Ultimate Santa Cruz Venue Booking Guide for Live Events, Concerts & Performances

Convention Center, Events, Felton, How to plan an event, Santa Cruz -

Ultimate Santa Cruz Venue Booking Guide for Live Events, Concerts & Performances

Planning a live event or concert in Santa Cruz? Discover the ultimate Santa Cruz venue booking guide for live events, concerts, and performances. Find the perfect spot for your next unforgettable show.

With its coastal charm, vibrant music scene, and diverse range of venues, Santa Cruz offers fantastic options for hosting unforgettable experiences. Whether you're organizing a local music showcase or a touring band's big night, choosing the right venue is essential.

Here is the information you need to help determine which venue is right for your event. *Excuse the long blog post, but we have a lot of information to cover. 

Our Services

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

Capacity: Over 1,000 - open center floor can be used for seating and performances with stationary seating. 

Highlights: Historic charm, large stage, flexible space for concerts, expos, and community events, diverse space with extra rooms, green rooms, concessions, easy access to downtown Santa Cruz, side parking lot for loading and/or extra space for food trucks.

Booking Process

To rent the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, event organizers must submit a facility use application through the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department. Applications should be submitted at least 90 days in advance. After review, a rental coordinator will contact you to confirm date availability and discuss rental fees, insurance requirements, and staffing options. A deposit is typically required to secure the date, with full payment due before the event.

Santa Cruz Civic Lighting Package
Photo: Santa Cruz Civic's Main Stage with Lighting

Technical Setup

The auditorium includes a large proscenium stage, backstage dressing rooms, and built-in lighting and sound equipment. Audio/visual packages are available, and technical staff can assist with custom setups. Third-party vendors may be used with prior approval.

Accessibility and Parking

The venue is fully ADA-compliant with accessible seating, restrooms, and entry points. A drop-off zone is available for guests with mobility needs. Parking is available in nearby public garages such as the Cedar/Church Street Garage, with additional metered street parking nearby. Planners may also want to arrange shuttle services for larger events.

Santa Cruz Civic Outside

Photo: Santa Cruz Civic

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
ph 831-420-5240
e-mail

Box Office Hours

Tuesday - Friday: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 
Tickets can be purchased 24/7 at santacruztickets.com
The Box Office will open 90 minutes prior to events for event window sales only.

-------------------------------------------------------

The Catalyst - Downtown Santa Cruz

  • Capacity: Up to 800 (Main Stage), 200 (Atrium)
  • Highlights: Legendary status, excellent acoustics, central location, and a built-in audience of music lovers
  • Contact info: https://catalystclub.com/contact/
The Catalyst Santa Cruz for Rent Sale
Photo: The Catalyst Marquee


Photo: The Catalyst's Stage

-------------------------------------------------------

Rio Theatre – Santa Cruz

  • Capacity: Around 650
  • Highlights: Intimate theater setting, great for seated concerts, film screenings, or speaker events

Booking Process

Booking inquiries can be made through the Rio Theatre website or by contacting the venue directly. Rates vary based on event type, technical needs, and staffing. Discounts may be available for nonprofits and public schools.

Technical Setup

The Rio seats approx. 650 guests and features a 40-foot stage, backstage area, and furnished dressing rooms. AV includes a full sound system, lighting rig, large projection screen, and professional staff support. The venue also offers a lobby cabaret space for receptions or vendor setups.

Accessibility & Parking

The venue is wheelchair accessible with designated seating and restrooms. Parking is available on nearby streets and in public lots. Some events may offer valet or paid parking options. Located near Soquel Ave, the Rio offers easy access to local dining and transit.

"Veteran music venue (1949) with 685 seats, hosting comedians & indie bands with Americana leanings." Google
Address: 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: (831) 423-8209
Website: https://www.riotheatre.com

Photo: riotheatre.com

Rio Theatre outdoor marquee

Photo: riotheatre.com

-------------------------------------------------------

Felton Music Hall

  • Capacity: About 400
  • Highlights: Cozy yet energetic Felton Santa Cruz Mountains vibe, food and bar, perfect for indie and regional acts. Ideal for artists looking to sell out a smaller venue or add an extra night for a more intimate experience, with a modest stage and simple A/V setup that keeps things personal.

Booking Process

Booking inquiries can be submitted through the Felton Music Hall website. The venue books a mix of touring acts and local performers. Event planners can request venue rental info or coordinate show bookings via their contact page.

