Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
2025-03-02 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-03-01 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-02-28 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7 -1 0pm, February 28, March 1 & 2
Join UC Santa Cruz Adventure Rec and the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2024-25, at the Rio Theatre.
Each night features completely different films. Join us for one, two or three nights. Check out the nightly film lineups and secure your tickets today!
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Hot on the heels of the Festival that is held every fall in beautiful Banff, Alberta, the World Tour hits the road with the award winning and audience favorite films. With stops in over 40 countries across the globe, the Banff World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide.
Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports the 2024/2025 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world.
Your attendance directly supports Adventure Rec programming, making outdoor adventures more accessible for hundreds of UC Santa Cruz students. Our goal is to again raise over $20,000, so we invite you to enjoy some fantastic films and help us open the outdoors to others.
Ticket price shown does not include Eventbrite fees.
General Admission: $23.50

She Adventures Film Tour
2025-01-25 19:00
She Adventures Film Tour
Saturday, January 25, 7pm

The She Adventures Film Tour is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return for another year of celebrating and honoring adventure women around the world.
Join us in a She Adventures Film Tour celebration of the inspiring women of the adventure world.
This unique film event promises to captivate audiences with a carefully curated selection of short films that highlight the strength, courage, and passion of women in the outdoor world.
This year’s screening will support GIRLS ROCK, an informal women’s mountain biking group. For tickets and list of films visit riotheatre.com
Supporting GIRLS ROCK

The White Album Ensemble December 30
2024-12-30 20:00 - 23:30
The White Album Ensemble, Abridged, with Revolver
Tuesday, December 31, 8pm – 11:30pm

The White Album Ensemble has been performing the quirky double album “The Beatles” official name. It was never designed to be a “live” group of songs, but we did it for 20 years, often sell outs. But Many have said it was perhaps a better single lp, many songs were not up to the quality of previous “serious” lps, like Rubber Soul, and Revolver.
So this year we will do an abridged version, 16 song out of 30, making space for the comple “Revolver” lp at 30 minutes, for an opening act. We will utilize a string quartet, and a horn section, to “not cheat” on the accuray, alowing room for the group to express their musicianship, without rearranging the songs. A lovely local tradition, and wonderful Xmas present

Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $37.50 Gen, $47.50 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.tix.com
Event Website: www.whitealbumensemble.com

The White Album Ensemble
2024-12-30 20:00
The White Album Ensemble, Abridged, with Revolver
Monday, December 30, 8pm – 11:30pm

The White Album Ensemble has been performing the quirky double album “The Beatles” official name. It was never designed to be a “live” group of songs, but we did it for 20 years, often sell outs. But Many have said it was perhaps a better single lp, many songs were not up to the quality of previous “serious” lps, like Rubber Soul, and Revolver.
So this year we will do an abridged version, 16 song out of 30, making space for the comple “Revolver” lp at 30 minutes, for an opening act. We will utilize a string quartet, and a horn section, to “not cheat” on the accuray, alowing room for the group to express their musicianship, without rearranging the songs. A lovely local tradition, and wonderful Xmas present! history- It began as a Luthier’s dream, to put together a crack team of top local musicians to perform the Beatles’ “White Album” live, in a theatre setting with lights, dance and a full-screen video presentation. After selling out both debut shows and creating a considerable buzz around town, the word of mouth from neighbors, friends and co-workers about the quality and vibe of the performance persuaded the group to keep on doing more concerts.
After six more sold out performances, including the Rio Center for the Performing Arts in Santa Cruz, Ca, and the Henry Mello Center, the group decided (rather ambitiously) to add another show, Rubber Revolver, performing the Beatles’ Rubber Soul and Revolver albums, along with the four singles that were released concurrently (“We can work it out” and “Day Tripper” were released with Rubber Soul; “Rain” and “Paperback Writer” with Revolver). No small task, as many considered these to be the peak of creativity for the most popular group in history.
Once the “mission” was established, it became impossible to stop- performing post-touring era ( they stopped touring in 1966, at Candlestick park in San Francisco) Beatles recordings live, with real instruments, and no tapes. Wherever possible they began using horns, strings, Indian instruments, additional background vocalists or whatever it takes to recreate the many overdubs which are the records’ sound and feel.
There is an attitude when approaching this task of “What would the Beatles do, if they performed this song live?”

Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $37.50 Gen, $47.50 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.tix.com
Event Website: www.whitealbumensemble.com

HWY 17 Wildlife Crossing First Year Impacts
2024-11-09 13:00 - 15:00
Land Trust Santa Cruz County: HWY 17 Wildlife Crossing First Year Impacts
Saturday, November 9, 1- 3pm
The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is thrilled by the amazing support our local community (and beyond!) has shown for the Highway 17 wildlife crossing! YOU have been key to the crossing’s success. The first year of data is in and we’re excited to share who has been using the tunnel, what we’ve learned and give you a peek at what’s next.
Featuring expert ecologists and researchers, Tanya Diamond and Ahíga Snyder from Pathways for Wildlife, with an introduction by Chris Wilmers PhD from the Santa Cruz Puma Project, the Land Trust will be sharing year one findings and lots of exciting footage of wildlife using the Highway 17 crossing.
We hope you can join us for this fun and informative event!
The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County
Th Land Trust protects, cares for, and connects all people to the vibrant natural and working lands that are essential for our community and nature to thrive together for generations to come. We see a future in which the amazing diversity of lands that define and connect us to the Santa Cruz County region — the wild and working forests, the globally unique wildlife habitats, the coastal landscape, and our rich farming and ranching heritage — are cared for and preserved forever.
Pathways for Wildlife
Pathways for Wildlife is a research organization developed by Wildlife Ecologist Tanya Diamond and Wildlife Researcher Ahíga Snyder. Tanya and Ahíga work with land trusts, conservation organizations, and transportation agencies to help identify important wildlife and habitat linkages by conducting wildlife connectivity surveys and implementing connectivity designs for wildlife movement within a landscape. The information used to develop wildlife connectivity plans includes data from field cameras, roadkill surveys, tracking data, GIS habitat suitability modeling, and linkage analyses. Pathways for Wildlife was a critical partner in building the scientific case for the Highway 17 crossing, and the Land Trust is grateful to have their expertise in monitoring wildlife engagement with the completed crossing.
Santa Cruz Puma Project
The Santa Cruz Puma Project is a partnership between UC Santa Cruz and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Their work involves deploying telemetry collars on mountain lions that collect continuous movement and location data from each animal. By studying and analyzing data collected from these collars, Chris Wilmers PhD and his team hope to answer important physiological and ecological questions that have so far evaded science. In addition to providing solutions to pressing environmental problems, the research project will further enhance the understanding of cougar habitat requirements as well as provide guidance on important movement corridors for lions within and between the Santa Cruz Mountains located in the central coast of California. The Puma Project’s partnership and collar data played a vital role in selecting the location for the HWY 17 crossing.
Chris Wilmers recently joined the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County board and has also contributed to land protection and management efforts for parks and open space in and around the Santa Cruz Mountains through his engagement in various capacities with the Trust for Public Lands, Wildlife Conservation Network, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Sempervirens Fund, the Bureau of Land Management, Caltrans, and other NGOs.

Show time: 1:00 PM, doors 12:00 PM
Tickets: FREE
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Event website: landtrustsantacruz.org
Event website: www.pfwildlife.com

Warren Miller's "75"
2024-11-08 19:30 - 21:30
Warren Miller’s “75”
Friday, November 8, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Warren Miller is going big for 75 years! Stacked with unbelievable action and unexpected stories, Warren Miller’s 75 will bring fans to powder stashes and chutes around the world, from Canada, Colorado, California, and Utah to Finland, Japan, Austria, and New Jersey. Catch a diverse lineup of snowsports legends, Olympic hopefuls, world champions, X Games stars, and emerging talents on the big screen this fall, including snowboarders Shaun White, Jeremy Jones, Danny Davis, and Toby Miller, plus skiers Max Hitzig, Lexi duPont, Caite Zeliff, Mark Abma, and Aaron Blunck.
With original segments and unique collaborations, this year’s film will set the tone for the next 75 years of ski and snowboard filmmaking. Get ready for the celebration that is “75”. Tickets are on sale now.

Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: $22
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Event website: warrenmiller.com

Organic Rising
2024-05-03 17:00 - 21:00
Organic Rising
Friday May 3, 5-9pm
Watch it! This important film Organic Rising is screening.
Tickets are just $6 so that all can afford to attend.
Growers you know alongside other farmers, scientists,and deep thinkers talk about the impacts of food growing on human and planet health. We are all tied to and dependent on this system.
Buy your tickets now! See you there. https://www.organicrisingfilm.com/

"Fentanyl High" a Documentary Film
2024-05-02 19:00
“Fentanyl High” a Documentary Film
Thursday, May 2, 7pm
Free, but tickets required. Check back for an update on how to obtain tickets.
Join local educators and healthcare professionals to view Fentanyl High, a documentary film, to raise awareness about the devastating impact of fentanyl poisoning on teenagers and to empower teens and their families with knowledge on how to address this urgent issue through a documentary film screening and panel discussion.
Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH), Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) and local school districts will co-host a free community viewing of “Fentanyl High,” a poignant documentary film, on Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz. The film was produced by LC2 Productions and directed by Kyle Santoro, a Los Gatos High School senior.
“This powerful documentary directly speaks to the new reality and tragic statistic that drug overdoses and fentanyl poisoning are now the third leading cause of pediatric deaths in the United States,” said Kristen O’Connor, RN, Addiction Program Director at SCCH. “The goal of this screening is to educate and empower teens to prevent deaths in Santa Cruz County and to give families hope if their teenager struggles with substance use, including resources for evidence-based treatment.”
“Fentanyl High” is filmed from the perspective and experiences of high school students, providing an intimate look into why teens are succumbing to fentanyl poisoning and what actions teens and their families can take to combat it. Through candid interviews and first-hand accounts, the film sheds light on the complexities of the opioid crisis gripping our youth.
“Families will leave the event with concrete steps for both prevention and support around this issue,” said Dr. Heather Thomsen, a school-based health manager at Santa Cruz County Office of Education,. “We will be providing parents and caregivers ‘Let’s Talk’ booklets and tip sheets identifying the signs of an overdose. School nurses will be passing out free Narcan, a lifesaving medication, at the end of the event.”
Admission is free and attendance by teens is encouraged. Immediately following the screening, a discussion panel featuring local professionals and high school peers will take place, inviting audience participation to deepen understanding and engagement with the film’s themes and implications.
“We are honored to co-host the screening of ‘Fentanyl High’ as part of our ongoing commitment to adolescent health and well-being,” said Nadia Al-Lami, PNP, the Adolescent Health Director at SCCH. “We are dedicated to building capacity across the tri-county area for youth access to treatment for opioid use disorder. Through collaborative efforts and evidence-based interventions, we are striving to be part of the solution to the opioid crisis affecting our youth.”
SCCH has been working to create an adolescent-friendly clinic environment, ensuring teens receive the support and resources they need. Recent initiatives include training the clinical team to provide sensitive services, conducting psychosocial and mental health screenings, and connecting patients to appropriate resources.
For more information about the screening event or SCCH’s adolescent health initiatives, please contact SCCHCommunications@schealthcenters.org.

FashionTeens
2024-04-19 18:30 - 20:30
FashionTeens
Friday, April 19, 6:30-8:30pm

Join an evening of fabulous and eco-friendly fashion at the FashionTeens showcase from 6:30-8:30pm Friday, April 19, at the Rio Theatre.

FashionTeens brings together teens from across Santa cruz County to design, source, create, construct and showcase their own unique piece of fashion art. With a focus on the environment, most creations are made from recycled or repurposed items – giving new value to what otherwise would end up in our landfill.

Admission is free.

