Star Stories | Aug. 12 (2-3 p.m.)

A fun story telling time with stories about various astronomical events and heavenly bodies. Free. Ages 5-12.

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

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

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

Twilight Concert at Esplanade Park | Aug. 15 (6-8 p.m.)

Free concert featuring Click Trax - Big Band Swing. A family event. Bring your own beach chairs and picnic. No alcohol.

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

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | Aug. 19 (1-3 p.m.)

Create fun crafts that feature the cool creatures of the tidepools. Make a seastar suncatcher, or create your own sea anemone! There are activity sheets, scavenger hunts, and a take home souvenir of your day.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu