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SPECIAL EVENTS

The 2026 Gala

Join us for cocktails to commence, a seated feast to follow, theatrical revels, spirited auctions, and dancing into the night — all in support of Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s 2026 Season and its continuing community impact.

Attire: Formal with Courtly Flourish

Elegant evening dress is encouraged. For those inclined, a touch of velvet, ermine, or playful motley is most welcome. All are received with honor at Court.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE 2026 GALA

Family Days

On Family Days we invite you to bring your young theatre enthusiasts to enjoy a day at the Grove. Kids age 12 and under are free with a paid adult ticket. In 2026, Family Days are scheduled on July 29 and August 5 for performances of Much Ado About Nothing. Gates open at 10AM and the shows begin at noon. Arrive early to take part in fun activities like face-painting, mask-making, and marine animal education, and enjoy lunch before the shows in our beautiful picnic area overlooking Monterey Bay.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FAMILY DAYS & GET TICKETS

The Wine Club

A new offering in 2026, the SCS Wine Club will include tastings from our local vineyard partners, followed by an evening at the theater. Wine Club nights include:
  • Tuesday, August 4 – tasting begins at 5:30PM, show at 7PM – Fences
  • Tuesday, August 11 – tasting begins at 5:30PM, show at 7PM – Macbeth
  • Tuesday, August 18 – tasting begins at 5:30PM, show at 7PM – Much Ado About Nothing
  • Friday, September 18 – tasting begins at 5:30PM, show at 7PM – The Last Five Years
  • Friday, September 25 – tasting begins at 5:30PM, show at 7PM – Private Lives
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WINE CLUB

Back Stage Tours

On select nights during the 2026 festival season, you can purchase a backstage tour led by an SCS team member. Tour are available on the following evenings:

  • Thursday, August 6  – tour at 5:30PM, show at 7PM – Macbeth
  • Thursday, August 13 – tour at 5:30PM, show at 7PM – Much Ado About Nothing
  • Thursday, August 20 – tour at 5:30PM, show at 7PM – Fences

Pre-show Dramaturgy

Prior to select evening performances during the 2026 festival season, meet us in the Beer Garden near the Grove lobby for a dramaturgical discussion led by scholars like UCSC professor Sean Keilen and Santa Cruz’s own Susan Myer Silton. These are free events and do not need a reservation. Pre-show dramaturgy will take place prior to the following performances:
  • Wednesday, August 5 – discussion at 6PM, show at 7PM – Much Ado About Nothing
  • Wednesday, August 12 – discussion at 6PM, show at 7PM – Fences
  • Wednesday, August 19 – discussion at 6PM, show at 7PM – Macbeth
  • Thursday, September 17 – discussion at 6PM, show at 7PM – Private Lives 
  • Thursday, September 24 – discussion at 6PM, show at 7PM – The Last Five Years

Post-show Talk-backs

On select afternoons during the 2026 festival season, stick around after the matinee performance to take part in the post-show talk-back with the performers. These are free events and do not need a reservation. Post-show talk-backs will take place after the following performances: