JULY

Ongoing–Lake Cachuma bird-watching cruises. Tours continue through October. Reservations are “strongly recommended.”  Short and easy nature walks starting and ending at the Nature Center are also offered. 688-4515 or 686-5050.

Ongoing–PCPA Theaterfest–through October 15. For the complete schedule call their box-office 805-922-8313 or visit their web: www.pcpa.org.

Ongoing–Santa Ynez Valley Museum: Dairy Days in the Santa Ynez Valley. www.syvm.org.

Ongoing–Wildling Museum: Wildlings from the Deep, an exhibition of underwater photography. Through Sept. 13.

11–Elverhøj Museum. The art exhibit “Organic Abstractions” will continue through Sept 6, with a reception for artist Pamela Zwehl-Burke July 18 • 4-7pm.
www. elverhoj.org or 688-7889.

25–Santa Ynez Valley Museum’s Pioneer Jamboree.  Honorees this year will be the families noted for the Valley’s once thriving but now sadly defunct dairy industry.  Proceedings include a live auction and dinner in the Parks-Janeway Carriage House. www.syvm.org or 688-7889.
 

AUGUST

16–Old Mission Santa Inés Fiesta. Community-wide celebration of the Valley’s Hispanic and Chumash heritage. Carnival, booths, mariachis, Folklorico dancing,
etc.  Proceeds go to Mission preservation.  www.missionsantaines.org or 688-4815.

15–Los Olivos Quick Draw Contest and Art Show.  Artists get 45 minutes to complete a work that is then auctioned off to the highest bidder.  Other events include a BBQ, sculpture demonstrations,  art gallery open houses, etc.  688-1222.
 

SEPTEMBER

12–Elverhøj Museum: Out of Africa:  Recent Photography by Susan Jorgenson. Through Nov 1.  Reception 4-7pm.

19-21–Solvang’s annual Danish Days celebration. A weekend of folk dancing, music, food booths, Gade Maling (sidewalk painting), aebleskiver (spherical pancakes) and more, with a parade on Saturday and Children’s Parade on Sunday.  www.solvangusa.com, 805-688-6144 or 800-468-6765.

19–Elverhøj Museum:  Danish Living History Day. Volunteers will demonstrate such Scandinavian crafts as lacemaking, papercutting, weaving, stone and woodcarving, and more.

19–Gourmet Challenge. 5k and 10k walk/runs and full & half century bike rides, luncheon, libations & massage benefit the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation. For more info contact: Jim Sobell at 805-350-0284 or www.thevineyarhouse.com/site.html

25-27–Solvang Jazz Festival. Now in its third year,  this festival is a serious attempt to honor the tradition of the noted jazz festivals of Monterey and Newport. www.solvangjazz.com or  425-481-3274.