The Lost Boys Memory Project
Share Your
Memory
ONE UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER
THOUSANDS OF STORIES
Whether you worked on the production, appeared as an extra, watched filming from the Boardwalk, or simply remember Hollywood arriving in town — we'd love to hear your story.
THE ART OF SANTA CARLA
Submissions close September 18th, 2026.
For nearly 40 years, The Lost Boys has inspired people to make things: paintings, drawings, photographs, posters, illustrations, digital art and things we probably haven’t even imagined yet.
That creativity is part of the story too.
Return to Santa Carla isn’t only about preserving memories of what happened in Santa Cruz during the making of the film. We also want to document what The Lost Boys has continued to inspire in the decades since.
This October, we’re beginning that collection with a fan art exhibition at Hotel Paradox, formerly the Holiday Inn, where the cast and crew stayed while filming The Lost Boys in Santa Cruz.
Our hope is that this becomes a regular part of Return to Santa Carla: a growing collection of work created by the people who have kept Santa Carla alive for nearly four decades.
Have you made something inspired by The Lost Boys? We want to see it.
Written Memories
Your personal account of the summer of '86 — what you saw, felt, or experienced.
Photographs
Personal photos from the Boardwalk, filming locations, or any connection to the production.
Memorabilia
Newspaper clippings, press passes, call sheets, or any artefacts from the production.
Home Movies
Video footage captured during filming, at the Boardwalk, or anywhere in Santa Cruz that summer.
Oral Histories
Audio or video recordings of your story — we'd love to hear it in your own words.
Location Stories
Memories tied to specific Santa Cruz filming locations — the Boardwalk, the bridge, the caves.
Fan Art & Original Artwork
Original artwork inspired by The Lost Boys, Santa Cruz and the world of Santa Carla. Paintings, drawings, illustrations, photography, collage, digital art, prints and anything else you've made. Work submitted here joins the Community Gallery, and selected pieces will be considered for our fan art exhibition at Hotel Paradox this October. Submissions close September 18, 2026.
Photos & Files
Your personal information will never be shared with third parties. All contributions remain your property — we are stewards, not owners, of your memories.
Your story and memories remain yours
You retain copyright in anything you own and submit. Submitting material does not transfer ownership or copyright to us.
By submitting, you give Return to Santa Carla and One of Us a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to preserve, display and share your submission as part of the project, archive, exhibitions, events, publicity and promotion. We will credit creators wherever reasonably possible.
We will never sell your submission or share your personal information with third parties without your permission.