WATSONVILLE
Cactus show
Get to know the wonderful variety of drought resistant plants and the Bi-Annual Cactus and Succulent Show. Peruse a display of award winning plants and then imagine your own garden with colorful cactus and succulent plants as you shop the thousands of cacti available. Monterey Bay Cactus and Succulent Society members will be on hand to answer questions on Saturday Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find out more by calling (831) 758-6645.
GILROY
Chitactac-Adams Family Day
Bring the kids and celebrate local Indian culture at the Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park. Discover a wealth of cultural artifacts including bedrock mortars and petroglyphs. Join in crafts and activities with Amah Mutsun Tribal band members whose ancestors occupied the area for thousands of years. Enjoy stories and exhibits of indigenous peoples and tour a reproduction of an Amah Mutsun village including a tule house and an acorn granary on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10001 Rd. Visit parkhere.org for more information.
Tamal Festival
The Annual Tamal Festival is presented by the Community Agency for Resources, Advocacy and Services (CARAS) and the El Charrito Market, benefiting low-income youth and families. Tamals or Tamales were traditionally served to soldiers, hunters and travelers as a great portable food. The festival will feature a Tamale cook-off, art and craft vendors, a car show, great live music and of course the tasty tamal. Come stroll the event and experience the tradition on Sunday, Oct. 2 from noon to 7pm on Monterey Street in downtown Gilroy.
MORGAN HILL
Dog Days
Take the dogs out for the Annual Doggie Dip Day because every dog deserves a day in the sun. Every year the Aquatic Center invites the community and their four-legged pals to come and splash and play around before the end-of-the-year pool draining and cleaning begins. Just a few rules to keep the peace. There is a two-dog limit and proof of vaccinations is required. There are three sessions available on Oct.1, 11 a.m. for small dogs, 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m. for larger dogs, at Morgan Hill Aquatic Center, 16200 Condit Rd. Call ahead at (408) 782-2134.
Taste of Morgan Hill
For two days in September the city brings the Taste of Morgan Hill to its downtown. The streets are packed with a variety of arts, crafts and food vendors and local businesses open their doors for visitors to discover what the downtown has to offer. Enjoy a selection of wines and craft beers and relax to live music. Don’t forget to stop the Harvest Quilt and Fiber Arts Show and see what’s new. Bring the the family on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in historic downtown Morgan Hill. Find out more at morganhill.org.
Little Mermaid Jr.
South Valley Civic Theatre, a nonprofit community theater, presents the enchanting story of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Bring the kids and explore with Ariel and her aquatic friends as they journey through a magical underwater kingdom. The production begins on Friday, Sept. 30 and goes through Oct. 22 with a special matinee on Saturday, Oct. 8 featuring a one-time sing-along performance. Tickets range from $16 to $25. All shows will be held at Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Rd. Visit svct.org for more information.
Tarantula Fest
It’s a day of exploration at the annual fall Tarantula Fest and Barbeque as you hunt for the little fuzzy and friendly guests of honor. Spend the day in search of tarantulas or go on a geocaching hike. There will be live music by the Soda Springs Jug Band, made up of musical Coe Park volunteers. Chow down on steak, chicken, veggie burgers or hot dogs, then visit with volunteers from the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC) and learn about their wonderful ambassador animals. Head out to Henry Coe Park on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., off of East Dunne Ave. in Morgan Hill. Parking is $8 per car. Get your meal tickets and directions at coepark.net.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Vertigo Day
Alfred Hitchcock’s historical film “Vertigo” can claim San Juan Bautista’s Mission as one of it’s famous filming locations. The Plaza History Association is hosting a Vertigo Day event to honor and share this classic with the community. The event will include a tour, emphasizing film locations and fun film facts, a lecture and a free showing of the movie. Experience Hitchcock on Saturday, Sept. 24. The tour begins at 3 p.m. for $15 followed by the lecture at 4:30 p.m. at Plaza Saloon, Mariposa Entry for $10. The movie begins around 8 p.m. on the Plaza Lawn. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Find out more at sanjuanbautistaca.com.
TRES PINOS
San Benito County Fair
The San Benito County Fair in the beautiful countryside is back with Blue Ribbon Memories. The fair is an expression of the hard work of the county’s youth and the dedication of the farmers and ranchers who participate in the wonderful shows and presentations. Don’t miss the livestock auction and horse shows. Bring the kids or relive your childhood playing games and going on rides at the carnival. Enjoy a full day of activities beginning on Thursday, Sept. 29 through Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Bolado Park on 9000 Airline Hwy. in Tres Pinos. Kids under 12 are free. Check the schedule at sanbenitocountyfair.com.
THE VALLEY
‘MEMPHIS’ the Musical
The Tabard Theatre Company kicks off the season, themed “Courage,” with an award-winning musical, MEMPHIS. Inspired by actual events, this tells the courageous story of a white DJ who wants to change the world and up and coming black singer ready for her big break in Memphis, Tennessee during the 1950s. Proceeds will benefit Arts Angels. This tale of fame and forbidden love told through irresistible songs comes to the stage beginning Friday, Sept. 23 through Oct. 16 at Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 North San Pedro St. in San Jose. A free hands-on presentation for those in the community who are blind or vision impaired will be held from 1:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24. For tickets and showtimes call (408) 679-2330 or go to tabardtheatre.org.
