Steve Martin's "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" | May 11-26

Mountain Community Theater
9370 Mill St., Ben Lomond
831-336-4777, www.mctshows.org

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | May 11 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Wright One Construction 360 Sprint Cars, American Stock, 4 Bangers, IMCA Modifieds.

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

"Angelique Kidjo" | May 11 (8 p.m.)

UCSC Art & Lecture series
Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, artslectures.ucsc.edu/performances.htm

Art at the Beach | May 13 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

A select group of area artists display works at the Esplanade's outdoor gallery. Some will be demonstrating their craft with works in progress. This is a free event.

Esplanade Park, Capitola
www.ci.capitola.ca.us

Tule Crafts | May 13 (1-3 p.m.)

Naturalists lead the way to tule gathering sites and demonstrates how to make household items using the local Native American traditions. Free. All ages.

Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Ben Lomond
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | May 18 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

"Gary Jacob" 50 Lap Ocean Late Model Race, Micro 600, 4 Bangers, Dwarf Cars, IMCA Modiffieds.

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

IAB Taste for the Cure at Bargetto Winery | May 19 (4-7 p.m.)

The Institute for Applied Biomedicine welcomes visitors in an effort to help raise money for AIDS research. There is a wine tasting, gourmet food and live music in Bargetto's Cellars and Courtyard. Also, a silent & live auction featuring donated items from local retailers and artists. $20 advance tickets, $25 at the door.

3535 North Main St., Soquel
800-422-7438, www.bargetto.com

Free Family Festival: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Centennial Celebration | May 19

Children and adults enjoy musical performances and take part in hands-on arts activities that have a seaside Boardwalk theme. There are carnival fare, gallery tours, historical artifacts from the 100-year-old amusement park and other activities. Fee.

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

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | May 19 (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Travel just a few miles off the coast to the Monterey Bay's 6,000 foot deep canyon where more than 70 bird species travel from both hemispheres to feed on these rich waters. Monterey Seabird Tours are available during peak migration seasons, limits the number of travelers on a tour, and are led by expert naturalists and birders.

Monterey Boat Charters, Monterey Wharf
831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com

Salute to Beach Boardwalk Centennial | May 19

Beach bandstand has ongoing free performances. Thee are featured performances including a Papa Doo Run Run concert, acrobatic trampoline acts and thrilling high diving acts from an 80 foot tower, and other surprises.

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