Fantasy Faces - Youth Art Camp | Aug. 13-17 (9 a.m.- 3 p.m.)

Camp leaders are Anouk Johanna and Jennifer Henning. Fantasy Faces can be an inspiration for artwork of animals, people or something in between. These classes will encourage the students to test the creative limits of their fantasy. The emphasis will be on a different medium each day so the students will get a chance to learn to approach the subject matter from the angles of drawing, painting, collage and printmaking. These will, in turn, be applied to textile art, paper and boxes. $125 members, $135 non members, $15 materials.

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

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Aug 17 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Tim Willamson Classic 50 Lap American Stock Race, Wright One Construction 300 Sprint Cards, Dwarf Cars, IMCA Modifieds, 4 Bangers.

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

Aloha Celebrity Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival | Aug. 19 (9 a.m - 3 p.m.)

A fun event for new and novice paddlers as well as those with experience. The Celebrity races launch at 9 a.m. and offer a chance to discover the excitement of outrigger canoe racing. The Polynesian Festival begins at 11 a.m. with a taste of the tropics, fresh flower leis, Hawaiian shaved ice, Maori face painting, print making and dance performances. Free event.

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
831-420-5273, www.santacruzwharf.com

Animal Adaptations | Aug. 19 (2-4 p.m.)

Dress up as animals and play games that have to do with animal adaptations. Learn about banana slugs, snakes, birds and other animals. Free. Ages 5-12.

Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Ben Lomond
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Race through the Redwoods | Aug. 19 (8-10:30 a.m.)

What a setting... this annual event has appeal for the avid runner and those who just enjoy a lush forest atmosphere. The main 10K and Kids' mile races begin and end at the Henry Cowell picnic area. Participants are invited to a pre-event pancake breakfast held at the City's Covered Bridge park and prepared by the Felton Fire Department. Advance registration on line at www.active.com or onsite day of the race.

Henry Cowell State Park, Felton
www.racethrutheredwoods.com

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Aug 24 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

American Stock, Ocean Late Models, Micro 600, Figure 8, IMCA Modifieds.

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

Moonlight Dinner Train | Aug. 25 (6-11 p.m.)

Moonlight dinner, dancing, and train ride through a redwood forest lit by flashlight. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Public Safety Officers Weekend | Aug. 25-27

Special ride prices for public safety officers and their families.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz
831-460-3342, www.beachboardwalk.com

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Aug. 26 (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Travel just a few miles off the coast to the Monterey Bay's 6,000 foot deep canyon where more than 70 bird species travel from both hemispheres to feed on these rich waters. Monterey Seabird Tours are available during peak migration seasons, limits the number of travelers on a tour, and are led by expert naturalists and birders.

Monterey Boat Charters, Monterey Wharf
831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com

55th Annual Capitola Begonia Festival - Capitola Jungle Safari! | Aug. 31 - Sept. 3

Everyone is welcome to participate in all festival activities. Some events require advance registration and planning, as with the nautical parade. Supplies and equipment are provided for most events. Visit the festival website for details.

Friday, Aug. 31: "Capitola Goes To The Movies" begins at Dusk on the Beach.. Bring the family, a picnic dinner, chairs, blankets and we'll provide the popcorn.

Saturday, Sept. 1: Sand Sculpture Contest (8:30 a.m.-noon); Budding artists at the Esplanade (9 a.m.- Noon); Community Group Volleyball ( 1-5 p.m.); Concert in the Park (5-7 p.m.); and Float Construction Viewing (4-10 p.m.)

Sunday. Sep. 2: Horseshoe Tournament on the Sand (8 a.m.-finish); Chalk Art on the Seawall (9 a.m.-noon); Beach Blanket Begonias! (11 a.m.-noon); 54th Annual Nautical Parade (1-3 p.m.); and Concert in the Park (4-6 p.m.)

Mon. Sep. 3: Fishing Derby on the Wharf (6 a.m.- noon); Children's Art Event (11 a.m.-2 p.m.); and Rowboat Races on Soquel Creek (1 p.m.-finish)

Capitola Village
800-919-8155, www.begoniafestival.com