Weekend Schedule

Daily Schedule

Activities

Come rediscover campus life by revisiting your favorite student hangouts or exploring new corners through our optional activities!

Please note: A Weekend Pass is required for anyone participating in activities, even if you’re not staying on campus.

Programs marked with the Slug logo in the bottom right corner are included with the Weekend Pass (though some may still require advance registration, as noted). Programs with the African Black Caribbean (ABC) Alumni Reunion logo are included with the ABC Reunion Weekend Pass. All other activities are available for an additional fee.

Return to the Redwoods Registration

Thursday, August 14

Early Bird Check-In & Welcome at Porter College

3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Porter Circle

We can’t wait to see you back on campus!

First things first, you gotta check in and grab your keys! Come through the Porter Circle and get everything you need to start off the weekend.

Please note that Early Bird Check-In is only available for registrants who purchased Thursday night housing on-campus.

Friday, August 15

Check-In & Welcome at Porter College

11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Porter Circle

We can’t wait to see you back on campus!

First things first, you gotta check in and grab your keys! Come through the Porter Circle and get everything you need to start off the weekend.

Buttoning Up the Past: Buttons and Bookmarks with Special Collections

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | All ages
Special Collections – McHenry Library

Drop by Special Collections at McHenry Library to explore UCSC’s rich visual history and create a custom button using archival campus photos. This year, you’ll also have the chance to make a letterpress bookmark using the Book Beetle, a portable tabletop printing press.

Return to the Redwoods Kick-Off Party

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | All ages
Porter Quad

Celebrate the start of Return to the Redwoods with a festive evening in the Porter Quad! Enjoy live music, great food, and a lively atmosphere as alumni, friends, and families come together to kick off the weekend. A cash bar will be available throughout the night.

African, Black, and Caribbean Alumni Reunion Kick-Off Co-Hosted by Black Escargot and Black Men’s Alliance

8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | All ages
Oswald Restaurant

Join us on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 8pm for an ABC Reunion kick-off gathering at Oswald Restaurant, co-hosted by the Black Escargot and Black Men’s Alliance alumni networks. Taking place immediately after the Return to the Redwoods kick-off party, this event offers a welcoming space for alumni to come together in community prior to the reunion festivities and celebrate National Black Business Month by supporting a beloved Black-owned local restaurant. Come grab a drink and enjoy the start of an unforgettable reunion weekend! Register here!

Stars and S’mores

8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | All ages
East Field

After the Kickoff Party, wind down with a cozy evening on the East Field. Join the Adventure Rec team for a bonfire and classic s’mores under the stars. A Slug Shuttle will be available, or enjoy a peaceful stroll through campus. If skies are clear, the Astronomy department will be on hand with telescopes for stargazing and guided night-sky exploration.

Saturday, August 16

Breakfast in the Dining Hall

Rachel Carson/Oakes Dining Hall
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | All ages

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at the newly renovated Rachel Carson/Oakes Dining Hall—just a short walk from Porter College. Enjoy a variety of morning favorites served with sweeping views of the Monterey Bay.

Cost: Breakfast voucher included with weekend pass
No additional registration required

Sunrise Yoga

Porter Quad
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. | All ages

Start your day with a peaceful morning flow led by our Athletics & Recreation partners. This all-levels yoga session begins at 7:00 AM on the scenic Porter Lawn. Mats and a water station will be provided—just bring yourself, your water bottle, and a willingness to unwind.

Cost: $5 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Morning Activities Block

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ecosystems of Care: Cultivating Student Success in the Redwoods

Kresge Classroom 3201
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | All ages

Join leaders from UC Santa Cruz’s Division of Student Affairs and Success for an inside look at how we support student well-being, leadership, and belonging through evolving programs and student development frameworks.

Cost: Included with weekend pass
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Guided Admissions Tour

Meet at Cowell Circle
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | All ages

Whether you’re bringing along a prospective student, first-time visitor, or are just a curious alum, this guided tour offers a fresh look at the east side of campus through the lens of UCSC’s Admissions team. Explore key landmarks, learn about student life and academics, and discover what’s new and exciting at UC Santa Cruz. This is a great opportunity for “Future Slugs” and their families—or anyone looking to get a deeper understanding of campus today. (Tour will start at Cowell and end at Rachel Carson College.)

