Awesome venue. Great sound. Professional staff. Good vibes

While the venue & staff are totally fine, their website charges you a 17.00 convenience fee to use their website to buy tickets & 6.95 to email you tickets. Email is free but for their automated service computer to email you tickets its 6.95?!?! WTF? Id definitely recommend seeing a show there, but get your tickets anywhere else but from them.

THE BEST VENUE LAST TIME I WAS HERE SOMEONES PEPPER SPRAY GOT STOMPED ON IN THE MOSH PIT AND EXPLODED EVERYONE HAD TO EVACUATE (which the staff was v helpful in that situation) AND THE BAND JUST KEPT PLAYING (The Garden)its a v intimate venue so if youre going to see an artist youll more likely be able to maneuver youre way to front row which is always fun

Definitely a fun venue, just the sound wasnt perfect at times and the lights were so bright it was awkward haha. I am used to venues with dark lighting and cool light effects. I saw the same band that I just saw in SF and the lighting and soundwas a lot worse here, but the tickets were half the price!!!!

Cant wait to go back got tickets for great show in September

EVERY time i come to the catalyst they NEVER end at the time they say they are going to end they say the show will beginat 9 p.m. but always start late around 9:30 or 9:35 and always END super early by 11 p.m. people drive from other cities just to support and pay for this events. I have videos to prove the time I arrived and the time Securities start kicking us out, DEFINITELY not worth driving here anymore . it aint the first or second time this has happened

Awesome venue, very intimate. Price per artist is pretty good imo. Drinks are expensive and ticket will call was a little difficult.

Awesome place to come watch gr8 bands such as tonight here watching Fortunate Youth....cool to meet the band... And February for Josh Hendricks

Fetty wap put on a good show

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

I have seen multiple concerts here in the past few months. Love that the venue is small and entament expecially if you see a show in the atrium like I seen Rebel Souljahz

Thoroughly enjoyed watching bands play here. Great environment and awesome vibes and fans.

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.

Nice place and good choice to either be on the floor or up on the second floor

Seen at least 50 shows here over the years, and have loved every one. The atrium is so intimate, and the main stage is great as well. One of my all time favorite venues.

Its awesome.

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic concert.. just awesome!

Came to see Wild Rivers at the Catalyst. Love this venue! Its intimate in a good way! Dante (Catalyst security) is the best!! Believe whatever he says

Not the worlds classiest venue, but the catalyst is unique. Acoustics are decent... the venue can be quite intimate. Pro tip: buy drinks in the bar outside and upstairs and use the bathrooms there too... its faster, because there are no lines. Youre welcome.

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 whos music you love in a small place and up an front.Ive been going here for years, definitely a place not to miss!

Great venue, though I wish they would crack down on all the vaping.

Great place for shows always.

Might just be my favorite place to see a show. This place is notorious for getting headlining performers to play in a small venue for a very reasonable ticket price. I have yet to be disappointed. Also serve late night greasy pizza from the street and have a couple bars as well. The Atrium is the second stage. It is floor level viewing has a bar and is good. But I prefer the main hall.

Ive always been impressed with the sound quality at this venue. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, what appears to be a dive, the sounds is great with a good variety of genres flowing through.

Great Santa Cruz music and event venue. Or is really fun to be there. Loved my room there

My favorite concert venue

I love this spot. Seen a lot of cool shows here. Be warned that standing in line outside the venue can be rough (some of the homeless locals can be a little confrontational). Other than that, I try to see shows here as often as possible.

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!

The venue is nice. unfortunately my friends and i ended up leaving early from the show we had been waiting months for. too many people smoking weed was super overwhelming and made us feel sick and uncomfortable. super disappointed with the rules and regulations of the catalyst. they really need to stress more and new rules about it being a non smoking venue. still so sad we had to leave the show. i hope it improves with time but for now i won’t be a returning customer.

Only if it was open.but the were closed

Dope spot. Always good vibes

If I could give zero stars I would. I went last night to the ari Lennox concert and she was amazing. But the staff at this even were the worst. When we first walked in the guy at the window told us to just walk through if we had our tickets. When we tried to do that some guy sitting on the stool was super rude and condescending and called us liars. Ok showed our I’d and then went through he tore the ticket stubs of the people we were with and then when we got to where they scanned mobile tickets some girl with orange hair basically told them that the tickets were used because the stub was missing. They tried to explain that the guy at the first door tore the stubs and she was super rude and basically told them she was going to let them in even though they were clearly lying. So then my friend was like well I have my mobile tickets too and she tried showing the girl who then slapped the phone out of her hand. Wow so rude.!! I showed Her my mobile tickets and she was rude and basically told me and my wife. I don’t even have to let you guys in. Even though I had my own separate tickets. She was the rudest person ever. I’ve been to the catalyst a lot and this was my worst experience so far. I saw this orange hair girl be rude to others on the way out.

