Return to the Redwoods Logo

Weekend Schedule

Activities

Spend your day enjoying the beauty of campus, and choose your own adventure! Lounge in the Porter Quad, pay homage to all of your favorite student haunts, or get reacquainted with campus through one of our optional activities.

Don’t forget that everyone participating in activities needs to have a Weekend Pass (even if you’re not staying on campus).

Tip: all programs below with a Sammy logo in the bottom right corner are included in the Weekend Pass (though some still require advance registration where indicated). All other programs are available for an additional fee.

Thursday

3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Early bird check-in & welcome at Porter College
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

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Check-in & welcome at Porter College
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.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Buttoning Up the Past
McHenry Library, Special Collections

Head over to McHenry Library’s Special Collections Archive for a crafting event where we transform copies of vintage campus photographs into personalized keepsake buttons. Our staff will guide you through the button-making process, ensuring a perfect memento. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our university’s history in a fun, interactive way—make a button, share stories, and explore the fascinating treasures of McHenry Library’s Special Collections!

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
*No additional registration required

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ride a giant banana slug
McHenry Library, Ground Floor VizLab

Stop by the VizLab on the ground floor of McHenry library to take your photo riding a giant banana slug. Library staff has prepared a green screen effect with different UCSC backgrounds to choose from. (Don’t wear green!)

Brought to you by the Digital Scholarship Innovation Studio.

Follow signage to or reference the map to reach the VizLab.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
*No additional registration required

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Return to the Redwoods Kick-Off Party
Porter Quad

Join us for the official kickoff of Return to the Redwoods. Head to the Porter Quad for an unforgettable evening featuring live music, delicious food, and a cash bar. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the festivities.

Cost: Party and food included with Weekend Pass. Cash bar.
*No additional registration required

8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Stars ‘n’ S’mores
East Field

Following the kick-off party, take an evening walk over to the East Field (or take one of our Slug Taxis) for a bonfire and s’mores led by the incredible Adventure Rec team. If it’s a clear night, our friends in the Astronomy department will join us with telescopes and guide us through the night skies.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
*No additional registration required

Sunday

7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast in the Dining Hall
Rachel Carson/Oakes Dining Hall


Head over to the newly renovated Rachel Carson/Oakes Dining Hall (just across the street from Porter College) and enjoy a wide array of breakfast options alongside incredible views of the Monterey Bay.

Cost: Breakfast voucher included with Weekend Pass
*No additional registration required

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Westside Renewal Walking Tour (SOLD OUT)
Meet in Porter Classroom


Join Frank Zwart (Cowell ’71), Campus Architect Emeritus, for a walking tour of the new buildings on the west side of campus, including the renovated and expanded Porter College residence halls, the Kresge residence halls, and academic center and the new dining hall at Rachel Carson College/Oakes. This walking tour is a great opportunity to learn more about the thoughtful expansions that will give students a 21st-century experience amidst the natural beauty of campus.

Cost: Included with Weekend Pass
Advanced registration required, space is limited

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

FIELD TRIP: O’Neill Yacht Cruise (includes local pizza & pints)
(SOLD OUT)
Meet at Porter Bus Stop


Head out for a sail on the beautiful Monterey Bay with our friends at O’Neill Yacht Charters. This cruise includes beer tastings from Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery and pizza from local favorite Upper Crust. *Shuttle boards at 1pm in the Porter Circle to head to Santa Cruz Harbor to board for a 2 pm cruise*

The following waiver is required to be completed ahead of time to participate in this cruise (please complete by August 11th):
O’Neill Yacht Waiver

Cost: $80, all ages
Includes late check-out from campus housing.
Advanced registration required, space is limited

Last modified: Aug 16, 2024