The World of the Small | Sept. 16 (2-4 p.m.)

Discover nature's small creatures in the wild and under a microscope. Free. Ages 6+

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

Celebración del Día de la Independencia/Mexican Independence Day Celebration | Sept. 16 (Noon-5 p.m)

Various ceremonies and events.

Downtown Plaza and Main St, Watsonville
831-761-0861

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Sept. 16 (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

Monterey Bay Birding Festival | Sept. 21-23

Fall is a magical time of year for birding along the Monterey Bay. Over 400 species of shorebirds, ducks, geese, seabirds and songbirds gather along this beautiful coast to over-winter among our wetlands, sloughs, shores and woodlands. Participate with Central Coast birding enthusiasts in a full weekend of activities centered in the Pajaro Valley, heart of the Monterey Bay's world-renowned birding area. Sign up for guided outings. This year's schedule includes a trip to the Big Sur Condor Project, and a special presentation on the Snowy Plover. Other outings are to Watsonville Wetlands, Elkhorn Slough National, Estuarine Research Reserve, Pajaro Dunes, Pajaro River, Moss Landing State Beach, Ventana Wildlife Society Big Sur Ornithology Lab, Sunset Beach, and locations along the Santa Cruz Coast.

Watsonville (various locations)
831-763-5600, www.montereybirdfestival.org

Garden Days at Gilroy Gardens | Sept. 21 (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

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

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

Much Ado About String: Traditional Textiles | Sept. 30 (1-4 p.m.)

Learn about quilting, weaving, spinning, knitting, lace making, natural dying, braiding and other textile crafts. Free. All ages.

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