Shakespeare Santa Cruz | July 17-Sept. 2

July 18 - Sept. 2: Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 31 - Sept. 2: The Tempest, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 29 - Sept. 2: Playboy of the Western World, J. M. Synge at Mainstage theater
July 17 - Sept. 2: Endgame, Sammuel Beckett at Mainstage theater

UCSC Festival Glen and Mainstage theaters, Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, www.shakespearesantacruz.com

55th Annual Capitola Begonia Festival - Capitola Jungle Safari! | Aug. 31 - Sept. 3

Everyone is welcome to participate in all festival activities. Some events require advance registration and planning, as with the nautical parade. Supplies and equipment are provided for most events. Visit the festival website for details.

Friday, Aug. 31: "Capitola Goes To The Movies" begins at Dusk on the Beach.. Bring the family, a picnic dinner, chairs, blankets and we'll provide the popcorn.

Saturday, Sept. 1: Sand Sculpture Contest (8:30 a.m.-noon); Budding artists at the Esplanade (9 a.m.- Noon); Community Group Volleyball ( 1-5 p.m.); Concert in the Park (5-7 p.m.); and Float Construction Viewing (4-10 p.m.)

Sunday. Sep. 2: Horseshoe Tournament on the Sand (8 a.m.-finish); Chalk Art on the Seawall (9 a.m.-noon); Beach Blanket Begonias! (11 a.m.-noon); 54th Annual Nautical Parade (1-3 p.m.); and Concert in the Park (4-6 p.m.)

Mon. Sep. 3: Fishing Derby on the Wharf (6 a.m.- noon); Children's Art Event (11 a.m.-2 p.m.); and Rowboat Races on Soquel Creek (1 p.m.-finish)

Capitola Village
800-919-8155, www.begoniafestival.com

Great Train Robberies | Sept. 1-2

Witness shootouts of famed lawmen and notorious outlaws from the 1880s at Bear Mountain. Blazing reenactments demonstrate why the West was wild.

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

First Tuesday Free at the Seymour Center | Sept. 4 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Visit our aquarium, exhibit hall, and touch tanks. Take a tour or explore on your own. Join us as we explore Monterey Bay with our hands-on family programs!

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

First Friday Free Admission at MAH | Sept. 7 (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 | Sept. 7 (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

26th Greek Culture & Food Festival | Sept. 7-9

Traditional music, dance and food. There are games and displays.

Church St. between Cedar & Center, Santa Cruz
831-429-6500.

Capitola Art & Wine Festival | Sept. 8-9

There are more than 200 artists, 16 featured wineries, gourmet foods, entertainment from two stages throughout the day, children's art area. Saturday beach-side concert (5-7 p.m.).

Capiotola Village
831-475-6522, www.capitolachamber.com

Mad Scientist Experiments | Sept. 9 (2-4 p.m.)

BBQ, games, crafts, face painting and educational presentations from community businesses, service groups and government. Free. All ages.

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

Big Kahuna Triathalon | Sept. 9 (9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Triathalon: Swim 1.2 miles, Bike 56 miles, Run 13.1 miles, Luau, & Expo. Race registrations is at Depot Park that is also the venue for the open-air bazaar Expo. Displays feature the latest in multi-sport equipment. Awards ceremonies at 2 p.m. at the Boardwalk bandstand. Big Kahuna Port-Race Luau treats athletes to food and refreshments. There is ongoing Hawaiian music and entertainment, organized by Michelle Kiba.

Race depart from Depot Park, 119 Center St., Santa Cruz
Other events at the Beach Boardwalk Bandstand.
Register & information: www.firstwave_events.com