48th Annual Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks on December 13-14, 2024

Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 48th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th, 2024, starting at 6:30 pm. This year's theme is “Candy Land.”

The two-day fun filled event includes a carnival, seaside shopping and dining followed by the lighted boat parade at 6:30 pm. Parking and admission are free. Fireworks at 8pm! (weather permitting)

Kids’ rides, carnival games and food vendors on the Harbor Village main lawn available starting at 4 pm. Faux snowfall and LED performers along the Harbor Village promenade at 5:30 p.m.

Visit venturaharborvillage.com for more information.

www.venturaharborvillage.com/parade-of-lights-2024

Light Up Downtown Ventura Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 29, 2024

Chabad of Ventura presents “Light Up Downtown” Chanukah celebration on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 3-5PM at the corner of California and Main St in Downtown Ventura. Event to feature entertainment, face painting, donuts and more. Visit www.lightupdowntown.info for more information.

21st Annual David Mann Chopperfest in Ventura on Sunday, February 9, 2025

The 21st Annual David Mann Chopperfest is planned for Sunday, February 9, 2025 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! $15 pre-sale; $20 at the door. Kids 12 and under free. Military with ID $15.

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

62nd Annual Ventura Gem & Mineral Society Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show on March 1-2, 2025

Ventura Gem & Mineral Society presents its 62nd Annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show at Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds. on Saturday, March 1st (10 am to 5 pm) and Sunday, March 2nd (10 am to 4 pm).

Explore gems, minerals, rocks, fossils, jewelry, exhibits, displays, prizes, dealers, silent auction, kids' activities, plant sale and more.

FREE admission. There’s a fee for parking.  More information at www.vgms.org.

These are great family friendly shows. Event hosts love sharing their knowledge with attendees.  Good, old fashioned fun, with typically dozens and dozens of displays, information, demonstrations, etc.

Seaside Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and 10K in Ventura on Sunday, May 18, 2025

The 12th Annual Seaside Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and 10K is planned for Sunday, May 18, 2025

Start at Solimar Beach, 2808 Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura, along the Rincon and head towards Santa Barbara (north) to the turnaround and back to the start line to complete your first loop. Full marathon is three loops.

Start time: 7am full marathon, 7:15am half marathon, 7:30am 10K, 7:45am 5K

To learn more and register, visit www.seasidemarathon.com.

Downtown Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting Event on Friday, December 6, 2024

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony event will take place near the old Mission San Buenaventura on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5pm-8pm. Live music starts at 5pm. Santa arrives at 6:55pm, followed by the tree lighting. Snowfall in downtown at 7:05pm! Free event open to the public. Presented by Downtown Ventura Partners, Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, and the City of Ventura.

2024 Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair on Saturday, December 7th

The Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair will take place in downtown Ventura on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 12 pm-8 pm.

The day kicks off with the Holiday Street Fair starting at 12 pm from the Museum of Ventura County through the 600 block of Main Street with vendors and live entertainment. Shop artists, crafters, non-profit organizations, commercial and food vendors. The street fair and entertainment are free and open to the public!

At 4 pm, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk gets started! The wine walk will showcase world class wineries in your favorite downtown businesses. Each guest will receive a tasting cup and a map of the participating tasting sites in downtown Ventura. Each tasting site will have a designated area set up for Wine Walk guests to sample the amazing wines! Wine tasting will end at 7 pm.

Learn more and buy tickets at www.venturawinterwinewalk.com.

Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace at Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, December 21, 2024

Winter Wonderland and Holiday Marketplace planned at Ventura Harbor Village from noon to 4pm on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Festivities include faux snowfall, a variety of live musicians, holiday characters, Santa & Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, face painting, crafts and more. 

www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/winter-wonderland-and-holiday-marketplace-2024

Veterans Day Ceremony in Ventura on Monday, November 11, 2024

Gold Coast Veterans Foundation to host a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Ventura County Veterans Memorial at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Telephone Road in Ventura on Monday, November 11, 2024 from 11 am to noon.

Join GCVF at this free event as they recognize the sacrifices of our veterans and their families. They will have several distinguished speakers and a presentation honoring a local veteran from each military branch for their service to our country. Visit gcvf.org/veterans-day for more information.

2024 Seaside Highland Games at Ventura County Fairgrounds, October 12-13

The weekend of October 12-13, 2024 will see Scotland in all its color and pageantry come alive on the Fairgrounds as the Seaside Highland Games return to Ventura. The pipes—the Great Highland Bagpipes of Scotland—will signal the call to gather on that one special weekend when all are invited to join in the fun!

Hundreds of pipers and drummers along with all sorts of Scottish/Celtic entertainment will descend on the Ventura County Fairgrounds and the gates are open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm.

A wonderfully entertaining weekend of music, dance, athletics, children’s events, shopping, food and drink! Something for everyone! Seaside is known for bringing tradition to the field—with a twist! The ageless Celtic pastimes are honored but with a big nod to today. The pipes will play the tunes handed down through the ages—but don’t be surprised when you hear new and modern sounds emerging from those ancient reeds!

Massed pipe bands, large men throwing things, Scottish entertainers, clan tents, children's den, British food, Highland dancing, reenactments, darts, Scottish Fiddling Competition, all sorts of stuff!

Admission prices at the gate are $25 for ages 13 to 61 for 1 day; $40 for both days and $20/$35 for 62+ seniors and military. Ages 6 to 12 are $5. Five and under are free.

For more details, admission prices, etc., visit www.seasidehighlandgames.org.