The 2018 NEXTies Awards

The NEXTies Return to the Rio on Friday, March 23th at 6 PM!
Join Us for a Night Celebrating The Area's Best and Brightest Doers!

Pull out the pearls & cufflinks and join us for an evening in honor of those in Santa Cruz County who inspire us to reach further and higher and inspire the community. This year’s annual award show, now in its 9th year, puts the spotlight on talent in industries from the arts and tech to fitness and food. See you on the red carpet!

Hosted by DNA and Danielle Crook
Music guest : Jesse Daniel, Katie Ekin, Kat Factor and more TBA soon
Beer from New Bohemia Brewing Co and cocktails from Venus Spirits.

The Food Lounge's once monthly Night Market will come to feed us. Vendors include: Areperia 831, My Mom's Mole, Rogue Pye by Artisan Hand Food, Jesikah Cooks and the dessert table by the Santa Cruz Food Lounge.

Honorees categories include:
Entrepreneur of the year - Jennalee Dahlen
Musician of the year - Jesse Daniel
Artist of the year - Ann Hazels
Writer of the year - Santa Cruz Heritage Food Project
Give Back person of the year - Just Chip
Foodie of the year - Burn Hot Sauce
New Business of the year - YaDoggie
Athlete of the year - Mike Holt
Under 18 person of the year - Kim Garcia
Non-Profit of the year - Gravity Water
Mentor of the year - Rachel Mitchell
Innovative Business of the Year - Steeped Coffee
Innovator of the year - John Felts
TECHie of the year - Jeremy Almond
Green Business of the year - Upcycled Skate Art
Wildcard - Ryan Foley


We have partnered with ReCRUZ (reusesantacruz.org) to replace the single use plastic cup waste with reusable glassware at this event. BYOM or rent at the event one of the ReCRUZ's mugs for your beer.

Thank you to our sponsors: Yoso Wellness Spa, Visit Santa Cruz and Dignity Health Medical Groups
Trade sponsors: Swandive.media, Jesse Gabriel Photography, Santa Cruz Life - Celebrating Life in Santa Cruz, Ca, Santa Cruz Signs, Allterra Solar, Good Times Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Engraving and nomBat.