Find out more at https://www.fashionteens-santacruz.com/

The Last Stargazers
2024-04-17 19:30
The Last Stargazers: True Stories and Adventures of Astronomy
Wednesday, April 17, 7:30pm
Astronomers adventure across the world’s highest mountains and to the literal ends of the Earth in the hopes of answering some of humanity’s oldest questions: Who are we? Where did we come from?” Are we alone?
Along the way, they grapple with everything from erupting volcanoes to marauding squirrels, facing a rapidly changing night sky and a technological renaissance that’s changing the very nature of how we study the stars. From a breathtaking flight through the Antarctic stratosphere to tall tales of wild bears loose in the observatory, this evening of storytelling and science will take you on a sweeping behind-the-scenes tour of today’s most exciting astronomical discoveries.

Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: FREE
Advance tickets: www.secure.ucsc.edu

Top Dog Film Festival
2024-03-23 19:00
Top Dog Film Festival
Saturday, March 23, 7pm
Come to the Top Dog Film Festival and support the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.
The much anticipated Top Dog Film Festival returns for another year, promising joy, inspiration, and a whole lot of canine magic to audiences across Australia. This family- friendly event will once again showcase a collection of uplifting and heartwarming films that capture the beauty and unique personalities of beloved four- legged companions.
The Top Dog Film Festival makes a stop at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz, allowing dog lovers from all walks of life to experience the enchantment and deep emotional connections shared between humans and their furry friends. From heart-warming stories, to jaw- dropping adventures, this year’s film selection promises to leave no stone unturned in celebrating the incredible bond shared between dog and human.
This year’s lineup of films includes a diverse range of films that are sure to evoke a range of emotions from laughter to tears. Audiences can expect heartwarming tales of rescue dogs finding their forever homes, incredible stories of courageous canines overcoming obstacles, and touching narratives that illustrate the unwavering loyalty and devotion that dogs possess.
As an inclusive and family- friendly event, the Top Dog Film Tour provides a welcoming space for dog lovers of all ages. Whether it’s a lifelong dog enthusiast, a recent dog adopter, or simply an appreciation for the unique bond between humans and animals, this tour promises an experience that will tug at heartstrings and leave them with a renewed appreciation for the extraordinary spirit of dogs.
A portion of ticket sales benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Join us for a YAPPY HOUR at Sante Adairius Midtown Portal, 1315 Soquel Ave., before the show. A portion of sales will benefit the Shelter.
Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $20
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

FashionTeens at Rio Theatre
2024-03-15 18:30 - 20:30
FashionTeens at Rio Theatre
Friday, April 19, 6:30 – 8:30pm

FashionTeens is a countywide event where students in grades 6-12 showcase wearable clothing that is made from recycled, upcycled or re-used materials.

For 13 years, FashionTeens has been bringing teenagers from across Santa Cruz County together for a fabulous, fashion runway evening. After working for months, students with a passion for fashion and creativity design, source, create, construct and showcase their own unique piece of fashion art. With a focus on the environment and the impact we have on it, most creations are made from recycled or repurposed items giving new value to what otherwise would end up in our landfill. By literally taking fashion into their own hands, students express their creativity, gain design and engineering skills, explore complex social issues, experience creative problem-solving, gain confidence and learn valuable life skills.
After all their hard work, there is nothing more rewarding than the excited, beaming faces of these teenagers as they walk the runway in front of cheering crowds. We hope you will join us for this year’s production of FashionTeens!
FashionTeens began at Mission Hills Middle School 13 years ago and now encompasses all of Santa Cruz County. We have had participants from over thirteen different schools across the county. Teachers, mentors and volunteers support the creative endeavors of each student throughout the process. Today, FashionTeens is a production of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
Be sure to save your space: Advance free tickets: www.fashionteens-santacruz.com

2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour
2024-02-10 17:00 - 20:00
2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour
Saturday, February 10, 5 – 8pm

The 18th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T) is back on the road January 2024 with a top notch selection of short films that are sure to get you fired up for the season ahead.
The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.
For more updates go to flyfilmtour.com or follow us on social at @flyfishingfilmtour.
Discounted Fly Shop Tickets Coming Soon.
Show time: 5:00 PM, doors 4:00 PM

