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SPECIAL EVENTS

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

Wine Tastings

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 WINE TASTINGS

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: