New Upstairs Club Cat Alley Street Opens Above Santa Cruz's Catalyst Venue

The new late-night music venue brings Burning Man-inspired inclusivity and themed events to downtown Santa Cruz.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Two months after a soft opening, the new upstairs club Cat Alley Street above the Catalyst in downtown Santa Cruz is already drawing crowds seeking late-night music with live DJs, dancing, and a more inclusive atmosphere. The club, which has a cozy, warm vibe with 1920s speakeasy decor, was inspired by the local arts scene and the creators' connections to Burning Man. While the future of the Catalyst venue below remains uncertain after the building was recently sold, the Cat Alley Street team is focused on making a name for itself with themed nights, creative events, and a mission of radical inclusion.

Why it matters

The arrival of Cat Alley Street comes at a pivotal moment for the local music scene, as the building housing the iconic Catalyst Nightclub was recently sold, leaving the club's future uncertain. The new upstairs venue aims to fill a demand for late-night spaces that feel welcoming, artistic, and inclusive, drawing inspiration from the Santa Cruz arts community and the Burning Man ethos.

The details

Cat Alley Street, located above the Catalyst in downtown Santa Cruz, opened in late 2025 with a soft launch on Halloween weekend. The 150-capacity venue is open Thursday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., with no cover on most nights and occasional ticketed events. The club has a cozy, warm vibe with 1920s speakeasy decor and subdued lighting, featuring red velour couches and intimate nooks. The venue hosts a variety of DJs and themed nights, including a monthly goth and industrial-themed event called Bite Me. Future plans include 1920s-inspired jazz, immersive costume-themed evenings, and other creative events.

  • Cat Alley Street opened with a soft launch on Halloween weekend in 2025.
  • The club is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

The players

Brian Pridham

Co-owner and creative visionary for Cat Alley Street.

Sean Ahearn

Co-owner of Cat Alley Street.

Catalyst Nightclub

An iconic live music venue in downtown Santa Cruz, whose future remains uncertain after the building was recently sold.

GSH Ventures

The company that recently purchased the building housing the Catalyst Nightclub.

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What they’re saying

“There's a demand for late-night spaces that feel welcoming, artistic, and a little bit magical.”

— Brian Pridham, Co-owner and creative visionary for Cat Alley Street (goodtimes.sc)

“The way we dress, the way the lounge looks — it's meant to feel like a swanky nightclub. But 'swanky' doesn't mean exclusive. It means intentional.”

— Brian Pridham, Co-owner and creative visionary for Cat Alley Street (goodtimes.sc)

“We want people of all ages to feel welcome. It's very much in the Burning Man spirit — radical inclusion. Everyone belongs.”

— Sean Ahearn, Co-owner of Cat Alley Street (goodtimes.sc)

What’s next

The creators of Cat Alley Street say they plan to work collaboratively with the new owners of the Catalyst building to preserve the iconic live music venue, citing its cultural significance to Santa Cruz and beyond.

The takeaway

The opening of Cat Alley Street above the Catalyst in downtown Santa Cruz reflects the city's vibrant arts and music scene, as well as a growing demand for inclusive, community-driven nightlife experiences that draw inspiration from the Burning Man ethos of radical inclusion.