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

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | May 6 (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

Lecture: Footprints in the Sky | May 6 (1:30 pm )

David Carle, author of "Air In California," "Water In California," and the forthcoming "Fire In California," from UC Press, will give an illustrated lecture on the atmosphere we all share. $15 public, $10 Arboretum Members.

Arboretum - UC Santa Cruz
1156 High St., Santa Cruz
831-427-2998, www.2.ucsc.edu/arboretum

Birding Walk at Castle Rock State Park | May 6 (6:30 a.m.)

Group departs from 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz (6:30 a.m.) or meet at main parking area of Castle Rock State Park.

Santa Cruz Bird Club
www.santacruzbirdclub.org

Marine Mammal Research Tour | May 10 (2:15-3:30 p.m.)

Head behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab. Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 10 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Reservations required. Call (831) 459-3800.

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

Artist Talk: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Series | May 10 (6:30 p.m.)

Artist Sherry Karver presents a multi-dimensional view of the Boardwalk using photography, digital technology, and oil painting that chronicles the amusement park through its busy summer months, the winter off-season, and those months in between. Members $3, non-members $5.

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

John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" | May 10 - 13 (Tu-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m.)

Watsonville High School Drama Department
Mello Center for the Performing Arts
250 East Beach Street at Lincoln, Watsonville
Tickets: 831-728-6314, www.mellocenter.com

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