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

Gopher Control Workshop | July 14 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Gopher control expert Thomas Wittman of Gophers Ltd. shares his expertise in controlling gophers and other vertebrate pests in your garden. Learn about gopher habits and the latest techniques for protecting your plants and lawn from damage. $15 (Friends' members), $20 (non-members), payable at the workshop.

UCSC Campus - Farm & Garden-Gatehouse
831-459-3240, zzyx.usc.edu/casfs/

16th Tour des Fleurs | July 14

A self-guided tour of three of 18 participating commercial flower, plant and produce growers who are not normally open to the public. Each offers a one-hour guided walk through the facility. Ticket, $18 per person, and benefit local organizations.

Half Moon Bay
650-726-8380, ext. 100, www.halfmoonbaychamber.com

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

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | July 15 (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

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 17-Sept. 2

July 18 - Sept. 2: Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 31 - Sept. 2: The Tempest, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 29 - Sept. 2: Playboy of the Western World, J. M. Synge at Mainstage theater
July 17 - Sept. 2: Endgame, Sammuel Beckett 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

Twilight Concert at Esplanade Park | July 18 (6-8 p.m.)

Free concert featuring Orchestra Gitano - Salsa Orchestra. A family event. Bring your own beach chairs and picnic. No alcohol.

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