Santa Cruz Parent

Day of the Dead with Senderos
2025-11-01 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Branciforte Middle School, 315 Poplar Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Day of the Dead with Senderos

Saturday, November 1, 4-7 pm
Don’t miss this wonderful Day of the Dead event at Branciforte High School – Saturday, November 1st from 4-7 pm! Come out for food, dancing, music, and community!Join us for a beautiful celebration of life, memory, and culture!

Enjoy music, dancing, and delicious food as we honor our loved ones who have departed and share this vibrant tradition with our community.

Bring a photo or memory to add to the community offering and let’s celebrate together.

“Jack is Back” Holiday Performance 2025
2025-11-01 18:00, 2025-11-07 18:00, 2025-11-08 18:00, 2025-11-14 18:00, 2025-11-15 18:00, 2025-11-21 18:00, 2025-11-22 18:00, 2025-11-28 18:00 and 6 more dates | 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.

English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
2025-11-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
1st Wednesdays, 7-9pm, starting September 3
Join us on First Wednesdays for lively English country dancing in Santa Cruz at the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange

No partner or dancing experience needed — dances are taught and prompted.
Everyone is welcome! Gender-neutral roles/calling (Odds/Evens)
Wear comfortable non-marking sticky shoes / sneakers (aka, not dance slicks)
Open community Band — Bring your instrument, dance and/or play! (Please let us know if you’d like the sheet music – the tunes are relatively easy) Open Band (come join us!) – we often have Fiddle, Banjo, Recorder(s), Drum, Bass, …
COVID policies — following county policy; please don’t come if feeling under the weather. Mask / vaccine not required, but definitely welcomeContribute what you can — we are looking to cover the costs of the hall / insurance ($10 – $20), but come even if you can’t help financially

Videos of many of the dances that we do are at https://www.youtube.com/playlist… — no costume required! We hope to see you there!

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100333273841072

Swing Dancing by the Sea
2025-11-08 14:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 95060
Swing Dancing by the Sea
2nd Saturdays: 2-5pm through January 10; 2:30-5:30pm on February 14; 3-6pm through July 11
Swingout Santa Cruz invites you to the Wharf Stage every second Saturday to participate in Swing Dancing by the Sea!

Whether you dance East Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jitterbug, Balboa, Collegiate Shag or Blues you will find music, friends, and food while you improve your dancing digs!
All levels, and various styles plus a social dance with great ambiance are welcome!

Come Join our fun community on Second Saturday evenings at the Santa Cruz Wharf stage (weather permitting)!

Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange
2025-11-09 14:30 - 17:30, 2025-12-14 14:30 - 17:30 | Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange
2nd Sundays: Newcomers’ intro 2:30pm, dance 3 – 5:30pm
4th Fridays: Newcomers’ intro: 6:30pm, dance 7 – 10pm
Come kick your heels up contra dancing at Live Oak Grange with some amazing local talent and fun and friendly dancers!

Caller: Tanya MerchantBand: Corwin & Grace!
Event by Dakota Hult, Klaus Krull and Contra Dancing in Santa Cruz County
Note: There will be no pot luck going forward. Feel free to bring snacks to share!
Overflow parking: If you can’t find room at the Grange, try the Harbor Light Church, at 2008 17th Ave., less than a block up the street (towards Hwy. Ignore the “your car will be towed” signs – they have a deal with the Grange for extra parking

Check out our website at: https://www.santacruzcontra.com/
Signing in at the desk indicates your agreement with these policies:

The dance is an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free environment.
The dance is a scent-free event. In order to protect those with chemical sensitivities, please refrain from using scented products on your body, clothes, and belongings.
We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable at our dance and we value and expect consent, communication, community mindedness, and safety.
Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. If someone’s behavior is offensive or harassing during the dance, you should endeavor to speak up for yourself. If you need help, talk with one of the managers, sound tech or caller.
You should not come to the dance if you have health concerns for yourself or a close contact, test positive for COVID 19, have symptoms of illness, or do not feel well.
We each understand and accept the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19 or any other illness at this dance.By participating in this event, you take full responsibility for your health and well-being.
We appreciate and rely on your generous donations to pay for our dance hall and the excellent staff. We suggest $15 to $30 per person, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Only the caller, musicians, and sound tech will be paid. All other staff and helpers will be volunteering their time. Please bring cash to the dance hall. BUT: it is *pay as you can* – we need you dancing more than we need your money, so please come, even if you feel like you need to put in less than $15. If you can put in over $30, that would be great, too! In a pinch, we can take Venmo or Paypal.
Please help out wherever you can (setting up chairs, cleaning up the kitchen or the dance hall, sitting out one dance at the door, etc.).
Please bring friends and tell them to wear light, comfortable clothing and bring comfortable shoes with clean, non-marking soles

Upcoming dances every second Sunday and fourth Friday!Sunday, Feb. 9 Caller: Zack; Band: Slick’s Picks No. 6 – Mike “Slick” Lewinski (fiddle), Jordan Prieto, Olive Mathison, Mathew HarmonFriday, Feb. 21 – Caller: Kelsey Hartman, Band: Mike Lewinski (fiddle), Daniel Steinberg (piano, flute), Ezra Warren Steinberg (percussion)Sunday, Mar. 9 – Caller: Tanya Merchant; Band: Lucas Lawson & FriendsFriday, Mar. 28: Caller: Sarah Trop; Band: Corwin & GraceSunday, April 13 – Caller: Alan Winston; Band: Rodney Miller (fiddle), Daniel Steinberg (piano, flute), Ezra Warren Steinberg (percussion)

