Ojai Art Center Presents Its 48th Annual Art in the Park Event on May 24-25, 2025

The Ojai Art Center hosts its 48th annual Art in the Park celebration on Memorial Day weekend, May 24th and 25th, 2025, from 10am to 5pm at Libbey Park in Downtown Ojai.

Art in the Park is an annual tradition started in 1977 by local artists at the Ojai Art Center to give artists a place to sell their work during Memorial Day weekend. Nestled amongst the oaks in beautiful Libbey Park, a natural setting is created to showcase the rich mixture of works in a variety of mediums. Art in the Park has enjoyed a long tradition of displaying quality art. Presented by the Ojai Art Center, the oldest non-profit art center in California, the festival attracts artists from near and far. The relaxed atmosphere and approachable artists draws crowds (between 3,000 – 5,000) from Ojai and neighboring communities.

The Ojai Art Center is the oldest multi-purpose nonprofit art center in California, has been providing a place for the arts and art-related activities for more than 80 years. Everyone is invited to browse, meet the artists, grab a bite and enjoy the weekend in Libbey Park. Free admission. For more information, visit www.ojaiartcenter.org/artinthepark.html.

2025 Happy Face Music Festival in Simi Valley on Saturday, May 24th

The 4th Annual Happy Face Music Festival in Simi Valley takes place on Saturday, May 24, 2025 from noon to 7pm at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.

A spectacular day of live music and entertainment in the community known for its famous happy face.

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and get ready to bask in the sun, surrounded by breathtaking hilltop views at the Happy Face Festival in Simi Valley. Satisfy your hunger cravings with delicious eats from the area’s best food truck vendors and quench your thirst with a cold beverage in hand. Music lineup (as of March) includes Wanted (Bon Jovi Tribute), The Long Run (Eagles Tribute), Fast Times (80s), The Ultimate Rock Band (Music Era Rock Act), and The Yacht Groove.

General Admission: $25
VIP Admission: $125

Free for children 11 and under

Tickets at happyfacemusicfest.com.

This Memorial Day weekend concert is presented by The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise - A charitable organization. 100% of festival proceeds benefit dozens of local charities and international causes.

39th Annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival at Santa Barbara Mission May 24-26, 2025

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The I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival will be back over Memorial Day Weekend 2025, May 24-26. at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2100 Laguna Street. Festival hours are 10am to 6pm.

Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Santa Barbara Mission plaza each year over Memorial Day weekend using pastels on pavement to create over 100 vibrant and colorful, large scale images. The event is produced by the Children’s Creative Project.

There will also be live music and food available for purchase.

Pets are not allowed (other than service animals).

Learn more at www.imadonnarifestival.com.

3rd Annual Pollinator Palooza at Barranca Vista Park in Ventura on Saturday, May 17, 2025

The City of Ventura presents the 3rd Annual Pollinator Palooza family event at Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston Street on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10am to 2pm. Event is free of charge.

Enjoy arts & crafts activities, learn about native plants & pollinators, explore educational booths, and more.

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1723/Events

ArtsFest at Rancho Tapo Community Park in Simi Valley on Saturday, May 17, 2025

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District presents ArtsFest at Rancho Tapo Community Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event is free of charge. Fees for some activities. Features artists, vendors, face painting, activities, demonstrations, dance performances, chalk art festival, theater and storytelling, food vendors, workshop/craft area, and more. rsrpd.org/recreation/events/spring_(march_-_may)/artzfest.php

Spring Spectacular at America's Teaching Zoo in Moorpark March 22-23, 29-30, 2025

Spring Spectacular is the The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College’s largest fundraising event of the year, with entertaining animal meet and greets all day.

Spring Spectacular 2025 will take place the weekends of March 22-23 and 29-30 from 10 am to 5 pm. Event to feature 3 shows, discovery stations and Ira’s Kingdom! Stay all day and enjoy the fun! Food truck will be on site, or bring your lunch to picnic in the sun!

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors. Ages 2 and under free of charge.

For directions and questions, visit zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/spring-spectacular. The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark.

Upcoming Events and Free Programs at the Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park Branch Libraries

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

There are two great Thousand Oaks libraries; the Grant R. Brimhall Library at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks (805.449.2660) and the local Newbury Park Branch is at 2331 Borchard Road (805.498.2139).  These libraries provide year-round free events, activities and programs for all ages. Selected events from time to time will be covered here.

Visit the library website at www.toaks.org/library to learn more. 

