The Nightmare before Nutcracker
2025-10-25 13:00, 2025-10-25 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Landing, 251 B Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley, CA
The Nightmare before Nutcracker
Thursday, October 23, 7pm; Friday, October 24, 7pm; Saturday, October 25, 1pm & 4:30pm
Spine-Tingling Magic Unleashed: The Nightmare before Nutcracker premieres the Weekend before Halloween!
A Halloween Weekend Happening! Come dressed in costume and experience our haunted lobby with spooky treats, games, and contests. This will be nothing like the Nutcracker so BEWARE! What will become of the Land of Sweets if the Rat Queen wins the epic battle with the Nutcracker. Original dances in multiple genres of dance including ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, and hip-hop – a poetic story, and monumental FUN! Recommended for ages 8+.
Get ready to be mesmerized and thrilled. International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, presents a frightening twist on the holiday classic. A new family friendly Halloween tradition sure to delight audiences of all ages.
What if the Rats Win?
What if instead of having a wonderful dream, where the Nutcracker Prince always comes out victorious, and then Clara is whisked away to the lands of sweets—what if the rats win? The Nightmare Before Nutcracker poses these questions. With both spookiness and silliness, this Halloween performance isn’t one to be missed!
On the eve of Christmas Eve, Clara finds herself in a wild nightmare of ghoulish proportions and welcomes you to join her! The Land of Sweets turns sour and fears unravel under a growing pumpkin moon. What happens if the Rat Queen wins? Will there be a zombie apocalypse?
Come in costume and kick off your Nutcracker season in style. A Halloween experience! Nightmare Before Nutcracker isn’t what you might expect from a ballet, featuring multiple forms of dance including lyrical, hip-hop, tap, and of course ballet. This original story is told through poetry and verse with a unique compilation of music, frightful costumes and haunting choreography sure to send shivers down your spine.
Performance Dates and Tickets Information:

Venue: The Landing (Previously known as Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center) – 251b Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley CA 95066
Buy Tickets Here
Recommended for ages 8+
Costume Contest!

Día de los Muertos Celebration
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Santa Cruz Musueum of Art and History (MAH, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Saturday, October 25, 1pm – 3pm
Join us for the Día de los Muertos community celebration of traditional music, dance, and art at the MAH.

This fall, the MAH invites you to our annual Día de los Muertos Celebration. On this beloved Oaxacan cultural holiday, the day will be filled with Musical and Dance Performances by Senderos. Throughout the day, we will have hands-on activities, live music, and the powerful presence of community.
Explore the MAH to view beautifully crafted altars known as altares, or ofrendas, created by community organizations.
Performances all day!
Video Storytelling: Honrando Mis Ancestros y Comunidad
Learn about Día de los Muertos from our community partners and leaders of Senderos. Hear the story of Día de los Muertos in our community and the importance of honoring this beautiful celebration, together.
Watch the video here!

Would you like to volunteer at this event? Volunteer hours: 10-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm
Join us as we welcome and greet people attending Día de los Muertos at the MAH. During the event, you’ll be helping set up, walking around the facility to check in with guests, providing any assistance if needed, and helping break down. No experience is necessary. Training is provided.
Contact oscar@santacruzmah.org

GroovaRoo Dance
2025-10-25 13:30 - 14:30 | RC Fam Center, 1205 Freedom Bl #B3, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
GroovaRoo Dance
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 1:30 – 2:30pm
Hey, Mamas! Have you heard of GroovaRoo Dance? It’s been a few years since these classes have been around in our county, but we’re back and if you’re looking for something fun to do with your little one (under 2yo) come dance with us! GroovaRoo Dance is fun for mamas, dadas, babies, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and family friends, too! You’ll find us at RC Fam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!

“Jack is Back” Holiday Performance 2025
2025-10-25 18:00 | Kianti’s, 1100 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
“Jack is Back” Holiday Performance
Fridays & Saturdays 6pm & 8pm through the New Year

Kianti’s celebrates 21 years of performances and is bringing “The Nightmare Before Christmas” back to life.
This holiday performance features Jack Skellington, pizza spinners, dancing staff and a flame-raising kitchen.
Shows every Friday & Saturday night October 10 thru the New Year. Shows approximately 6:00 and 8:00 pm. Taking reservations.
