First Friday Free Admission at MAH | May 4 (11 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

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

MAH - Free Lunchtime Discussion Artist Talk | May 4 (noon)

Docents lead visitors on an up-close look at the current exhibition The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A Century by the Sea.

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

Researchers Anonymous: Round Table | May 12 (10 a.m. - noon)

Open talk led by area historians about Santa Cruz County history and current museum projects. Fee to the public, donations welcome.

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

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

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

Family Day at the Agricultural History Project | May 19 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

There are historic farm equipment demonstrations, draft horses, goat and cows. See docents churning butter, making cheese and participate in other day-to-day farm duties. There are many old fashioned games and other farm related activities for children.

2601 East Lake Ave. (Hwy 152), Watsonville
831-724-5898, www.aghistoryproject.org

Watsonville Fly-in and Air Show | May 25 - 27 (9 a.m.-7 p.m.)

The three day show is packed with aerial performers including Military Aircraft, Warbirds - B-17; Aerobatics and RC Model Flights. A pyrotechnic show will explode into the sky both nights. Other highlights include displays of hundreds of antique, neoclassic, war birds and experimental aircraft, and a classic car show. There are food and merchandise vendors. Discount tickets available at the event website.

Watsonville Airport, Freedom
831-763-5600, www.watsonvilleflyin.org

Civil War Battles & Encampment | May 26-28

Visit encampments of Union and Confederate solders and witness historic battles at one of the longest-running Civil War reenactments in the West.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Felton Rememberers Parade | May 26 (10 a.m.)

This is the 19th annual parade and salute to Felton's history. Participants include youth and civic groups, bands, horses, marching units and much more. Festival has music, food, historic photos displayed. Sponsored by the Felton Business Association.

Parade: Hwy 9
Festival: Covered Bridge Park
Felton