Santa Cruz Events: January 10th

For a fresh start to 2020, the creative geniuses of Santa Cruz bring you a diverse array of activities. From the famous Fungus Fair to a world-class surf competition, this weekend shows off our best angles!

The 8 Tens @ 8 play festival opens, as well as many opportunities to hear live music, from heavy metal to harp.

As always you can explore the beautiful little places that make our town so appealing to the flora and fauna who call it home.

See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:

Friday

The 46th Annual Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

When: 1/10 – 1/12
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center

Back for the 46th year, our own Fungus Fair is a feast for the eyes, mind and tastebuds. The Fungus Federation fills Louden Nelson Center with mushroom habitat displays, art, crafts, food, activities and speakers for three full days of learning, sharing and fun. If you have a mysterious mushroom, bring it along (in a paper bag for best preservation) and ask an expert to identify it for you.

Get more info here.

Creative Movement Expo

When: 1/10 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Motion Pacific 131 Front Street

Immerse yourself in creative inspiration and see what’s on the minds of some of today’s pioneering dance and visual and performing artists as they collaborate with science and music to construct a thought-provoking show.

Get more info here.

8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival

When: 1/10 – 2/9
Where: Center Stage Theater

Highly anticipated, this longtime Santa Cruz tradition is back for its 25th year. With 16 plays divided into two nights, the festival is a rich celebration of drama, comedy and local talent. Each 10 minute play was selected from an international playwriting contest and is performed and directed by some of Santa Cruz’ most talented thespians.

Get more info here.

TOMMY WISEAU IN PERSON – THE ROOM

When: 1/10 – 1/11 at 11:55 pm
Where: Del Mar Theater

For a late-night caper, join in an evening of cult-like devotion to The Room, a 2003 film that originally grossed $1900 in its run in theaters, but has since attracted a huge fanbase that thrills to see this 2-star rated romantic melodrama/black comedy. With an introduction by the quirky writer, director and star himself, this is your chance to experience the phenomenon. Bring spoons to throw. Yes, I said bring spoons.

Get more info here.

USA Surfing Prime

When: 1/10 – 1/12
Where: Steamer Lane

If you are lucky enough to see some of this contest, you may see a future Olympian seal their spot on Team USA. Some of the best surfers in the country will be there testing their mettle and showing off their skills for the judges and spectators.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

Perry Gershkow / ELUDE SURF FILM @ Rio Theatre

OUTDOORS

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Saturday

Fantastic Fungi w/ Special Guest Paul Stamets

When: 1/11 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre

Immerse yourself in the magical world of mycelium. Stunning cinematography will captivate you during this exploration of the fungi kingdom.

Get more info here.

River Health Day with the CA Native Plant Society

When: 1/11 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Riverwalk

If you are yearning to make the world a better place, meet some nice new people and learn about our beautiful San Lorenzo ecosystem, then this is the activity for you! Together with other amazing volunteers and plant experts, you can help restore the riverside by planting native seedlings.

Get more info here.

Y&T WITH JAMES DURBIN

When: 1/11 at 8:00 pm
Where: The Catalyst

Y&T have been rockin’ hard for decades now, but for this show they will inject some youthful soul from local legend James Durbin. American hard rock at its finest, Y&T with Durbin are sure to play an unforgettable show.

Get more info here.