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๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz County, CA

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.

โ˜… Featured this season

Promotional image for Phamily Time! โ˜… Featured Event
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 ยท 4:00 PM

Phamily Time!

๐Ÿ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing ยท Downtown Santa Cruz ยท See listing

Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโ€™t want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS

Music Festivals ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details โ†’
Promotional image for Brian Fitzgerald duo at The Alley-Oop Coming up
Tue, Aug 4, 2026 ยท The Alley-Oop

Brian Fitzgerald duo at The Alley-Oop

Brian Fitzgerald is an active member of the Bay Area music scene. An accomplished jazz guitarist and teacher, he draws from a deep musical background and education. He has toured and performed extensively as both a sideman and band leader. He has performed at Monterey Jazz Festival, Cabrillo Music Festival, Los Gatos Fiesta de Artes, Bing Music Series at Stanford, Santa Cruz Jazz Festival, and more. He is the dynamo behind the scenes at Kuumbwa Jazz who handles all the education programs (including their Summer Jazz Camp) and manages all the booked artists.

Music
Promotional image for Tuesday Karaoke Coming up
Tue, Aug 4, 2026 ยท The 418 Project

Tuesday Karaoke

Weekly karaoke night at The 418 Project, inviting singers to take the stage and perform.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for Tacos & Trivia Coming up
Tue, Aug 4, 2026 ยท Bruno's Bar & Grill

Tacos & Trivia

As with everything we do, we bring the fun! This isnโ€™t your average ordinary trivia. Itโ€™s โ€œBrunoโ€™s Styleโ€. We sing, we play instruments, we dance and we drink. Fill up on Tacos and Margs and get ready for a night of fun! โ€‹ If youโ€™re looking for a quiet night with boring trivia for the brainiacs you wonโ€™t find it at Brunoโ€™s. With musical clues for our players โ€“ we have the most fun trivia around. We turn the music up loud and we make a lot of noise! Itโ€™s free to play with prizes for the winners. With $3 tacos and the buy a Margarita or Modelo and get a free taco deal, youโ€™re going to have a great night at the best bar in town. Bring your friends and form a team or come by yourself and make some new friends, youโ€™ll have a blast!

Music ๐Ÿ“ Scotts Valley
Promotional image for Del Mar Trio Coming up
Tue, Aug 4, 2026 ยท Callahan's

Del Mar Trio

Free live music every Tuesday night with the Del Mar Trio at Callahan's in Santa Cruz.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Midtown

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Tuesday, August 4

32 events on today. No plans required, just go.

9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
FREE
Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum
๐Ÿ“ UCSC Arboretum
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
Mobile Health Clinic
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
Tote Bag Painting activity with Nic - Wisdom Workshops @ TDC
๐Ÿ“ 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
LGBTQ+
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
11:00 AM
See listing
In-person Tech Help @ La Selva Beach
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:00 AM
FREE
Backgammon @ the Library
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
12:00 PM
See listing
CLAY INDEPENDENT LAB TIME
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Art & Culture
12:30 PM
See listing
Conversations in Espaรฑol - Community club to foster fluency
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community

What's happening

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Showing 30 of 138 upcoming events ยท Free ยท from 2026-08-04 ยท to 2026-08-11

Aug
4

Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum

๐Ÿ“ UCSC Arboretum
๐Ÿ•’ 9:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM ยท FREE

The Arboretum opens its gates to the community free of charge on the first Tuesday of every month. Come enjoy our gardens and wildlife. Don't forget to stop by our wonderful gift shop and retail plant nursery. Community Days are popular; please consider carpooling or using alternative transportation.

Aug
4

Backgammon @ the Library

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM ยท FREE

Tuesday, August 04 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us Tuesdays at Aptos Library to learn, play, and compete in Backgammon! All skill levels welcome - enjoy strategy, fun, and friendly competition in a relaxed social setting.

Community Free Details โ†’
Aug
4

Lego Club

๐Ÿ“ Watsonville
๐Ÿ•’ 4:00 PM โ€“ 5:30 PM ยท See listing

Be a Master Builder at our Library Legoยฎ Club! Join us on the first Tuesday of the month from 4:00-5:30pm and get creative with a provided theme or build whatever you want with the libraryโ€™s collection of bricks. Bring the whole family along to join in on the fun. This program takes place at the Main Library, Childrenโ€™s Play Space Area. Volvemos a la acciรณn ~ ยกSea un maestro de obras en nuestro Club de Legoยฎ! Se le invita a participar el primer martes del mes de 4:00-5:30pm, y sea creativo con un tema proporcionado o construya lo que quiera con la colecciรณn de legos de la biblioteca. Se invita a toda la familia a participar en la diversiรณn. Este programa se llevarรก a cabo en nuestra Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Niรฑos.