Tickets: $22
Advance tickets: www.flyfilmtour.myeventscenter.com

How Not to Age
2024-02-03 19:00 - 21:00
How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older
Saturday, February 3, 7 – 9pm
Join us for the launching of Dr. Michael Greger’s new book, How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older. Dr. Greger will share simple, accessible, and evidence-based methods to preserving our bodies and keeping us feeling youthful, both physically and mentally! Dr. Greger will be signing copies of How Not to Age after the event in the lobby.
Doors open at 6:15pm with plant-based appetizers by Eat for the Earth. 7:00pm the event will begin with Heather Houston and the Yala Lati choir, followed by an introductory talk by Ann Lopez, PhD, Executive Director of the Center for Farmworker Families, and then Dr. Michael Greger will take the stage.
All proceeds from this event will benefit 501c3 non-profit organizations Eat for the Earth, Santa Cruz VegFest, Center for Farmworker Families and Vegan Outreach. And all proceeds Dr. Greger receives from the sales of his books and speaking honoraria are donated directly to charity.
*This event is expected to sell out. If tickets remain, they’ll be $35 at the door.*
Event Schedule:
6:15 PM: Doors open and appetizers in lobby
7:00-9:00 PM: Yala Lati choir, Ann Lopez PhD, Michael Greger MD
9:00 PM: Dr. Greger signs books in lobby
Dr. Michael Greger’s Talk Description:
The term “anti-aging” should be reserved for interventions that target one or more of the established aging mechanisms. Non-pharmacological means to target these Hallmarks of Aging will be discussed, common denominators of the diets and lifestyles of healthy, long-lived populations teased out, and dietary approaches will be explored to preserve bladder, brain, and bowel function as we age, along with bone and muscle mass, as well as tips to combat skin aging and vasomotor symptoms of menopause.
About Dr. Michael Greger:
A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Michael Greger, M.D., is a physician and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition. His science-based nonprofit, NutritionFacts.org, offers a free online portal hosting more than 2,000 videos and articles on myriad health topics. Dr. Greger is a sought-after lecturer and has presented at the Conference on World Affairs and the World Bank, testified before Congress, and was invited as an expert witness in Oprah Winfrey’s defense in the infamous “meat defamation” trial. A graduate of Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Greger is also an acclaimed author. How Not to Die, The How Not to Die Cookbook, andHow Not to Dietbecame instant New York Times Best Sellers. More than a million copies of How Not to Die have been sold. All proceeds Dr. Greger receives from the sales of his books and speaking honoraria are donated directly to charity.
About Ann Lopez, PhD:
Ann López, PhD is the Executive Director of Center for Farmworker Families. She is an emerita professor and taught courses in biology, environmental science, ecology and botany in the biology department at San José City College for many years. She has a PhD from UCSC in Environmental Studies where she studied the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on the farms of west central Mexico. Her book entitled The Farmworkers’ Journey summarizes the results, arguments and conclusions of her research and was published by UC Press. She has been recognized for her work by The U.S. Congress and many organizations. She was chosen as a Woman of the Year for 2013 and 2014 by the National Association of Professional Women. In March 2018, she was chosen for a 16th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Award in Watsonville and as Woman of the Year by Mark Stone’s 29th District for 2019.
Dr. Lopez’ research findings while interviewing central California farmworker families and their family members in Mexico were fundamentally disturbing and life transforming. As a result, she is actively attempting to create awareness about the Human Rights abuses that are endemic to every juncture of the migrant circuit. She has also initiated many projects on both sides of the border designed to alleviate some of the inordinate suffering experienced daily by migrant farm workers and their family members in Mexico.
Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $25
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