Technical Setup

The venue has a 400-person capacity and features a full sound system, lighting rig, and stage well-suited for live bands. On-site bar and kitchen services are available, and the overall hall layout supports a mostly open floor plan. However, there is a wall separating the back room and the front room where the stage is. The tech booth is in the middle of the two rooms. Most shows are standing room only with scattered chair and tables in the back room and sides. 

Accessibility & Parking

Felton Music Hall is ADA accessible with ground-level entry and restrooms. Free street parking is available nearby, and there's a public lot across the street. Located right in the center of historic downtown Felton, it offers a relaxed setting with walkable access to cafes and local shops.

Tour buses and trailers typically load and park at the front entrance, cones are typically placed the night before or early in the morning to reserve space directly in front of the venue.

Photo: Google Photos

Photo: Felton Music Hall Stage - Google Photos

-------------------------------------------------------

Kaiser Permanente Arena

  • Capacity: Approximately 2,500
  • Highlights: Modern, high-capacity indoor venue just minutes from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Home to the Santa Cruz Warriors Basketball team, it’s equipped with professional A/V infrastructure and flexible seating. Ideal for med-large concerts, community expos, and multimedia performances. 

Address: 140 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Capacity: 2,505
Opened: December 23, 2012
Phone: (831) 713-4400

Michael Duquette at mduquette@warriors.com for arena rental inquiries

Kaiser Arena Seating Map
CLICK HERE for a seating map of Kaiser Permanente Arena.

For Kaiser Permanente Arena Parking Information CLICK HERE

Kaiser Permanente Arena Events Calendar, CLICK HERE

Indoors at Kaiser ArenaPhoto: Google Photos

Concert Stage set up in Kaiser Arena

Photo: Google Photos - Stage set up in Kaiser Arena

Entrance to Kaiser Arena

Photo: Google Photos - Entrance to Kaiser Arena

-------------------------------------------------------

UC Santa Cruz Quarry Outdoor Venue

  • Capacity: Ranges from 200 to over 2,000 depending on venue
  • Highlights: The UCSC campus offers a range of distinctive venues including the open-air Quarry Amphitheater (~2,000 capacity)
  • Weather: It gets cold in Santa Cruz at night, even in the summer, be prepared for changing weather conditions. 

The Quarry Amphitheater at UC Santa Cruz is a stunning open-air venue nestled in a redwood grove on campus, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for concerts, lectures, performances, and university or community events. With a capacity of approximately 2,000, it features tiered stone seating, integrated lighting, and a natural acoustic environment ideal for both amplified and acoustic events.

The venue is located at 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064. To inquire about renting the Quarry Amphitheater, contact the UCSC Event Services Office at (831) 459-2192 or email events@ucsc.edu. More information, including rental policies and availability, can be found on their official website at quarry.ucsc.edu.

Booking Process
UCSC venues are booked through the Office of Event Services and may require proposals, insurance, and coordination with campus staff. Public or ticketed events should be planned well in advance, especially by non-campus groups.

Technical Setup
Larger venues like the Recital Hall and Quarry Amphitheater have built-in lighting and sound, while smaller spaces may need outside equipment. UCSC staff can help with technical planning and required personnel.

Accessibility & Parking
Parking and access vary by location, with shuttles often provided for large events and permits typically required. Most venues are ADA-accessible, but clear directions and mobility info should be shared with guests.

Photos Quarry Amphitheater

Photo: Google Photos Quarry Amphitheater

UCSC Quarry

-------------------------------------------------------

Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Info shown below as of August 2025, details may change. Check their website for most up to date information. 

  • Capacity: Approx. 200
  • Highlights: Ideal for jazz, folk, and acoustic performances.
  • Rental/Booking info https://www.kuumbwajazz.org

  • Venue Capacity 200 seated theatre style

  • Courtyard Capacity: 18 seated, 25 standing

  • Facilities: café, bar, dressing room, 3 restrooms, WiFi, wheelchair accessible

  • For information on rental rates contact Keith Wieland

  • Venue Specs

    3,000 square foot venue, 13.5′ x 15′ stage (22’ 4” at widest point) (click here for stage diagram), state-of-the-art sound and lighting system

    Rental Fee Includes

    sound system, light system, Steinway Model B grand piano, professional sound engineer, bar & café staffing *inclusions vary for private events

    Deposit

    They require a 50% non-refundable deposit and signed contract to guarantee the date. The deposit acts as default payment in case of cancellation for any reason. 