Cinderella 2025
2025-11-21 19:00 | Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, Santa Cruz County, CA, 95060, United States
Cinderella 2025
Friday, November 21, 7:00pm, doors open at 6:00pm Step into the magical world of Cinderella, live on stage! The beloved fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet.World Ballet Company’s Cinderella features a dazzling cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, exquisite hand-crafted sets, and enchanting choreography by Marina Kesler. From the mischievous evil stepsisters to the breathtaking ballroom scenes, every moment is filled with charm, wonder and everything you’ve loved about this story for years.Join us for an unforgettable journey of magic, beauty, and the promise of “happily ever after.” But remember, when the clock strikes midnight, everything will change…*About the Company: Based in Los Angeles, and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, the World Ballet Company presents the most beloved and iconic ballets of our time in cities nationwide. Driven by the belief that ballet is for everyone, performances appeal to newcomers and seasoned ballet goers alike. The company attracts many international artists and comprises renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries.Music by Johann Strauss II | The “Time” theme composed by Anna Drubich.
Tickets: https://santacruztickets.com/Online/default.asp
World Ballet Company – Ballet Everywhere, Ballet For All. https://worldballetcompany.com

GroovaRoo Dance
2025-11-22 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!

Friday Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange
2025-11-28 18:30 - 22:00 | Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States

UCSC Spirit Squad Youth Clinic
2025-11-30 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-02 17:00 - 19:30 | UCSC
UCSC Spirit Squad Youth Clinic
Sunday, November 30, 5-8pm
Parents of K-8th graders!
We are hosting a youth clinic on November 30th where kids will learn a halftime routine to perform with the UCSC Spirit Squad at the Women’s basketball game on December 2nd! The first 50 sign-ups will get a free UCSC Spirit Squad t-shirt to perform in!
Sign up by visiting our Instagram @ucsc_spirit or visiting linktr.ee/ucscspirit
Contact: spirit@ucsc.edu

Nutcracker Ballet Storytime
2025-12-13 10:30 - 11:30 | Branciforte Library, 250 Gault St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Nutcracker Ballet Storytime

Saturday, December 13, 10:30 – 11:30am

Celebrate the holiday season with the International Academy of Dance and their talented ballerinas for a reading of The Nutcracker.

Celebrate the holiday season with the International Academy of Dance and their talented ballerinas for a reading of The Nutcracker. Followed by fun movement activities set to music.

Kids 3-5 years | Kids 0-3 years |

Mad Hatters Ball Gala for Raíces y Cariño Family Center
2025-12-13 19:00 - 22:00 | 418 Project, 155 S River St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Mad Hatters Ball Gala for Raíces y Cariño Family Center
Saturday, December 13, 7-10pm
Slip through the looking glass into an evening of live performances, electric beats, surreal botanicals, and dancing until the clock forgets time.
Step into a whimsical night of art, music, costumes, games, performance, and community magic at the Mad Hatters Ball, where we’ll celebrate local creators, farmers, and partners — all while raising funds for equitable birth and family care!
Feel free to wear a costume, a “Mad Hat,” or just come as you are!
16 and older

Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s Nutcracker 2025
2025-12-20 13:00 | Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, Santa Cruz County, CA, 95060, United States
Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s Nutcracker 2025
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday December 21, 1pm & 4:30pm
December 20 and 21 at 1pm and 4:30pm

Experience Santa Cruz’s most spectacular holiday tradition with Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s production of The Nutcracker, taking place at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, who will be gracing the stage in a special performance. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Lucien brings his world-class talent back to his hometown for a production not to be missed.
The show is directed by Melanie Useldinger and Conrad Useldinger and they’re excited to share their incredible Nutcracker with you. Join us for two days of magic and wonder as Clara embarks on a dreamlike journey filled with dazzling costumes, enchanting choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.
Performances are on December 20 and 21 at 1pm and 4:30pm.
Perfect for the whole family, this breathtaking performance will transport you to a world of holiday splendor.
Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday experience!

TICKETS ON SALE SOON!

Santa Cruz City's Nutcracker 2025
2025-12-20 13:00 | Cabrillo Crocker Theatre, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Santa Cruz City’s Nutcracker 2025
Saturday & Sunday, 1pm & 4:30pm, December 20 &21
Don’t miss the magic of the Nutcracker with Santa Cruz City Ballet (at the International Academy of Dance)’s performance is sure to WOW as you teleport to the wonderful world of Clara and friends in a twirl of holiday magic. Enjoy the festivities of the Party Scene before delving into the battle between soldiers and mice. Travel to the land of sweets and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy!
There’s something for everyone in this performance, with an all-age cast! We hope to see you there 🙂

Every year, Santa Cruz City Ballet (at the International Academy of Dance) puts on a premier Nutcracker performance at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater. And every year, the stage sparkles with the magic of our cast and crew, as dancers from ages 4 to adult light up the stage. This year Nutcracker: Experience the Magic will be happening on December 20th and 21st, 2025. Tickets go on sale in November.
History of the Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker, Russian Shchelkunchik, is a ballet by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The last of his three ballets, it was first performed in December 1892. Every year, we recreate this timeless classic in Santa Cruz with our Nutcracker Performance.
The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Hoffmann’s story is darker and more troubling than the version that reached the stage; the Imperial Russian Ballet choreographer Marius Petipa chose to follow a light adaptation of the story written by Alexandre Dumas père.
Tickets $55 – $65
