“Advanced High School Art Show” Reception

WHEN: April 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street

WHAT: Merced County Advanced High School Art Show reception

WHO: All are invited

COST: FREE

Art & Spirits

WHAT: Family-friendly paint-along events

WHO: Anyone

WHEN: Thursday, April 16 | 5:30-8:00 PM

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

COST: $35 per person

All supplies furnished. Complimentary refreshments. Reservations required.

ONLINE RESERVATION: Here

Doctor Faustus

WHEN: April 11 - 18, 2026 - Friday, Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, follows the medieval legend of the man who sells his soul to the devil for power and riches. The brilliant scholar Faustus makes a dangerous deal with the devil which quickly turns into a spectacle of excess, illusion and loss of control. It is a world of dark humor, bold visuals, music, dance, seen through a contemporary lens. Directed by Rachel Wohlander. Presented by Merced Shakespearefest.

COST: $10 - $25. Tickets may be purchased online HERE.

Doctor Faustus - 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

WHEN: Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Celebrate opening night of Doctor Faustus and 25 years of theatre with Merced Shakespearefest on April 10th.

To mark our 25th Anniversary, all Opening Night tickets are just $10 for all patrons. This special celebratory pricing is only available for Opening Night guests. Join us for this milestone evening and be part of the celebration.

ABOUT THE PLAY: Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, follows the medieval legend of the man who sells his soul to the devil for power and riches. The brilliant scholar Faustus makes a dangerous deal with the devil which quickly turns into a spectacle of excess, illusion and loss of control. It is a world of dark humor, bold visuals, music, dance, seen through a contemporary lens. Directed by Rachel Wohlander.

COST: $10. Tickets may be purchased online HERE.

PUSH Dance Company

WHEN: Friday, April 3 at 7:30pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Cutting-edge dance meets Afrofuturism, technology, and storytelling in an unforgettable performance.

Co-Presented with UC Merced's Center for Africana Studies.

San Francisco’s award-winning PUSH Dance Company brings its groundbreaking blend of contemporary dance, technology, and storytelling to Merced for one night only. Choreographed by founder Raissa Simpson, the program features excerpts from Mothership, Technoculture, Codelining, and EMME YA — works that span science fiction, Afrofuturism, and social justice.

Fusing hip hop, multimedia, and avant-garde movement, PUSH creates performances that are as thought-provoking as they are visually stunning. This evening of bold choreography and visionary artistry invites audiences to experience dance that pushes boundaries and sparks conversation.

Questions? Email arts@ucmerced.edu

The 2025/26 UC Merced Arts Season is sponsored by UC Merced's Division of Equity, Justice, & Inclusive Excellence (EJIE)).

COST: $15, General Admission. FREE for Students & Children (reservation still required). Tickets may be purchased online HERE.

and then there were none

WHEN: March 20 - 28, Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under mysterious circumstances. When a recorded message accuses each of them of a terrible crime, their civilized veneer shatters. One by one, they begin to die—each death eerily mirroring a verse from an old nursery rhyme. With no way off the island and no one they can trust, the guests must confront the darkest truth of all: the killer is one of them.

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

and then there were none

WHEN: March 20 - 28, Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under mysterious circumstances. When a recorded message accuses each of them of a terrible crime, their civilized veneer shatters. One by one, they begin to die—each death eerily mirroring a verse from an old nursery rhyme. With no way off the island and no one they can trust, the guests must confront the darkest truth of all: the killer is one of them.

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

and then there were none

WHEN: March 20 - 28, Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under mysterious circumstances. When a recorded message accuses each of them of a terrible crime, their civilized veneer shatters. One by one, they begin to die—each death eerily mirroring a verse from an old nursery rhyme. With no way off the island and no one they can trust, the guests must confront the darkest truth of all: the killer is one of them.

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

and then there were none

WHEN: March 20 - 28, Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under mysterious circumstances. When a recorded message accuses each of them of a terrible crime, their civilized veneer shatters. One by one, they begin to die—each death eerily mirroring a verse from an old nursery rhyme. With no way off the island and no one they can trust, the guests must confront the darkest truth of all: the killer is one of them.

