2024 Pier Under the Stars Food & Wine Tasting Benefit in Ventura on October 5th

Since its original construction in 1872, the Ventura Pier has stood as a symbol of the region's rich history and natural resources. Once the cornerstone of Ventura County's agricultural, construction and oil trade, today the Ventura Pier is a favorite attraction for fishing, picnics, sunset strolls and beautiful views of Ventura County's coastline and the Channel Islands.

In 1993 a dedicated group of community leaders created Pier into the Future, a non-profit organization, to establish a $1 million endowment fund to preserve and maintain the Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. This committed group is continually seeking volunteers to help Pier into the Future reach its goal through community outreach efforts at events such as the Ventura County Fair, the City of Ventura's Street Fairs and the ever-popular food and wine tasting event Pier Under the Stars, a gathering of restaurants, wineries, and breweries all in support of Ventura's treasured Pier. Festivities will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 4:30-7pm at the Ventura Promenade overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean and Ventura Pier. 21+ only.

Visit www.pierintothefuture.org to learn more and purchase tickets.

24th Annual Pooch Parade Dog Walk and Pet Expo in Ventura on Sunday, August 18, 2024

Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) will host its 24th Annual Pooch Parade on Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join C.A.R.L. and its adoptable rescue dogs for a day of fun in the sun at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. This year’s theme is “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!” And if you’re inclined, dress yourself and your pup up in the most fun beach inspired wear you can find! 

Nearly 20 vendors from Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties will host booths at the Parade. A sampling includes Sailor & Friends Pet Supply, Search Dog Foundation, Dogtown VTA, Damsel in Defense, All for Love Animal Rescue, and California State University Channel Islands. Dog agility demonstrations and C.A.R.L.dog adoptions will also be on-site.

Admission is free. The cost to participate in the Parade, which starts at 11 a.m., is $45. Participants can register on the event day at the registration booth. Parade teams must consist of at least four adult participants. Individuals and teams who raise the highest amounts will receive a special prize. For registration questions, contact Sheila Hernandez at carlvolunteer@gmail.com.

Parade participants will receive a complimentary event T-shirt featuring this year’s Pooch Parade logo on the front and sponsors’ names on the back. Proceeds from the Parade will support the feeding and medical care of adoptable dogs at the C.A.R.L. Pet Care Center and the paid staff who care for them in Santa Paula.

Learn more and register at poochparade.org.

Relay for Life of Conejo Valley Planned for Saturday, October 5, 2024

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Conejo Valley event is a life-changing experience that gives everyone in their community a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, Remember loved ones lost, and Fight Back against the disease.  The 2024 event will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 7:30 am to 8 pm at California Lutheran University’s Memorial Field, 141 Memorial Pkwy, Thousand Oaks.

The goal of the event is to raise funds and awareness for cancer treatment and research

Visit www.relayforlife.org/conejovalleyca to learn more and sign up.

Ride to the Flags Memorial Charity Motorcycle Ride on Sunday, September 8, 2024

Ride to the Flags began in 2008, accompanying the Wave of Flags 9/11 Memorial at Pepperdine University. Although not officially associated with the collegiate memorial - the ride does end at the memorial for a short service. Ride to the Flags is an all volunteer, charity ride that in the past has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars for wounded warriors in need. In 2023 and beyond, the ride supports veteran mental health through the White Heart Foundation’s Guardian Project.

This year's ride will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

Check-in from 7:30am to 9:30am at Naval Base Ventura County, followed by a ceremony at 10am. The ride starts at 11am down PCH, ending at Malibu Bluffs Park for a rally.

Registration and additional details at www.ridetotheflags.com.

The Carnival for Las Virgenes Schools at Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills, August 30 to September 2, 2024

The Foundation for Las Virgenes Schools presents "The Carnival" on Labor Day weekend, August 30, 31 and September 1, 2 at Whizin Market Square, 28914 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills. Hours are Friday 6-11pm, Saturday 2-11pm, Sunday 2-10pm and Monday noon-7pm. Free admission. Beer and wine garden, food, rides, carnival games and more.

Discounted unlimited ride wristbands can be purchased online for $50.

Parking available at 28632 Roadside Drive - a shuttle will be available.

More info at www.thefoundationlvs.org/carnival.

2024 Malibu Chili Cook-Off August 30 to September 2

The 2024 Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off will take place on Labor Day weekend, August 30 to September 2 at 23575 Civic Center Way. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.

ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY! TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD ONSITE. Tickets at malibuchilicookoff.org.. Carnival tickets will be sold separately.

