Events

Lunar New Year SC Warriors Game with ISSP
2026-02-27 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Lunar New Year Santa Cruz Warriors Basketball Game
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 19:00 Tipoff
Location: Kaiser Permanente Arena
Click here to RSVP for free ticket(s)

We are teaming up with the SC Warriors to offer a limited number of free tickets to their upcoming Lunar New Year-themed game!
Sign up above and let us know how many tickets you’d like. Students should download the SC Warriors app and link their Ticketmaster account in order to receive the digital ticket.

If you have any questions, please contact us at iprogramming@ucsc.edu.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Trip
2026-02-28 10:30 - 16:30 | Cowell College, 257 Cowell-Stevenson Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Join International Student Services and Programming (ISSP) for our annual trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This will be a great time to get to know each other more while exploring an exciting and beautiful location.

The trip will be limited to 30 participants. Non-international students can also sign up, but priority will be given to those who are a part of the Global Mentorship Program and/or are international students. The cost of participation is $25 and includes a round-trip shuttle service and entry to the aquarium. Fees will be charged to your UCSC account following the event (no pre-payment is required).

We recommend bringing about $20 for lunch and souvenirs. You can also bring your own lunch/snacks if you’d prefer.

Please RSVP here by Friday, February 20th to reserve your spot!
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 10:30-16:30
Location: Cowell Circle, UCSC Campus
Meeting Location: Please meet at Cowell Circle between 10:15-10:30 for this exciting day trip!
The last day to cancel is Wednesday, February 25th. If you cancel beyond this date, you’ll be responsible for the $25 participation fee.
If you have any questions, please contact us at iprogramming@ucsc.edu.

Formula Slug Open House
2026-02-28 12:30 - 17:30 | Jack Baskin Engineering, Baskin Engineering 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
We’re excited to announce our Formula Slug Open House at Baskin Engineering on Saturday, February 28th.
Last season we placed 18th out of 120 teams representing UC Santa Cruz at the national FSAE competition, the result of a year spent designing, manufacturing, and testing our electric race car. The open house is an opportunity to see the work and decisions made behind the scenes, as well as a sneak peek into the changes being made on our next race car, FS-4.
RSVP FORM: https://forms.gle/VqZ2Pz8NdhSxhpt37
Itinerary:
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Guest Arrival & Seating
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Team Overview @ Jack Baskin Engineering (JBE) Auditorium
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM: Alumni Panel: Experiences Beyond FSAE @ JBE Auditorium
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Lab Tours, Subteam Showcases & Networking @ Baskin Courtyard
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Acknowledgements

Barn Dance at the Hay Barn
2026-03-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Hay Barn, 94 Ranch View Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
The UCSC Celtic Music Ensemble performs live during a beginner-friendly, gender-neutral, darn good barn dance. Attendees are invited to dance, and partners are not needed.
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ADMISSION
– Open admission; tickets/registration not required.
– FREE and open to the public.
– Donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated to support to support live music study, performance, and events like this.
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PARKING
– Parking by permit or ParkMobile.
– Lot #170 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).
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This program is open to staff, faculty, and students consistent with state and federal law.

Free Coffee, Snacks, & Conversation
2026-03-03 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-10 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-17 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-31 09:00 - 11:00 | Merrill College Office, 641 Merrill Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Enjoy a cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea, and a breakfast snack with Merrill Provost McGuinness. Stay and chat with him and Poppy the Merrill Chihuahua, or take it go.
See you outside of the Merrill College office, across from the Merrill Mailroom.

College Night: Gotta Catch Them All? – a Pokémon themed event exploring animal rights
2026-03-04 17:00 - 20:00 | College Nine and John R. Lewis Dining Hall
College Nine and John R. Lewis College, in collaboration with UCSC Dining, present “Gotta Catch Them All? ” – a Pokémon-themed event exploring animal rights. Join us Wednesday, March 4 from 5–8 p.m. at the College Nine/John R. Lewis Dining Hall for a night of activities, fun, community, and a special themed menu. Standard dining hall entry pricing applies, and all students, faculty, and staff are invited.
Please note: The dining hall will be closed from 2–5 p.m. for event preparation.
Learn more about College Nights at dining.ucsc.edu/events.
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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.How to Use the Statement Across Communication Channels

Black on the Block
2026-03-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Crown Provost House, 660 Crown Service Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Join the African American Resource & Cultural Center every Thursday from 1–2 p.m., at the front of the Ethnic Resource Center for Black on the Block, a weekly tabling and engagement space.
Stop by to learn about campus resources, upcoming programs, and ways to get involved. It’s a casual, welcoming space to ask questions, make connections, and build community. All are welcome.
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.

