What a great venue. Intimate but still big enough to really get a crowd going. Loved having the…read moreoption of seats vs standing. Solid acoustics. The snack/bar area is limited but not a deal breaker for me. Parking was tough, I wish I would've read reviews before heading there, being totally unfamiliar with the area I was a bit nervous to just park on a random street. We were able to find a spot within a few blocks walking distance.

Rio is a great place to see a show in Santa Cruz. And they get some great names of performers I…read morereally want to see. Plus, I love a seated show (versus standing for three hours). But, beware the bait and switch. You pay a premium for shows here and they'll switch the venue to something less inviting (and standing room only) without giving you the option for a refund. Don't worry... if you have a coveted (even more expense) Gold Circle ticket at Rio- they'll throw in a free poster at the new venue. Tsk. Tsk.

We saw The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Sunday matinee. The staging was incredible and the…read moreperformances were good. With the exception of Quasimodo (sp?), I did not think that the voices of the leads were as strong as I have seen at other performances. The story as presented was dark and I did not think suitable for grade school children. This was deceiving as it had been advertised highlighting the Disney association. I will, however, to continue to support this wonderful organization

Small theatre , we have seen several musicals here and thoroughly enjoyed them…read more Comfortable seating.

I had a friend post on instagram about this circus, never had heard of it before as I live on the…read moreother side of the hill. I bought tickets, a table actually. It comes with 4 chairs and the option to add two more and the ability to order concessions prior to the show that get delivered to your table. As we showed up, big parking lot as it's located in the mall lot. Nicely done- 5 portapottys inside the tent, little concessions stand and souvenir section. The inside is small, but the seating gives you and your guest plenty of space between you and others. The show is mythical, more of fairies, Pegasus, snow daughters and such, but is an amazing experience for the whole family. Lots of acrobatics, cute little costumes and lots of laughs- especially the Pegasus! The staff is friendly, and it's just an amazing experience. My girls 3&5 said it was their favorite circus yet! The snowball fight was their favorite part of the show, and the trampoline act. We can't wait to come back next year! Definitely worth the drive, and a bargain for the show!

So much fun for the family. Classic early 1900th century vaudeville type of show with modern items…read morethrown in. Lots of fun!

West Theater has been a life changer for my teenager. He has attended Harry Potter camps on up to…read moreimprov groups. They are kind and talented instructors and the curriculum is stellar. This program has given my son a sense of confidence and that is a gift that will last a lifetime.

This little gem of a studio offers classes for all ages and performances year round. I love the…read moreofferings, like improv and playlabs..I need a boot to the behind to motivate myself to attend but once there it's pretty magical. Attentive to details, the staff seems to have as much fun as the students. Makes me miss the SF art scene less and less. SC has the bright shiny shiny right here in my backyard..Lucky us.

At the Colligan Theater to see the play, Sylvia a modern…read moreromance comedy about marriage and their dog.

This is a great company! You really don't have to leave Santa Cruz to experience excellent theater…read more The choices of plays are varied and imaginative-from comedy to serious dramatic, historic, obscure stories. Lovely staff- incredibly helpful-clearly devoted to bringing their passion to Santa Cruz. Beautiful theater space, snack bar. Just a wonderful way to spend an evening or afternoon.

Watched Disclosure Day this past weekend at the Landmark Del Mar Theatre in Santa Cruz. Before the…read moremovie, I was looking for an outlet to charge my phone and found one next to the elevator near the theater entrance. Standard food and drink offerings were available at the concessions stand with no lines on a slow Saturday afternoon, and a few small tables with seating in the lobby. The auditorium opened about 25 minutes before the listed showtime, then 12 minutes of previews before the start of the feature film. For a non-busy day, auditorium 1 wasn't cleaned very well. Found popcorn and crumbs on my seat and the one next to me, even on the one in front of me, as well as on the ground... not a lot, but it was noticeable. The elevation is minimal, so if someone was sitting in front of me, their head would have probably blocked my view. I did however appreciate that there was ample space between rows. No reclining seats, but they were comfortable and in good condition, with cupholders. No problems with picture or audio, and perfect comfortable temperature inside. A no-frills theater with old school charm and lovely artwork and decor to add a nice touch to my viewing experience. And the movie I saw was out of this world, just what I would expect from Steven Spielberg.

