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

Monterey Seabirds off-shore birding | Sept. 6 (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

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

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

Santa Cruz Birders’ Outing | Sept. 13 (7:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.)

For more information about this and other off-shore birding trips contact Monterey Seabirds at 831-375-4658 or visit www.montereyseabirds.com

Monterey Seabirds Fall Pelagic Birding - Fingers Canyon
Santa Cruz Bird Club, www.santacruzbirdclub.org

Guided Walk at Elkhorn Slough | Sept. 13-14 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

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

Moonlight Dinner Train | Sept. 13 (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 Seabirds off-shore birding | Sep. 13 (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

Monterey Seabirds off-shore spotting at albacore grounds | Sept. 14 (5:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

Fully guided birding adventure to off-shore albacore grounds. $135. Advance reservation required.

831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com