“Lo que se queda” Book Launch

WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 2026 · 3:00 p.m.

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

WHAT: Join us for a special book reading and presentation of Lo que se queda with author Sergio Javier Ramos Avalos. Free and open to the public.

Art & Spirits

WHAT: Family-friendly paint-along events

WHO: Anyone

WHEN: Thursday, August 20, 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

Macbeth/rewired

WHEN: August 14 & 15 @ 7:00pm; August 16 @ 3:30pm

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

WHAT: Macbeth/Rewired deconstructs Shakespeare's famous tragedy through the frameworks of gendered violence and rising political authoritarianism. The play examines the figure of the witches, a historically marginalized gender, as they transform through literary and pop culture incarnations, such as Atwood's handmaids and Tarantino's assassin nurses. The play also examines the figure of Macbeth, a genre defining film and TV antihero, and examines the parallel between his murderous capacities and the current political landscape.

COST: $20 General. Tickets may be purchased here.

Kids and Family Day

WHEN: Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 1pm - 3pm

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

WHO: Kids and families!

WHAT: This time we’ll paint a Maori Koru, celebrating the culture of New Zealand!

It's time for August's Kids & Family Day at the MAC! We will be celebrating the culture of New Zealand by painting a Maori Koru! These workshops are free and open to the public on Sunday afternoons in the Main Gallery of the MAC. No need to book a spot- just drop by between 1:00 and 2:45 PM and enjoy the project! Materials are included!

Kids & Family Day is a free event sponsored by the Merced County Arts Council through ARTREE.

COST: FREE

Macbeth/rewired

WHEN: August 14 & 15 @ 7:00pm; August 16 @ 3:30pm

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

WHAT: Macbeth/Rewired deconstructs Shakespeare's famous tragedy through the frameworks of gendered violence and rising political authoritarianism. The play examines the figure of the witches, a historically marginalized gender, as they transform through literary and pop culture incarnations, such as Atwood's handmaids and Tarantino's assassin nurses. The play also examines the figure of Macbeth, a genre defining film and TV antihero, and examines the parallel between his murderous capacities and the current political landscape.

COST: $20 General. Tickets may be purchased here.

Macbeth/rewired

WHEN: August 14 & 15 @ 7:00pm; August 16 @ 3:30pm

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

WHAT: Macbeth/Rewired deconstructs Shakespeare's famous tragedy through the frameworks of gendered violence and rising political authoritarianism. The play examines the figure of the witches, a historically marginalized gender, as they transform through literary and pop culture incarnations, such as Atwood's handmaids and Tarantino's assassin nurses. The play also examines the figure of Macbeth, a genre defining film and TV antihero, and examines the parallel between his murderous capacities and the current political landscape.

COST: $20 General. Tickets may be purchased here.

mAC Showcase & Annual Meeting

WHEN: Thursday, July 23, at 5:30 PM

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

WHO: All Ages

WHAT: Join the Merced County Arts Council for our Annual Showcase & Meeting - an evening of arts, entertainment, and connection at the MAC. We’ll celebrate this past year’s accomplishments and share upcoming projects. Free and open to everyone, so bring a friend!

WHEN: Thursday, July 23, at 5:30 pm

Shrek The Musical

WHEN: July 16-19. Thursday & Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00pm & 7:30pm

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

WHAT: Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Grumpy, gruff, green ogre Shrek lives alone in his swamp. The world is fearful and mocking of him, and he is more than happy to leave the world to itself, in turn. Suddenly, his hermit existence is thrown open, when a group of homeless fairy tale characters — Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Three Little Pigs, and more — burst upon his swamp, seeking refuge from the persecution of the cruel, vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad. Shrek seeks out Farquaad, who offers him a deal: if Shrek rescues the Princess Fiona (whom Farquaad wishes to marry for her crown), then Farquaad will ensure the return of Shrek’s swamp by returning the fairy tale creatures to their homes. In a desperate attempt to regain his swamp’s hermetic piece, Shrek enters the world for the first time in his life. He travels to Princess Fiona’s prison, rescues her from a fire-breathing dragon, and then – scariest of all – is forced to get to know the princess as he tries to bring her back to evil Farquaad. To the determinedly unsocial ogre’s dismay, Fiona is very different from what he expected a princess to be. She may even provoke Shrek’s most novel experience yet: love. A MAC Theater Camp production.