She Adventures Films
2024-01-27 19:00 - 22:00
She Adventures Films
Saturday, January 27, 7 – 10pm
The She Adventures Film Tour is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return for another year of celebrating and honoring adventure women around the world. Join us in a celebration of the inspiring women of the adventure world.
Born out of a desire to showcase the strong, inspirational, adventurous women of the outdoor world, the She Advnetures Film Tour presents a carefully curated selection of short films that will entertain, enthrall and enlighten. Showcasing a 2 1/2 hours program of the most heartfelt, inspiring and entertaining films celebrating adventurous women from independent film makers around the globe.
The 2024 She Adventures Film Tour will embark on an exciting journey, captivating audiences with a diverse selection of adventure films. From Olympic athletes Rebecca Wardell, Emma Twigg and Sarah Van Ballekom’s cycle journey from Switzerland to New Zealand to one woman’s dream to run the 620 mile Bibbulmun track in Western Australia in the fastest known time. Ski speeds in excess of 50 miles an hour with a blind speed skier, mountain bike at breakneck speed with Georgia Astle and embrace the freedom of skiing the backcountry in nothing but your birthday suit. Each film tells a unique story of perseverance, courage, and the joy of pushing boundaries.
This year’s film festival is a must-see event for everyone, offering inspiration, entertainment, and a fresh perspective.
Join in on this extraordinary journey and witness the power of women pushing boundaries, igniting change, and inspiring others to live their own adventures. Gather your adventure buddies and grab your tickets now!

Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $20
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

She Adventures Film Tour
2024-01-14 15:00 - 17:30
She Adventures Film Tour
Sunday, January 14, 3 – 5:30pm
The She Adventures Film Tour is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return for another year of celebrating and honoring adventure women around the world. Join us in a celebration of the inspiring women of the adventure world.
Born out of a desire to showcase the strong, inspirational, adventurous women of the outdoor world, the She Adventures Film Tour presents a carefully curated selection of short films that will entertain, enthrall and enlighten. Showcasing a 2 1/2 hours program of the most heartfelt, inspiring and entertaining films celebrating adventurous women from independent film makers around the globe.
The 2024 She Adventures Film Tour will embark on an exciting journey, captivating audiences with a diverse selection of adventure films. From Olympic athletes Rebecca Wardell, Emma Twigg and Sarah Van Ballekom’s cycle journey from Switzerland to New Zealand to one woman’s dream to run the 620 mile Bibbulmun track in Western Australia in the fastest known time. Ski speeds in excess of 50 miles an hour with a blind speed skier, mountain bike at breakneck speed with Georgia Astle and embrace the freedom of skiing the backcountry in nothing but your birthday suit. Each film tells a unique story of perseverance, courage, and the joy of pushing boundaries.
This year’s film festival is a must-see event for everyone, offering inspiration, entertainment, and a fresh perspective.
Join in on this extraordinary journey and witness the power of women pushing boundaries, igniting change, and inspiring others to live their own adventures. Gather your adventure buddies and grab your tickets now!
BUY TICKETS

Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
2023-12-17 15:00 - 17:00
Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
Sunday, December 17, 3 – 5pm
Now in its 28th season, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas brings traditional Irish musicians and dancers to enthralled audiences across the country. At its center is native Irish storyteller, Tomáseen Foley. A Celtic Christmas springs from the infinitely rich treasury of Ireland’s cultural heritage: a re-creation of a night before Christmas in the West of Ireland in the 1940s, before the advent of motorcar, the television, and the telephone.
In this recreation of age-old tradition, neighbors bring their fiddles, tin whistles, flutes, bodhráns, uilleann pipes; and, perhaps most important of all, their unshakeable sense of community, for a night of traditional music, song, dance, and of course storytelling. The show’s Music Director is Grammy Award-winning guitarist and Santa Cruz resident William Coulter, an internationally recognized master of the steel-string guitar.

Thomas Farm Films Festival
2023-03-12 17:00 - 21:00
Thomas Farm Films Festival
Saturday, March 11, 5 – 9pm

13 Short Films made Summer 2022
13 Short films were made with local youth on the Thomas Family Farm during the Summer of 2022. At the Thomas Farm Films Summer Filmmaking Camp. Each film has been professionally edited and scored for the big screen! All premiering here in Santa Cruz at the Rio on March 11th, 2023 and then continuing to screen around the globe at indie film festivals over the year. Come support true independent filmmaking!