Event hour are 4-10PM Friday, 1-10PM Saturday/Sunday and 1-8PM Monday.

Event features chili contest, carnival, fair, skate contest, live entertainment, food for sale, vendors, etc.

Event parking is $20, cash only.

Learn more and purchase tickets at bgcmalibuchilicookoff.org.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Ventura on August 24, 2024

Ventura Land Trust’s annual benefit, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, returns on Saturday, August 24th to the expansive lawn of the Ventura County Credit Union headquarters, 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, Ventura. The film festival features nearly two hours of environmental and activism films along with live music, food trucks, drinks, raffle, auction, kids’ activities and more.

A family-friendly event, participants are encouraged to spread out on chairs and blankets. Doors open at 5 pm, and films begin just before 8 pm as the sky darkens.

A general admission ticket is $40, $5 children and $10 for teens (13-17). VIP tickets, which include special gift items and admission to the Ventura Vibe VIP Lounge, are $125. Tickets and more information at www.venturalandtrust.org/wild-scenic-film-festival.

22nd Annual Margarita MixOff & More in Thousand Oaks on Thursday, September 26, 2024

The 22nd Annual Margarita MixOff and More presented by Soroptimist International of the Conejo is planned for Thursday, September 26, 2024 at The Gardens at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the event. Admission gets you tickets to taste margaritas and appetizers. Beer, wine and soft drinks included. Ages 21+ only.

Soroptimist International of the Conejo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization that raises funds to help provide services for women and girls in the Conejo Valley and around the world.  The Soroptimist mission is “improving the lives of women and girls in the local community and throughout the world enabling them to take control of their lives and live their dreams.”

Visit www.siconejo.org for more information or to purchase tickets directly at www.siconejo.org/margarita-mixoff-is-back.

Los Robles Greens is located at 299 South Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks.

2024 Run for the Ranch 5K Race Series at Paramount Ranch on July 11, 18 and 25

Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills is the site of many beloved film classics and TV series, including Westworld, The X-Files, Beau Geste, A Farewell to Arms, Helter Skelter, Dr. Quinn-Medicine Woman, The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, and Perry Mason episodes, among many others. The 2700 acre property was purchased by Paramount Pictures in 1927 for that sole use of being used as a “movie ranch” and was acquired by the National Park Service (NPS) in 1982. It became a tourist and community destination featuring scenic hiking trails and the famed old western town, which remained an active cinematic resource.

Sadly, the Ranch was devastated by the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which burned 88% of NPS land in the Santa Monica Mountains. Fleet Feet of Agoura Hills and The Future Track Running Pack launched the race series in 2022 to benefit efforts to restore the historic ranch buildings that were lost in the fire. Now that restoration funding is complete with the rebuild well underway, the race supports scholarships for SAMO Fund’s internship restoration programs. The race is co-sponsored by SAMO Fund, Balega and Brooks.

Long-time residents and runners in the Conejo Valley will recall the Paramount Ranch running series in times past that brought together runners of all ages. This series aims also to recapture that enthusiasm and sense of community from years past. Races will be held on three consecutive Thursday evenings in July: 11, 18, and 25, beginning with the Kiddie 1K at 6:00 pm, followed by the 5K trail/road race at 6:30 pm. Online registration (5K $10, 1K free): runsignup.com/Race/CA/AgouraHills/RunfortheRanch2024

Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills.

23rd Annual Thousand Oaks Rotary Wine & Beer Festival on Sunday, August 25, 2024

The Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation will celebrate the 23rd Annual Thousand Oaks Rotary Wine & Beer Festival on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 1-4PM at the Westlake Yacht Club, 32119 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. Since its inception, the event, for adults ages 21 and up, has raised over $575,000 to benefit the Ventura County Special Olympics and the Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation which supports many local charities and provides student educational scholarships.

Purchase advance sale event tickets for the special price of $95 per person! ($125 at the door). Go to www.ThousandOaksRotaryWineFestival.com.

Sample acclaimed California limited-production handcrafted wines, microbrews and hors d’oeuvres while perusing fabulous auction items donated by local businesses and residents. Meet Special Olympics athletes.

Special Olympics Ventura County offers free year-round sports training and athletic competition to over 700 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in 10 Olympic style sports at over 20 county sites.

The Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation has been a major supporter of the Special Olympics and has enabled over 10,000 athletes to compete. The club also donates more than $175,000 each year to many local and international charities to foster social, cultural, economic, and environmental progress.