    Renter Responsibilities

    • (3) door personnel to oversee ticket sales, capacity and safety and conduct of the audience
    • Ticket sales
    • Publicity and promotion
    • Backline
    • 5% city of Santa Cruz admission tax on each ticket sold
    • Payment of California State Withholding Tax (if applicable)

    *responsibilities vary for private events


    Venue Exterior
    Venue Stage
    Venue Interior
    kuumbwajazz Venue Stage
    Photos: Kuumbwa

    Kuumbwa Jazz Sound, Light & Video Systems

    (Info from Kuumba website Aug. 2025)

    Sound System: Meyer
    Mains: Meyer Loudspeaker management system
    Monitors: 8 Monitor mixes from front of house
    Console: Yamaha QL5 Digital console
    Lighting: Chamsys and Chauvet and more
    Microphones: AKG , Audio Technica, Sennheiser, Shure and others
    Video Sony, GoPro, Black Magic

    Stage Dimensions: Across front 13.5’, across back 15.5’, deep 15’, height 20″ (from floor), distance from sound booth 17’

    Green Room 10’x7’

    Tech Room 12’x5′

-------------------------------------------------------

Cabrillo Crocker Theater

  • Capacity: Approximately 500
  • Highlights: Located on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos, the Crocker Theater is a professional-grade proscenium theater with top-tier acoustics and stage equipment. It regularly hosts theater productions, dance performances, classical concerts, guest speakers, and community arts festivals. Ideal for formal presentations or events with complex staging.

Booking Process: Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater operates through the college’s events and performing arts department and may have limited availability due to student productions. 

Technical Setup: The Crocker Theater is equipped for professional lighting, sound, and fly systems, though staffing coordination is typically required. 

Accessibility & Parking: Cabrillo College offers ample parking, especially for weekend events. 

Other Cabrillo venues for rent include, more info here. 

  • Crocker Theater - 500 Capacity
  • The Black Box Theater - 100 Capacity
  • Samper Recital Hall - 270 Capacity

Photo: Cabrillo Website - Crocker Theatre

-------------------------------------------------------

Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building (Veterans Hall)

Capacity: Varies by room; Main Hall seats up to 300
Address: 846 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 454-0478
Website: https://www.veteranshall.org/
Rental application, click here. 

  • Highlights: A flexible, historic venue in downtown Santa Cruz offering multiple rental spaces including a ballroom-style main hall, meeting rooms, and a stage. Veterans Hall is a popular spot for independent concerts, dance nights, nonprofit events, community fundraisers, and cultural gatherings. Offers affordable rates and a community-driven atmosphere. 
  • Booking Process: Veterans Hall is somewhat flexible, with a community-centered rental process. Like many other venues, the Vets Hall requires proof of liability insurance which includes additional coverage of the building for no less than $1,000,000.
  • Technical Setup: Veterans Hall may need external rentals for more technical setups but is well-suited for DIY and mid-size productions.
  • Accessibility & Parking: Veterans Hall benefits from its central location but may require planning for downtown parking or guest drop-offs.

-------------------------------------------------------

Additional Considerations for These Venues

Labor & Staffing

Kaiser Permanente Arena typically requires coordinated labor teams for load-in/load-out, security, and technical operations, often involving union crews or certified professionals.
UCSC venues may use internal campus staff or student labor; external event crews may need approval in advance.
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium offers in-house staffing for technical and front-of-house needs but may also allow third-party vendors with coordination.
The Catalyst has an experienced in-house team for concert setup, though touring acts may bring their own crew.
Felton Music Hall typically handles staffing internally and can accommodate artist requirements with advance notice.
Rio Theatre provides technical and front-of-house staff for most productions, though complex setups may require outside tech support.
Cabrillo Crocker Theater requires coordination with college technical staff and may have limited availability during the academic season.
Veterans Memorial Building is more flexible and DIY-friendly, but larger events may require external staffing or rentals.

Parking & Transportation

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium is very centrally located to the downtown Santa Cruz area, with access to nearby parking garages, ample metered parking and some free parking. ADA drop-off zones are available.
Among all the venue options, the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium stands out for its central downtown location and exceptional parking flexibility. It's conveniently situated near several public parking garages, offers ample metered street parking, and includes some free parking options. An ADA-compliant drop-off zone ensures easy access for guests with mobility needs.
What truly sets the Civic apart is its large on-site parking lot, which serves multiple functions: it accommodates staff parking, allows for easy loading and unloading of buses and trucks, and can even be closed off to extend the event space. This area is often transformed into an outdoor extension with food trucks, vendors, and other activations, making it one of the most versatile parking and staging setups of any venue in the area.