Aug
4

Queer Book Club with Jeffrey @ The Diversity Center

๐Ÿ“ The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

Queer Book Club at The Diversity Center Date: The first Tuesday of every month Time: 6:00-9:00 PM Location: The Diversity Center Ages: 18+ Cost: FREE! Open to all! Come eat, drink, and chat about LGBTQ+ lit. :) This monthโ€™s book is "Monk and Robot" by Becky Chambers. This book club is an intergenerational opportunity to bond with people of different ages. Text Jeffrey at 732-272-5896 for details and to be added to the Whatsapp group. .

Aug
4

Trivia Night at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Hugging Porcupines Productions presents Trivia Night, every Tuesday evening at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. Trivia is always free to play. Grab your team and challenge yourself to 6 rounds of fun trivia.

Outdoors Free Details โ†’
Aug
4

InterAct Open Mic with Featured Poet Sam Regal

๐Ÿ“ Satori Arts
๐Ÿ•’ 7:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring Sam Regal Are you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on August 4, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct , a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring poet Sam Regal. Sam Regal is a poet, artist, and the Instruction and Exhibitions Librarian for Special Collections and Archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is also the editor of the American Printing History Associationโ€™s Printing History journal. A multifaceted creator and scholar, Regal blends her background in library science with her passion for language and book arts. Come share your spoken word work or poetry with the community, or come out to support our local readers! Sign up to read starting at 6:30 pm. Limited seating. For more information, visit https://www.satoriarts.org/upcoming-events. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Free. Satori Arts, 815 Almar, #9, Santa Cruz (warehouse building near the back, follow signs)

Aug
4

Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion

๐Ÿ“ Discretion Brewing
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท See listing

Join us for Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion! Every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm Hosted by Michael Cahalan Pair one of our 16 beers on tap with some lively Trivia, every Tuesday at 6:30pm. No sign-ups required - just come a little early to snag a table in the beer garden. Free to play | Prizes | Up to 6 per team

Food & Drink Free ๐Ÿ“ Soquel Details โ†’
Aug
4

SC Beach Boardwalk: Evenings on the Colonnade

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM โ€“ 9:30 PM ยท FREE

Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 โ€“ Free showing of Ferris Buellerโ€™s Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 โ€“ Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 โ€“ Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,

Aug
5

Latte's and Learn

๐Ÿ“ California Coffee
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 1:00 PM ยท FREE

Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!

Aug
5

Moving in Harmony with Life - Self-care Exercises for Vitality and Balance

๐Ÿ“ Hummingbird Valley
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 12:45 PM ยท FREE

Instructors: Alexandra Johnson, MD, Kevin Johnson and Dena Ehrlich We spend much of our time being sedentary, lost in our minds. Yet each movement you make throughout your day is an opportunity to be present. Self-Breema exercises are simple and dynamic, and offer a direct experience of body-mind connection. As you practice in class, you increase your ability to be present during your day. You will leave class nurtured, revitalized, and with newfound positivity! You are also welcome to drop in to this class in person at Hummingbird Valley (free of charge; no registration required). Registration for the online attendance of this class is available via the ticket link. Registering for in-person or online is completely free.

Wellness Free Details โ†’
Aug
5

Motion Pacific: Dance for PD

๐Ÿ“ The 418 Project
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM โ€“ 2:15 PM ยท FREE

Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinsonโ€™s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PDยฎ program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinsonโ€™s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.

Aug
5

Teen Craft and Chill

๐Ÿ“ Watsonville
๐Ÿ•’ 4:00 PM โ€“ 5:00 PM ยท See listing

Have a teen in your life looking for a fun after-school activity? From board games to crafts, our monthly Teen Craft and Chill program will offer a fun, interactive activity each month. This program will take place at the Main Library, Teen Room from 4:00-5:00pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Audience: Teens ยฟConoces a un adolescente que busca una forma divertida de pasar la tarde? Se le invita al programa mensual Teen Craft and Chill. Cada mes tendremos una actividad diferente โ€“desde juegos de mesa hasta manualidades. Este programa se llevarรก a cabo en la Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Adolescentes, de 4:00-5:00pm, el primer miรฉrcoles de cada mes. Audiencia: Adolescentes

Aug
5

Wig Out Wednesday

๐Ÿ“ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room + Wine Bar
๐Ÿ•’ 4:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Every Wed from 4 to 8 pm at our Downtown Santa Cruz Tasting Room + Wine Bar Join us for a night of wigging out in Downtown Santa Cruz! Wear a wig, and weโ€™ll have a surprise for you. Weโ€™ll play cool music, games, trivia, and much more! Letโ€™s wig out and keep Santa Cruz weird! Wig Out Wednesday Special: 2 empanadas and a glass of wine (Riesling, Rose, or Homestead) for $19.