The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of March, with GRB denoting Grant R. Brimhall Library and NPL denoting Newbury Park Library. All Library programs are free and open to the public, some require registration, and all are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. For the latest information on Library events, please visit www.tolibrary.org/calendar.

One City, One Book 2025

Join us in reading this year’s One City, One Book selection, Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb!

When he is asked to authenticate a newly discovered piece from famed 20th-century composer Frederick Delaney, Bern Hendricks uncovers clues that indicate Delaney may have had help composing his most successful work, which makes him a target of a powerful organization who will stop at nothing to keep their secret hidden.

OCOB Kickoff Concert: Little Phat Band

Saturday, March 22 • 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library

Kick-off this year’s One City, One Book with Gordon Goodwin’s Little Phat Band, featuring nine of L.A.’s finest musicians. This ensemble delivers the dynamic energy of its internationally acclaimed counterpart, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Enjoy an after-hours concert at the library featuring a range of styles, from swing to funk to Latin to pop. This event is FREE and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served.

An Afternoon with Brendan Slocumb

Sunday, April 27 • 2:00 pm • Bank of America Performing Arts Center Fred Kavli Theatre

Join us for an inspiring conversation with bestselling author and musician Brendan Slocumb. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear him discuss his journey from musician to novelist, the power of music in storytelling, and the inspirations behind his work. Learn more: www.tolibrary.org/ocob.

ALL AGES

Bookmark Contest

Let your creativity shine in our Bookmark Design Contest! Pick up an official contest form from the library and design a unique bookmark inspired by the 2025 Summer Reading theme: Color Our World! Open to all ages, from Kindergarten to adults, entries must be submitted on the official form by April 30, 2025. Check the form for rules and details, then grab your supplies and start designing!

Fiero Code: Arctic Adventure Challenge

Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 31 • Online

Create your own maze game with Code Blocks! Open to ages 8–12 and 13–18, this program lets you design, build, and compete in the Fiero Code contest. Enter for a chance to win an Air Pod 4, JBL speaker, or Redragon Mechanical Keyboard.

Gosh Yarn It

Friday, March 14 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Relax, crochet, and socialize at our crochet club! Beginners and experts alike are welcome to bring their own supplies and hang out with fellow crocheters as we sip tea and work on our projects. For ages 11+.

Maker Mondays – 3D Printing

Monday, March 24 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Teen Space

Visit the library to learn 3D printing and see our printers in action! For ages 11+.

LevelUp Lounge

Fridays • 10:00 am – 5:30 pm • GRB Teen Space

Access to gaming for all ages with the Library’s Xbox Game Pass! Hang out and relax with games like No Man’s Sky, Powerwash Simulator, Forza, Sea of Stars, and over 250 more options!

Board Games at the Library

Grant R. Brimhall Library

Stop by the Information Desk to borrow board games to play while inside the Library! Games available include Wingspan, Parks, Forbidden Island, and more.

Stay & Switch

Newbury Park Library

Join the fun by exploring our newest addition to the Library of Things. Stop by the Newbury Park Library Information Desk to check out a Nintendo Switch Lite loaded with exciting digital games! You can borrow it with your library card and enjoy gaming while you’re in the Library.

KIDS

Homework Help

Mondays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Tuesdays • 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Wednesdays & Thursdays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Struggling with challenging school assignments? Our volunteers are here to help! For students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Runs September 2024 to May 2025; closed on CVUSD holidays and breaks. No Homework Help on March 17.

Make & Take: Leprechaun Traps

Monday, March 3 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day by creating your own Leprechaun Trap. For grades K-5. While supplies last.

Dog Days

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, & 25 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room

Thursday, March 6 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Readers of all levels and abilities are invited to come and read to a certified therapy dog! Participants will sign up for a brief 10-minute session with a dog and their owner.

Reading Buddies

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, & 25 • 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, & 26 • 3:10 pm – 3:40 pm or 3:45 pm – 4:15 pm • GRB Community Room

A weekly program for students grades 1-4 to practice and gain confidence in their reading with the help of an interactive volunteer. Registration required.

Music & Movement

Saturday, March 8 • 10:15 am – 10:45 am & 11:15 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room

Dance, clap, and sing along with Ms. Cheryl and her guitar during this fun, interactive program for ages 0-5 years. Registration required.

Learn to Code with Fiero Code

Friday, March 14 • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Learn how to set up your own Fiero Code account through the Library and gain access to coding tutorials and learning platforms. It’s recommended to bring your own laptop with WiFi capability, headphones, an email account, and your Library card to get started. For kids ages 8+. Registration required.

