4 Can't Miss Events This Weekend

Gavin's Race

When:  6-10 p.m. Friday

Where:  Ocean Speedway, Watsonville

Why Go: Cheer on local law enforcement as they race around the dirt track at Ocean Speedway, a benefit for Soquel teen Gavin Jack. Gavin, the son of a sheriff's deputy, who is awaiting a heart transplant.

When:  11 a.m. Saturday

Where:  1 Camp Evers Lane, Scotts Valley

Why Go: Meet the owner, try a fun-filled dance routine and receive a goody bag! Raffle tickets will be distributed and participants will be entered to win one month of free dance lessons, a dance activity book and more.

Cost:  free

Oktoberfest & Benefit Concert with Grind Out Hunger

When:  3-6 p.m. Saturday

Where:  Palm Deli, Aptos

Why Go:   Seven kid bands will perform at this Oktoberfest event and home-brewed root beer, sausages, and micro-brews will be provided.  Proceeds to this benefit concert support  the “Be Natural Scholarship Foundation,’which provides financial assistance to kids in the music program and ‘Grind Out Hunger. ‘  Raffle tickets are available at: http://benaturalmusicsantacruz.com/2013/09/oktoberfest-oct-12/

Cost:  $3/individual, Free under three

Welcome Back Monarchs Day at Natural Bridges State Beach

When:  10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday

Where:  Natural Bridges State Beach

Why Go:  Welcome back the Monarchs at this event as they return to their winter habitat.  A performance by the 5M’s(mostly mediocre musical monarch mariposas), arts and crafts, butterfly garden tips, and plenty of hand–cranked monarch ice cream will sweeten the day.  http://www.parks.ca.gov/Events/EventDetail.aspx?id=4044

Cost:  $10/parking