Musical Saw Festival | Aug. 12

Listen to old time fiddlers play Blue Grass, Classical and Country music on musical saws at workshops, open mic and jam sessions. Musicians perform on washboards and spoons, harmonicas and accordions, guitars, banjos and other folk instruments from around the world family gatherings.

Roaring Camp, Felton
831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

8th Annual Art Under the Oaks - Art and Wine Festival | Aug. 12-13 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Functional and fine art displays in various mediums including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass art, sculptures, etching, digital works and much more. Featured wineries are from the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation and there is entertainment. A free event.

Skypark, Scotts Valley
831-438-1010, www.scottsvalleychamber.com

Shakespeare Fringe - The Mock-Temest | Aug. 14 (7:30 p.m.)

SSC's Fringe production is an opportunity for the season's interns to perform in a thematic play of their own. The seasons Fringe production is a "mash-up of Tempest-related materials" taking its cue from the spirit of The Mock-Tempest by Thomas Duffett. One of the earliest parodies of Shakespeare's play.

UCSC Festival theater, Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, www.shakespearesantacruz.com

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

Starlight Evening Train | Aug. 18 (6-11 p.m.)

Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a 2-hour, round-trip railway excursion from the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

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

Grizzly Bear Festival | Aug. 19 (1-4 p.m.)

Come discover the culture and history surrounding grizzly bears in our area. Learn more about the myths and truths about California bears. Watch as the stories unfold with local actors. There will be children's games, storytelling, and crafts.

Waddell Creek and Rancho del Oso Nature/History Center
Hwy. 1, 16 miles north of Santa Cruz
831-427-2288, www.santacruzstateparks.org

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

Shakespeare Fringe - The Mock-Temest | Aug. 21 (7:30 p.m.)

SSC's Fringe production is an opportunity for the season's interns to perform in a thematic play of their own. The seasons Fringe production is a "mash-up of Tempest-related materials" taking its cue from the spirit of The Mock-Tempest by Thomas Duffett. One of the earliest parodies of Shakespeare's play.

UCSC Festival theater, Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, www.shakespearesantacruz.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