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

Poetry Readings | Aug. 17 (8-10 p.m.)

Local poets read their works in an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement surrounded by visual arts in the art center gallery. Suggested donation $3.

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

Ukulele Jam and Sing Along | Aug. 18 (7-9 p.m.)

Although this jam is ukulele-centric, players of all acoustic instruments and singers of all levels are welcome. When the weather is fine the group meets at the Art Center campfire at the back of the Art Center. Limited seating so bring your own chair.

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

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

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