The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will host "Beautiful Bats: A California Bat Conservation Fund Presentation" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come see these shy and elusive nocturnal creatures up close and personal as you learn surprising facts about them and dispel common misconceptions. There will also be arts and crafts projects for children ages 6 and over. Best of all, this event is free for kids accompanied by an adult. The museum is at 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, phone 831-420-6115.

"Surf Your Subconscious" is the title of the Sixth Annual Santa Cruz Improv Festival running July 5 through Aug 3 at Actors' Theatre in downtown Santa Cruz. For five consecutive weekends this summer, locals and tourists alike will ride the wave of imagination as they laugh, chuckle, ponder, and occasionally sigh while witnessing spontaneous theater by Santa Cruz, Bay Area, and national improvisation artists. Shows are Fridays, Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 Fridays and Saturdays, $15 Sundays at the door. Call 831-425-PLAY for reservations.

The Valley Women's Club Environmental Committee Meeting will be held at Henry Cowell Park at 10:30 a.m. The committee works to protect the watershed and to educate the public on forestry issues, erosion control, hazardous waste, recycling and other issues. For details call 831-338-1728.

Kids ages 7 to 17 can learn how to create video games, robots, websites, movies and more at the weeklong iD Tech Camps at UCSC. Campers explore the world of technology, tap into their creative juices, and learn from instructors who act as positive mentors as they get exposure to a prestigious university. There's also a Surf & Tech program where half the day students surf the Pacific Ocean while the other half they either create a website or video game. Corporate partners include Apple, Canon, Microsoft and others. The program runs through Aug. 1, with information available at www.internalDrive.com or 888-709-TECH.

The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce will host a Networking Luncheon at the Shadowbrook Restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Carolyn Swift, Capitola Museum director, discussing "Soquel By-the-Sea: A True Story." Cost is $25 for Chamber members/$30 nonmembers. Reservations and advance payment are required by calling 831- 475-6522.

This series of four workshops for intermediate violinists and fiddlers ages 12 and above will cover the regional styles of Ireland, Scotland, Quebec, Appalachia and more. Community Music School instructor Deby Benton Grosjean's vast experience will allow you to have fun, be relaxed and develop confidence in learning new tunes and new skills. Plus you can pick those dates that fit your schedule. The workshops will be held from 4:45 to 6 p.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, 532 Center St., Santa Cruz. For more information email grsjn@cruzio.com or call 831-761-8228.