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

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

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

40th Harvest Festival at the Farm | Oct. 6 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Don't miss this annual event. There is music, food, apple tasting, an apple pie bake-off, garden talks, hay rides, kids' events, tours, displays by local farmers, chefs, and community groups make this a great event for adults and kids. $5. entry fee.

UCSC Campus - Farm and Garden
831-459-3240, zzyx.usc.edu/casfs

UCSC Farm and Garden Harvest Festival | Oct 7 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Farmer's market and plant sale. There's food, entertainment, apple pie bake off and activities for kids.

1156 High St., UCSC Farm
831-459-3240, www.ucsc.edu/casfs

SuperKid Traiatholon for kids age 7 and older. | Oct. 7 (Times by age group)

Swim, bike ride and run - with no in-between rest periods. Length of events vary with age and ability of participant groupings. Registration fee: $35 pre Sept. 1, $40 after. Parents required to sign a USAT form at registration. Participant ages: 7 and older.

Simpkins Swim Center, Live Oak
831-419-0883, www.scparks.com (Registration: www.sktri.com)

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Oct. 12-13 (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