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

Canine Sports, Terrier and Earthdog Play Day | June 17

A day of fun for dogs and their human families. Events include agility, rally, obedience, racing, earthdog, tracking, and weenie bobbing. Pot luck picnic.

Soquel
www.livingwithdogs.us/events.html

Father's Day BBQ at Bargetto Winery | June 17

Bring Dad to enjoy a BBQ, wine and live music in the Bargetto Winery courtyard. Reservations recommended.

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

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | June 17 (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 | June 20 (6-8 p.m.)

Free concert featuring Sparkletone's - 50's Revival. A family event. Bring your own beach chairs and picnic. No alcohol.

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

Thursday Night Music at Bargetto | June 21 (6-8 p.m.)

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

Whale of an Auction | June 22 (6 p.m.)

Catered buffet, fine wines, champagne, and lots of excitement are the hallmark of this live and silent auction. Highlights include exclusive vacation retreats in exciting locales; private field trips, research cruises, presentations, and behind-the-scenes tours with renowned Long Marine Lab scientists; specialty wines and private wine-tasting tours; exquisite art and art glass; tickets to sporting and cultural events; and much, much more. Tickets, purchased before June 14, are $65 for members of Friends of Long Marine Lab and $75 public; $85 at the door. For additional information on sponsorships, donations, or to purchase a table, call (831) 459-3694. Tickets go on sale on May 1, call (831) 459-3800.

Porter College Dining Hall
UC Santa Cruz campus, Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu