Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza & Fair | Oct 11 (3 p.m.-10 p.m.)

Seacliff State Beach, Aptos
831-685-3317, www.monte-foundation.com

Gilroy Gardens - Halloween Treasure Hunt | Oct. 11-12 (weekends) (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Kids 12 and under follow a treasure map to hidden surprises and prizes. There is a Scarecrow Alley at Sycamore Bridge, a build-your-own scarecrow patch and much more.

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

Monterey Seabirds off-shore spotting at albacore grounds | Oct. 12 (5:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

Fully guided birding adventure to off-shore albacore grounds. $135. Advance reservation required.

831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com

Gilroy Gardens - Halloween Treasure Hunt | Oct.15-16 (weekends) (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Kids 12 and under follow a treasure map to hidden surprises and prizes. There is a Scarecrow Alley at Sycamore Bridge, a build-your-own scarecrow patch and much more.

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

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Oct. 17 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

GLR Investments World of Outlaws

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

Wild Things Nighttime Flashlight Tour | Oct. 17-18 (8:30 p.m.)

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.

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

Apple Butter Festival | Oct. 18 (9 a.m-5 p.m.)

There is apple butter canning, antique farm equipment, crafts, BBQ, fresh apples, juice pressing, bakery, antiques and much more.

Gizdich Ranch, Watsonville
831-722-1056, www.gizdich-ranch.com

Octoberfest at the Tyrolean Inn | Oct 18

In true Bavarian fashion, the Tyrolean Inn celebrates Octoberfest with traditional foods, music, songs, plus beers and wines from the homeland.

9600 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond
831-336-5188, www.tyroleaninn.com

Santa Cruz Band Review | Oct. 18 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)

The 38th Annual Santa Cruz Youth Band Review marches from downtown Santa Cruz to the Boardwalk. Watch high school bands from all over California strut their stuff.

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

USTA Santa Cruz Academy Jr. Open Tennis | Oct 18-26

Cabrillo College, Aptos
www.active.com