion movies - August: Spheros (programmable robots) - September: 3D Printer - October: Doodle Pens - November: Cricut - December: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) Audience: All Ages ¿Le interesa aprender sobre tecnología? Visítanos durante nuestro programa semanal Tech Café, donde tendrás la oportunidad de obtener respuestas a preguntas básicas relacionadas con la tecnología y probar una nueva tecnología. Este programa se llevará a cabo los jueves de 4:30 a 6:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal (a menos que se indique otro horario o lugar). La tecnología que mostraremos cambiará cada mes; las tecnologías que se presentarán: - enero (el programa comienza el día 15): Doodle Pens - febrero: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) - marzo: Impresora 3D - abril: Spheros (robots programables) - mayo: Cricut - junio: Glowforge - cortadora láser (este programa se llevará a cabo en la sucursal Freedom) - julio: iPad Stop Motion (películas) - agosto: Spheros (robots programables) - septiembre: Impresora 3D - octubre: Doodle Pens - noviembre: Cricut - diciembre: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) Audiencia: Para todas las edades
A weekly Congo dance class in Santa Cruz. Participants learn traditional African dance movements in a group setting at The 418 Project.
This is Motion Pacific's Adult Intermediate Modern class for adult dancers.
Ever been inspired to drop everything and create when visiting an exhibition at the MAH? Join us for a Drop-In Drawing session in the gallery from 6-8pm on the first Thursday of every month. This is not a formal lesson, but an opportunity to bring in your own art supplies and sketch what you see. Dry media only (no markers or paint). All ages welcome. Free with admission. The museum will provide stools, feel free to bring a cushion or folding chair if space allows. Groups of 5+ please give advanced notice by emailing [email protected] . Drop-In Drawing Calendar 2025 September 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home October 2 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home November 6 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home December 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home 2026 January 1 - NONE (New Years Day) February 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship March 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship Comment end
Join us for Coaster Stomp Line Dance at Bruno’s Bar and Grill! The fun starts at 7pm with two lessons and plenty of open dancing. Join their expert instructors as they guide you through a night filled with plenty of boot-scootin’ boogie. Stay for a little while or the whole event! $10 cover charge
Join us for an evening dedicated to the beauty and charm of our feline companions. Well-loved Santa Cruz artist and author Teresa Mallen will present from her latest book, sharing personal stories alongside those of her friends. This unique presentation seamlessly blends prose, poetry, and visual arts, featuring vibrant artwork by Mallen herself alongside literary gems from celebrated poets. In addition to celebrating all things feline, Teresa will introduce attendees to the creative journeys behind her other two books, The Artist’s Path and Illuminations. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended, and walk-ins are welcome. Register at https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16584778 or call 831-427-7705.
Something wicked this way comes, indeed. Starting this weekend and running through August 30th, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents one of The Bard’s most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the play’s first ever performance is believed to have been in 1606 marking this as the 420th anniversary, which is very Santa Cruz. And for anyone familiar with Macbeth, it’s easy to see why it’s lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as “Blood will have blood,” and “the wine of life is drawn.” -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
A young, wholesome, and seemingly normal couple, Brad and Jan, set out to visit their old professor, but their plans change when a large storm causes their car to go flat. Desperate to get out of the rain, they find an old castle that is home to Dr. Frank-N-Furter. From there, the night only becomes weirder. That night will be one they and the audience will not forget. This cult classic continues to entertain crowds, and this run is no different. Audience members can purchase interactive goodie bags with their tickets and participate in a costume contest. Goes until August 22.
Thursday, August 06 2026 7:00pm - 8:30pm Join us for an evening dedicated to the beauty and charm of our feline companions.
Grab some lawn chairs and some blankets and cozy up for this free movie night on Seabright! July 9: The SpongeBob Movie July 16: Legally Blonde July 23: Minecraft Movie July 30: Shrek August 6: Hoppers August 13: Goat
Thursday Night Movie Nights, a six-week outdoor movie series held Thursday nights on Murray Street starting July 9 through August 13. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for free outdoor screenings. The event series is free to attend and will feature family-friendly programming throughout the summer. July 23: Minecraft Movie July 30: Shrek August 6: Hoppers August 13: Goat
0 booked, 6 available Handbuilding
Join us for Mothersong every first Friday of the month ~ sing and dance with us at our Main Library, Meeting Room at 10:30am. Audience: Families Se le invita a nuestro programa Mothersong cada primer viernes del mes ~ cante y baile con nosotros en nuestra Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Reuniones a las 10:30am. Audiencia: Familias
“Confluence”: where separate currents meet. This beautiful exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. “Confluence” is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from “The Leftovers” at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
Visit the IAS, UCSC’s premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10–August 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm – 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posada’s first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time
Take a guided tour of the MAH by one of our staff members! At the MAH, our tours don't just take you through art and history. They immerse you in it and connect you to Santa Cruz and beyond. If you're ready to dive into a new perspective, join us every Friday for an informative private tour free with admission. Art experts, historians, and educators are here to help. Plus, stick around to meet new people or check out our new gift shop. If you are an educator and interested in booking a tour for your class or group, browse our educational field trips here.
First Friday at The Painted Cork — Live Music, Art Lounge & Local Art Celebrate First Friday with us at our vibrant Westside Santa Cruz studio! From 3–8 PM, enjoy an evening filled with creativity, community, and live music. 🖼️ Local Art Showcase Browse artwork created by local Santa Cruz artists throughout the studio — a perfect way to support and connect with our creative community. 🍺 Local Beer & Wine Sip on favorites from Santa Cruz breweries and wineries while you enjoy the music and art. 🎶 Live Music — No Cover We’re excited to welcome Wasabi Santa Cruz, performing alongside a cover band for a full afternoon of great local music. Come relax, sip, and enjoy — no charge for the music. 🎨 Art Lounge (DIY Creative Experience) Explore your creativity in our Art Lounge! Choose from a variety of DIY painting and craft projects while enjoying a drink from our beer and wine bar. All supplies included Written instructions or video tutorials Social, self‑paced experience Kitchen open until 7 PM Reserve your project online and we’ll have everything ready when you arrive. Bar seating is first‑come, first‑served (no project purchase required). Join us for a lively, creative First Friday celebration on the Westside!
Join us for First Friday Gallery Night and Live Music at The Green Spot! We are excited to continue our gallery spotlight in-store with featured artist Leah Rose. Trianna will kick things off with live music, playing guitar and singing to set a warm, chill vibe for the evening. Come by, enjoy our classic charcuterie trays, and browse the gallery at your own pace. You can purchase Leah Rose’s art all month long, and First Friday is the perfect time to meet the artist spotlight and take something home. We would love to see you, so stop by the Green Spot for a welcoming night of art, music, and good bites!
Extended by popular demand world renowned artist Jim Phillips presents his first ever one-man show of new artworks with newly added original pen and ink drawings. “The show is a culmination of many years of dedication to my art.” Phillips said. “Having the show in Santa Cruz is perfect. It’s the place where I honed my skllls on a variety of jobs for local venues, and established my mark internationally.” Jim’s graphics and surf and skate-themed artworks are a global cultural phenomenon, with millions of fans drawn to Santa Cruz Red Dot and the Screaming Hand, which he created in 1985. FIrst Friday August 7, 4-7 pm Gallery Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 1-4 p Exhibit runs through October 31
Kara is an award-winning natural world photographer who lives in the Pleasure Point Neighborhood of Santa Cruz. She learned the love of travel at a young age and was given her first camera at the age of ten. Ever since she’s traveled the world making photos. While she loves traveling to faraway places to photograph endangered species, her main love is where she lives. She recently published a children’s book of her photos showing the Monterey Bay with its unique diversity from its mountains to the sea. Meet Kara at our First Friday reception, Aug. 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Silver Mountain Tasting Room, 328 D Ingalls St. Enjoy a glass of wine while chatting with Kara about her extensive travels and stunning photography.
Please enjoy a group show from local artists that are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent. Some art may talk about the life experiences of the artists, and some are simply the authentic expression of a disabled person. We hosted an art party on the principles of Disability Justice in July, and some of those art pieces will be in the show. First Friday Opening: 8/7 from 4-8pm. We are a small gallery. For anyone who has sensitivity to crowds, we recommend visiting us during our open hours during the week: w-th 2-6pm f: 4-8pm s-s: 1-5pm Snacks provided by Annies Cashew Dip and Trini Badillas Salsa www.thevisionsanctuary.com Participating Artists: – Tyler “Epitimus Prime” Gettner – Cherryy – Erin Harmon – Marley Calamity – Enigma – Alias, et al. – Sunny Mackey – Cazoshay Marie – Alicia Wyneken – Star Flower – Jessica Ann Roberts – Water Woody – Franki – ArteMacabre – Indigo Knightly – Rosebud Wild – Ember Katzirah
Please, join us every Friday this month, as we are open late and will be showcasing ALL our local Fine Artists that are hanging around this summer including, Nick Conte, Lupe Santos, Sylvia Valentine, Maylene Rasmussen, Sally Bookman, Beth Shields, Thomas Kinkade, Salvador Dali, and Michelle Nicely. We are also happy to announce we will be keeping the famed Rock n Roll photography of Jay Blakesberg. He has shot for Rolling Stone Magazine for over 40 years and is sole photographer for Dead and Company. Now, in the Grammy Museum. Look for our upcoming private event September, First Friday.
Santa Cruz Clay puts on first friday with ceramics, paintings, jewelry and more! Jungle boogie theme 🙂
The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is pleased to announce the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission’s 2026 Spotlight Award recipients: Tish Bertino (Visual Artist), and Barbara Martin (Drummer/Percussionist). The artists’ work will be exhibited on the 5th floor of the County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, from August 3-October 9, 2026. A First Friday opening reception will be held August 7 from 5-7 p.m. The natural world serves as the source of inspiration for Tish Bertino’s paintings, where she invites and encourages the viewer to visit real and imaginary places where shape, vibrant color, luminous light, and a sense of movement provide literal form to the pieces. Tish’s style is loose and expressive impressionist. A longtime resident of Santa Cruz, Tish runs and hikes through the woods and along the ocean allowing nature’s beauty to feed her soul and inspire her works. She returned to school in her mid-thirties to earn both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. For several years she taught art in local elementary schools. Painting is a source of immense joy for Tish and considers the process of creating art essential to leading a balanced and meaningful life. Barbara Martin is a Drummer and Multi-Percussionist, originally from Guantanamo City, Cuba. While studying music in at college Santa Clara, Cuba, she had the opportunity to perform with the Harvard Symphony Orchestra, as well as other traditional and popular Cuban bands. She also gained extensive teaching experience while in college by teaching music at the middle and high school levels. Arriving to the United States in 2016, she has taught music in various schools and performed in different bands throughout California. She is currently studying Music at Cabrillo College as well as working as a TA for the Music Department, where she also co-directs the Cabrillo Latin Jazz Ensemble. She currently directs, plays drums/percussion and i
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