Built between 1947 and 1949 in the Branciforte neighborhood of east Santa Cruz, the Rio Theatre's ocean-liner-inspired architecture evokes a steamship cruise to its Brazilian namesake. The former movie palace now operates as a 650-seat multi-purpose venue hosting concerts, comedy, film screenings, and community events on its 40-foot-wide thrust stage. David Crosby, Joan Baez, The Wailers, and Patton Oswalt have all performed in the renovated room. The Rio's eclectic booking philosophy, mixing indie rock headliners with documentary premieres and comedy showcases, makes it a cultural anchor for Santa Cruz's east side.
Alternative (5)Jazz (3)Folk (2)World (1)Pop (1)Rock (1)
Upcoming Shows
Recent Shows
Shows from the last 90 days
Thu, Jul 23
Folk
James McMurtry and the Martial Law Review
8:00 PM
Wed, Jul 22
Film
Frequency: The Secret of Everything
6:00 PM
Tue, Jul 21
Lecture
Ocean Vuong
7:00 PM
Sat, Jul 18
Psychedelic Pop
Babe Rainbow
8:00 PM
Thu, Jul 16
Bluegrass
Dan Tyminski Band
7:00 PM
Thu, Jun 18
Singer-songwriter, country-blues
Lucinda Williams and Her Band
8:00 PM
Sat, May 23
atmospheric electronics, warped Americana
Grandaddy
8:00 PM
Sat, May 16
Soul
Valerie: A Tribute to Amy Winehouse
8:00 PM
Thu, May 14
World fusion
Derek Gripper + Alam Khan + Guy Buttery
8:00 PM
Sun, May 10
Country Rock
Jim Messina
8:00 PM
Fri, May 8
Bluegrass
The Brothers Comatose
8:00 PM
Thu, May 7
Alternative Rock
Corked
7:00 PM
Sun, May 3
jazz
Pat Metheny
7:30 PM