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

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

Free First Friday Lunch Tour at MAH | Aug. 3 (noon)

Sherry Karver leads an in-depth discussion about current Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk series' exhibition.

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

Noon at the Nick - The Mock-Tempest | Aug. 10 (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

Weekend with Shakespeare | Aug. 10-12

This popular conference is an opportunity to hear well-known scholars and artists share their insights into the genius of Shakespeare and other featured playwrights. The weekend consists of lectures and discussions exploring the different aspects of the season's plays.

UCSC Shakespeare Festival
Tickets: 831-459-2159, www.shakespearesantacruz.com

Summer Gathering of Mountain Men | Aug. 11-12

Wander through wilderness encampments of trappers and traders at this 1830s summer rendezvous of wild and wooly mountain men is re-created.

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

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

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

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