Writing Buddies

Thursday, March 20 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Students in grades 2-5 are invited to share their creativity by writing a short story. Registration required.

Mini Masters: Marietta Barovier - Wooden Rosetta Beads

Sunday, March 23 • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room

Read the story A Thousand Glass Flowers: Marietta Barovier and the Invention of the Rosetta Bead and create wooden rosetta beads. Led by a Teen Volunteer. For grades 1-5. Registration required.

Pathways to Science: Chemistry

Friday, March 28 • 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Join us to learn all about chemistry and make some slime! Led by a Teen Volunteer. For grades 1-5. Registration required.

Future Einsteins: Kinetic Energy

Sunday, March 30 • 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm • GRB Community Room

Learn about kinetic and potential energy. Led by a Teen Volunteer. For grades 1-5. Registration required.

Winter Storytimes & Playtime

Baby Storytime

Tuesdays, March 4 & 18 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am • GRB Community Room

This is a lapsit storytime for babies 0-12 months. Walk-ins welcome!

Toddler Storytime

Wednesdays, March 5 & 19 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am & 11:00 am – 11:20 am • GRB Community Room

This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. Registration required.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, March 6 & 20 • 10:15 am – 11:00 am • GRB Community Room

This is a preschool storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years. Walk-ins welcome!

Newbury Park Toddler Storytime

Thursdays, March 6 & 20 • 10:15 am - 10:35 am • NPL Community Room

This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. Walk-ins welcome!

Bilingual Pajama Storytime

Monday, March 10 • 6:15 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Community Room

A bilingual (English/Spanish) storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years. Walk-ins welcome!

Enrichment Playtime

Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime from 10:15 am – 10:50 am.

For babies (0-12 months): Tuesday, March 11 • GRB Community Room

For toddlers (12-36 months): Wednesday, March 12 • GRB Community Room

For preschoolers (3-5 years): Thursday, March 13 • GRB Community Room

For NPL toddlers (12-36 months): Thursday, March 13 • NPL Meeting Room

TWEENS & TEENS

Mic Check

Monday, March 3 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Join us for an interactive program that will help tweens, ages 10-14, boost their communication skills and unleash their creativity through storytelling. Registration required.

Reading Rocks Book Club

Tuesday, March 11 • GRB Children’s Program Room

Rocks (Grades 4-5): 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Boulders (Grades 6-8): 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Join us monthly to discuss books with strong female characters. This month’s books are Roll With It by Jamie Sumner for Rocks and Just Like That by Gary D Schmidt for Boulders. Registration required.

Learn to Code with Fiero Code

Friday, March 14 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Learn how to set up your own Fiero Code account through the Library and gain access to coding tutorials and learning platforms. It’s recommended to bring your own laptop with WiFi capability, headphones, an email account, and your Library card to get started. For tweens and teens ages 11+. Registration required.

Comics and Manga Club

Tuesday, March 18 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Dive into any comic, manga, or graphic novel! Share your favorites, chat about epic storylines and awesome artwork, and make new friends every third Tuesday of the month. This month’s suggested reading theme is “strong female books.” For grades 6-12. Registration required.

Create Keychain Charms with a 3D Pen

Tuesday, March 25 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Wednesday, March 26 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Tech Space

Use a 3D Pen to create a charm for a keychain. Just for tweens and teens, grades 6-12. Registration required.

Books for Buttons and Boba

Come to the Library and pick up a “Books for Buttons and Boba” form. Finish a book with more than 200 pages, get a button, and enter for a chance for a Boba gift card. For grades 6-12.

Teen Volunteers Needed

Sign up to help with Homework Help, One-Time Events, Thousand Oaks Teen Advisory League, and other programs and activities at the Library. Go to www.tolibrary.org/teens, set up your CERVIS account, and apply to volunteer for various opportunities.

ADULTS

Conversations with Mom

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • GRB Community Room

This free support group is for moms and their newborns to get together, express their joys and concerns, and meet other new moms in the community. Other caregivers, including fathers and grandparents, are welcome to attend the program on the last Tuesday of the month.

The Music of West Africa with Sean Gaskell

Tuesday March 4 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Experience the Music of West Africa with Sean Gaskell and the Kora in a concert and an educational presentation.

Many Voices Book Club

Wednesday, March 5 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Join us in reading and discussing books in a wide variety of genres by authors from a wide variety of cultures. This month’s book is World Running Down by Al Hess. Walk-ins welcome.