HCI Build Demo Day
2026-03-12 11:00 - 15:30 | Event Hall, 3175 Bowers Ave, Santa Clara, 95054, United States
Welcome to HCI Build Demo Day!
Get ready to dive into an exciting in-person event where HCI builders come together to showcase their projects. In Intro to Build at UCSC Silicon Valley Campus, we build with two realms of technologies – digital and physical. HCI 202A will showcase their creative apps they made with React Native and HCI 202B will have an exhibition of the interactive physical prototypes they made with Arduino.
Light refreshments are provided at the event, and it is free for all to attend!

Agenda
11:00 AM – 1:15 PM

Mobile Programming Demo

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Physical Computing Demo

Yoga as Healing Series
2026-03-31 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:30 | CA
Yoga as Healing is a 7-session trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness program hosted by UCSC’s CARE office. Spring Quarter classes will be held Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 p.m. from March 31–May 12. Classes are free for students.
Each class facilitated by CARE Advocate Abbey Wise (she/ella), includes gentle, trauma-informed movement, breathwork, meditation and reflective journaling to support survivors in reconnecting with their bodies, building confidence and being present. Mats, blocks, blankets and journals are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
CARE aims to build a consistent group of 8-10 survivors who can attend all 7 classes to foster the community, predictability and safety core to the trauma-informed structure of the program.
If you are interested in participating submit an application and a CARE Advocate will get back to you with further information. Location will be provided upon approval to participate.
Check out our schedule for the series:
3/31 — Orientation and Intention
4/7 — Safety & Grounding
4/14 —Self-Care as Daily Practice
4/21 — Embodied Boundaries
4/28 — Self-Compassion
5/5 — Inner Strength & Trust
5/12 — Cultivating Community
If you have previously attended Yoga as Healing, we would love to hear from you. Please complete our short, anonymous survey —your feedback helps us grow and improve our programming.
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.

A Sacred Witnessing: A Trans Day of Euphoria Event
2026-03-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Join the Cantu Queer Center and the Diversity Center for an intergenerational Trans Day of Visibility gathering rooted in euphoria, joy, and sacred witnessing. Trans, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and gender-expansive people of all ages are invited to share their stories, create art, and witness each other’s full humanity in a moment of dangerous hypervisibility and harm to our community. The event will include intergenerational story sharing, protest sign art, gentle restorative offerings, live performance, tabling with local organizations, and light refreshments.
This event is open to students, faculty, staff, alums, and the wider Santa Cruz community.
RSVP in advance.
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.

FINS: Fisheries Insights Narratives and Stories seminar series featuring Dr. Randi Solhjell
2026-04-01 10:30 - 12:00 | Ocean Health Building, McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Please join us for the first talk in the FINS: Fisheries Insights Narratives and Stories seminar series featuring Fulbright Fellow Dr. Randi Solhjell. Her talk, “Managing a Fishy Business: Norway’s foreign aid and its impact on global fisheries governance” will discuss how Norwegian actors shape global fisheries policy through diplomacy, regulatory innovation and engagement in international institutions such as the UN FAO. She will also discuss how she studies fisheries from a social/political science lens.
FINS: Fisheries Insights Narratives and Stories Seminar Series
Dr. Randi Solhjell, Fulbright fellow, University of Oslo
Title: Managing a Fishy Business: Norway’s foreign aid and its impact on global fisheries governance
When: Wednesday, April 1st from 11am-12pm
Where: Ocean Health Building Rm 118, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 and on Zoom
Agenda:

10:30 am – 11:00 am – Professional Networking Session (in person only – light snacks and refreshments provided)
11 am to 12 pm – presentation followed by Q & A
12 pm – 1pm – student lunch with the speaker in OHB courtyard → sign up here

Zoom Meeting Registration: https://ucsc.zoom.us/meeting/register/NwH0_qUbSeuIm3A76DY-Dg
Randi Solhjell is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, Faculty of Law, The University of Oslo, and visiting Fulbright scholar at the Science and Justice Research Center, the University of California, Santa Cruz. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the London School of Economics.

Opening Celebration for EASP M.F.A. Exhibition—"Picking up Shells Amid a Tsunami"
2026-04-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery, Baskin Service Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
The culminating exhibition of the Environmental Art and Social Practice (EASP) M.F.A. program at UC Santa Cruz presents new projects—Picking up Shells Amid a Tsunami 쓰나미가 밀려오는데, 조개나 줍고 있네—developed through concentrated inquiry over a two-year period and offers a window into the artists’ unique long-term research projects that expand beyond the gallery space.
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FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
– Ongoing Exhibition: Thurs.., April 2–Sat., May 2, 2026
– Opening Celebration: Thurs., April 2, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
– Artist Roundtable: Thurs., April 23, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
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ADMISSION
– FREE and open to the public
– Gallery hours are Tues.–Sun.noon–5:00 p.m (closed Mondays)
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PARKING
– Lot 124 & 125 are the closest parking lots to the event.
– Parking is by permit or ParkMobile.
– Refer to TAPS for more parking information.
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ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
– More exhibition information here.
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This program is open to all members of the public consistent with state and federal law.

UC Santa Cruz Alumni at the Sacramento Kings
2026-04-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Golden1 Center, 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, 95814, United States
Head to a Sacramento Kings game with fellow UC Santa Cruz alumni on Friday, April 3. Sit together, cheer loudly, and connect with Sacramento Slugs at Golden1 Center!
Click here to purchase tickets in our section.

Coffee with Provost Aims
2026-04-07 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Merrill College Office, 641 Merrill Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Warm greetings and hot coffee are served by Provost Aims and Poppy the Merrill Chihuahua each Tuesday in April. Breakfast snacks, tea, and cocoa too.
Stop by and say “hi”
Outside of the Merrill Mailroom, Merrill College

Roller Skating Day
2026-04-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Santa Cruz Roller Palladium, 1606 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
Join DSAS Leadership and Involvement and KZSC for a night of music, moves, and retro vibes at the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium! Whether you’re a pro on eight wheels or just trying not to hit the floor, we want to see you there.
When: Sunday, April 12
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Roller Palladium
Cost: FREE!
Don’t miss the ultimate skate party. RSVP here to reserve your spot! Space is limited.

2026 Right Livelihood International Conference
2026-04-13 08:00 - 2026-05-15 17:00
The Right Livelihood International Conference is a five-week global conference exploring how education can strengthen democracy, collective intelligence, and just futures. Bringing together Right Livelihood Laureates, students, faculty, and community partners across continents, the conference combines asynchronous learning with participatory dialogue and collaborative action. Rather than advocating specific outcomes, the conference positions education as a democratic practice and the Right Livelihood College as a steward of dialogue, student voice, and long-term institutional learning.
Registration is free and open to the public. Sign up to receive conference updates, session links, and participation opportunities.

Beyond Men & Masculinity: Film Screening & Conversation
2026-04-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Namaste Lounge, 615 College Nine Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
As part of Sexual Assault Awareness & Action Month (SAAM), join CARE & The Cantú for dinner and a screening of Beyond Men & Masculinity. After the film, we’ll have guided conversation and crafting! Dinner provided, and no RSVP required! For questions or accommodations, please email CARE or The Cantú Center.
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.

FINS: Fisheries Insights Narratives and Stories seminar series featuring Dr. George Leonard
2026-04-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Ocean Health Building, McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Please join us for the second talk in the FINS: Fisheries Insights Narratives and Stories seminar series featuring Adjunct Professor Dr. George Leonard. His talk, “Lessons learned from my time at the science-policy interface” will discuss his 35 years of experience researching, communicating, and advocating for a vibrant and healthy ocean upon which all of us depend. He has been at the forefront of ocean science-policy interface at major nonprofits (Monterey Bay Aquarium and Ocean Conservancy), working on practical ocean solutions to some of the ocean’s greatest environmental challenges. He initiated, developed, and led a host of conservation programs during his time at Ocean Conservancy including offshore aquaculture, plastics pollution, ocean acidification, climate change, mesopelagic fisheries, and deep-sea mining. During his early career at Monterey Bay Aquarium, he developed the scientific foundation for the nascent sustainable seafood movement
FINS: Fisheries Insights Narratives and Stories Seminar Series
Dr. George Leonard, Adjunct Professor, Coastal Science and Policy UCSC
Title: Lessons learned from my time at the science-policy interface
When: Wednesday, April 15th from 10:30am-12pm
Where: Ocean Health Building Rm 118, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 and on Zoom
Agenda:

