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

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

Thunderbirds on the Wharf | Oct 13 (9 a.m.- 3 p.m.)

From the classic T-birds to latest models, these distinctive cars gather at the wharf and cruise through town.

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
831-420-5273, www.santacruzwharf.com

Apple Butter Festival | Oct 20 (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. 20

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

If Houses Could Talk - Ranch House Tour | Oct 21 (2-3:30 p.m.)

Learn the history and stories about the six families who lived at Quail Hollow Ranch ? from Sun-Kissed Ranch to Sunset Magazine. Free. All ages.

Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Ben Lomond
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com