Car Races at Ocean Speedway | July 13 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Destruction Derby, Green Valley Harley Night at the Races, Wright One Construction 360 Sprint Cars, Micro 600, Dwarf Cars, American Stock, IMCA Modifieds.

Santa Cruz Country Fairgrounds
2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville
831-476-9466, www.oceanspeedway.com

Santa Cruz Improv Festival | July 13-15 (Fri-Sat 8 p.m.; Sun 7:30 p.m.)

Local and regional improv. performers and groups are featured in evening programs.

Actor's Theater
1001 Center Str., Santa Cruz
831-425-7529, www.sccat.org

Comerica Tennis Challenger | July 14-22

The Comerica Challenger is the longest running Challenger Tournament in the U.S. This year's qualifying tournament begins Saturday, July 14, with main draw matches beginning Monday, July 16 - Sunday, July 22. For tickets or more information call (831) 457-1071.

Seascape Sports Club
1505 Seascape Blvd., Aptos
831- 688-1993, www.seascapesportsclub.com
Tickets: 831-457-1071

Starlight Evening Train | July 14 (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

Art on the Wharf | July 15 (9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

Dozens of artists display original paintings, photography and other works in an outdoor showcase of fine art and live jazz. The kids will enjoy balloons, print making and face painting. Free event.

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
831-420-5273, www.santacruzwharf.com

Shakespeare Santa Cruz | July 16-Aug. 31

July 16 - Aug. 31: Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 27 - Aug. 31: All’s Well That Ends Well, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 15 - Aug. 31: Bach at Leipzig, Itamar Moses at Mainstage theater
July 30 - Aug. 31: Burn This, Lanford Wilson at Mainstage theater

UCSC Festival Glen and Mainstage theaters, Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, www.shakespearesantacruz.com

Star Parties at Quail Hollow - Jupiter & Deep Space | July 17 (8 p.m.-midnight)

Indoor video presentation followed by outdoor hands-on activities and telescope viewing. Rain and cloudy skies cancel the program. Free. All ages.

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

California Rodeo Salinas | July 18-22

This is the state's oldest rodeo and one of the top five rodeo money events in the world. There are pre-rodeo activities which includes "Grand Bulls on Fire," 7/18 at 7 p.m.. This is a PBR USSTC Challenger Tour Event, paying a $40,000 winner purse. The rodeo opens each day with a traditional horse parade through downtown Salinas, there is entertainment, a cowboy poetry event on Sat. night at Sherwood Hall, and a carnival open 7/13-22 from 4 p.m.-closing.

Salinas Sports Complex
(Info.) 800-771-8807, (Tickets) 800-549-4989. www.carodeo.com

Thursday Night Downtown | July 19

Free outdoor fun: live music, dancing, performances, classic cars, evening shopping, children's activities and more.

Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831-429-8433, www.downtownsantacruz.com

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | July 20 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Golden State 410 Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, 4 Bangers.

Santa Cruz Country Fairgrounds
2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville
831-476-9466,. www.oceanspeedway.com