Wild Things Nighttime Tour | October (call for dates)

Enjoy a unique Halloween tour through Wild things animal facility. Stroll through decorated grounds, while costumed tour guides tell myths about exotic wild animals. Refreshments follow with a photo opportunity with "spooky" Halloween animals. Call for dates.

Vision Quest Ranch
400 River Rd., Salinas
831-455-1901, www.wildthingsinc.com

First Tuesday Free at the Seymour Center | Oct. 2 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Visit our aquarium, exhibit hall, and touch tanks. Take a tour or explore on your own. Join us as we explore Monterey Bay with our hands-on family programs!

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

Santa Cruz Mountains Winemakers Wednesday | Oct. 3 (5-8 p.m.)

Two to four winemakers pour tastings in the Rock Room Lounge. Featured wines sold at the bar and in the dining room are priced at 50% off.

Shadowbook Restaurant, Capitola
Winemaker presentation and tasting. Special price/service in dining room.
Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Assn.
831-685-8463, www.scmwa.com

First Friday Free Admission at MAH | Oct. 5 (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

Free First Friday Lunch Tour at MAH | Oct. 5 (noon)

Docents and guest artists lead in-depth discussions about current exhibitions.

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

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

American Stocks, Micro 600, Ocean Late Models, Dwarf Cars, Figure 8 (final points night).

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

Halloween at the Boardwalk | Oct. 6-28

This annual event has spooky decorations, activities and entertainment.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz
831-423-5590, www.beachboardwalk.com

Loch Lomond Highland Games and Celtic Gathering | Oct. 6

Traditional Scottish Highland athletics, extensive Celtic marketplace, solo bagpipe competition, traditional dance, clan tents, Machair Ruith (Celtic Run), Celtic critters, societies and guilds, living history and reenactor encampments, traditional foods and beverages. Three stages offering continuous Celtic music.

Highlands Park, Ben Lomond
831- 457-6716, www.lochlomondceltic.org

21st Santa Cruz County Open Studios | Oct. 6-7 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

A juried collection of 275 professional artists who work in various mediums participate in this event. All participants open their studios to visitors and offer an opportunity to meet and discuss the scope of their talents. The Open Studio Guide/calendar offers a thumb-nail image of each artist's work and maps to help in locating the studio sites. Refreshments are served at most locations.

Purchase the Open Studios guide to 275 professional artists/studios from various retail area stores and shops, or from:
Santa Cruz County Cultural Council
2400 Chanticleer Ave., Ste G, Santa Cruz
831-475-9600, www.ccscc.org

10th Annual Hot Rods at the Beach | Oct 6-7 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Classic cars on display at the Boardwalk's main beach parking lot. Special events include LA Police Department dragster, Police dog demonstrations. Pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz
831-423-5590, www.beachboardwalk.com