Shakespeare Santa Cruz | July 16-Aug. 31

July 16 - Aug. 31: Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 27 - Aug. 31: All’s Well That Ends Well, William Shakespeare at Festival Glen theater
July 15 - Aug. 31: Bach at Leipzig, Itamar Moses at Mainstage theater
July 30 - Aug. 31: Burn This, Lanford Wilson at Mainstage theater

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

"Sculpture Within: Garden & Community" | Aug. 1-Oct. 23

Pajaro Valley Arts Council and the Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden are showcasing 82 sculptures by 46 talented artists. This family friendly event combines the best of sculpture and nature.

Sierra Azul Nursery & Gardens
2660 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville
www.sierraazul.com
www.pvarts.org

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

Guided Bird Walk at Elkhorn Slough | Sept. 6 (8:30 a.m.)

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

Elkhorn Slough Visitors Center
1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org

Guided Walk at Elkhorn Slough | Sept. 6-7 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

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

UCSC Arboretum - First Saturday Tour | Sept. 6 (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

Capitola Art & Wine Festival | Sept. 6-7

There are more than 185 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.)., Sunday beach-side concert (3-5 p.m.) Featuring Desperado - The Premiere Eagles Tribute.

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

27th Greek Culture & Food Festival | Sept. 7 (11 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

Traditional music, dance and food. There are games and displays. Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday noon-8 p.m.

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

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

Santa Cruz County Fair | Sept. 9-14

An old-fashion county celebration with displays of home-crafted goods, hobbies, collectibles, art and photography. Other areas have service club projects, commercial vendors and there is a large horticulture section with commercial and amateur displays. The agricultural area has barns and paddocks with chickens, cows, sheep, goats, other farm animals and the horse arena. Throughout the fair grounds there are ongoing demonstrations, competitions, auctions and at the Agriculture History Museum, Yesterday’s Farm has historic equipment, other displays, demonstrations, and activities. Featured entertainment groups are found at several stage locations. Other highlights include an adult and a child carnival areas and an abundance of fair food that ranges from cotton candy to ethnic choices and various fresh grilled BBQ options. Open Tue-Fri, noon-11 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sun 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds, Watsonville
831-724-5671, www.santacruzcountryfair.com