"Eyes on the Ice - The Scientist's Lens" photographic exhibit | May 22

This new photographic exhibition consists of images taken on two research cruises to the Antarctic during winters of 2001 and 2002. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the expeditions focused on better understanding the relationship between changing climate and the ecology of the Southern Ocean. Armed with cameras as well as survival and research equipment, the scientists documented their studies and captured special moments.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Garden Days at Gilroy Gardens | May 25 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Attention all gardeners.... the Garden's Docents are on hand to inform visitors about the parks elaborate gardens and educational exhibits. Special horticultural seminars are presented by experts who are also available to answer your gardening questions. No rides will be in operation during the event hours. Garden Day tickets are $12 and available at the gate

3050 Hecker Pass/Hwy 152, Gilroy
408-840-7100, www.gilroygardens.org

Santa Cruz Blues Festival | May 26-27

This festival takes place in a natural amphitheater surrounded by Red Wood trees. in Aptos Village Park. Entertainment line up has: Saturday: Los Lonely Boys, Indigenous, Jackie Greene, Sonny Landreth, Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings. Sunday: Etta James & the Roots Band, Little Feat, Robben Ford, Tommy Castro and Nina Storey. Tickets available in advance or at the gate.

Aptos Village Park
831-479-9814, www.santacruzbluesfestival.com

Birders Walk at the Carmel River Restoration Area | May 26 (8 a.m.)

An Audubon directed outing to the recently enhanced south-fork of the Carmel River mouth State Park Wildlife area. Meet at the parking area immediately past the south end of the Hwy# 1 bridge crossing the Carmel River. Leader: Bill Hill. Contact : 831-624-3300

Meet at SP parking area at Hwy 1, Carmel River bridge.
Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society, www.montereyaudubon.org

23rd Santa Cruz Longboard Club Invitational | May 26-27 (6 a.m.-6 p.m.)

West Coast's oldest, longest-running competitive surfing event. It has amateur and pro surfers in eleven age groups.

Steamers Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz
831-454-9888

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival - Music in the Gardens Tour | May 27 (1-5 p.m.)

Music and refreshments are offered at a select group of area gardens. Ticket $30. Available at San Lorenzo Garden Center, The Garden Company, Florabunda Florist and Zinnia's Home and Garden.

Various locations 831-457-9693, www.scbaroque.org

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | May 27 (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