Get Out: Your Guide to a Great Weekend

Scotts Valley Idol

Where/When: , 4402 Scotts Valley Dr. Saturday, 9 p.m.

Why Go: This is your chance to let your inner rock star out and possibly become the newest Scotts Valley Idol in the process. This is the fifth year that Malone’s has held the karaoke competition that is sure to be a great time for both contestants and the audience. Saturday is the start of four weeks of competition, followed by semi-finals and finals on Feb. 12, where the Idol will be crowned. The winner of it all will also take home $300, and cash prizes will be awarded for second and third place too, so start thinking about your favorite song and head down to Malone’s on Saturday to participate. Potential contestants should call Ken at 831-566-2011 to sign up.

Price: There is a $25 entry fee for contestants. There is no cover charge to come out and cheer on the singers. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Where/When: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., Ben Lomond. Opening reception, Friday, 6-8 p.m. Regular gallery hours, Wednesdays-Sundays, noon-6 p.m.

Why Go: The art center’s newest exhibit, “Inspirations,” opens on Friday with a reception. The public is invited to come out and meet the talented artists—all from the local area—and view their diverse selection of works. Awards will be given at the reception for “Best of Show,” “Most Inspired,” and “Most Inspiring.”

Roaring Camp Rain Forest Weekends

Where/When: Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton. Saturday and Sunday, various times.

Why Go: Take an exciting ride on an antique steam train through California’s forest of coastal redwoods. As you sit back and enjoy the scenery, fascinating information about forest ecology and seasonal changes will be given.

Cost: Tickets are $24 for adults and $17 for children, and can be purchased at www.roaringcamp.com.

Where/When: City of Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Rd. Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Why Go: The weekly open-air market includes fresh organic fruit, vegetables, flowers, coffee and pastries, seafood, meat and eggs, showcasing the best in fresh-grown fruits and vegetables and local foods. Come out and shop and mingle with your fellow residents.

Pricing: Free

When/Where: , 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Why Go: Collecting wild mushrooms and cooking them at home is a great—but dangerous—hobby. (Remember, a couple months back when he ate wild mushrooms he had collected.) Learn more about identifying poisonous mushrooms and attend cooking demonstrations at the 38th annual Fungus Fair.

Pricing: $5