Community Calendar

Kevin Lohman is an award-winning wildlife photographer based in Santa Cruz, California. One of his hummingbird photographs taken at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is among several of his images featured locally on a Santa Cruz METRO wildlife bus as part of the “One Ride at a Time” conservation campaign. His work has been published by National Geographic (online) and Outdoor Photographer, and recognized in major competitions including the Audubon Photography Awards and Nature’s Best International Photography Awards. Lohman actively supports conservation organizations through the donation and use of his photography.

Bring your camera and join award-winning wildlife photographer Kevin Lohman for an informal, “getting started” wildlife photography field workshop in the gardens. Designed for anyone with an interest in hummingbird photography, this relaxed session will cover practical tips for finding, observing, and photographing these fast-moving birds, along with guidance that applies to wildlife subjects more broadly.

The workshop will take place outdoors and runs approximately two hours. On Saturday, March 28th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

We offer special sunrise hours for our members and volunteers on the third Saturday of each month, as weather permits. Opening time is 7 a.m. Please bring your membership card for check-in at the front gate.

Early mornings are a wonderful time in our gardens, ideal for photography, birding, and quiet enjoyment of nature. If you would like to join us, become a member today!

This time of year, the Arboretum hosts both Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds, the two most common species in Northern California. “The density of hummingbirds—the number per area in the Arboretum—is ridiculously high,” says Bruce Lyon, professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCSC. “You can watch them feeding on flowers, you can watch their courtship, you can watch them chasing different species. It’s a great opportunity to see some pretty amazing hummingbird biology.”

In celebration of this special time of year, we invite you to visit the garden as much as possible! We will have presentations, workshops, and tours throughout the month. See our webpage for a schedule of activities and more information about hummingbirds and the abundance of plants at the Arboretum that attract them.
We will also feature hummingbird merchandise and hummingbird-attracting plants at our gift shop and nursery. Visit Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop, Tuesdays thru Sundays from 10 - 4. For more information visit: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/garden-shop/

All events are free with paid admission: Adults: $10, Seniors $8 and Youth 4-17 $5. Rain cancels outdoor activities.

Current members are always free and enjoy other great benefits year-round! Join Today at https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/get-involved/join-us/

Anna's Hummingbird photo taken by Brad Lewis (2017).

AAT’s musical theater programming kicks off with the Santa Cruz County premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, performed by students aged 10-13. Based on the best selling book series by Jeff Kinney, this heartfelt and hilarious musical centers around Greg Hefley’s cartoon diary as he and his friends navigate middle school.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical runs March 20th - 28th, 2026 at the Colligan Theater.

Rhythms of Resistance showcases the full range of La Mecla’s cross-rhythmic dance and musical
repertoire, blending together Tap Dance, Son Jarocho (music and dance from Veracruz, Mexico),
and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Structured as a concert rather than a full-length production, the
performance highlights excerpts from La Mezcla’s acclaimed works Ghostly Labor and Pachuquismo, while offering cultural context and interactive rhythmic activities that engage audience members. The evening will also include a screening of Convivencia, an original film by La Mezcla directed by José Leaños.

Through vibrant choreography, live music, and community engagement, Rhythms of Resistance
offers audiences an unforgettable experience that celebrates cultural resilience, artistic
innovation, and the power of rhythm as a force for storytelling and social change.

AAT’s musical theater programming kicks off with the Santa Cruz County premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, performed by students aged 10-13. Based on the best selling book series by Jeff Kinney, this heartfelt and hilarious musical centers around Greg Hefley’s cartoon diary as he and his friends navigate middle school.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical runs March 20th - 28th, 2026 at the Colligan Theater.

Kick off the cycling season on the California coast at The World’s Premier Cycling Festival.

If you’re looking to Race & Ride & Demo, welcome home.

Four days of World-class Cycling, Trail Running, Family Programming, Camping, and One of the Largest Outdoor Sports Expo in North America. Includes professional and amateur bike racing, the Sea Otter Trail Run, Family Bike Day, kids’ races, demos, and a full festival environment.

Meet us in glorious Monterey, California, for the official start of the season at the Life Time Sea Otter Classic. Test ride the latest gear from 1,000(plus) bike brands and converse with cycling legends at the Sea Otter Expo. Rip through gnarly gravel and shred down massive berms in one of our 14 Races. Embrace the beauty of biking with our untimed Recreational Rides.

The Sea Otter Classic is more than a festival. More than a race. More than an Expo. It’s where the world comes to celebrate cycling.

Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf Association hosts Wharf Walks on the First Saturday of Each Month. These Walking Tours take place at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf, are at no-charge to attendees and are held from 10am to 12:00pm. The tour is for ages 10-adult only, with no more than 15 people. Tours meet at the head of the Wharf near the pink “Harbor House” Store, #1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey.

More details are available on www.montereywharf.com. To reserve your free space, please visit monterey.gov/library/events or call 831-646-3933.

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About Wharf Walks:

This entertaining tour of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the waterfront will take you back in time to explore the history of the Monterey Wharf, early history of the Monterey waterfront, The Rumsien/Ohlone People -- Monterey’s first fishermen, the abalone industry, whaling the bay and of course, the legendary sardine industry.

You will discover some of the people and cultures of Monterey’s colorful past and hear fascinating stories about Old Fisherman’s Wharf and those who worked and walked there. You will also learn about the sardine and squid industry.

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf:

Known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World” and a top destination of visitors from around the world, Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf provides a wide array of award-winning dining, shopping, whale watching, bay cruises, a glass bottom boat, marine life, fishing and sailing, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay.

For more information about Old Fisherman’s Wharf, please visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.

First Friday Salinas is a monthly tradition designed to transform Downtown into a consistent, positive space for community and culture to thrive.

Come and enjoy an evening of local art, live entertainment, delicious food, and shops open late. Bring your friends and family to Salinas City Center and discover something new every First Friday of the month

You won’t want to miss it!

When & Where:
Every First Friday of the Month
Starting at 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Salinas in 100 – 300 Blocks of Main Street
Opening Ceremony: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at the One Main Street Stage (in front of the Steinbeck Center).

This time of year, the Arboretum hosts both Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds, the two Most-common Species, in Northern California.

“The Density of Hummingbirds - the Number per Area in the Arboretum - is ridiculously high,” says Bruce Lyon, Professor Emeriti of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCSC. “You can watch them feeding on flowers, you can watch their courtship, you can watch them chasing different species. It’s a great opportunity to see some pretty amazing hummingbird biology.”

In celebration of this special time of year, We invite you to visit the Garden as much as possible! We will have Presentations, Workshops, and Tours throughout the Month.

See our webpage for a schedule of activities and more information about hummingbirds and the abundance of plants at the Arboretum that attract them. We will also feature Hummingbird Merchandise and Hummingbird-attracting Plants at our Gift shop and Nursery. Visit Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop, Tuesdays thru Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For more information visit: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/garden-shop/

All events are free with paid admission:
• Adults: $10.00
• Seniors: $8.00
• Youth, Ages 4-17:$5.00

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden:
• Located on the University of California Campus
• 120 Arboretum Road, Santa Cruz
• Phone: (831) 502-2998

Current Members are always free and enjoy other great benefits year-round! Join Today at https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/get-involved/join-us/

Rain cancels Outdoor Activities.