Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery August 13-September 19, 2026 Opening celebration and Artist Talk Saturday, August 15, 2-4:30 p.m Light refreshments will be served. Summer Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 1-5pm ReView: UC Santa Cruz Arts Alumni Exhibition features Arts Division alumni from the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas. Curated by ValΓ©ria Miranda, the Sesnonβs Director, ReView includes a wide variety of media and techniques highlighting the diversity of contemporary practice of alumni who graduated from 1972 to 2025. The exhibition title alludes to the portfolio critique process and suggests ideas of reflection and reevaluationβwhether revisiting past work, rethinking materials, or tracing how a practice evolves over time. This exhibition celebrates the creative path of artists who began their journeys at UC Santa Cruz. United by shared roots yet defined by distinct paths, the participating alumni reflect the lasting influence of the Arts Division programs. Their works speak to the spirit of inquiry, experimentation, and perseverance that has long shaped the universityβs artistic community. ReView presents an opportunity for the campus and larger community to see the professional practice of these artists who continue to build on the creative foundation that they received at UCSC and to inspire our current students, offering visualization of their own future artistic journeys after graduation. ReView offers a unique opportunity for returning alumni to celebrate their creative expressions while reconnecting with classmates and the university community. Admission is free and open to the public. More Information
From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.
Live music, festivals, art walks, surf contests, trail days and everything in between.
In-person only, on purpose. Everything here is something you can actually show up to. No screens, no streams.
β Featured this season
Treehouse Dispensary First Friday
Treehouse Dispensary hosts a monthly First Friday event on the first Friday of every month. These events feature live music, local artists, makers, and an art market with up to 20 different vendors, along with shop-wide discounts and community activities. The shop is open 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM daily. We're proud to offer everyday savings for our community: New Members: 10% off your first order Wisdom Discount (65+): 5% off Medical Patients: 10% off Students & Teachers: 20% off with valid ID Veterans: 20% off *Please note that discounts do not stack with other deals. Ask staff for exclusions.
Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Dual Demons - JAM
A weekly music jam session in downtown Santa Cruz, featuring lights and fun for all musicians.
Coming up
Del Mar Trio
Free live music every Tuesday night with the Del Mar Trio at Callahan's in Santa Cruz.
Coming up
La Luz
With over a decade of carving out a sound that belongs entirely to them, La Luzβs blend of surf noir, garage rock, and haunted psychedelia wraps listeners in layered harmonies somewhere between doo-wop and folk. Guitarist and songwriter Shana Cleveland, the band's founding member, is one of indie rock's most original voices. Through metaphysical poetry, she takes listeners to rural Californian landscapes and science fiction dimensions. La Luzβs most recent album, News of the Universe, is ambitious, brutal, and blissful. They bring an electric energy to the stage with Soul Train-inspired dance contests and swaggering riffs that spin the room into action. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
βοΈ Happening today
Tuesday, August 2547 events on today. No plans required, just go.
What's happening
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
14 upcoming events Β· Education Β· from 2026-08-25 Β· to 2026-08-25
Soft Pastel Painting runs in six week intervals taught by instructor Sarah Orre. A short demo will be taught the first class meeting with reference photos that will teach color theory, underpainting, texture, layering, and movement. Students are encouraged to bring additional reference photos for inspiration. Participants bring their own soft pastels (not oils), and sanded paper. The remainder of the class meetings are used for studio time. The last day we have a group peer review to discuss our work and give and receive feedback.
Senior Legal Services: A Free Clinic
A free legal clinic on the topic of Planning for the Future, hosted by Senior Legal Services for Seniors aged 60+. A short presentation and Q&A on Powers of Attorney, Statutory Wills and Advanced Health Care Directives, followed by a chance to speak one-on-one with an attorney, receive fillable legal documents and a free notary service to execute the documents.
Join us for a drop-in clinic to plan for your future at the Scotts Valley Library! Registration is optional, and not required! Receive on-site assistance and information on Advance Healthcare Directives, simple wills, and Powers of Attorney. For ages 60+ residing in Santa Cruz or San Benito county.
Tuesday, August 25 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Tuesday, August 25 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Tuesday, August 25 2026 10:00am - 11:30am A free legal clinic on the topic of Planning for the Future, hosted by Senior Legal Services for Seniors aged 60+.
Conversations in EspaΓ±ol - Community club to foster fluency
Tuesday, August 25 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm This club is designed for intermediate-level participants, so if you're just starting out, you might find it a bit challenging at first.
WATERCOLOR FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS AND RECOVERING PERFECTIONISTS (1/4)
0 booked, 8 available Maria Ayllon
Getting Involved in Your Campus Community
In this workshop, you will: Learn how to get involved with the campus community and how it supports student success. The Successful Slug Workshop series, hosted by Learning Support Services Peer Coaches, are open to all UCSC undergraduate students and focus on academic skills and tools to support your success as a student. At each workshop, you will be introduced to a topic, engage in active learning, be given resources to begin implementing the same day, and have an opportunity to learn more if you are interested. You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of Californiaβs nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeβwhether a student service, faculty program, or community eventβis designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications.
Tuesday, August 25 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Practice your English and make new friends!
Wing Chun martial arts classes with instructor Marcus at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, meeting multiple times per week.
Seaweed Sip & Paint
Join us for an evening of creativity inspired by the beauty of our local coastline! Sip a glass of wine while local artist Calene Luczo Fletcher guides you through watercolor techniques to create your own kelp and seaweed painting. Whether youβre an experienced artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, youβll learn approachable watercolor techniques in a relaxed, welcoming environment. By the end of the evening, youβll leave with a finished piece of artwork inspired by the vibrant forms and colors of our marine forests. Program sold out, please email [email protected] to join the waitlist All materials are provided, along with wine and light refreshments. Capacity : 20 Ticket Price : $35 Discounts : $5 Member discount Age limit : 12+ Location : Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Refund Policy
0 booked, 7 available
Hosting something rad?
If it's happening in person anywhere in Santa Cruz County, whether it's a show, a market, a paddle-out, or a gallery night, we want it on the calendar. Submissions are free and reviewed by our editors.
Submit your event β