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Guided Campus Hike:
Upper Campus

Meet at the Porter Squiggle
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | All ages

Meet at the iconic Porter Squiggle and join our Adventure Rec staff for a guided hike through some of UCSC’s most scenic landscapes. Choose between the towering redwoods of Upper Campus or the rolling grasslands of the Mima Mounds. These casually paced hikes offer a chance to connect with nature and explore the beauty of campus. Be sure to bring water, a layer, and comfortable shoes for uneven, hilly terrain.

Cost: $5 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Guided Campus Hike:
Mima Mounds

Meet at the Porter Squiggle
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | All ages

AgroEco Coffee Tasting

Porter Classroom 148
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Ages 18+

Join the Community Agroecology Network (CAN) for a guided tasting of AgroEco Coffee and a conversation about global solidarity economies. Learn how coffee connects UCSC to farmer communities and biodiverse landscapes across Latin America, and explore the trade networks that support sustainable and just food systems. You’ll sample unique specialty coffee, roasted locally by our longtime partner, Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Co.

Cost: $20 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Guided Tour of the UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden

The Arboretum
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | All ages

Discover the extraordinary plant life of the UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden on a guided tour through one of the most unique botanical collections in the world. Explore diverse gardens featuring rare and remarkable plants from California, Australia, South Africa, and beyond—right here on campus. This tour is a perfect way to connect with nature and learn more about UCSC’s global conservation efforts.

Note: Transportation is NOT provided. Free parking is available at the Arboretum

Cost: $15 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Campus Farm Tour &
Flower Arranging Workshop

The Farm
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | All ages

Explore UCSC’s beautiful Campus Farm and learn how the Center for Agroecology is advancing student food security and transforming agricultural education. After a guided tour, get hands-on with a flower arranging workshop using seasonal blooms grown right on the farm.

Cost: $25 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Campus Natural History Ramble

Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Ages 14+

Explore the wild side of UCSC on a guided walk with a naturalist from the Norris Center for Natural History. Begin your adventure at the Norris Center on Science Hill, where you’ll get a glimpse of fascinating natural history exhibits and current research projects. Then head out on a relaxed ramble through the redwoods to discover the unique plants, animals, and ecosystems that make our campus so special.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Family Tie-Dye Workshop

Rachel Carson Plaza
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | All ages

Kick off your Saturday with a fun, hands-on tie-dye experience designed for families! Join alum Jeremy Carlson (Rachel Carson ’99) and learn easy, colorful techniques as kids and adults create their own one-of-a-kind t-shirts. This relaxed, kid-friendly session is perfect for all ages—come ready to get creative and a little messy!

Each registration includes one t-shirt per participant. Please indicate size during registration.

Cost: $30 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Reflections, Resilience, and Responsibility: Alumni Panel

Rachel Carson Classroom 240
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | All ages

Join us for an intergenerational panel featuring African, Black, and Caribbean alumni sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs across eras. Through personal reflections and collective wisdom, panelists will explore the evolution of the Black student experience and offer insights on how alumni can continue to uplift and support future generations.

Cost: Included with ABC Reunion Pass
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Lunchtime

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Performance by Coyote Moon

Porter Quad
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | All ages

Take a break and enjoy live music from local Santa Cruz folk band, Coyote Moon, in the Porter Quad. Grab lunch from the Porter Market, order delivery from a favorite spot, and settle in to relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy the music at your own pace—no RSVP needed.

Note: Lunch NOT provided

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
No additional registration required

Belonging & Beyond: A Celebration of Alumni and Identity

Stevenson Event Center
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | All ages

Join us for a special Alumni Luncheon hosted by the UC Santa Cruz Resource Centers, including the African American Resource and Cultural Center, American Indian Resource Center, Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center, Cantú Queer Resource Center, El Centro, and the Women’s Center.

