"Illustrating Nature" | May 5 - June 10

Annual spring showing of best works of artists from the UC Science Illustration program. More than 60 works are displayed that are done in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, colored pencil, graphite, scratch-board and digital media mediums.

Museum of Natural History 831- 420-6113, www.santacruzmuseums.org

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | May 5 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Golden State 410 Sprint, American Stocks, Ocean Late Models

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

20th Bluegrass Faire | May 5 (noon-5 p.m.)

A sanctioned Northern California Bluegrass Society event. A free event with top artists to enjoy in a park setting. There are food & refreshments.

San Lorenzo Park, Santa Cruz
831-459-0908, www.scbs.org

Marv Jensen talk: "Honoring the Arcan Family" | May 5 (11a.m.)

Stories of those who rest at Evergreen Cemetery Series. The Arcan Family was stranded in Death Valley in the winter of 1848 while seeking a short cut to the gold fields of California. The wagon train party is credited with giving Death Valley its name. When rescued, the party was forced to leave most of their belongings behind, however, Abigail saved her fine linen tablecloth by wearing it as a cloak and it has recently been acquired by MAH. The Arcan Family is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Jensen tells the story of the Arcan family and other families rescued from Death Valley. A free event.

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

Cinco de Mayo Celebration | May 5 (11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.)

Independence Day celebrations on Main St. include Mariachi bands, vendor booths, food, dancing and other activities. The Watsonville Youth Center has a program for teens (15-19 years). For details call 831-763-4091. Other Cinco de Mayo events information is available from Fiestas Patrias de Watsonville and La Alianza del valle Pajaro at 831-761-0861.

Downtown Plaza and Main St., Watsonville

UC Farm Spring Plant Sale | May 5-6 ( 10 a.m.-3/2 p.m.)

The biggest and best collection of organically grown flower, herb and vegetable starts, along with perennial landscape plants available in the region.

UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
831-459-3240

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Bargettto Winery | May 5 (6-9 p.m.)

Mexican dinner buffet, music, salsa dancing lessons and wine. Reservations required: $18 general public, $15 Wine Club Members.

3535 North Main Street, Soquel
(Tickets) 831-475-1275, www.bargetto.com

Family Art Saturday at MAH | May 5 (1-3 p.m.)

Special hands-on art activities for families on the first Saturday of each month. The museum is open Tue-Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Its store, located in the street front octagon building, is open Tue-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun, noon-5 p.m.

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

In Search of Herps | May 6 (1-4 p.m.)

Herpetologist, Paul Haskins leads the search for amphibians at the park's ponds and chaparral trail. Help with the search and spotting of various species of reptile and amphibian. Free. All ages.

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

Spring Dog Parade & Festival | May 6 (10 a.m.- 2 p.m.)

"Work like a Dog" theme is carried through this day of doggie costume parades, frisbee toss, weenie bobbing, trick competitions and dog and owner survivor contests. There are agility, police dogs, frisbee, herding demonstrations, displays by rescue groups, vendors and food and beverage stands.

Aptos Village Park
831-476-9065, www.coastaldogs.com