Aug
5

She to Shining Sea: Photography Exhibition

๐Ÿ“ NOAA's Sanctuary Exploration Center
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

The Sanctuary Exploration Center is excited to announce "She to Shining Sea," a new photography exhibition featuring several local artists. Their work captures the beauty of Monterey Bay from a different perspective, and will leave guests feeling inspired by the natural beauty and amazing talent present in the Monterey Bay. Join us on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30โ€“8 p.m. at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz for the opening reception: an evening immersed in the beauty of our sanctuary, exploring life as a wildlife photographer with the artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for seating and a panel featuring the exhibition photographers starts at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free, open to all ages, and no registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibition will be on display at the Sanctuary Exploration Center from August 5 - September 27, viewable during public hours, Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Aug
5

Gay Beach Volleyball (Outside Community Series)

๐Ÿ“ Court 16, Santa Cruz Main Beach Volleyball, 270 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
๐Ÿ•’ 5:30 PM โ€“ 10:00 PM ยท FREE

Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball Date : Wednesdays, last session October 28 Time : 5:30 - 10:00 pm Location : Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) Cost : Free Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball has been fabulizing Main Beach since 1979. We meet at 5:30 pm on Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) every Wednesday evening during Daylight Saving Time and play till it's too dark or too cold or we're just hungry. All skill levels - including no skill at all - are welcome. We're here to have fun, connect and yes, sometimes even play surprisingly good volleyball. Socializing on the sidelines is often as busy as the playing on our courts. Afterwards we head to dinner at a local restaurant or sometimes a potluck. Free to participate. ALL (yes, we mean you!) are welcome. Come out and play! .

Aug
5

Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts

๐Ÿ“ Capitola Village
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท FREE

Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. 2026 Lineup: June 3, 2026: Rockinโ€™ Big Band Blues with The Delta Wires June 10, 2026: Surf/Garage Rock with The Trestles June 24, 2026: Originals and Quirky Covers with Coffee Zombie Collective July 1, 2026: Fun Rockโ€™n Party Music with Spun July 8, 2026: Classic Rock with B-Movie Kings July 15, 2026: Top 40/Dance 70โ€™s through today with Mercy & The Heartbeats July 22, 2026: Funky Mostly Original Pop with Extra Large July 29, 2026: Latin Rock & Salsa with Santa Cruz Latin Collective August 5, 2026: R&B, Soul & Funk with The Joint Chiefs Band August 12, 2026: Top 40โ€™s Dance with The Peelers August 19, 2026: Oldies Dance Band with The Digbeats

Aug
5

Santa Cruz: Wednesday Night Sailboat Races

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Harbor
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM ยท FREE

Santa Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it is no surprise that the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club have become a nexus for the sailing community, with a calendar packed with activities and a weekly regatta, which brings out even the biggest land lover to admire the race every Wednesday.

Outdoors Free Details โ†’
Aug
5

SC Beach Boardwalk: Evenings on the Colonnade

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM โ€“ 9:30 PM ยท FREE

Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 โ€“ Free showing of Ferris Buellerโ€™s Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 โ€“ Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 โ€“ Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ€“ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,

Aug
6

Guided Mindfulness for Queers and Friends Hosted by TDC @ TDC

๐Ÿ“ 1117 Soquel Ave.
๐Ÿ•’ 11:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM ยท FREE

Well-being offering: Guided Mindfulness Group Date: Weekly on Thursdays Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Ages: Adults and teens welcome Cost: FREE Program description: Give your brain a break, and reconnect with the present moment, using guided breathing and mindfulness techniques. All LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome. View our Community Agreements for Diversity Center groups.

Aug
6

Latte's and Learn

๐Ÿ“ California Coffee
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 1:00 PM ยท FREE

Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!

Aug
6

Rules Are Not Neutral: Play As Sense-Making, Acts Of Resistance, And Imagining Otherwise

๐Ÿ“ Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery
๐Ÿ•’ 12:00 PM โ€“ 5:00 PM ยท FREE

This exhibition brings together a range of analog games โ€“ including board, card, role-playing, and other participatory works โ€“ 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. โ€“ 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 โ€“ such as housing and land ownership, capitalism, race and identity, civil rights and protest, fascism, and colonialism โ€“ 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 โ€“ they organize experience, distribute power, and produce meaning. Games are the art of agency. โ€“ 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

Education Art & Culture ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
6

Far West Fungi: Myco-Mixer

๐Ÿ“ Far West Fungi
๐Ÿ•’ 2:00 PM โ€“ 5:00 PM ยท FREE

Far West Fungiโ€™s Santa Cruz Store & Cafรฉ is launching Myco-Mixers โ€“ Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites, product samples, and happy hour discounts on cafรฉ favorites. Guests can meet the Far West Fungi team, learn about unique mushroom products, and discover new flavors to take home. Head Far West in Santa Cruz each week to taste house-made tacos, explore featured products, and find your new favorite mushroom treats. Whether youโ€™re a foodie, mushroom enthusiast, or just looking for a fun Thursday outing, Myco-Mixers are the perfect way to experience local one-of-a-kind flavors!

108 more events further out

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