"Sculpture Within: Garden & Community" | Aug. 1-Oct. 23

Pajaro Valley Arts Council and the Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden are showcasing 82 sculptures by 46 talented artists. This family friendly event combines the best of sculpture and nature.

Sierra Azul Nursery & Gardens
2660 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville
www.sierraazul.com
www.pvarts.org

“Sculpture Within: Garden & Community” | Sep. 1-Oct 23

Sierra Azul’s two acre demonstration garden is the site of the Pajaro Valley Arts Council sculpture garden. Its “Sculpture Within: Garden and Community” exhibit features works by local artists and includes many pieces that will added to the Council’s permanent collection.

Sierra Azul Nursery & Gardents
2660 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville
831-429-1964, www.sierraazul.com, www.pvarts.org

“Sculpture Within: Garden & Community” | Oct. 1-23

Sierra Azul’s two acre demonstration garden is the site of the Pajaro Valley Arts Council sculpture garden. Its “Sculpture Within: Garden and Community” exhibit features works by local artists and includes many pieces that will added to the Council’s permanent collection.

Sierra Azul Nursery & Gardens
2660 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville
831-455-1901, www.sierraazul.com
www.pvarts.org

Howl-o-ween Hop for Hounds | Oct. (tba)

Doggie dress-up parade and play party.

Capitola Village
831-464-2470, www.coastaldogs.com

Loch Lomond Highland Games and Celtic Gathering | Oct. 4

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
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-457-6716, www.lochlomondceltic.org

Hot Rods at the Beach | Oct. 4-5 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The Boardwalk shows off classic cars during the 11th Annual Hot Rods at the Beach event to benefit the Santa Cruz City Police Officers’ Association. FREE.

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

22nd Santa Cruz County Open Studios - South County | Oct 4-5 (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

Guided Bird Walk at Elkhorn Slough | Oct. 4 (8:30 a.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.

Elkhorn Slough Visitors Center
1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org

Guided Walk at Elkhorn Slough | Oct. 4-5 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Elkhorn Slough Visitors Center
1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org

Gilroy Gardens - Halloween Treasure Hunt | Oct.4-5 (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