Santa Cruz MAH Celebrates 30 Years of Creativity with The Red Ball Gala
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) invites the community to celebrate three decades of creativity, connection, and community at The Red Ball, the MAH’s 30th Anniversary Gala, taking place Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 6:00–11:30 pm.
The evening is made possible through the generous support of the MAH’s 2026 Red Ball sponsors, including West Coast Community Bank, Lookout Santa Cruz, Gateway Health Management, the UCSC Humanities Institute, John & Linda Burroughs, Martinelli's Gold Medal, Manresa Bread, and Wine Tables presented by MJA Vineyards. Lead beverage sponsors are Venus Spirits and Sante Adairius Rustic Ales.
Guests will arrive in style with complimentary valet parking courtesy of Santa Cruz Valet, followed by a signature cocktail and festive photo opportunities upon check-in. Throughout the museum, attendees will encounter moments of surprise and wonder, from striking light installations and audio-visual experiences to live performances, up-close magic, aura photography, and caricature drawing, creating a sense of discovery around every corner.
Hors d’oeuvres and a full bar will be available throughout the evening, courtesy of Venus Spirits and Sante Adairius Rustic Ales.
The Solari Gallery will host a curated silent art auction featuring nearly 50 packages, including contemporary art, unique travel and staycations, food and wine experiences, and hands-on adventures. As the evening unfolds, guests will enjoy a luxury seated dinner featuring seasonal, local, and organic cuisine prepared by Feel Good Foods. Wine table guests will receive unlimited premium pours courtesy of MJA Vineyards, including a Limited Reserve pour of 2019 Serene Cellars Atlas Peak Cabernet “Lei’d”. The program, emceed by Santa Cruz’s own Peggy Flynn, will feature a live auction, paddle raise, and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Red Ball. The celebration continues with dancing under the stars in the Blanchard Sculpture Garden with world-renowned artist and turntablist DJ Spooky and the unveiling of a new light installation by artist Jason Peters, all while enjoying a show-stopping anniversary cake by Manresa Bread and coffee by Verve Coffee Roasters.
TICKETS & TABLES
Tickets and tables for the MAH’s 30th Anniversary Red Ball are now available. Individual tickets may be purchased online at santacruzmah.org. Table options for groups of ten include:
● Full Table: $3,500
● Unlimited Premium Wine Table courtesy of MJA Vineyards: $4,000
● Anniversary Table: $5,000
To purchase a full table, inquire about table upgrades, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ginger Shulick Porcella at ginger@santacruzmah.org or 831-429-1964 ext. 7018.
Attire for the evening is Creative Cocktail or Black Tie, with guests invited to dress with a flair for the dramatic—think MET Gala drama meets Santa Cruz chic!
ABOUT THE MAH
The MAH is a thriving community gathering place that serves more than 130,000 people annually through rotating art and history exhibitions, visual and performing artworks, public festivals, education and outreach programs, and cultural celebrations in collaboration with its many partners. It maintains a permanent collection of regionally significant art and artifacts, a research library, a historical archive, and historic sites, including the Evergreen Cemetery, Octagon Building, and Davenport Jail. It is also home to Abbott Square, a vibrant public plaza on the museum’s doorstep that offers food, social events, and year-round creative happenings.
The MAH is open to the public:
Mondays 9 am-1 pm
Thursdays/Fridays 12 pm-8 pm
Saturdays/Sundays 12 pm-6 pm
Click the link below for more information!