Be weary of buying tickets before hand. Concert got cancelled and they did not want to refund my tickets. Only buy tickets if youre sure this venue has no way of stealing your hard earned money.

Went to see Molotov and I liked the place very much cause it does not get crowded, the sold beer at reg price and the people working there were cool. Two thumbs up!

Grungy dirty (in a good way) the catalyst is santa Cruz, I went there to attend a suicide girls burlesque show and the venue was more than spacious, it even had three separate bars and the servers where all stunning young ladies of the free spirit kind, Ive since attended other shows there.

Great place for live music.

The venue is just okay. Everything is very dirty and outdated, but its a concert venue so whatever. The security is a REAL problem. They have no qualms about putting you in the hospital just for giving them a funny look, be careful going as a black person or tourist, dont pre-game, and dont try and reason with them. Im from santa cruz but Ive heard too many stories from locals and tourists alike to not speak the truth here. Someone needs to be fired.On the plus side, sound is okay and they can really get some good headliners in there.I will revise my review if certain people, who have been named in past reviews as well as word of mouth, are replaced with professional venue security. Its a really big problem, but one of the only problems.

My friends warned me about this place. That they had become way too strict with their customers. I had to see for myself.I went to see J-Boog with 5 other friends. Nobody was overly drunk. My friend ordered 5 drinks from the bar downstairs. We didnt realize it was cash only. When the bartender saw that my friend didnt have any cash he began to flip out. My friend said hey hold on for one second Ill have my friend pay for it no big deal. I ran to the ATM while my friend waited at the bar. I was back in less than 3 minutes. I paid the bill and the bar tender proceeded to accuse us of attempting to get over on the club and take drink without paying. He was paid albeit 3 minutes later but the bill was taken care of all while somebody waited at the bar. Because of this all 5 of us were kicked out of the bar. Meanwhile as we are getting escorted out of the bar we had to walk through several huge clouds of weed and the bouncer didnt even trip!! The bar tender was extremely rude and so were the bouncers. Very unprofessional. I will not return. This place is for the kids.

Great venue that also serves pizza and has pool and an awesome laid back bar upstairs. Ive seen a bunch of shows here and they havent thrown me out yet, so thats something. Always surprised at the quality acts that this place ends up dragging down to Santa Cruz. Last saw Gogol Bordello here in November of 16. The show was transcendent.

Always a good time at the catalyst! Ive gone to this venue dozens of times over the years and have never been dissapointed. The staff is nice and atmosphere is good. You can even catch a pizza before or after the show. Drinks are reasonably priced.

Went to see The Amity Affliction. The band was great but the sound was a nightmare really disappointing place to live

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.

Its hard to belive that this is a music venue at all really. I have been to several concerts here over the years and the sound is infinitely better in the Atrium than in the actual Catalyst and thats not saying much.They definitely should work on their acoustics or at least upgrade to better speakers because its honestly appaling and they should truly be ashamed of themselves for calling themselves a music venue.No wonder big names harldy play here, fix your sound!

Pretty much the only music venue that gets recognizable acts in Santa Cruz. They get a great variety of artists but the place itself is average. Pretty much what you would expect from a music venue. There isnt anything really exceptional about this venue, aside from the acts they get,

Yikes!! This is not the first timeI’ve heard horror stories of violence and drugging at this establishment. STAY AWAY. Vote with your dollars and DO NOT SUPPORT a place that doesn’t take violence against women seriously.

One of my favorite venues in the Bay. Intimate and fun. Great mix of balconies and floor space. They always have the up and coming or underground acts you are looking for.

My parents met at the original location in 1969

Probably the least professionally run stage in the bay area - not going back unless whatever band is playing literally dont play elsewhere. PS. Whatever came out of their tap wasnt beer (clean the damn lines if youre selling beer!)

Great venue, excellent stages, good sound system. Theres cheap pizza, and good drinks. Ive seen all kinds of shows here; rock, EDM, punk - it really runs the gamut. Always very impressed by the venue and the staff is wonderful.

Frequently hosts artists that usually play at larger venues. Caters to University and young students, with many concerts 16+. Generally attracts positive and enthusiastic crowds that respect the artists and other concert goers. Great bartenders and staff.

Good fun venue but its not what it used to be. Decor is very run down now. Blackout theme now vs tropical in the 80s. Good sound and service, poor selection at the bar. Just the basics. A fair beer selection, not great IMO. Limited cocktails. Fair drink prices, except for bottled water. Cold pizza is the only food now. This used to be a nice place. Its a dive now, but a nice dive.

Downtown Santa Cruz, the Catalyst Club is nearby to lots of fun things to do before or after the show. Ive been going to shows here since I was a kid, but never took advantage enough, of what a great venue it is. Stay in Santa Cruz overnight, its walking distance to many motels/hotels, and downtown has many fun restaurants and bars to check out. If you cant afford the rates during spring/summer, then hold out till winter, when the rates drastically fall, you can find nice places for $80-100/night. You can also wlak to the Boardwalk amusement park and Santa Cruz warf for more things to do. I live just over the hill in SJ and feel very lucky to have Santa Cruz nearby!

Awful security and notorious for non action for violence against women. Not a place to go to feel safe whatsoever:

Fun Venue, great show on Halloween, good bar service!

This is the go-to place for music and pizza in downtown Santa Cruz. There are 3 separate music venues.... a back room for large shows. A front room for medium shows, and an upstairs for small shows. They constantly work on improving the sound in each one. An awesome place.

The Catalyst is one of the best...if not the best place in the tri county area to see live music. The sound system is top notch. Been coming here for years and will continue to do so.

Cozy. Great sound. Saw some great bands. Beers at the show cost less than at my local bar.

Great venue for music - a real part of history. As a general bar its OK. But the secret is going to the Atrium side for breakfast in the morning. Yes, you read that right - breakfast. Dont wait in long lines for the usual breakfast spots. The Catalyst has great local coffee and excellent fresh-squeezed orange juice and a the 4-egg Denver omelette is a fantastic cheesy meaty late-morning meal for a hungry guy (especially after a dawn-patrol surf). They also get bacon and sausages from a local meat production company with bread from a local bakery. Prices are quite reasonable and, again, no waiting in line. Have a great meal and then go for a walk downtown and delight in shopping our fabulous local businesses.

Always enjoyable music venue. They book awesome bands. Get there early if you want to sit but mostly dance in place to the great music.

I usually love to attend shows and concerts at this venue, but lately I feel the service has been slacking.Last night I tried to buy tickets at the box office around 11pm. The gentleman cleaning up told me no one was available and to come back the next day at 3pm when it reopens. So I arrive today at 3pm on the dot and walked in (door was unlocked). No one was around, so I waited until I saw someone and asked if I could get some assistance purchasing tickets.I was then asked to wait outside until someone was available to come up. So I waited another 15 min or so, and no one ever came. I was on my lunch break, so I couldnt wait any longer.Im really disappointed I still havent been able to get my tickets. I dont mind buying them online, but I didnt want to pay the additional $7 in fees when I live about 2 miles away.

Had a great time here on new years almost brought a lady twice my age home until my buddy saved me. I hope everyone has an amazing time here! I did!

Super chill vibe, love this place

Good venue, GREAT performers, security is actually a great group of guys who are hands off for the most part, dont let the job go to their heads, and simply do their best to keep the people and the venue safe. Beer is maybe $3 per, and no reentry unless youre 21

Great club! Intimate setting; saw blue scholars here and was really close to the performers! Loved the show and the venue is chill! Go to rockers afterwards for a slice of pizza!

Awesome venue, great drinks and service.

Wow, magpie salute was fantastic. I brought two friends who absolutely loved the show too. Im looking forward to many more sbows to come from this brilliant band

This place is your standard concert hall aimed for rock bands and what not. The variety of bands that pass through this place is incomparable. Theyve improved their facilities a lot over the past decade. Still my favorite place to see a concert.

Great service and an upstairs (21 & up) with pool and they also have pizza! It is pretty much first come first serve so get there early if you want to be in the front row.

I like this venue. Its small but good. Bathrooms have improved they used to be really gross but they hired an attendant

The staff and management here is absolutely horrific. I was talking to a girl who seemed very interested in me. Some bouncer apparently liked her, because for no reason, he dragged me down the stairs, and threw me out on the street. Dont go here until they learn to hire better staff.

