Santa Cruz Events: Feb. 26th

Photo courtesy of @primalola

Q: What is there to do this weekend in Santa Cruz?

A: The 7th Annual Trivia Challenge at the Civic, for starters…

You could also cheer on the Warriors, check out the first ever Santa Cruz Ragtime Festival, and choose a theater or dance performance like the Winter Dance Fest at the Tannery.

Wind down on Sunday by learning to brew your own beer.

See our picks for the top events this weekend and be sure to check out our additional events listed each day for guided hikes, music, theater, and art events around town:

Friday

7th Annual Trivia Challenge

When: 2/26 from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: $5 advance/$10 door

The chance to prove you’re the most triva-savvy group in the area does not come along very often — only once a year, in fact. Dale Julin from KSBW will host this ultimate trivia battle, and the proceeds will benefit senior programs for the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center.

Register your trivia team or come as a spectator and enjoy live jazz music, small bites, desserts, a no host beer and wine bar, and great raffle prizes.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Warriors v. Reno Bighorns

When: 2/26 at 8:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
Cost: $17 – $40

Whether you’re a regular or attending your first game, cheer on the Santa Cruz Warriors as they take on the Reno Bighorns.

Fun fact: If the Warriors score 100 points or more, take your ticket stub to Mission Hill Creamery for a FREE mini scoop!

Get more info here.

Lust & Marriage

When: 2/26 – 2/27 at 8:30 pm
Where: Center Street Theater
Cost: General $20, Double Header $30

Whether you are monogamist, polyamorous or somewhere in the gray space in between, you will get a kick out of this frank, funny and Dan Savage-esque one-woman show about finding the love of your life, and realizing you still need more.

Make it a double header and catch Adolescence 2.0 before the show. Adolescence 2.0 comically explores the issues that become significant when growing up and often remain relevant throughout one’s life, including dating, grooming and physical fitness.

Get more info here.

Scientist Turned Comedian Tim Lee

When: 2/26 at 8:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Cost: Students $9, General $23, Reserved $33

Science is often discussed in the most dry, anemic way possible, but in truth it is full of stunning phenomena and highly related truths — in other words, it is rife with possibilities for the right standup comedian to explore. Tim Lee is just such a comedian, using scientific facts and theories to expose the absurdities of everyday life. Think of him as Seinfeld with a PhD.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

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Saturday

2016 Santa Cruz Ragtime Festival

When: 2/27 – 2/28
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: $25 – $90

Jazz, swing and stride all combine to create ragtime, a beloved musical genre of its own.

This weekend, you can catch ragtime acts from around the Bay and beyond at the Veterans Hall, Lúpulo Craft Beer House, and other downtown venues.

Get more info here.

Rising from Ashes

When: 2/27 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $15

Team Africa Rising is a lot more than a cycling team — it’s a rare symbol of hope for Rwandans after a devastating genocide. This documentary explores how USA professional cyclist Josh Boyer helped make this team a possibility. All proceeds will benefit the Rising from Ashes Foundation.

Get more info here.

2016 Santa Cruz Polar Plunge

When: 2/27 at 9:00 am
Where: Santa Cruz Main Beach

On most February mornings, sprinting into the blustery Pacific Ocean would be considered crazy. But on the day of the Polar Plunge, it becomes an opportunity to don silly costumes, support Special Olympics Northern California, and take part in a big, celebratory event.

Get more info here.

Rain Forest Weekends

When: 2/27 – 2/28 at 12:30 pm
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
Cost: Internet Child $20, Internet Adult $27

The coastal Redwood Forest is highly unique to the Santa Cruz area, with the Pacific Ocean providing moisture to help it thrive year-round. Learn more about this local wonder with your whole family at Roaring Camp Railroads this weekend.

Get more info here.

Moroccan Magic Night

When: 2/27 at 6:00 pm
Where: Food Lounge
Cost: $55

Local foodies will want to jump at this chance to enjoy a 5-course family style meal at the Food Lounge. Moroccan music and belly dancers will be present to provide some traditional entertainment as well.

Get more info here.

Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center presents DENT-DROP-BEND

When: 2/27 at 7:30 pm
Where: Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center
Cost: $15 – $25

Since forming in 2014, local dance troupe Empire Dance Company has been redefining what dance can look like. This new show uses both movement and visuals to break down traditional barriers associated with ballet.

Get more info here.