This gathering is an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the vibrant communities that helped shape your UCSC experience. Enjoy a delicious meal, build intergenerational connections, and learn how the Resource Centers continue to foster equity, inclusion, and belonging on campus.

Cost: TBD
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Afternoon Activities Block

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Inside Slugworks: Hands-On Tour & Workshop

Slugworks
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | All ages

Get an inside look at UCSC’s inclusive maker space, where creativity meets cutting-edge tools. You’ll explore the space, experiment with equipment like laser cutters and screen printers, and leave with a custom goody bag made by you.

Note: this tour and workshop is specifically designed to be fun and safe for guests of all ages!

Cost: $30 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Forest Talk – The Everett Program Presents Peer Power & Digital Justice: 28 Years of Student-Led Social Change at UCSC

Kresge Classroom 3201
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | All ages

Join the Everett Program and learn how they have built a 28-year legacy of student-led social change at UC Santa Cruz. Rooted in grassroots organizing and guided by a peer-to-peer governance model, Everett empowers students to take leadership in shaping a more just and equitable future through digital technologies. Learn how the Digital Justice Studies minor came to life, dive into the innovative project work led by our student cohorts, and discover where the program is headed next. We’ll share our growth, our challenges, and the many ways you can be part of supporting the next generation of change-makers.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Guided Campus Hike: Mima Mounds

Meet at the Porter Squiggle
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | All ages

Tour of the UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden

The Arboretum
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | All ages

Discover the extraordinary plant life of the UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden on a guided tour through one of the most unique botanical collections in the world. Explore diverse gardens featuring rare and remarkable plants from California, Australia, South Africa, and beyond—right here on campus. This tour is a perfect way to connect with nature and learn more about UCSC’s global conservation efforts.

Note: Transportation is NOT provided. Free parking is available at the Arboretum.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Who’s Afraid of Contemporary Art?

Porter Sesnon Gallery
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Ages 16+

Step into the world of contemporary art with Sesnon Galleries Director Valéria (“Val”) Miranda. This interactive session will help decode the mysteries of today’s art scene—unpacking “art speak,” exploring what curators actually do, and making conceptual art more accessible and engaging. No prior art knowledge needed—just bring your curiosity!

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Recreational Swim

East Field House
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | All ages

Make a splash with the whole family during open swim hours at the UCSC campus pool! Whether you’re swimming laps, splashing with little ones, or just lounging poolside, it’s a great way to cool off and enjoy the weekend together. Lifeguards will be on duty, and all ages are welcome.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
Advanced registration recommended

Tie-Dye Workshop (18+)

Rachel Carson Plaza
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Ages 18+

Spend your Saturday afternoon getting creative with a vibrant tie-dye workshop led by alum Jeremy Carlson (Rachel Carson ’99). This session is designed for adults (18+) and offers space to explore unique dyeing techniques and create a custom, wearable piece of art. Whether you’re new to tie-dye or a longtime fan, you’ll enjoy this laid-back, colorful activity.

Each registration included one t-shirt to tie-dye.

Cost: $30 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Guided Campus Hike: Upper Campus

Meet at the Porter Squiggle
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | All ages

Meet at the iconic Porter Squiggle and join our Adventure Rec staff for a guided hike through some of UCSC’s most scenic landscapes. Choose between the towering redwoods of Upper Campus or the rolling grasslands of the Mima Mounds. These casually paced hikes offer a chance to connect with nature and explore the beauty of campus. Be sure to bring water, a layer, and comfortable shoes for uneven, hilly terrain.

Cost: $5 per person
Advance registration required; space is limited.

Balloon Twisting Workshop

Porter I-Lounge
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | All ages

Learn the whimsical art of balloon twisting with world-renowned balloon artist and UCSC alum Addi Somekh (Cowell ’94). In this fun and interactive workshop, you’ll pick up the basics of balloon artistry while hearing incredible stories from Addi’s journey—from UCSC lecture halls to international stages. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and a sense of fun!

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
Advance registration required; space is limited.