Show time: 5pm, doors 4pm
Tickets: $30
Advance tickets: www.thomasfarmfilms.com

Comedy Pet Theatre
2023-03-05 16:00 - 17:30
Comedy Pet Theatre
Sunday, March 3, 4 – 5:30pm
The finalists (Top 20) of AMERICAS GOT TALENT, Comedy PET Theatre, and their TV famous 30 rescued cats and dogs are in Santa CRUZ THIS SUNDAY- The furry stars are available for an interview along with Ukrainian born, Gregory Popovich. The menagerie of animals appear in acts such as the Dog Classroom, the Amazing House-Cats, and the Animal Train Station, while human acrobats, mimes, and contortionists join the show. Popovich, a fourth-generation circus performer (born in Ukraine) also performs jaw-dropping juggling feats. Currently, he holds the world record in a balancing/juggling feat in which he stands atop a nine-foot free standing ladder and juggles nine rings.
The show is in Santa Cruz only one day but has been in residency at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas since 2006 where it has been voted “Best Family Show” in Las Vegas. Gregory himself was labeled “One of the World’s Best Physical Comedians” by The New Yorker.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Santa Cruz 2023
2023-02-24 19:00 - 22:00
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Santa Cruz
Friday – Sunday, February 24 – 26, 7pm

Get off the beaten path, stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you at this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour.
From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for the 2022/23 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out! Different films will be screened each night. Film ratings and advisories are included in the descriptions. Consider checking before purchasing tickets for the young adventurers in your life. Check back for list of films. Tickets on sale December 15, 2022.
For more information, contact Adventure Rec at adventurerec@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-2806. This event supports Adventure Rec student programs. In 2022, more than 900 attendees enjoyed three nights of films. Over $12,000 was raised to reduce students’ costs to participate in Adventure Rec programs, affording them the chance to share in the magic of outdoor adventures. Locally sponsored by 1440 Multiversity, Agility Boulders, Bay Federal Credit Union, Bicycle Trip, Capitola Veterinary Hospital, Cole Strickland – LPL Financial, Costanoa, Dr. Ryan Brandt & Family, Five Branches University, Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, Ola Chica, Parks California – Reimagining Big Basin, Santa Cruz Bicycles, UCSC – Colleges, Housing and Educational Services, Event Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Waves, Good Times

Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $23
Advance tickets: www.ucsctickets.universitytickets.com
Event website: www.recreation.ucsc.edu
Event website: www.banffcentre.ca

Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
2022-12-11 15:00
Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
Sunday, December 11, 3pm
Now in its 27th season, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas brings traditional Irish musicians and dancers to enthralled audiences across the country. At its center is native Irish storyteller, Tomáseen Foley.
A Celtic Christmas springs from the infinitely rich treasury of Ireland’s cultural heritage: a re-creation of a night before Christmas in the West of Ireland in the 1940s, before the advent of motorcar, the television, and the telephone.
In this recreation of age-old tradition, neighbors bring their fiddles, tin whistles, flutes, bodhráns, uilleann pipes; and, perhaps most important of all, their unshakeable sense of community, for a night of traditional music, song, dance, and of course storytelling.
The show’s Music Director is Grammy Award-winning guitarist and Santa Cruz resident William Coulter, an internationally recognized master of the steel-string guitar.

Show time: 3:00 PM, doors 2:00 PM
Tickets: $39 gen, $49 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Event website: www.tomaseenfoley.com

“Bay of Life: From Wind to Whales”
2022-11-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2022-11-12 15:00 - 16:30
“Bay of Life: From Wind to Whales”
Saturday, November 12, 3pm and 7pm
“Bay of Life: From Wind to Whales” is a celebration of Monterey Bay as a unique eco-region that connects land and sea and people with nature.
Join a special presentation by renowned National Geographic photographer-writer team Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom to launch their BAY OF LIFE Project. They will share images, videos, and stories from their new book, Bay of Life: From Wind to Whales. The show features exclusive work produced around the Monterey Bay region, from the famous big surf break at Maverick’s to the spectacular Big Sur coast—including images from the massive fires of 2020 and behind-the-scenes coverage of Big Basin’s recovery, as well as iconic wildlife from secretive mountain lions to majestic blue whales.
There will be both a matinee and evening show.

Show times: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Tickets: $25 gen, $50 Gold Circle
Advance tickets : www.eventbrite.com
Event website: www.bayoflife.net
Artists website: www.lanting.com