10:30 am – 11:00 am – Professional Networking Session (in person only – light snacks and refreshments provided)
11 am to 12 pm – presentation followed by Q & A
12 pm – 1pm – student lunch with the speaker in OHB courtyard → sign up here

Zoom Meeting Registration: https://ucsc.zoom.us/meeting/register/NwH0_qUbSeuIm3A76DY-Dg

Night of Ideas 2026
2026-04-17 17:00 - 21:00 | Institute of the Arts and Sciences, 100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, United States
Enlightenment, Now!
Join us for a nocturnal celebration of art, philosophy, and activism!
Enlightenment, Now!
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, the 2026 Santa Cruz Night of Ideas invites us not to celebrate the Enlightenment, but to interrogate it. Long associated with democracy, progress, and universal reason, the Enlightenment’s legacy remains deeply ambivalent – coexisting with enduring forms of exclusion, colonial violence, and economic exploitation. These unresolved tensions, strikingly visible today, demand renewed scrutiny.
Rather than treating the Enlightenment as a closed chapter or shared inheritance, this edition centers young local voices and civil society to ask urgent questions: whose reason matters, whose freedoms are secured, and whose futures are denied?
Through conversations, workshops, performances, and visionary talks, Enlightenment, Now! becomes a space for lived experience and collective experimentation. Featuring contributions from local performers Crista Berryessa and Beati Quorum, Alex Olwal’s audiovisual collaborations with AL-EK, and Juan Ospina, flautist and composer with Olemano, our event will also bring together Thomas Sage Pedersen, Ronaldo V. Wilson, Gina Athena Ulysse, and many other guests. The aim is not consensus, but momentum: rethinking progress and imagining new political, ethical, and cultural possibilities under radically changed conditions.
Join us on Friday, April 17 at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences to explore what remains of the Enlightenment, and what it might become!
This event is brought to you by the Center for Public Philosophy, with support from the Institute of the Arts and Sciences, The Humanities Institute, the Marc Sanders Foundation, Villa Albertine, and the Institut Français.
Learn more and sign up for updates at nightofideas.org.
Night of Ideas 2026 Schedule:
MAIN HALL
5:00pm: Crista Berryessa and Beati Quorum + introductory remarks by Jeanne Proust
5:30pm: Thomas Sage Pedersen, Staying with Discomfort. Why Our Capacity for Uncertainty Shapes the Systems We Create
6:00pm: Community Soundscape with Beati Quorum and Sarah Cruse
6:30pm: Gina Athena Ulysse, Ronaldo V. Wilson & Libia Posada, artist performances and remarks
7:30: Juan Ospina & Olemano live performance
8:30: Alex Olwal & AL-EK live performance + participatory dance with Brigitte Wittmer
CONFERENCE ROOM (Room 1)
6pm: Kyle Robertson, Contesting the Rule of Law
7pm: Adela Najarro, From Body to Word: Finding Enlightenment Through Poetry
8pm: Iris Oved, Mind the Gap: Masks, Goggles, and the Search for Authenticity
WEST ROOM (Room 2)
6pm: Jean-Paul Gazzaneo-Duarte, Identity Under Oppression: Lessons from Latin American Philosophy
7pm: Sam Kahn, Moving Beyond the Standard Story of the ‘Attention Crisis’
8pm: Ethics Slam! Workshop for collective debate
ONGOING
Philo-booth: “Ask a philosopher a question!”

Noir Faire
2026-04-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Oakes Lower Lawn, Oakes College, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
The African American Resource & Cultural Center (AARCC) invites you to the Noir Faire. Come join us for an afternoon of fun and connection in a medieval style!
Saturday, April 18th | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Oakes Lower Lawn
For questions or accommodation requests, please contact Mcossio@ucsc.edu.
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.
