Car Races at Ocean Speedway | June 15 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

American Stock, Ocean Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Micro 600, Dwarf Cars.

Santa Cruz Country Fairgrounds
2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville
831-476-9466,. www.oceanspeedway.com

Poetry Readings | June 15 (8-10 p.m.)

Local poets read their works in an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement surrounded by visual arts in the art center gallery. Suggested donation $3.

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
9341 Mill Rd. Ben Lomond
831-336-3513, www.mountainartcenter.org

Marine Science Camp at the Seymour Center | June 16-20

Ocean Explorers’ Marine Science Summer Camp - experience the thrill of scientific discovery at a working marine lab during these week-long camp programs. Students actively learn from field explorations, hands-on activities, games, and crafts.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Juneteenth Celebration | June 16 (noon - 5 p.m.)

Celebrating the emancipation of slaves. Events include music, dance, historic displays, cultural enrichment programs and food. A free event.

Laural Park, Santa Cruz
831-420-6177, www.nelsoncenter.com

Boardwalks Birthday Fireworks | June 16 (9 p.m.)

Annual Fireworks display sponsored by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Santa Cruz Main Beach.

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz
831-423-5590, www.beachboardwalk.com

Ukulele Jam and Sing Along | June 16 (7-9 p.m.)

Although this jam is ukulele-centric, players of all acoustic instruments and singers of all levels are welcome. When the weather is fine the group meets at the Art Center campfire at the back of the Art Center. Limited seating so bring your own chair.

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
9341 Mill Rd. Ben Lomond
831-336-3513, www.mountainartcenter.org

Dragon Slayers Renaissance Festival | June 16 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

A fun day of slaying dragons and reliving a historic faire. Come dressed in period costumes and receive special services. Living history characters, games, entertainment, rides, refreshments and much more. This is a non-alcoholic event for families. Discount tickets available at www.dragonslayersfestival.com, use promotion code "playfaire."

Aptos Park - Free parking/shuttle from Cabrillo College
www.dragonslayersfestival.com

Dancenter Recital | June 16 (previews Noon and 3 p.m.- main show 7 p.m.)

Dancenter's annual recital and show with performances in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and belly dancing. Opening presentations (ages 3-7) commence at Noon. Dancers age eight and older preview is at 3 p.m. Main show featuring top teen and adult dancers begins at 7 p.m.

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Fee admission, 831-475-5032

China Film Series- “Shower" | June 17 (7pm)

Morton Marcus moderates the finale film of the China Film Series! Shower directed by Zhang Yang (1999) portrays a successful big-city businessman Da Ming (Pu Cun Xin) who returns to his childhood home where his aging father (Zhu Xu) and mentally disabled brother (Jiang Wu) run an old-fashioned communal bathhouse. At first, Da longs to return to his job but he begins to think twice once he starts enjoying the leisurely tempo and rich camaraderie of the bathhouse, where men gather to chat and play games. 92 minutes.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964,, www.santacruzmah.org

Henry Cowell Campfire Program | June 17-18 (8 p.m.)

The Campfire Center is located at Graham Hill Rd Campground. Celebrate Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! Each week a different aspect of the cultural and natural history of the park will be highlighted through songs, skits, stories, and a slideshow.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Hwy 9 @ North Big Trees Rd., Felton
831-335-7077, www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/henrycowell