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

and then there were none

WHEN: March 20 - 28, Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under mysterious circumstances. When a recorded message accuses each of them of a terrible crime, their civilized veneer shatters. One by one, they begin to die—each death eerily mirroring a verse from an old nursery rhyme. With no way off the island and no one they can trust, the guests must confront the darkest truth of all: the killer is one of them.

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

and then there were none

WHEN: March 20 - 28, Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under mysterious circumstances. When a recorded message accuses each of them of a terrible crime, their civilized veneer shatters. One by one, they begin to die—each death eerily mirroring a verse from an old nursery rhyme. With no way off the island and no one they can trust, the guests must confront the darkest truth of all: the killer is one of them.

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

Art & Spirits

WHAT: Family-friendly paint-along events

WHO: Anyone

WHEN: Thursday, March 19 | 5:30-8:00 PM

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

COST: $35 per person

All supplies furnished. Complimentary refreshments. Reservations required.

ONLINE RESERVATION: Here

accessible arts merced presents: cabaret!

WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:30pm - Sunday, March 1, 2026, 2:00pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Step into the Kit Kat Klub, where the spotlight sparkles and the world outside grows darker by the hour. Cabaret follows Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw as love, survival, and denial collide in late-1930s Berlin, while neighbors choose comfort or courage and the Emcee keeps the party humming. With Kander and Ebb’s iconic score and Joe Masteroff’s book, this musical mixes wit, heat, and a clear warning: small compromises can let cruelty grow.

Why now? Because the questions still sting. What do we ignore, whom do we protect, and when do we finally speak? In an age of rising antisemitism, pressure on queer and marginalized communities, and the lure of simple slogans, Cabaret invites us to celebrate, to witness, and to look in the mirror.

COST: Ticket On Sale HERE

accessible arts merced presents: cabaret!

WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:30pm - Sunday, March 1, 2026, 2:00pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Step into the Kit Kat Klub, where the spotlight sparkles and the world outside grows darker by the hour. Cabaret follows Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw as love, survival, and denial collide in late-1930s Berlin, while neighbors choose comfort or courage and the Emcee keeps the party humming. With Kander and Ebb’s iconic score and Joe Masteroff’s book, this musical mixes wit, heat, and a clear warning: small compromises can let cruelty grow.

Why now? Because the questions still sting. What do we ignore, whom do we protect, and when do we finally speak? In an age of rising antisemitism, pressure on queer and marginalized communities, and the lure of simple slogans, Cabaret invites us to celebrate, to witness, and to look in the mirror.

COST: Ticket On Sale HERE

accessible arts merced presents: cabaret!

WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:30pm - Sunday, March 1, 2026, 2:00pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Step into the Kit Kat Klub, where the spotlight sparkles and the world outside grows darker by the hour. Cabaret follows Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw as love, survival, and denial collide in late-1930s Berlin, while neighbors choose comfort or courage and the Emcee keeps the party humming. With Kander and Ebb’s iconic score and Joe Masteroff’s book, this musical mixes wit, heat, and a clear warning: small compromises can let cruelty grow.

Why now? Because the questions still sting. What do we ignore, whom do we protect, and when do we finally speak? In an age of rising antisemitism, pressure on queer and marginalized communities, and the lure of simple slogans, Cabaret invites us to celebrate, to witness, and to look in the mirror.

COST: Ticket On Sale HERE

accessible arts merced presents: cabaret!

WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:30pm - Sunday, March 1, 2026, 2:00pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Step into the Kit Kat Klub, where the spotlight sparkles and the world outside grows darker by the hour. Cabaret follows Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw as love, survival, and denial collide in late-1930s Berlin, while neighbors choose comfort or courage and the Emcee keeps the party humming. With Kander and Ebb’s iconic score and Joe Masteroff’s book, this musical mixes wit, heat, and a clear warning: small compromises can let cruelty grow.

Why now? Because the questions still sting. What do we ignore, whom do we protect, and when do we finally speak? In an age of rising antisemitism, pressure on queer and marginalized communities, and the lure of simple slogans, Cabaret invites us to celebrate, to witness, and to look in the mirror.

COST: Ticket On Sale HERE

accessible arts merced presents: cabaret!

WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:30pm - Sunday, March 1, 2026, 2:00pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Step into the Kit Kat Klub, where the spotlight sparkles and the world outside grows darker by the hour. Cabaret follows Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw as love, survival, and denial collide in late-1930s Berlin, while neighbors choose comfort or courage and the Emcee keeps the party humming. With Kander and Ebb’s iconic score and Joe Masteroff’s book, this musical mixes wit, heat, and a clear warning: small compromises can let cruelty grow.

Why now? Because the questions still sting. What do we ignore, whom do we protect, and when do we finally speak? In an age of rising antisemitism, pressure on queer and marginalized communities, and the lure of simple slogans, Cabaret invites us to celebrate, to witness, and to look in the mirror.

COST: Ticket On Sale HERE

accessible arts merced presents: cabaret!

WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:30pm - Sunday, March 1, 2026, 2:00pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Step into the Kit Kat Klub, where the spotlight sparkles and the world outside grows darker by the hour. Cabaret follows Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw as love, survival, and denial collide in late-1930s Berlin, while neighbors choose comfort or courage and the Emcee keeps the party humming. With Kander and Ebb’s iconic score and Joe Masteroff’s book, this musical mixes wit, heat, and a clear warning: small compromises can let cruelty grow.

Why now? Because the questions still sting. What do we ignore, whom do we protect, and when do we finally speak? In an age of rising antisemitism, pressure on queer and marginalized communities, and the lure of simple slogans, Cabaret invites us to celebrate, to witness, and to look in the mirror.

COST: Ticket On Sale HERE

Art & Spirits

WHAT: Family-friendly paint-along events

WHO: Anyone

WHEN: Thursday, February 19 | 5:30-8:00 PM

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

COST: $35 per person

All supplies furnished. Complimentary refreshments. Reservations required.

ONLINE RESERVATION: Here

Mardi Gras: Carnival of Hearts

Where Mardi Gras Magic Meets Valentine’s Night

Get ready to laissez les bon temps rouler at this year’s very special Mardi Gras: Carnival of Hearts — a Valentine’s celebration for singles, couples, and friends who love to party with purpose and support the arts!

Join us on Saturday, February 14, from 6:00–10:00 PM at The MAC, 645 W. Main Street, Merced.

A Valentine’s Night with a Mardi Gras Twist ❤️🎷

Whether you’re flying solo, out with friends, or on a date night, Carnival of Hearts is all about celebrating love in all its forms—love for music, art, community, and good times.

What to Expect

• Live music that will get your heart racing

Enjoy the electrifying sounds of Troublesome on the main stage, then slip upstairs to the “Voodoo Lounge” on the 2nd floor and immerse yourself in the sultry, romantic vibes with Gloria Coronas.

• A hearty taste of New Orleans (with a little extra love)

Savor delicious New Orleans–inspired bites, a decadent beignet bar, refreshing drinks, and more—perfect to share with someone special or to treat yourself.

• Carnival of Hearts atmosphere

Think festive beads, masks, and Mardi Gras flair with a Valentine’s twist: bold colors, sparkling hearts, and plenty of cozy corners to mingle, dance, and connect.

Who Can Join

Everyone’s invited! Singles, couples, and groups of friends are all welcome.

Recommended for ages 21 and up.

Ticket Information 💜

Tickets are $60 each and ON SALE NOW: https://bit.ly/MACMardiGras26

• MCAC members receive a 10% discount!

• Tickets available ONLINE or in person at:

  The MAC – 645 W. Main Street, Merced

(*Members, if you don't know your code, call 209-388-1090 or email director@artsmerced.org)

This event is our largest fundraiser of the year and essential to our ability to continue to provide arts programming and education to our ever-growing Merced community. All proceeds to benefit arts programming at Merced County Arts Council and the MAC.

