The 2025 Lookout List: Arts & Entertainment

Winner: Chris Johnson Glass – Studio Zayante

131 Old Coast Rd., Davenport 95017

Creatives in Santa Cruz County praise Chris Johnson Glass at Studio Zayante in Davenport for its welcoming atmosphere and the rare opportunity to create meaningful glass art pieces. Customers highlight Chris Johnson’s supportive teaching style and the variety of class offerings – one voter even praised the studio for allowing them to incorporate personal touches like loved ones’ ashes into their glasswork.

Winner: M.K. Contemporary Art

703 Front St., Santa Cruz 95060

Voters say M.K. Contemporary Art in downtown Santa Cruz stands out for its well-curated exhibits that highlight a refreshing mix of unique and talented artists. Locals appreciate the gallery’s lively atmosphere, variety of rotating shows and events that often include live music.

Winner: Bookshop Santa Cruz

1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Bookshop Santa Cruz is a beloved downtown fixture known for its massive selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff and strong community spirit. Lookout List voters praise its welcoming atmosphere, local roots and standout children’s section filled with thoughtful recommendations and unique finds.

Winner: DNA’s Comedy Lab

Lookout readers say DNA’s Comedy Lab events always impress with strong headliners and lively open mic nights. While the future of DNA Comedy Lab events is unclear as the founder has moved out of the area, DNA still hosted the annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival in October of this year to much success.

Winner: Moe’s Alley

1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz 95065

Live music lovers rave about Moe’s Alley’s varied and entertaining lineup in its fun, intimate space. Lookout List voters praise the staff and owners as friendly and engaged, making the venue a go-to for live music.

Winner: Kuumbwa Jazz

320-2 Cedar St, Santa Cruz 95060

Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz stands out for its world-class performances in an intimate venue with excellent acoustics and a welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the diverse lineup of artists, attentive staff, quality food and drinks, and the nonprofit’s reputation for offering top-tier acts.

Winner: Quarry Amphitheater

1156 High St., Santa Cruz 95064

UC Santa Cruz’s Quarry Amphitheater stands out with its stunning redwood‑lined setting and top‑tier live acts that make each show feel special. Voters highlight the venue’s thoughtful staging and welcoming production staff who elevate the concert experience.

Winner: Del Mar Theatre

1124 Pacific Ave. #4415, Santa Cruz 5060

Moviegoers say the Del Mar Theatre in downtown Santa Cruz stands out for its historic charm and intimate, old-fashioned atmosphere that enhances every screening. For generations, voters have appreciated its carefully curated film selection and the nostalgic experience it offers alongside its cozy setting.

Winner: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

705 Front St., Santa Cruz 95060

Lookout List voters say the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History delivers “always interesting, insightful presentations” across its three floors of exhibits. They commend the museum’s strong support for local artists, diverse art and history programming and the friendly, community‑minded atmosphere.

Winner: MusicalMe

Offering classes throughout Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties

Parents say MusicalMe stands out because it has spent 29 years serving local families and creates a warm, playful environment where their little ones thrive in music and movement. Voters highlight caring instructors, a nurturing space for beginners and a strong sense of community among families.

Winner: Ugly Mug Coffeehouse

4640 Soquel Dr., Soquel 95073

Locals say Ugly Mug Coffeehouse in Soquel shines with its cozy atmosphere and friendly baristas. The open mic nights are hosted every Monday from 5 to 8 p.m., welcoming music, poetry and original work, with lottery‑style sign-ups that give performers a supportive and inclusive stage.

Winner: Moe’s Alley

1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz 95065

Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz stands out for its lively live music shows where the crowd moves from blues to reggae in a tight‑knit, high‑energy space. Dancers highlight the venue’s intimate setting, friendly bar staff and strong lineup of acts that turn concerts into memorable nights inside and under the stars on Moe’s back patio.

Winner: KPIG-FM

Listeners say KPIG‑FM stands out for its authentic, community‑rooted sound that mixes folk, blues, and Americana artists. Voters praise the station’s laid‑back personalities, deep music knowledge and “lots of play for our local singer-songwriters.”

Winner: Santa Cruz Shakespeare

501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz 95065

Audiences say Santa Cruz Shakespeare delivers consistently world-class productions with brilliant actors and superbly executed performances in a beautiful outdoor setting. Voters highlight the company’s high professional standards, approachable classics, innovative new plays and the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that makes every show memorable.

Winner: El Vaquero Winery

2901 Freedom Blvd., Corralitos 95076

Trivia-goers say El Vaquero Winery in Corralitos stands out for its themed trivia nights, mixing audio and visual questions that keep the evenings lively and engaging. Reviewers praise host Michael Gaither for his fun, approachable style, the winery’s excellent selection of wines and the social, welcoming atmosphere that draws both regulars and newcomers.

Winner: The Audrey Stanley Grove

501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz 95065

The Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park offers theatergoers an unforgettable outdoor setting where the trees and night sky enhance each performance. Nearly every Lookout List voter regarded this venue as “beautiful.” Visitors also praise the venue’s thoughtful layout with good sight lines, convenient amenities and the relaxed, picnic‑friendly atmosphere.