Kaiser Arena is located downtown with VERY limited on-site parking, but nearby public garages and lots are available but tend to be 2- 5 blocks away.

UCSC venues often require pre-arranged parking permits and may include shuttle service for large events, especially at the Quarry Amphitheater.

The Catalyst benefits from its downtown location but shares parking with surrounding businesses—guests should arrive early or use rideshares.

Felton Music Hall offers limited onsite parking, with additional street parking nearby—early arrival is recommended.

Rio Theatre has on-site and adjacent parking options, though space may be limited during popular events.

Cabrillo College venues like Crocker Theater have ample parking on weekends and evenings, with clearly marked lots across the campus.

Veterans Hall shares downtown Santa Cruz parking, so event hosts should provide guidance on nearby lots and consider loading zones for performers or vendors.

Permitting & Coordination

Civic Auditorium has a streamlined rental process through the City of Santa Cruz, including insurance and deposit requirements.
Kaiser Arena may require coordination with city departments for large-scale or ticketed events.
UCSC venues often require insurance, proposals, and approval from campus event services. Non-campus groups should plan well in advance.
The Catalyst operates as a commercial venue and generally handles permits internally for shows and nightlife events.
Felton Music Hall manages coordination in-house but may require additional permits for street use or late-night events.
Rio Theatre typically supports permitting for public events and can assist renters with logistics.
Cabrillo venues may have internal restrictions based on academic scheduling and require early planning with college staff.
Veterans Hall is community-driven and flexible, but larger public events may need liability insurance or city permits.

Technical Infrastructure

Civic Auditorium offers built-in sound, lighting, and staging, with the option to enhance via external providers.
Kaiser Arena is equipped with professional-grade A/V, lighting, and flexible stage setups suitable for large productions.
UCSC venues vary: the Quarry Amphitheater and Recital Hall have built-in systems, while smaller venues may need rented equipment.
The Catalyst is known for excellent acoustics and has a full concert-ready tech setup, including sound engineers and lighting operators.
Felton Music Hall has in-house sound and lighting tailored to small performances.
Rio Theatre features a full theater tech setup, suitable for concerts, screenings, and talks—support staff are usually available.
Cabrillo Crocker Theater provides professional lighting grids, fly systems, and acoustics for high-level productions, though coordination with college staff is required.
Veterans Hall may require outside A/V rentals for professional sound and light but works well for grassroots and mid-size productions.

Important Considerations When Booking

While each venue brings something special, it's essential to factor in a few practical details that can affect the experience—for both your team and your audience.

  • Labor and Security Costs: Some venues may require union labor or have set staffing agreements. This ensures professionalism and safety but may affect your budget. Be sure to clarify these needs early.
  • Parking and Accessibility: Downtown locations like The Catalyst and Civic Auditorium offer centrality but may have limited parking. Consider nearby lots or arrange alternative transport info for guests.
  • Technical Requirements: Ensure the venue has the sound, lighting, and stage infrastructure to match your production needs—or factor in rental costs.
  • Permits and Noise Ordinances: Outdoor or late-night events may require additional permitting. Each venue typically helps guide you, but check well in advance.
  • Audience Experience: Consider seating style, sightlines, and bar/concession setup. A great show also depends on comfort and atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Santa Cruz is a vibrant and supportive place to host a live event. By pairing your vision with the right venue—and being mindful of logistical details—you’ll set the stage for something special. Whether it's a sold-out show at The Catalyst or a high-energy set at the iconic Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, there's always a stage ready for your sound to make an impact.

Our Services

Rental Equipment

We offer rental equipment with skilled technicians for special event lighting and audio requirements, projector rentals, virtual event setups, and live streaming services to enhance the overall event experience.

Our service area includes:

Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Watsonville,  Felton, Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Big Sur, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Salinas, and more.

Venues in Santa Cruz and Monterey County

While we have extensive experience working in the mentioned venues, our capabilities extend beyond these, and we are not confined exclusively to these locations.

Some of our clients include:

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Back to Audio Visual Industry News and Trends

Tags