Old-Fashioned Independence Day | July 4 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Visit Wilder Ranch's historic cultural preserve and step back 100 years as you participate in a 1906-style Independence Day celebration including a noon family parade, games, children's crafts area, music, living history demonstrations, historic speeches and flag_raising. Food and drink available for sale, or bring a picnic lunch.

Wilder Ranch State Park
Hwy 1, 2 miles north of Santa Cruz
831-423-9703, www.santacruzstateparks.org

Fourth of July Celebration | July 4

Pack up the family and head to Roaring Camp for a day of family fun. Sack races, balloon toss, hula hoop contests, music, and more.

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

Annual Monterey Bay Coastal Cleanup | July 4 (morning)

Join the community in the annual Santa Cruz County Coastal Cleanup of area beaches. For information about times and locations assignments, equipment and captains call 831-426-5925 or visit www.ecoact.org.

Area beaches
831-426-5925, www.ecoact.org

Twilight Concert at Esplanade Park | July 4 (6-8 p.m.)

Free concert featuring Mark Russo and the Classy Cats - Jazz, Swing & Latin. A family event. Bring your own beach chairs and picnic. No alcohol.

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

Thursday Night Downtown | July 5

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

First Friday Free Admission at MAH | July 6 (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

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

American Stock, 4 Bangers, IMCA Modifieds, Ocean Late Models, Micro 600.

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

Free First Friday Lunch Tour at MAH | July 6 (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

Family Art Saturday at MAH | July 7 (1-3 p.m.)

Special hands-on art activities for families on the first Saturday of each month. 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

Summer Saturdays at the Museum | July 7 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Youth under the age of 18 are invited to join the museum's Sensational Snakes program. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free for children and normal admission fees apply for adults.

Museum of Natural History
831- 420-6113, www.santacruzmuseums.org