Good shows, small so you can get close to the action.

Great venue to see Cody Jinks that put on one hell of a show! Love that man

Great environment great headliners!! Best night of my life?! Maybe but definitely worth going to a show there!!!

Great spot to see live music and bigger groups in a rather intimate setting. Billiards upstairs. Dont mess with the locals and youll have a good time!

Historic Music venue.

Security can be a little pretentious and some shows are definitely lame in terms of who is playing. Overall its a hit or miss. Ive had some awesome nights here and other times I wonder who even listens to this?

This is a great venue for small and large shows alike. They have multiple bars and quite a cozy feel.

I love this venue. Always had fun and their beer is priced just like any bar. Good times to be had here!

I really like this venue, its well located in a popular area of Santa Cruz so walkable from dinner before the show or drinks after. It also has an intimate college atmosphere, with several bars within view of the stage and the entrance has a ramp leading down so you get a nice view of the whole joint when you initially walk in. Id be a regular here but I dont live in SC so the drive is a bit much!

Excellent venue for live music. Good sound, good bartenders, good pizza, what more do you need?

I will NEVER go to that place, EVER! My friend was beat up by 4 security guards. They nearly killed him. Someone is going to pay for this tragedy.

Pretty bad-ass venue in SC. I went and saw one of my favorite bands here last year (2013). Its a good size with provides for a pretty intimate environment.Go check it out and have a blast.

A super friendly place, everyone is so awesome. Sensory

They have like 200 people 21+ and maybe two bartenders. Bartenders werent cut out for it, swearing, getting nothing done. Good club if youre 15-18 honestly...

Cozy but not cramped, either venue is a great place to enjoy music. Staff is polite and effective, and the pizza is good too.

Best place in town to catch an amazing band or two. The venue is great and they always have great names performing

Good venue for locals trying to see performing artists without having to go all the way up to SF.If the artist you want to see is also playing in the city, definitely go for that. While this venue is great, it can be a total sweatbox on sold out nights. This is also due to the fact the venue is quite small.Save $2 and avoid endorsing Nestlé products by bringing your own water bottle/buying a cup of water from Rockers Pizza (the in venue pizza place) for a quarter. Otherwise, youll have to go the sinks for water as there is no fountain.

I managed to get in without having my tickets checked. Place was ok, show was good.

Historic venue in Santa Cruz!! I got to see the Expendables live here!!

My personal favorite venue. Small enough to have intimate shows, large enough to get the party going.

The Catalyst is a historic concert venue, and i would love to give the place 5 stars. the acoustics are great, and there is a real sense of history when you walk onto the floor. That said the staff is just awful - surly, discourteous, relentlessly unfriendly. A 5 star venue, with a 1 star staff.

Nice small venue. Very few chairs. Arrive early for best seating, otherwise youll be standing for hours.

What venue makes you go into a separate zone (with its own giant line) to get a beer, then you cant take it outside said zone? What a hassle.That said, the show was great, and the sound was spot on.

It was good i love the catalyst but a tour manager of sobxrbe hit me in the face and the manager who worked at the venue told me too call the police respectfully they cared about my safety and sobxrbe i wouldnt reccomend anybody taking there kids too see them there violent two more fights broke out at that show and people got injured i hope they are banned because there immature and attack people i now have a contusion bleeding too the brain because of them i hope they get banned from there but other than that i love the catalyst such a big help sergio is also the best

Awesome local venue, every time Ive come here for a show its always been a good time.

Great location. Get up and personable with the bands. Cheap drinks for a club.

A great local venue that hosts a pretty wide variety of bands. The main hall is long instead of wide, which does limit sight lines, but luckily the stage is elevated enough that most everyone gets a good view.

Regularly disallows black people, and they HATE if you pre-game. Bouncers are picky and again quite racist, thus taking away from the experience (you know, by throwing your ticket in the trash and saying 2 shots is too drunk to enter or get your 21 stamp). Obviously Im speaking from my own bad experience, however this is the second time Ive been the only african american there and been kicked out for the massive disturbance of listening from the back of the crowd while buzzed or even sober.

Small but mighty venue! Prices for drinks are reasonable and the atmosphere is just what I wanted when going to see a local band!

Worst in Santa Cruz.. moe’s ally is the place.. this isn’t place you wanna be if you wanna have a good time