For more info: 209-388-1090 or director@artsmerced.org

EVENT DETAILS

Live Music:

• Black Box (Main Stage) Troublesome

• 2nd floor (Voodoo Lounge) Gloria Coronas

A Taste of New Orleans

NO HOST BAR:

• Hurricanes

• Wine from HiFi Wine

• Beer from Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom

• Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Beignets & Coffee

EVENT SPONSORS

• Grey Roberts, CPA & Betty Woolstenhulme

• Educational Employees Credit Union

• Daniel Baladad

• Decorum Wealth Management

• Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union

PURCHASE Tickets HERE

Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact Colton at director@artsmerced.org or visit our sponsor page: https://bit.ly/mardigrasmacsponsor

Book Launch Party

WHEN: Friday, February 6, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: A Place Between Dreams is the debut novel by Jess Munday. It is a psychological thriller set in San Francisco about one young man’s attempt to run from himself—his pain, his mistakes, and his trauma—escaping into a fabricated reality of dreams and hallucinations, only to find that the truth always catching up to him.

A Place Between Dreams is Jess Munday’s debut novel. Her writing explores the quiet moments that shape us and the complexities of self-perception, with a bit of sparkle for the world around us. Originally from Merced, California, she now lives in San Francisco with her dog, Biscuit. She’s a firm believer that a good brunch with the right people can fix almost anything.

Books will be on sale in person at a discounted price from the Amazon price. There will be book signings, light apps, and refreshments.

NO COST: RSVP HERE

We are the tigers

WHEN: January 16 - 31, Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: The Tigers’ high school cheerleading squad is meeting for their annual sleepover at captain Riley’s house—and they’ve brought plenty of their teenage troubles with them. Love triangles, a lustful boyfriend, and hurt feelings over a now-viral cheer stunt gone wrong complicate their team-bonding activities. But so does the untimely death of one of their own in the front yard. Will that be the only murder? And who did it?

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

We are the tigers

WHEN: January 16 - 31, Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: The Tigers’ high school cheerleading squad is meeting for their annual sleepover at captain Riley’s house—and they’ve brought plenty of their teenage troubles with them. Love triangles, a lustful boyfriend, and hurt feelings over a now-viral cheer stunt gone wrong complicate their team-bonding activities. But so does the untimely death of one of their own in the front yard. Will that be the only murder? And who did it?

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

We are the tigers

WHEN: January 16 - 31, Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: The Tigers’ high school cheerleading squad is meeting for their annual sleepover at captain Riley’s house—and they’ve brought plenty of their teenage troubles with them. Love triangles, a lustful boyfriend, and hurt feelings over a now-viral cheer stunt gone wrong complicate their team-bonding activities. But so does the untimely death of one of their own in the front yard. Will that be the only murder? And who did it?

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

We are the tigers

WHEN: January 16 - 31, Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: The Tigers’ high school cheerleading squad is meeting for their annual sleepover at captain Riley’s house—and they’ve brought plenty of their teenage troubles with them. Love triangles, a lustful boyfriend, and hurt feelings over a now-viral cheer stunt gone wrong complicate their team-bonding activities. But so does the untimely death of one of their own in the front yard. Will that be the only murder? And who did it?

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

We are the tigers

WHEN: January 16 - 31, Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: The Tigers’ high school cheerleading squad is meeting for their annual sleepover at captain Riley’s house—and they’ve brought plenty of their teenage troubles with them. Love triangles, a lustful boyfriend, and hurt feelings over a now-viral cheer stunt gone wrong complicate their team-bonding activities. But so does the untimely death of one of their own in the front yard. Will that be the only murder? And who did it?

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

WE ARE THE TIGERS

WHEN: January 16 - 31, Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm.

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

WHAT: The Tigers’ high school cheerleading squad is meeting for their annual sleepover at captain Riley’s house—and they’ve brought plenty of their teenage troubles with them. Love triangles, a lustful boyfriend, and hurt feelings over a now-viral cheer stunt gone wrong complicate their team-bonding activities. But so does the untimely death of one of their own in the front yard. Will that be the only murder? And who did it?

COST: $10-$20, Tickets may be purchased Online

Art & Spirits

WHAT: Family-friendly paint-along events

WHO: Anyone

WHEN: Thursday, January 15 | 5:30-8:00 PM

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced

COST: $35 per person

All supplies furnished. Complimentary refreshments. Reservations required.

ONLINE RESERVATION: Here

ART & SPIRITS

WHAT: Family-friendly paint-along events

WHO: Anyone

WHEN: December 18, 2025 | 5:30-8:00 PM

WHERE: The MAC

COST: $35 per person

All supplies furnished. Complimentary refreshments. Reservations required.

ONLINE RESERVATION: Here