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

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

Capitola Village Halloween Parade | Oct 26 (2 -4 p.m)

Line up at 1:30 p.m. at the Pacific Cove Parking Lot above Capitola Police Department & City Hall. Parade begins at 2 p.m. and winds through Capitola Village and ends at Esplanade Park. Trick or treating offered by local merchants.

Capitola Village
831-475-6522, www.capitolachamber.com

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Oct. 28 (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Travel just a few miles off the coast to the Monterey Bay's 6,000 foot deep canyon where more than 70 bird species travel from both hemispheres to feed on these rich waters. Monterey Seabird Tours are available during peak migration seasons, limits the number of travelers on a tour, and are led by expert naturalists and birders.

Monterey Boat Charters, Monterey Wharf
831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com

Santa Cruz Mountains Winemakers Wednesday | Oct. 31 (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

Boulder Creek Halloween Sidewalk Party | Oct 31 (5-7 p.m.)

Children, adults and pets come in costume and trick or treat along the main street of town. Merchants offer special prizes and there are activities and refreshments. Free.

Hwy 9, Boulder Creek
www.bcba.net

Marine Masquerade & Scary Aquary | Oct 31 (6-8 p.m.)

Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Wild Things Nighttime Flashlight Tour | Oct 31 (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