Sept 21–24, 2023

Frequency is a biennial festival presented by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH), providing a platform to celebrate digital innovation and culture. The 4-night event activates the museum, neighboring gardens and plazas in downtown Santa Cruz with illuminated artworks, interactive technologies, and immersive experiences from local and international artists.

Frequency takes place Thursday, September 21 through Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm each day.

Yes, many of the attractions within Frequency are admission-free and open to the public. While all outdoor installations can be visited at no cost, there is a small entrance fee to the MAH, where some indoor festival artworks and programs are hosted.

Museum Admission

• Adults: $10, Children (12 and under): $5
• MAH Members: FREE

MAH members get FREE access to museum during the festival:

• Friend ($60) | Includes 2 free admissions to Frequency
• Family ($80) | Includes 4 free admissions to Frequency
• Fan ($125-999) | Includes 6 free admissions to Frequency
  

Sign up today and enjoy free admission, special viewing access, exclusive programming, and other member benefits.

No, you can visit Frequency anytime between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm on September 21–24, 2023, although we recommend coming after the sun goes down to see the installations fully illuminated.

No, you do not need a ticket or reservation to attend Frequency. However, if you choose to visit the artworks inside the museum, the cost of admission—if you are not a MAH member—is processed onsite at the time of the event. There is no advance ticket purchase option, other than purchasing or renewing a membership to provide a limited number of museum admissions.

Entrance to the museum is on a first-come, first served basis with capacity limits. To help expedite entry for MAH members, there is a dedicated member line at check-in.

Museum Admission

• Adults: $10, Children (12 and under): $5
• MAH Members: FREE

The City of Santa Cruz has a number parking lots in the downtown area. Some of them are free, with time limits. The others are paid parking. There are two garages, Soquel / Front Garage and River / Front Garage, located near the MAH, both of which have disability parking spaces.

Yes, we encourage attendees to visit the food and beverage vendors at Abbott Square Market, immediately next to the MAH. There are also many downtown restaurants in close proximity to the festival site. Please keep in mind that food and drink are not allowed inside the MAH or its exhibition galleries.

No, pets are not allowed at Frequency. Service animals are permitted throughout the festival site; however, this does not include emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals. Only ADA recognized service animals will be allowed within the festival footprint.

No, Frequency is a rain-or-shine event, although some outdoor performances may be delayed or rescheduled due to inclement weather. Dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if necessary!

For the safety of our guests, staff, and community, the MAH continues to encourage masking, hand hygiene, self-screening, and other preventive measures.

No, but the museum continues to encourage masking, hand hygiene, self-screening, and other preventive measures.

How nice to hear you would like to volunteer! Please email Marla Novo to express your interest.

Frequency is made possible with the support of many partners and collaborators. To read more about partnership opportunities and how to get involved with us, visit our sponsorship page.

Artist submissions for Frequency 2023 are currently closed. Please keep an eye on the MAH website and social media channels for updates about opportunities to get involved in future festivals and projects.

You can also join our mailing list for the most up-to-date information on how to showcase your work at the MAH.