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Facility Use Fees effective March 10, 2008

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Civic Auditorium

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Special Events & Performing Arts Facilities

Civic Auditorium

The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to present a variety of reservable performing arts facilities--from delightful outdoor stages to the professionally staffed full-service Civic Auditorium. Reserving is easy. Just select the facility that suits your needs, complete the application process and the space is yours for your special performance! Choose from the following facilities.

Depot Park Plaza - Special Event Application Permit, Sound Permit, Conditions of Use
119 Center Street
(2500 capacity)
A beautiful open plaza within the new Depot Park with distinctive public artwork and electricity. Close to restrooms and parking, this area is easy-to-find and convenient to the beach area. This is a great place for a large special event like a fair or musical event. Sound amplification is allowed with sound permit ($33 fee).

Theatre Del Mar
1124 Pacific Avenue (500-seat main auditorium, two 140-seat theaters) The refurbished Theatre Del Mar is an historic 1936 art deco theatre available for use by non-profits and community groups for film festivals and lecture series. The theater contains a 500-seat main auditorium and two small 140-seat theaters and is equipped with state of the art sound and projection facilities. The theater boasts a mezzanine level, a refurbished grand lobby and concessions area. It is fully disabled accessible. If your group is interested in using the theater, please first review the policies and procedures established by the Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors for community use.

Civic Auditorium
307 Church Street (2000 house capacity)
Host to more than 15,000 events in its 50 year history--the Civic Auditorium offers an experienced and professional staff, complete box office services, a 40'x32' stage, quality lighting and sound, a full-size industrial kitchen and reservable parking. A terrific downtown location! Call 420-5240 for more information.
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Louden Nelson Community Center
301 Center Street (235 seating capacity)
An intimate theatre in Spanish decor featuring stage and quality sound and lighting equipment, and access to an industrial kitchen. For information call 420-6177.
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View of Wharf stage (canopies not included)

Wharf Stage - Special Event Application, Sound Permit, Conditions of Use
Beach Street @ Pacific Avenue (stage located next to Carniglia's and Marini's on the wharf.)
(Stage capacity 50)
Overlooking the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Wharf stage offers views of the Lighthouse, Steamer Lane and Cowell's. The wood stage is approximately 25 x 30 ft. with power outlets on stage. Restrooms in Commons Area.

San Lorenzo Benchlands - Special Event Application, Sound Permit, Conditions of Use
137 Dakota Avenue
(3000 capacity)

Centrally located in downtown Santa Cruz, the Benchlands are open and flat--perfect for large events and concerts. Near the San Lorenzo River, this site enjoys excellent pedestrian access from downtown shopping and parking. No barbecue facilities.

Duck Island Stage - Special Event Application, Sound Permit, Conditions of Use,
137 Dakota Avenue

(Grass seating 500 capacity)
Suspended in a pond at San Lorenzo Park, Duck Island stage (40'x24') offers a unique setting for your outdoor performance. Duck Island features grass seating with excellent stage viewing. There is power onstage and at the grass area with sound snake from the stage to the grass area. Easy downtown access.
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Mission Plaza

Mission Plaza - Special Event Application, Sound Permit, Conditions of Use
Mission Street (3000 capacity)
This picturesque park near downtown Santa Cruz is a perfect setting for your performance or special event. A central fountain, shady and sunny areas, along with electrical power make Mission Plaza a wonderful event site.
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Cowell's Beach
Located on the west side of the municipal wharf, just in front of the Coast Santa Cruz Hotel, this area is suitable for special events, weddings, picnics, and private or corporate parties. Ideal for smaller gatherings ranging from 1-400 people. Portions of the beach are close to restrooms, parking, and electricity. Amplified sound is allowed with an additional permit. ($33 fee)

Main Beach
Located in front of Beach Street and to the east side of the municipal wharf, Main Beach is ideal for larger events such as corporate gatherings or sporting tournaments. Framed between the ocean and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this 1000 yard stretch of sand is suitable for events 6000+ in attendance. Portions of the beach are close to restrooms, parking, and electricity. Amplified sound is allowed with an additional permit. ($33 fee)

How To Reserve:

1. Select facility. Call the phone number listed to check availability.

2. Request an application packet or pick one up. Complete and return the application.

For reservations at: Depot Park Plaza, Theatre Del Mar, Wharf Stage, San Lorenzo Park Benchlands & Duck Island Stage, Mission Plaza
Pick up applications at:
Parks & Recreation Administration Office
323 Church Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
8am-5pm, Mon-Fri, 420-5270

For reservations at: Civic Auditorium
Pick up applications at:
Civic Box Office
307 Church Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
9am-5:30pm, Mon-Fri, 420-5240

For reservations at: Louden Nelson Center
Pick up applications at:
Louden Nelson Center
301 Center Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
8am-1pm, Daily, 420-6177

For reservations for: Cowell's Beach and Main Beach
Call Jill Bates, 420-6141.

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Fees:

PDF of facility use fees effective March 10, 2008. Prices listed are for city residents. Non-city residents add $20 to fee total (except Louden Nelson Center). Special events requiring Conditions of Use pertaining to insurance, parking etc add $50 to fee total. Day rate is for 8 hours. An hourly rate of $20/hr. is charged for each hour in excess of 8 hours. Parking fees are not included in facility reservation fees; metered parking will be enforced.

Rules & Regulations:

1. Event to begin and end on time.

2. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public facilities.

3. Decorations subject to rules and regulations of each facility.

4. Set up and clean up are the responsibility of the permittee (except at the Civic Auditorium).

5. See application packet for specific information on the rules and regulations at the facility you are reserving.
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Policies:

1. Reservations (and requests for sound permits) must be made a minimum of 7 working days in advance.

2. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early reservation is recommended.

3. Sale of alcohol is permitted only at the Civic Auditorium and Louden Nelson Center. ABC permits are required.

4. Sales of any kind must be approved by City Council. (Non-profit groups may submit a written request for permission for sales from the Director of Parks and Recreation.) The City requires a percentage of gross sales.

5. A 5% admission tax is required for all events charging admission and/or booth fees.

6. Policies regarding insurance, deposits and cancellations vary by facility. Please check the application packet for the facility you are reserving.

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