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

10K Firecracker Race | July 4 (8:30 a.m.)

Race follows a scenic and challenging course through Santa Cruz, through Pogonip Park; starts and finishes at Harvey West Park. $35.

Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz
831-439-7049, www.active.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

Santa Cruz Improv Festival | July 6-8 (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

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