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

Bargetto Winery Fine Arts Festival | July 7-8 (10 a.m.- 5 p.m.)

Meet local artists and view their artworks. Purchase a festival wine glass and taste various Bargetto vintages.

Bargetto Winery Courtyard
3535 North Main Street, Soquel
800-422-7438, www.bargetto.com

Art at the Beach | July 8 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

A select group of area artists display works at the Esplanade's outdoor gallery. Some will be demonstrating their craft with works in progress. This is a free event.

Esplanade Park, Capitola
www.ci.capitola.ca.us

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

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