Campus News
For 35 years, UCSC Adventure Rec has brought the Banff Mountain Film Festival to Santa Cruz — and opened the outdoors to students.
For 35 years, UCSC Adventure Recreation has hosted the Banff Mountain Film Festival in Santa Cruz, turning world-class adventure films into direct support for students. Ticket sales help reduce trip costs by up to 50%, expanding access to outdoor leadership and recreation. Join the community February 27, 28 and March 1, 2026 at the Rio Theatre.
UCSC Adventure Rec has brought the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Santa Cruz — not simply as a film screening, but as a community tradition that expands outdoor access for UCSC students.
Each November, the Banff Festival in Canada showcases the world’s most breathtaking and inspiring adventure films. On February 27, 28, and March 1, 2026, Adventure Rec will once again bring a curated selection of award-winning films to the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz. Each night features a completely different lineup.
At UC Santa Cruz, Banff is more than a global film tour stop. It’s an investment in students.
Each year, Banff ticket sales help Adventure Rec raise more than $20,000 to reduce student trip costs by up to 50%, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent students from participating in outdoor leadership and recreation programs. Over the years, the event has helped hundreds of UCSC students experience California’s wild spaces for the first time.
Already in 2025-26, 1,113 students participated in Adventure Rec trips and other programs. For many students, an Adventure Rec trip becomes more than an outing. It becomes a defining part of their UCSC experience.
One of my top 5 UCSC memories. I’ll always say how cool our school is because of programs like Adventure Rec. — Backpacking 101 student
Adventure Rec programs are designed not only to introduce students to backpacking, climbing, surfing, and snow travel, but also to cultivate leadership, resilience, and belonging. For many students, an Adventure Rec trip becomes:
- Their first backpacking experience
- Their first opportunity to lead peers in a wilderness setting
- A space to build lasting friendships
- A moment of confidence that carries into academics and life beyond UCSC
New friendships, new skills, and confidence. I feel more able to conquer my fears and do difficult things. — Big Sur Camping and Climbing participant
By hosting Banff each year at the Rio Theatre, Adventure Rec also strengthens the bond between campus and community. In 2025, the festival welcomed 1,205 Santa Cruz community members and 163 UCSC students, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, alumni, families, and students in a shared celebration of storytelling and environmental awareness.
Whether audiences are transported to snowy slopes, mountain summits, biking expeditions in Nepal, or even urban birdwatching, each evening offers a different cinematic journey.
UCSC students can purchase discounted tickets for the Sunday night lineup, expanding access and ensuring more students can participate in this longstanding community tradition. When you purchase a ticket, you are not only attending a film festival. You are directly supporting outdoor access, student growth, and belonging at UC Santa Cruz.
Join Adventure Rec February 27, 28, and March 1, 2026 at the Rio Theatre.
Adventure Rec is a program of the Department of Athletics & Recreation, within the Division of Student Affairs & Success.
UCSC Adventure Recreation is a program within the Department of Athletics & Recreation that offers trips, clinics, events, and equipment rentals that connect students to the outdoors. Through accessible programming and leadership development, Adventure Rec fosters community, personal growth, and environmental stewardship.
UC Santa Cruz Athletics & Recreation promotes health, wellness, and school spirit through intercollegiate athletics, sport clubs, intramurals, fitness, and recreation programs. The department is committed to inclusive, student-centered opportunities that support well-being and leadership development.
UC Santa Cruz Division of Student Affairs and Success supports holistic student development through programs, services, and resources that advance academic success, personal growth, and belonging. Grounded in equity, the division partners across campus to help students thrive. To learn more, visit the DSAS website and follow @ucsc.dsas on Instagram.
Thank You to Our Local Sponsors
- Allterra Solar
- Land Trust of Santa Cruz County
- Pacific Edge Climbing Gym
- KZSC 88.1
- Good Times
- Woodstock’s Pizza
For more information, contact Adventure Rec | adventurerec@ucsc.edu | 831-459-2806