Music, Movies, and More

Thursday, March 6 • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Learn about three free resources you can access from anywhere with your library card and an internet connection: Freegal Music, Kanopy, and Consumer Reports. Registration required.

Free Movie Matinées

Mondays, March 10 & 24 • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Catch free movie matinées at the Library! Explore our online schedule to see what's showing, and join us for a fun film outing.

Happily Ever After Book Club

Monday, March 10 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Join us as we chat about our favorite romance novels, where a Happily Ever After (HEA)—or a Happily For Now (HFN)—is always guaranteed. This month’s book is The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. Walk-ins welcome.

Virtual Author Talk - Power of Reset and How to Change What’s Not Working with Author Dan Heath

Wednesday, March 12 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online

Are you ready for a revolutionary guide to fixing what’s not working—in systems and processes, organizations and companies, and even in our daily lives? Join us for an enlightening conversation with bestselling author Dan Heath as he talks with us about his newest book, Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working.

Open Mic Poetry Nights

Wednesday, March 12 & 26 • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Come listen to local poets and share your own work every second and fourth Wednesday of the month in collaboration with The Ventura County Poetry Project.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group

Thursday, March 13 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Practice speaking English in an informal and friendly group setting, open to all non-native speakers.

Learn to Code with Fiero Code

Friday, March 14 • 10:00 am – 11:00 am • GRB Technology Training Room

Learn how to set up your own Fiero Code account through the Library and gain access to coding tutorials and learning platforms. It’s recommended to bring your own laptop with WiFi capability, headphones, an email account, and your Library card to get started. For ages 18+. Registration required.

Virtual Author Talk - How Women’s Liberation Transformed America: In Conversation with Clara Bingham

Thursday, March 20 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online

Join us for a transformative conversation with award-winning journalist and author Clara Bingham as she chats with us about her new book, The Movement: How Women’s Liberation Transformed America, 1963-1973.

Crafternoon

Friday, March 21 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Friday, March 28 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Adults are invited to join us at the Library to socialize and make a different craft each month! This month, we will be making a Faux Stained-Glass Bookmarks. Materials provided. Registration required.

Virtual Author Talk - Dreams We Chase: An Author Talk with Novelist Jennifer Weiner

Wednesday, March 26 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • Online

You’re invited to a glimmering conversation with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner as we chat about the signature emotional depth of her books that have been inspiring readers toward self-discovery for decades. Hearing from the queen of fun herself, we’ll chat with the author about her New York Times bestselling novels, Good In Bed, In Her Shoes, Big Summer, The Breakaway, and many more.

Spanish at Your Library

Wednesdays, March 26 • 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Advanced & intermediate learners can practice speaking Spanish under the guidance of a language-learning professional.

Ventura College Jazz Ensemble

Saturday, April 5 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Join Fundi Legohn, Director of the Ventura College Jazz Ensemble, and his students for a dynamic performance of classic jazz from different eras.

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Planned for April 26-27, 2025

The 2025 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is set to return to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Now in its 55th year, the community-organized festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country and is one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast. Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and co-produced with longtime festival partner, CarpEvents, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival continues to serve as a beacon for environmental advocacy and education.

This year, the festival is aligning with the Earth Day Network’s theme Our Power, Our Planet, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy. Their Earth Day Action Day encourages all to take action to educate, activate and mobilize.

The 2025 festival — which is free to attend — anticipates all of the fun of past years. Highlights of this year’s event include a plant-forward Food Court, a Green Car show featuring free “Ride & Drive'' experiences, over 200 eco-friendly exhibitors, Beer & Wine Garden, Kids Zone filled with activities, two full days of live music, and so much more.

Learn more at www.SBEarthDay.org.

Moorpark Apricot Festival on Saturday, May 10, 2025

The 2nd Annual Moorpark Apricot Festival and Art Fair takes place on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 11am to 5pm at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road.

This street fair will feature art and craft vendors, food trucks, apricot offerings, live music, dance performances, family-friendly activities, animals shows, and more. Visit www.moorparkapricotfestival.com for more information.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ventura on Saturday, March 15, 2025

Downtown Ventura presents the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10 am on Main Street, Downtown Ventura. The parade route starts at Lincoln Drive and goes west on Main Street to Fir Street. The 2025 parade them is “Show-Me You’re Irish.” Visit www.venturastpatricksdayparade.com for more information.