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

Starlight Evening Train | July 7 (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

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | July 8 (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

Twilight Concert at Esplanade Park | July 11 (6-8 p.m.)

Free concert featuring Nora Cruz - Rock and Blues. A family event. Bring your own beach chairs and picnic. No alcohol.

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

Aikido Summer Retreat | July 11-15

Hands on instructions by Aikido Senseis Motomichi Anno, Mary Heiny, Jack Wada and Linda Holiday. Minimum 8 weeks or 20 hours of Aikido experience required to participate in the retreat.

Thursday Night Downtown | July 12

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 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

Summer Saturdays at the Museum | July 14 (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

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