MORE INFO: mactheatercamp.com

Shrek The Musical

WHEN: July 16-19. Thursday & Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00pm & 7:30pm

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

WHAT: Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Grumpy, gruff, green ogre Shrek lives alone in his swamp. The world is fearful and mocking of him, and he is more than happy to leave the world to itself, in turn. Suddenly, his hermit existence is thrown open, when a group of homeless fairy tale characters — Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Three Little Pigs, and more — burst upon his swamp, seeking refuge from the persecution of the cruel, vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad. Shrek seeks out Farquaad, who offers him a deal: if Shrek rescues the Princess Fiona (whom Farquaad wishes to marry for her crown), then Farquaad will ensure the return of Shrek’s swamp by returning the fairy tale creatures to their homes. In a desperate attempt to regain his swamp’s hermetic piece, Shrek enters the world for the first time in his life. He travels to Princess Fiona’s prison, rescues her from a fire-breathing dragon, and then – scariest of all – is forced to get to know the princess as he tries to bring her back to evil Farquaad. To the determinedly unsocial ogre’s dismay, Fiona is very different from what he expected a princess to be. She may even provoke Shrek’s most novel experience yet: love. A MAC Theater Camp production.

MORE INFO: mactheatercamp.com

Shrek The Musical

WHEN: July 16-19. Thursday & Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00pm & 7:30pm

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

WHAT: Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Grumpy, gruff, green ogre Shrek lives alone in his swamp. The world is fearful and mocking of him, and he is more than happy to leave the world to itself, in turn. Suddenly, his hermit existence is thrown open, when a group of homeless fairy tale characters — Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Three Little Pigs, and more — burst upon his swamp, seeking refuge from the persecution of the cruel, vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad. Shrek seeks out Farquaad, who offers him a deal: if Shrek rescues the Princess Fiona (whom Farquaad wishes to marry for her crown), then Farquaad will ensure the return of Shrek’s swamp by returning the fairy tale creatures to their homes. In a desperate attempt to regain his swamp’s hermetic piece, Shrek enters the world for the first time in his life. He travels to Princess Fiona’s prison, rescues her from a fire-breathing dragon, and then – scariest of all – is forced to get to know the princess as he tries to bring her back to evil Farquaad. To the determinedly unsocial ogre’s dismay, Fiona is very different from what he expected a princess to be. She may even provoke Shrek’s most novel experience yet: love. A MAC Theater Camp production.

MORE INFO: mactheatercamp.com

Shrek The Musical

WHEN: July 16-19. Thursday & Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00pm & 7:30pm

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

WHAT: Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Grumpy, gruff, green ogre Shrek lives alone in his swamp. The world is fearful and mocking of him, and he is more than happy to leave the world to itself, in turn. Suddenly, his hermit existence is thrown open, when a group of homeless fairy tale characters — Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Three Little Pigs, and more — burst upon his swamp, seeking refuge from the persecution of the cruel, vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad. Shrek seeks out Farquaad, who offers him a deal: if Shrek rescues the Princess Fiona (whom Farquaad wishes to marry for her crown), then Farquaad will ensure the return of Shrek’s swamp by returning the fairy tale creatures to their homes. In a desperate attempt to regain his swamp’s hermetic piece, Shrek enters the world for the first time in his life. He travels to Princess Fiona’s prison, rescues her from a fire-breathing dragon, and then – scariest of all – is forced to get to know the princess as he tries to bring her back to evil Farquaad. To the determinedly unsocial ogre’s dismay, Fiona is very different from what he expected a princess to be. She may even provoke Shrek’s most novel experience yet: love. A MAC Theater Camp production.

MORE INFO: mactheatercamp.com

Shrek The Musical

WHEN: July 16-19. Thursday & Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00pm & 7:30pm

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

WHAT: Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Grumpy, gruff, green ogre Shrek lives alone in his swamp. The world is fearful and mocking of him, and he is more than happy to leave the world to itself, in turn. Suddenly, his hermit existence is thrown open, when a group of homeless fairy tale characters — Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Three Little Pigs, and more — burst upon his swamp, seeking refuge from the persecution of the cruel, vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad. Shrek seeks out Farquaad, who offers him a deal: if Shrek rescues the Princess Fiona (whom Farquaad wishes to marry for her crown), then Farquaad will ensure the return of Shrek’s swamp by returning the fairy tale creatures to their homes. In a desperate attempt to regain his swamp’s hermetic piece, Shrek enters the world for the first time in his life. He travels to Princess Fiona’s prison, rescues her from a fire-breathing dragon, and then – scariest of all – is forced to get to know the princess as he tries to bring her back to evil Farquaad. To the determinedly unsocial ogre’s dismay, Fiona is very different from what he expected a princess to be. She may even provoke Shrek’s most novel experience yet: love. A MAC Theater Camp production.

