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

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

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

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Oct. 17 (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

Moonlight Dinner Train | Oct. 20 (6-11 p.m.)

Moonlight dinner, dancing, and train ride through a redwood forest lit by flashlight. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.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