Scarecrow Alley and Pumpkin Patch | Oct. 13-14

A Gilroy community event. Area businesses, organizations and other groups create one-of-a-kind scarecrows that are displayed along the park's entry path and bridge. Purchase a holiday pumpkin at the Hall's Mercantile Pumpkin Patch.

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

Monte Foundation Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza | Oct 13 (1-10 p.m)

There are games, entertainment and food. Fireworks commence at dusk.

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

36th Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival | Oct. 13-14 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

There are many events held throughout the community. Saturday has the Great Pumpkin Parade and on Sunday is the Pumpkin Run/walk on a coast trail and a kids 5K and 10K fun run/walk. Call for run details: 650-712-7322. Both days have a pancake breakfast and Pumpkin pie eating, carving and costume contests. There are arts and craft vendors, food, entertainment, and several area farms have pumpkin patches, special events and games. Other festival events are the Scarecrow competition (Oct 7, 1 p.m.) and the Pumpkin weigh-in (Oct. 8, 7:30 a.m.). Free admission. No pets.

Main St. and area farms, Half Moon Bay
650-726-9652, www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest

Lobster Feed in the Forest | Oct. 13 (4:30 -10 p.m.)

A festive evening in the forest feasting on fresh cooked Main Lobster and enjoying lively music, dancing and prizes. This annual event is held at the Henry Cowell's picnic area with proceeds benefitting the Mountain Parks Foundation's nature education programs. Tickets: $50.

Mountain Parks Foundation Event
Henry Cowell Redwood State Park, Felton
831-335-3174, www.mountainparks.org

Welcome Back Monarchs Day | Oct. 14 (10 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)

Join us for this joyful, monarch_filled day and welcome the monarchs back to this park, their over-wintering habitat. Participate in numerous activities including arts & crafts, active games for kids, music by the 5M's (the mostly mediocre musical monarch mariposas), hand-cranked 'monarch' ice cream (pumpkin), information and action booths as well as more about monarch butterflies and how-to's for a butterfly garden.

Natural Bridges State Park
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
831-423-4609, www.santacruzstateparks.org

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Oct. 14 (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

Worm Composting Workshop | Oct. 14 (1-3 p.m.)

Learn how to start your own worm bins. $20 material fee. Age 10+.

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

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | Oct. 14 (1-3 p.m.)

Create fun crafts that feature the cool creatures of the tidepools. Make a seastar suncatcher, or create your own sea anemone! There are activity sheets, scavenger hunts, and a take home souvenir of your day.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

O'Neill Cold Water Classic | Oct 16-22

A top men's and women's surfing event.

Steamers Lane, Santa Cruz
831-475-4151, www.oneill.com

Santa Cruz Mountains Winemakers Wednesday | Oct. 17 (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