Get to know Santa Cruz’s WILD SIDE at the Museum of Natural History.
Nerd out on your night out during monthly after-hours events, featuring rotating themes, vendors, and activities. Free admission to the Museum all day 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with special indoor festivities 5 to 8 p.m.
Big fun can come in small packages! Micro May will magnify your curiosity with naturalists who specialize in the science of small. All month long the Museum’s Public Programs will be showcasing mini-marvels as we explore the tiny treasures of Santa Cruz that are often hiding in plain sight. From microfossils to microplastics, parasites to pollinators, stippling to cinema, you won’t want to miss these gargantuan adventures in pint-sized packages.
In addition to the festivities, there will be information on the upcoming lectures lined up for the micro-themed Naturalist Night series, the opportunity to experience our new The Art of Nature exhibit, explore special seasonal items in the Gift Shop, and more details about this month’s walks and workshops.
📆 Friday, May 2nd
⏱️ 5 – 8 p.m.
📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Community Groups & Vendors:
- The Cigarette Surfboard
- Save Our Shores
- Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
- Explore Local Nature
- Nature Photographer Mark August Esguerra
- Artist Cady DeLay
- Artist Victoria Galitzine
- Artist Chloe Rickards
- Artist Ferd Bergholz
- and so much more!
Accessibility:
- Drop-by anytime 5-8 p.m. to join the festivities!
- Admission to the Museum is free all day, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Follow the latest guidelines for health and safety.
- Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum.
- Booths and activities will be indoors and outdoors.
More Events at the Museum
- Mobile MuseumsFind our pop-up mobile museums at events around Santa Cruz County and beyond! When: Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 11:00 AM to … Read more
- 4/18 Art of Nature Workshop: Butterflies in WatercolorAs part of this Springtime special, get up close and personal with the art of arthropods! Featuring beautiful insect displays, from the … Read more
- 4/19 Saturdays in the SoilWe are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of … Read more
- 4/19 Earth Day Rockin’ Pop Up!Looking for a GNEISS way to spend your weekend? Well, you won’t want to take this special event for GRANITE! Celebrate Earth Day with a … Read more
- 4/20 Earth Day Special: Birding PhotographyLearn to appreciate the diverse bird populations of Santa Cruz through a camera lens. Level-up your birding by applying photography tips, tricks, … Read more
- 4/23 Art of Nature Workshop: Birds in GouacheAs part of this Art of Nature special, learn from one of the featured exhibitors on how to capture the intricate beauty … Read more