One of the classic theaters still remaining in Santa Cruz and is a wonderful treat to witness a…read moreshow or performance if you have the choice. I've seen a few movies here and each time have had a good viewing experience. They usually offer both popular hits as well as Indie films that may just be starting to gain some traction. Widescreen theater with ample, comfortable seating and pretty good sound system. The interior of the theater is beautiful and really takes you away from the outside world for just a bit. Staff here were friendly and the restrooms are clean. Can't really ask for more! Tip: You likely don't need to pre-order tickets especially if you're not watching during premier week.

A nice family-friendly festival offering face painting and a skateboard contest for kids, art and…read moremerchandise for sale (one of the more popular being Jimbo Phillips graphics and designs, plus some others you would only find in Santa Cruz), and several food and drink vendors on site though a few were in the beer garden which I didn't enter cuz there was a line and it was super jampacked in there! But I did snack on some delicious and unique peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies from Savannah's Home Bakery tent (both the cookies and service were sweet, this business based in Capitola). Several bands performing live music (reggae, blues, and more) throughout the day, on two stages. The Mermen entertained a lively afternoon crowd, playing some awesome rock tunes and bringing plenty of energy. Since it took place in the street, there was no grass or seating anywhere nearby and hardly any shade around, but it worked out with a bit of fog providing comfort from the summer heat this past Saturday. Also, found street parking a block away in the neighborhood. Not bad for a laid back annual event free of cost.

I like Cinelux. It reminds me of what movie theaters used to be like in a good way…read more Simple...popcorn (they have other stuff too but limited) and the movie and not over the top in terms of additional fluff and prices.

We decided that we wanted to watch a new movie (scream) and we saw that this theater was still…read moreopen. When we walked into the theater it seemed nice at first impression, but soon after we walked into our theater room it was a gross mess, popcorn, trash, and old alcoholic beverage containers left out still from the last movie showing before ours showed. The service was not very good and everyone that works here should under-go customer service training again because it was not satisfying at all. As well as learning how to clean properly this whole theater was a mess after paying close attention. This place has some serious problems, TAKE YOUR MONEY SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Last night, 15JUN26, Kuumbwa once again showed why it's a world class jazz club. Jason Marsalis and…read morehis band laid down the vibe while the sold out audience dined on delicious steelhead and cherry tomato kabobs on a bed of basil pesto rice or a bowl of superb chili. Just another killer show.

Like most locals who value the performing arts, I've attended many shows here over the years. Each…read moretime I've been greeted warmly by staff and felt appreciated. A small venue, there's not a bad seat in the house, but I've found the stools just to the left of the sound mixing boards the best place to be for a complete visual and audio experience. Was no mistake these spots were the first taken on a recent night. Because the venue is small, off stage sounds are obvious and can be distracting. Therefore besides announcing the no photos/video policy, they should also remind patrons to keep conversation to an absolute minimum during the show. Same goes for the employees in the kitchen area clanking utensils - high frequency sounds are especially noticeable. And there's always one goofball who starts applauding before the song has even finished. Re the dinner plates served, quality has dropped a bit over the years. They're still good, just not great like it used to be. Quality counts since venues make their profit off food, drink, and merchandise as ticket revenue go to the artists. Their carrot cake is the bomb so save room for dessert!

I went to Moe's for a concert it being my first time going there. The bartending staff were really…read morenice and super helpful. When I asked about purchasing a local cider they carried I was given directions to the maker, what time they opened, and who I should talk to when I get there. Now that's going above and beyond. There was a nice variety of drinks and they were delicious. I loved the layout of the venue very intimate with the stage but still tons of standing room and if you didn't want to be inside with the crowd there was a tv with the ample outside seating where you could watch the band. The bathrooms were very spacious and super clean. The little taco stand in the back was perfect too. The tacos were delicious. I wish we had a place just like Moe's in Sacramento . I will definitely come to Moe's again next time in town.

I had a very uncomfortable experience with an African American security guard at the Latino event…read more From the moment I arrived with my family, I felt singled out. He asked for my ID despite not asking any of my other family members, even though it was obvious I had arrived with them. That immediately made me question why I was being treated differently due to his tone and professionalism. Throughout the event, he continued staring me down in a way that felt intimidating and unnecessary. Then, after already announcing that there were 15 minutes left before closing, he approached me again and told me I needed to finish my drink right then. The tone and approach felt aggressive and disrespectful. I understand security has a job to do, but there is a professional and respectful way to interact with people. Instead, I left feeling targeted as a Latina, uncomfortable, and unwelcome at an event that was supposed to be about celebrating community and culture.