Thursday Night Downtown | July 26

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

Day Out With Thomas | July 27-29

Join Thomas The Tank Engine™ on his train ride through the Big Trees. Meet Sir Topham Hatt™ and have at the Thomas play area. There are many and activities, a big Thomas store, and much more Thomas fun.

Roaring Camp, Felton
Tickets: 866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html
Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Gilroy's 29th Garlic Festival | July 27-29 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)

Follow your nose, and taste buds, to one of the nation's top festivals. It's all thing garlic: crafts, games, art displays, activity booths, gift shops, child play area, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and lots of food. From Gourmet Alley's prize winning recipe dishes to service club favorites ranging from fried artichokes to garlic infused wine and ice-cream, there are no end of tasty choices.

Strawberry Park, Gilroy
408-842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com