ABC Affiliated Housing Campus Walk

Meet at Stevenson
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | All ages

Embark on a guided walking tour of UC Santa Cruz’s African, Black, and Caribbean (ABC) Themed Housing Communities, designed to immerse participants in the vibrant living-learning environments that celebrate the rich cultural heritage and experiences of ABC students.

This informative tour will highlight key residential communities and provide insight into how these communities, connected to the Office of African, Black, Caribbean (ABC) Student Success and the African American Resource & Cultural Center, intentionally create spaces where students feel connected, safer, and supported.

This walking tour is an excellent opportunity for alumni to experience firsthand the supportive environments that contribute to the success and well-being of ABC students at UC Santa Cruz.

Cost: Included with ABC Reunion Pass
No additional registration required

ABC Reunion: Glimpses of the Black Student Experience Film Screening

Oakes Classroom 105
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | All ages

Join us for an afternoon film screening of “Glimpses of the Black Student Experience” — two student-produced documentaries, created 25 years apart, that explore the lived realities of Black students at UC Santa Cruz.

The original film, produced in 2000, captures voices, struggles, and moments of resilience during a pivotal time for the campus’s African, Black, and Caribbean community. The 2025 remake, reimagined by a new generation of student filmmakers, revisits these themes through a contemporary lens — honoring the past while shedding light on the present-day experiences of Black students navigating higher education.

This intergenerational screening invites viewers to witness how much has changed — and how much remains — in the ongoing pursuit of equity, belonging, and joy. Come celebrate then and now — and the voices that continue to shape the legacy of Black student life at UCSC.

Cost: Included with ABC Reunion Pass
No additional registration required

Evening Activities block

Alumni Council Meet and Greet with a Treat!

Porter Koi Pond
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | All ages

Our UCSC Alumni Council wants to meet you! Hear how we are supporting students and alumni. Come share an ice cream treat with us and share your ideas on how we can better support UCSC alumni.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
No additional registration required

ABC Reunion Barbeque

Oakes Lawn
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | All ages

Join us on the Oakes Lawn for a laid-back outdoor BBQ celebrating community, culture, and connection with fellow African, Black, and Caribbean alumni, faculty, and staff. Enjoy great food, sunshine, and the chance to reconnect and celebrate our shared UCSC legacy together.

Cost: Included with ABC Reunion Pass
No additional registration required

Rainbows In The Redwoods

Lionel Cantú Queer Center
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | All ages

Join QUAC and the Lionel Cantú Queer Center for an open house inside the magical cabin at Return to the Redwoods. Come connect and celebrate with queer and trans communities at UCSC through shared stories, laughter, and light refreshments. You’ll also have the chance to contribute to UCSC’s Out in the Redwoods archive collection by sharing and recording your own queer experiences on campus. We have never been, and never will be, invisible. Our stories matter. And recording them ensures that future generations of banana slugs can see themselves in UCSC’s history

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
No additional registration required

Spotlight Santa Cruz Street Fair

Porter Quad
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | All ages

Celebrate Santa Cruz style at this lively outdoor street fair! Enjoy music from KZSC DJs, sample tasty bites from local food trucks, and shop handcrafted goods from talented local artists. It’s a vibrant, community-centered evening and the perfect place to unwind, connect, and explore before the outdoor movie begins.

Full list of vendors coming soon

Cost: Food and drinks available for purchase
No additional registration required

Rooted in Legacy Evening Mixer

Museum of Art & History (Downtown Santa Cruz)
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | All ages

Join fellow African, Black, and Caribbean alumni for an elegant evening of conversation, connection, and celebration at the Museum of Art & History in downtown Santa Cruz, featuring hearty hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a special program honoring the legacy and impact of ABC alumni at UC Santa Cruz and beyond.

Note: Transportation not included

Cost: Included with ABC Reunion Pass
No additional registration required

Redwood Reels: A Movie in the Rachel Carson Plaza

Rachel Carson Plaza
8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | All ages

Wrap up your Saturday with a magical outdoor screening of My Neighbor Totoro under the stars. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and settle in with fellow Slugs for this heartwarming Studio Ghibli classic. It’s the perfect way to end the day—whether you’re reliving a favorite film or discovering it for the first time.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
No additional registration required.