MORE INFO: mactheatercamp.com

Shrek The Musical

WHEN: July 16-19. Thursday & Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00pm & 7:30pm

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

WHAT: Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Grumpy, gruff, green ogre Shrek lives alone in his swamp. The world is fearful and mocking of him, and he is more than happy to leave the world to itself, in turn. Suddenly, his hermit existence is thrown open, when a group of homeless fairy tale characters — Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Three Little Pigs, and more — burst upon his swamp, seeking refuge from the persecution of the cruel, vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad. Shrek seeks out Farquaad, who offers him a deal: if Shrek rescues the Princess Fiona (whom Farquaad wishes to marry for her crown), then Farquaad will ensure the return of Shrek’s swamp by returning the fairy tale creatures to their homes. In a desperate attempt to regain his swamp’s hermetic piece, Shrek enters the world for the first time in his life. He travels to Princess Fiona’s prison, rescues her from a fire-breathing dragon, and then – scariest of all – is forced to get to know the princess as he tries to bring her back to evil Farquaad. To the determinedly unsocial ogre’s dismay, Fiona is very different from what he expected a princess to be. She may even provoke Shrek’s most novel experience yet: love. A MAC Theater Camp production.

MORE INFO: mactheatercamp.com

Continental Drift Book Launch

WHAT: Join us in Merced to celebrate the launch of Mai-Linh Hong's debut poetry collection, CONTINENTAL DRIFT, winner of the 2025 Trio Award!

Friends, family, and Merced poetry lovers!

Mai-Linh Hong's debut poetry collection, CONTINENTAL DRIFT, lands soon from Trio House Press, and we can't wait to celebrate with you!

The book launch party features words from California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, poet and professor Sam Tetangco Ocena, and critical refugee studies professor Ma Vang. A book reading and signing by Mai-Linh will follow. Copies of CONTINENTAL DRIFT will be available for purchase.

We'll provide vegan, nut-free baked treats and drinks from Quichey Creations. We're grateful to the Merced Multicultural Arts Center for hosting us in their beautiful Main Gallery.

Kindly RSVP by reserving free "tickets," as space is limited. Families welcome. See you soon!

WHEN: Saturday, July 11 from 2:00-4:00 pm

WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street

Lao Arts & Culture Camp Performance

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

WHAT: The week of Lao Arts & Culture Camp culminates in a recital where campers showcase their new skills: Lao dance, song, traditional instruments, and customs—please plan to come cheer them on! Organized by the Vatthanatham Lao Foundation.

COST: Free

Art & Spirits

WHAT: Family-friendly paint-along events

WHO: Anyone

WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 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

You Can’t Take It With You

WHEN: June 5 - 14. Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm

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

WHAT: You Can’t Take It With You is a madcap comedy about love, family, fireworks, tax evasion, ballet lessons, and one very unfortunate dinner party. When sensible Alice brings her buttoned-up fiancé’s parents home to meet her wildly eccentric family, everything that can go wrong does. Spectacularly. This classic comedy reminds us that life is too short to be normal. A Perennial Players production produced by Phoenix Creative Collective.

COST: $10 - $20

ON-LINE TICKETS: HERE

You Can’t Take It With You

WHEN: June 5 - 14. Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm

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

WHAT: You Can’t Take It With You is a madcap comedy about love, family, fireworks, tax evasion, ballet lessons, and one very unfortunate dinner party. When sensible Alice brings her buttoned-up fiancé’s parents home to meet her wildly eccentric family, everything that can go wrong does. Spectacularly. This classic comedy reminds us that life is too short to be normal. A Perennial Players production produced by Phoenix Creative Collective.

COST: $10 - $20

ON-LINE TICKETS: HERE

You Can’t Take It With You

WHEN: June 5 - 14. Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm

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

WHAT: You Can’t Take It With You is a madcap comedy about love, family, fireworks, tax evasion, ballet lessons, and one very unfortunate dinner party. When sensible Alice brings her buttoned-up fiancé’s parents home to meet her wildly eccentric family, everything that can go wrong does. Spectacularly. This classic comedy reminds us that life is too short to be normal. A Perennial Players production produced by Phoenix Creative Collective.

COST: $10 - $20

ON-LINE TICKETS: HERE

You Can’t Take It With You

WHEN: June 5 - 14. Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm

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

WHAT: You Can’t Take It With You is a madcap comedy about love, family, fireworks, tax evasion, ballet lessons, and one very unfortunate dinner party. When sensible Alice brings her buttoned-up fiancé’s parents home to meet her wildly eccentric family, everything that can go wrong does. Spectacularly. This classic comedy reminds us that life is too short to be normal. A Perennial Players production produced by Phoenix Creative Collective.

COST: $10 - $20

ON-LINE TICKETS: HERE