The Catalyst

As always, Death Angel put on a superb performance. They never disappoint. I was kind of disappointed that Forbidden was removed from the lineup although the three opening bands, Phantom Witch, Exmortus and Warbringer more than made up for it. Awesome performances from all of them. Lots of great fans out there. Good selection of alcohol and prices weren't bad at all.

This was a great experience me and my group went on a day with some not so popular bands performing so it was pretty chill and crowd still had a good vibe even though there wasn't very many people.

Just wanted to say that the staff were incredibly helpful and kind. I'd seen a review on here saying they were the opposite, and just wanted to share my experience. I showed up late to a show there after the opener had finished, as I usually plan to do because I'm in chronic pain and the longer I sit/stand the worse my back pain gets, so I try to miss the opener to minimize the pain I'll be in for the band I came to see. Anyway I came in a power wheelchair, but they didn't have a good setup or elevator for that, and it turns out I should've shown up 10 minutes early to be let in first with the other disabled patrons. But anyway. It was my mistake really, but the staff were so incredibly kind and helpful, they helped my friend find a spot where I could sit and let me park my powerchair somewhere safe. Not only that, but the manager gave me a free ticket to ANY show in the next year just because he felt bad for the inconvenience. Really blew me away!

Other than that, the venue is pretty nice. I always love intimate venues like this where you can get closer to the artists you're coming to see. It does get a little hot and humid in there though lol. Overall I had an incredible experience for my first time there.

Royal Blood!!

We frequent this venue when we’re on tour & it’s always a great night! The staff is friendly & helpful. The crowd is always fun & enjoying themselves.

During our last visit (post-Covid), they weren’t serving food but I remember them selling food before (pre-Covid) which was pretty good. There are a lot of good food options around the venue also.

favorite venue EVER!! both the main stage and atrium are the perfect size for small concerts. the catalyst always has some fun, upcoming artists performing for very cheap tickets. i’ve always had a great time and have always been at the very front of the stage. staff are super nice here including the ones at the bar (regardless if you are 21 or not).

Love seeing shows here! I’ve been in two of the venues and both were great. Safe to go alone, parking is easy.

Fun place to see a concert

This is a nice place for concerts and/or night club, spacious it has a complete bar of course, it is two floors and is located right on downtown Santa Cruz, right next to another bar and right across from the bus station. I believe it is open on weekends as a night club

Awesome venue. If you want to be in the middle or in the front of the action this is the place. Staff are super friendly and super helpful. Booze to me is cheap.

Great club. Still the same as it was in 1980. Love the vibe.
Staff is professional and friendly. Tix for shows are relatively cheap.
One downside: No chairs in the balconies, and very few seats on the floor. Why?

I love this place, I used to always go here when I was younger... Has a great variety of different musicians play, I've seen some of my favorite bands play here and it is always affordable prices. The people that work there have always been polite, crowd is usually down to earth as well. Overall great place 👌

Grew up going to this venue. It’s the largest venue in SC - but still intimate. Better suited for certain genres givin the acoustics of the room. I enjoy the atrium for how small it is. The best venue to go see The Expendables, of course.

They convinced me to do karaoke for the first time and I have terrible stage fright. The fact that I was comfortable enough to do it here, says a lot about the hospitality and welcoming environment of this place. Will for sure come back. Thank you so much! Drinks are priced good, too.

Such a great venue, so many great performers have come & continue to come, very open but personal performances space I love the feel & vibe of The Catalyst!

I was 15 yrs old in 1970. As a run away I hung out in Santa Cruz for a while . I loved the Catalyst at that time. Tonight i was shopping for mushrooms.... Damn this brought such good memories. I found shops.for shrooms and thought to Google this place.

The music here is legendary. From No Doubt to Snoop Dawg and every up and comer in between there is always a good show here. The staff is great, even Security. check out the new upstairs bar on Mondays. This used to be a railway station but all stops are here now for a good time.

THE downtown Santa Cruz venue. Great bands, great bar upstairs and the best pizza downtown (has some crunch in the crust). The bar overlooks the Atrium so you can see the bands playing there, the main hall is long and narrow and seating is unassigned but a great place to see a show. Frequent great special events Worth stopping in whether you are seeing a show or not

Great spot for an intimate concert. If you want to drink stay on the left side.

This is a great venue to catch a show. It is a decent size floor, but even in the back you can still see the show easily. I really enjoyed the set up. I will definitely be trying to see my favorite groups here.

This place is a must to stay in tune with their calendar!
They have many well known bands/performers and it gets packed!
Awesome to be able to see someone who's music you love in a small place and up an front.
I've been going here for years, definitely a place not to miss!