Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | Sept. 23 (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

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Sept. 23 (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

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Sep. 28 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Johnny Key Classic 50 Lap 360 Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds (final point night for 360 and Modifieds).

Santa Cruz Country Fairgrounds
2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville
831-476-9466, www.oceanspeedway.com

Garden Days at Gilroy Gardens | Sept. 28 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Attention all gardeners... the Garden's Docents are on hand to inform visitors about the parks elaborate gardens and educational exhibits. Special horticultural seminars are presented by experts who are also available to answer your gardening questions. No rides will be in operation during the event hours. Garden Day tickets are $12 and available at the gate.

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

27th California International Air Show | Sep. 28-30

Nonstop excitement and thrills. The event starts on Friday night with a spectacular display of aeronautics and fireworks. The Sat. and Sund. events highlights include the USMC Harrier "Jump Jet" Demonstration team, The Patriots Aerobatic Jet Team, Sean D. Tucker and the ORACLE Challenger Performance. There are displays of equipment and memorabilia, food and and much more.

Salinas Airport
888-845-7469, www.salinasairshow.com

Santa Cruz Symphony - 50th Anniversary season opening concert | Sept. 29 (8 p.m.)

50th anniversary concert season opens with a star studded celebration under the direction of Music Director John Larry Granger. Concert program: Beethoven - Violin Concerto featuring New York Philharmonic Principal Assoc. Concertmaster Sheryl Staples. Moravec - Spiritdance. Mussorgsky , orchestrated by Maurice Ravel - Pictures at an Exhibition

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church St., Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-420-5260, www.santacruzsymphony.org

US/Boardwalk Cheer & Dance Competition | Sept. 29-30

Cheerleaders from throughout the state compete during this annual spirit day.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz
831-423-5590, www.beachboardwalk.com

Santa Cruz Symphony - 50th Anniversary season opening concert | Sept. 30 (2 p.m.)

50th anniversary concert season under the direction of Music Director John Larry Granger. Concert program: Beethoven - Violin Concerto featuring New York Philharmonic Principal Assoc. Concertmaster Sheryl Staples. Moravec - Spiritdance. Mussorgsky , orchestrated by Maurice Ravel - Pictures at an Exhibition.

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church St., Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-420-5260, www.santacruzsymphony.org

Antique and Collectable Bazaar | Sept. 30 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Visitors free. Appraisals $5-$10

Simpkins Swim Center, Live Oak
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | Sept. 30 (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