Circus Chimera - "Circus Happy Dayz" | May 22-25 (Two shows daily)

A family Circus, featuring creative acrobats and clowns who juggle, work daring feats on the low wire trapeze and motorcycle tricks. The kids will love this up-close view of an old- fashioned circus. Ticket booth at the tent opens at noon each day or purchase advance tickets by calling 888-663-7464 or visit www.circuschimera.com

Skypark, Scotts Valley
888-663-7464, www.circuschimera.com

"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

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

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | May 25 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Destruction Derby, American Stock, 4 Bangers, Dwarf Cars, Figure 8, AMCA Modifieds.

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

"How I Learned to Drive" | May 25 - May 27 (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun.)

1001 Center St., Santa Cruz
Tickets: SC Civic Box Office: 831-420-5260
831-425-1003, www.sccat.org

Concert: Lynn Harrell, Cello | May 25 (7 p.m.)

UCSC Art and Lecture series
First Congregational Church, 800 High St., Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, artslectures.ucsc.edu/performances.htm

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

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

20th Annual Artshow: Liz Lyons Friedman & John Gavrilis | May 26-28 (10 a.m-5 p.m.)

Bargetto Winery Courtyard
3535 North Main Street, Soquel
800-422-7438, www.bargetto.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