Events

Screening: Cracking the Code
2025-10-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre
Please join us for a public screening of “Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution” at the Landmark Theater on Monday, October 20. The screening will start at 7pm, with a panel discussion hosted by the UCSC RNA Center to follow.
This powerful new documentary chronicles Nobel Laureate Phil Sharp’s discovery of RNA splicing, a breakthrough that ignited the biotechnology revolution and continues to shape the future of medicine and innovation worldwide. Our city was chosen for a special screening of this film in recognition of UC Santa Cruz’s long-standing leadership in RNA research and its pivotal contributions to understanding RNA metabolism.
Register to attend
More than a film, this evening is an opportunity to reflect on Santa Cruz’s place in the future of biotechnology and life sciences innovation. After the screening, we will host a panel discussion themed “Why Not Santa Cruz?”—exploring how our region, with its scientific excellence in RNA and Genomics, entrepreneurial spirit, and vibrant community, might cultivate the next generation of discoveries, companies, and partnerships.
We expect a lively exchange among scientists, community leaders, philanthropists, and innovation builders about how Santa Cruz can play a greater role in shaping the next wave of biotech breakthroughs.
View trailer here

Barnstorm Presents: 24-Hour Theater
2025-10-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Theater Arts Center, 453 Kerr Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Using a random prompt, actors and a production team stage a fully-fledged production that is produced, blocked, and presented to an audience in just 24 hours. Audiences are invited to attend the culminating presentation on Saturday, October 25.
ABOUT BARNSTORM
UC Santa Cruz students experiment with and create their own innovative theater and gain a sense of operating and creating art in the Barnstorm Theater Company, a student-run theater arts production company established in 2004.
—
ADVISORIES
– Event update: the correct date for this performance is Sat., Oct. 25, not Fri., Oct. 24 as originally listed.
– Ticket holders not seated at least 10 minutes before the advertised start time may forfeit their ticket/seat and no refund will be issued.
—
ADMISSION
– Tickets issued through Eventbrite; Follow the Dept. of Performance, Play & Design on Eventbrite for notifications and updates.
– Free for UCSC undergraduate students (ticket required).
– General admission “Pay What You Like” options $5–20
– A limited number of tickets/seats may be available at the door, even after online ticket sales end or reach full capacity.
– Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.
—
PARKING
– Parking by permit or ParkMobile.
– Arts Lot #126 is the closest parking lot to the event.
– Visitors with DMV placards or plates may park for free in DMV spaces, Medical spaces, or ParkMobile spaces without additional payment, or in timed zones for longer than the posted time.
– More information provided by UCSC Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS)
—
This program is open to all members of the public consistent with state and federal law.

Echoes on the Hill
2025-10-26 20:30 - 21:30 | Colleges Nine and John R. Lewis College Multi-purpose Room, 615 College Nine Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Join us for a night of live music and campus energy at the JRL MPR Stage! This recurring showcase celebrates the incredible talent of UC Santa Cruz’s student-led bands, bringing the community together through sound, creativity, and Slug spirit.
This edition features Empire Grade, a high-energy punk band making waves in the UCSC music scene. Come out to support your fellow Slugs, discover new artists, and enjoy an evening of authentic student talent and connection.

You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities.
To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications.
