“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

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

UCSC Arboretum - First Saturday Tour | Oct. 4 (11 a.m.)

Join the Arboretum staff and docents on a walking tour of the grounds with a focus on what plants and animals are at their peak this month. $3 for general public. Free for Arboretum Members.

1156 High St., Santa Cruz
831-427-2998, www.2ucsc.edu/arboretum

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

O’Neill Cold Water Classic | Oct. 9-14 (8 a.m.-5p.m.)

Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz
831-475-7500, www.oneill.com

Harvest Fair | Oct. 11-12

Celebrate Harvest Time and Halloween with scarecrow building and pumpkin decorating contests. Ride the Steam Train. B.A.G.G.E.R.S. display antique gas-powered engines. Crafts and fun activities for kids!

Roaring Camp, Felton
831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Guided Walk at Elkhorn Slough | Oct. 11-12

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org

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

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

Monterey Seabirds off-shore birding | Oct. 11 (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Fully guide off-shore tour to see migrating seabirds. $95. Advance reservations suggested.

831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com