Day Out With Thomas | Aug. 3-5

Join Thomas The Tank Engine™ on his train ride through the Big Trees. Meet Sir Topham Hatt™ and have at the Thomas play area. There are many and activities, a big Thomas store, and much more Thomas fun.

Roaring Camp, Felton
Tickets: 866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html
Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

12th Annual Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival | Aug 3-5 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

The festival serves up a menu of delectable strawberry delights, nonstop live entertainment for all ages, arts and crafts activities, a carnival and much more. Everything is themed with strawberries including eating contests, relays and other activities. Free parking.

Ramsay Park, Watsonville
831-566-1230, www.watsonvillestrawberryfestival.com

First Tuesday Free at the Seymour Center | Aug. 7 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Visit our aquarium, exhibit hall, and touch tanks. Take a tour or explore on your own. Join us as we explore Monterey Bay with our hands-on family programs!

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

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Aug. 11-12 (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

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

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

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