Free Guided Walking Tours, Wed and Sat through October. Learn about Oakland’s past and present with these free, twice weekly guided tours which offer a glimpse into Oakland’s past and present while showcasing the city’s changing skyline, old and new landmarks, churches and high-rises. There are eight tour itineraries to choose from. Each tour, led by a volunteer guide, begins at 10am from various starting locations depending on the itinerary. Reservations are suggested.
510-238-3234.
Itinerary details are available at
www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours

SANTA CRUZ
Beach Boardwalk Events: Cirque Magnifique Tumbles into Town, Jul 12-Aug 20. The talented troupe of French Canadian acrobats delivers a fast-paced show in spectacular cirque style. Two free shows every Sunday-Thursday at noon and 3pm on weekdays, and noon and 6pm on Sundays.

Free Friday Night Bands Rock On, Jun 19-Sep 4. This summer, hit bands making their Boardwalk debut on the Beach Bandstand include Patty Smyth and Scandal, Loverboy, Ray Parker Jr., and The Sweet. Returning fan favorites include Eddie Money, Papa Doo Run Run, and more. Free concerts at the Boardwalk’s Beach Bandstand at 6:30pm and 8:30pm every Friday night. www.beachboardwalk.com/concerts

SANTA CRUZ
Area Events: Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival, Aug 8-9. Relax and enjoy the artwork of over 100 local artists accompanied by food, wine, music. Children’s activities, too. Event is free. 10am-6pm.
Location: Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.
831-438-1010
www.scottsvalleychamber.com

Monterey Bay Birding Festival, Sep 25-27. Come see 200 species of birds in one of the world’s most picturesque areas of California on the Monterey Bay. Events take place Fri-Sat, from 7am-9pm; and Sun from 7am-5pm.
Location: Watsonville Civic Plaza, 275 Main Street, Watsonville.
831-724-3900
www.montereybaybirding.org

SAN FRANCISCO
Richard Avedon: Photographs 1946-2004, on display Jul 11- Nov 29.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art presents the work of one of America’s preeminent photographers, Richard Avedon. Some of his best-known celebrity portraits–a young Bob Dylan standing in the rain, Marilyn Monroe caught in a vulnerable moment, Nastassja Kinski wearing nothing but a boa constrictor–are the most iconic of the 20th century. Location: 151 Third Street, San Francisco.
415-357-4000
www.sfmoma.org

MENLO PARK
Connoisseurs’ Marketplace, Jul 18-19. This popular festival of the arts celebrates the best of summer with live jazz, r&b, and rock ‘n roll music, a juried show with fine art and one-of-a-kind crafts, great food, wine, microbrews and margaritas, amusements, exhibits and more. Admission is free.
Location: Santa Cruz Ave between El Camino Real and Johnson Street.
650-325-2818
www.miramarevents.com