Butterflies Alive! Exhibit at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Open May 25 to September 2, 2024

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History opens its popular summer exhibit Butterflies Alive! on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

Guests are invited to walk through a serene garden while nearly 1,000 live butterflies flutter freely around them. Various butterfly species cycle through the Sprague Butterfly Pavilion during the summer, so no two visits are the same.

The exhibit is included in admission and open Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry into the pavilion is at 4:00 PM. Reservations are recommended at sbnature.org/tickets. Admission to the museum is $19 for ages 18-64, $17 for 65+ and 13-17, $14 for ages 2-12 and free for toddlers under age 2.

The Museum is also offering volunteer opportunities to guide guests through the unique experience. Adults who are able to commit to one 2.5-hour shift per week are encouraged to apply at sbnature.org/volunteer. Bilingual English/Spanish speakers and those available to volunteer on weekends are especially helpful in sharing this community favorite with the public.

About the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Powered by Science. Inspired by Nature. Founded in 1916, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world. The Museum seeks to connect people to nature for the betterment of both, and prides itself on being naturally different. For more information, visit sbnature.org.

Conejo Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale in Thousand Oaks June 7-9, 2024

The Conejo Orchid Society will hold its annual Orchid Show and Sale fundraiser June 7 - 9 at the Thousand Oaks Library (Grant Brimhall Library), 1401 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks. This free event will be an opportunity to learn about orchids and the Conejo Orchid Society. Learn how to care for your orchids. Shop for some great bargains and try your hand at growing some of the most beautiful and unusual plants in the world.

This event includes an exhibit of members’ orchids, and a wide range of inexpensive, easy-to-grow orchids for sale. Several hundred orchids from quality orchid nurseries and society member divisions will be available. Many can be grown outdoors in Southern California. Other available items will include “companion plants”, such as tillandsias, and succulents, grown by Society members, and orchid potting mix.

Demonstrations will show how to repot and care for orchids. Society members will be available to provide guidance on how best to grow your new orchids and will answer your questions.

The hours of the Orchid Show and Sale are Friday, June 7 – Noon to 6pm, Saturday, June 8 - 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, June 9 – Noon to 2pm. Arrive early for the best selection. Demonstrations of general orchid care will be Friday at 2pm and Saturday at 11am and 2pm.

Admission is free.

They accept payment in cash or check only.

For more information, call 805-410-3803 or visit www.conejoorchidsociety.org.

2024 Ventura County Greek Festival in Camarillo June 28, 29 and 30

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The 45th Ventura County Greek Festival will take place June 28, 29 and 30 back, after 10 years offsite, at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Camarillo.

The event features live Greek music, folk dancing, food, delicious pastries and baklava, vendors, petting zoo, and a kids' play area.

Festival times are 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Check vcgreekfestival.org or call 805.482.1273 for more information. No onsite parking. Free parking and shuttle rides at the Ventura County Office of Education parking lot at 5100 Adolfo Road.

Admission is $6, which includes a raffle ticket. Free admission for kids 12 and under and active military, veterans and first responders with ID.

Redbird's 22nd Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow in Oxnard June 7-9, 2024

Redbird’s 22nd Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow June 7-9, 2024 in Oxnard

Redbird's Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow is a Native American cultural celebration encompassing tribal people from throughout the western hemisphere. Singing, dancing, drumming, flute music, arts, crafts, jewelry, food, cultural demonstrations and information. Everyone is welcome. Free admission. A family friendly, outdoor gathering.

Friday, June 7 from 6-9 PM Open flute circle. All wind instrument players welcome and hand drums are also welcome.

Saturday, June 8 from 11 AM to 7PM: Gourd dance and intertribal powwow.

Sunday, June 9 from 11AM to 6PM: Gourd dance and intertribal powwow.

Location: Oxnard College Gymnasium Field, 4000 S. Rose Avenue, Oxnard

www.RedbirdsVisions.org

Free Comic Book Day Planned for Saturday, May 4, 2024

Free Comic Book Day takes place annually on the first Saturday in May, which is May 4, 2024 this year. On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book stores around the world give away designated comic books to anyone visiting their stores.

Visit www.freecomicbookday.com to learn more. Participating stores in the local Ventura County area this year include:

2024 Rolling For Pink Bunko Tournament in Camarillo on Saturday, June 8th

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Rolling for Pink is a non-profit organization that raises funds for BREAST CANCER RESEARCH.

This year will be the 14th Annual Rolling for Pink (RFP) Bunko Tournament! The event is a unique, fun, high-energy way to support the loved ones in our lives that are affected by this terrible disease. In addition to the bunko tournament, all guests at the event receive a goody bag, food and drinks. Must be 21 and over to attend. Tickets go on sale May 6 at rollingforpink.org.

Location: Exact location in the Santa Rosa Valley to be disclosed after registration.

Bark in the Park at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, March 16, 2024

Bark in the Park is planned for Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 9am to noon at Conejo Creek Park North, 1379 E. Janss Road (behind the Thousand Oaks Library).

Special activities include a dog costume contest, dog racetrack, dog entertainers, dog agility course, vendors and more. No aggressive dogs. All dogs must be on a leash.

Event free of charge and activities are free to participate in. Food available for purchase.

For more details, visit www.crpd.org/events/bark-in-the-park.

27th Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fishing Derby at Cachuma Lake on April 20-21, 2024

The 27th Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fishing Derby at Cachuma Lake begins at 6 am on April 20 until noon on April 21, 2024.

This year’s fishing derby will include prize categories for multiple types of fish such as crappie, catfish, trout, bass, sunfish and carp. The prize pool dollar amount has been increased this year which means everyone has a chance to win great cash prizes, fishing gear, and more!

Visit www.troutderby.org for more information and to register.

Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase in Pasadena January 1-2, 2024

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Looking for something fun to do after the Rose Parade in Pasadena? Check out the Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase on Monday, January 1, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (4 p.m. last entry) and Tuesday, January 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4 p.m. last entry) to get an up close view of the beautiful floats appearing in the Rose Parade.

Senior citizens and disabled visitors welcome for an early viewing on January 2nd from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Rose Parade floats are required to be completely covered by flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark. You will enjoy seeing this incredible work up close and with your camera handy!

The Post Parade Showcase is extremely popular, so be sure to get there early!

The Post Parade Showcase is extremely popular, so be sure to get there early!

Wear comfortable walking shoes! Viewing all the floats will require walking a distance of approximately 2.5 miles and will take at least two hours.

For more information and parking/shuttle options, visit tournamentofroses.com/events-calendar/floatfest.

Location: End of Parade route on Sierra Madre Blvd

Admission: $20 (free for ages 5 and under). Ticket sales end between 2:30-3PM daily. Buy tickets in advance at tickets.sharpseating.com/p/tickets/events/floatfest-a-rose-parade-showcase.

David Mann Chopperfest in Ventura on Sunday, February 11, 2024

The annual David Mann Chopperfest is planned for Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

This event features vendors, a new and used part swap meet, new and old school bike show, an art exhibit, live blues and rock bands, a tribute to David Mann, beer, food and more! $20 General Admission. Kids 12 and under free. Military with ID $15.

More information at www.chopperfestival.com or call 805.217.2113.