Shakespeare Santa Cruz | July 17-Sept. 2

July 18 - Sept. 2: Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 31 - Sept. 2: The Tempest, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 29 - Sept. 2: Playboy of the Western World, J. M. Synge at Mainstage theater
July 17 - Sept. 2: Endgame, Sammuel Beckett at Mainstage theater

UCSC Festival Glen and Mainstage theaters, Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, www.shakespearesantacruz.com

Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music | July 29-Aug 12

Civic Auditorium and other locations.
307 Church St., Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-420-5260 x 5, www.cabrillomusic.org

Ancient Places - Youth Art Camp | July 30-Aug. 3 (9 a.m.- 3 p.m.)

Led by Anouk Johanna and Nora Sarkissian. The classes study the art and culture of ancient places. Participants recreate the art of ancient Egyptians, Aztecs and other cultures using drawing, collage, printmaking and painting. These creations will be applied to paper, textiles and boxes so each student will go home with some interesting art. $125 members, $135 non members, $15 materials.

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
9341 Mill Rd, Ben Lomond
831-336-3513, www.mountainartcenter.org

Twilight Concert at Esplanade Park | Aug. 1 (6-8 p.m.)

Free concert featuring Stompy Jones - Jump, Swing & Boogie Woogie. A family event. Bring your own beach chairs and picnic. No alcohol.

Esplanade, Capitola Village
831-475-6522, www.capitola.com

Youth Carnival | Aug. 1 (1-4 p.m.)

BBQ, games, crafts, face painting and educational presentations from community businesses, service groups and government.

Brommer Park, Live Oak
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Day Out With Thomas | Aug. 3-5

Join Thomas The Tank Engine™ on his train ride through the Big Trees. Meet Sir Topham Hatt™ and have at the Thomas play area. There are many and activities, a big Thomas store, and much more Thomas fun.

Roaring Camp, Felton
Tickets: 866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html
Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

12th Annual Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival | Aug 3-5 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

The festival serves up a menu of delectable strawberry delights, nonstop live entertainment for all ages, arts and crafts activities, a carnival and much more. Everything is themed with strawberries including eating contests, relays and other activities. Free parking.

Ramsay Park, Watsonville
831-566-1230, www.watsonvillestrawberryfestival.com

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Aug 3 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Mike Cecil 50 Lap IMCA Modified Race, American Stocks, Micro 600, Dwarf Cars, 4 Bangers.

Santa Cruz Country Fairgrounds
2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville
831-476-9466, www.oceanspeedway.com

First Friday Free Admission at MAH | Aug. 3 (11 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

The museum is open Tue-Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Its store, located in the street front octagon building, is open Tue-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun, noon-5 p.m.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Noon at the Nick - The Playboy of the Western World | Aug. 3 (1 p.m.)

FREE Shakespeare Santa Cruz lecture series. Bring your lunch and take advantage of this rare opportunity to meet the festival directors, actors, designers and artisans.

Nickelodeon Theatre
210 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz
831-426-7500, www.thenick.com