A Garden of Poetry and Music | June 9

Listen to the poems and tunes of the region's artists. This year's special 40th Anniversary edition of the poetry festival will bring back some of our favorite poets and musicians from past years.

UCSC Campus - Alan Chadwick Garden
831-459-3240, zzyx.usc.edu/casfs/

Motion Pacific Spring Dance Showcase | June 9

Mello Center for the Performing Arts
250 East Beach Street at Lincoln, Watsonville
Tickets: 831-457-1616, www.motionpacific.com

Noon at the Nick - Endgame | June 13 (1 p.m.)

FREE Shakespeare Santa Cruz lecture series. Bring your lunch and take advantage of this rare opportunity to meet the festival directors, actors, designers and artisans.

Nickelodeon Theatre
210 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz
831-426-7500, www.thenick.com

"How I Learned to Drive" | June 15 - 16 (8 p.m.)

1001 Center St., Santa Cruz
Tickets: SC Civic Box Office: 831-420-5260
831-425-1003, www.sccat.org

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

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

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

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