This Saturday, the Diversity Center is hosting prom for those who might not have been able to fully enjoy the quintessential high school experience. Held at London Nelson Community Center from 4 to 7 p.m., the Retro Rainbow is an LGBTQ+ party for older adults featuring burlesque, drag, a DJ, food and a “Glam” theme. Tickets are free, and registration is encouraged. – Lily Belli
Here are more local events you might be interested in this weekend:
Thursday, May 28
- 19th Annual Music In May: Spotlighting El Sistema Youth Orchestra | 7 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History | Free
- UCSC Opera: “Orpheus in the Underworld” | 7:30 p.m. @ UC Santa Cruz Music Center Recital Hall | $29
- Mason Jennings | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall | $31.89
Friday, May 29
- CreativeMornings Release Day Party | 8 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History | Free
- Boardwalk Behind-The-Scenes Tour | 9 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $28.52
- Food Truck Friday & the Swag Tones | 5 p.m. @ Skypark | Free
- Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties | 5 p.m. @ 1111 Soquel Ave.
- Hawaiian Weekend Celebration | 5 p.m. @ Chaminade Resort & Spa | $25
- “Soy, simplemente soy” – Frida Kahlo-inspired paint & sip | 6 p.m. @ Watsonville Center for the Arts | $45
- GZA | 8 p.m. @ The Catalyst | $46-$52
- The Darts *record release show* w/ SERVICE + The Hellflowers | 8 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley | $22.59
Saturday, May 30
- Summer’s Here West Cliff Outdoor Market | 10 a.m. @ West Cliff Lighthouse Parking Lot | Free
- Redwood Mountain Faire 2026 | Noon @ Roaring Camp Railroad | $17-$255 + parking
- Music for the Animals Fundraiser | Noon @ Santa Cruz Cider Company / Buena Vista Brewing Co. | Free
- 2026 Retro Rainbow | 4 p.m. @ London Nelson Community Center | Free
- Buddhist Celebration: Saka Dawa | 6 p.m. @ Land of Medicine Buddha | Free
- MOTHFEST 2026: Tribute to Dan Lamothe ft. Rezurex, Dark Ride, Bones Shredder & A Band Of Orcs | 8 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley | $15-$20
- Pradabagshawty | 8 p.m. @ The Catalyst | $25.48
Sunday, May 31
- Watsonville Community Bike Ride / Paseo en Bicicleta por Watsonville | 11 a.m. @ East Lake Village Shopping Center | Free
- Capitola Art & Wine Kickoff Party | 2 p.m. @ Bargetto Winery | $65-$75
- The Deep Read: A Conversation with Merlin Sheldrake | 4 p.m. @ Quarry Amphitheater | Free
- Stella Heath & The Billie Holiday Project | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall | $63.20
