Upcoming Events at the Museum of Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County celebrates, preserves, and interprets the art, history, and culture of Ventura County, the California Channel Islands, and the surrounding region through its collections, exhibitions, events, educational programs, publications, and its research library, and serves as a gathering place for the community. The Museum has two locations ­– the main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura (805-653-0323). The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula (805-525-3100). Both museums are open Thursdays through Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – www.venturamuseum.org.

Upcoming Events and Activities:

Saturday, April 9th, 2:00 p.m. – “Mariposas del Campo” documentary – The Museum of Ventura County screens, “Mariposas del Campo,” an award-winning film by Bill Yahraus and Robin Rosenthal and sponsored by the Latino Advisory Committee, Oxnard Film Society, and MICOP. The film shares the stories of indigenous Mixtec, Zapotec, and Purépecha teenagers from Mexico striving to change their families’ destinies in the strawberry fields of Oxnard. The documentary captures their journeys—with help from the characters’ own intimate videos—as they navigate cultural identity, parental expectations, economic challenges, and the justice needs of their migrant farmworker community. The screening kicks off with pre-event music by Juan Mendoza at 2:00 p.m. Film begins at 3:00 p.m. with English to Spanish/Mixteco translations. (Free Bilingual Event with registration at www.venturamuseum.org. Attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination. If they cannot, they must take a rapid test onsite and show a negative result before entry. Masks will be required.)

Sunday, April 10th, 11:00 a.m. – Mono Print Workshop with Margaret Garcia – This fundamental mono print workshop hosted by The Museum of Ventura County provides the opportunity for students to learn from prolific artists Margaret Garcia and Bonnie Lambert. Create and walk away with your very own monoprint in hand. Supplies will be provided for the workshop, but it is recommended that students arrive with their own paintbrushes. This class is for anyone 16 years of age and over. (Free to Museum Members, Non-members $20, Students $10 with student ID. Proof of vaccination is required for attendees over 12 years of age. Register at www.venturamuseum.org)

Wednesday, April 13th, 6:30 p.m. – Life Drawing with Cathy Barroca and Barbara Brown – Join the Museum of Ventura County for open model drawing sessions with nude and clothed models every other Wednesday through early November. Arts educator Cathy Barroca, holds an M.F.A. in painting and printmaking, is known for painting the 100-ft mural “Portrait of a Neighborhood” located in Casa de Anza Library, and has been sharing her talents teaching at Ventura College since 1998. Every experience level is welcome. Chairs and easels will be provided. Artists must bring their own supplies. 10-35 participants per class. ($10 per class for Museum Members and Students with student ID, Non-members $20 per class. Proof of vaccination is required for attendees over 12 years of age. Register at www.venturamuseum.org)

Friday, April 22nd – Sunday, April 24th – The Ventura County Flower and Weed Show and Exhibit – This series and pop-up exhibit, hosted by the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula and sponsored by the Ventura County Weed Management Area, celebrates the wide variety of plants in Ventura County. Visit to learn about the invasive Arundo plant and how it negatively impacts our vital watersheds, early detection and rapid response for invasive weeds, Romain Young’s 1916 local plant collection, and more. The series kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on Friday with a presentation about the Arundo plant. (Free, Drop-in, Bilingual Event)

Saturday, April 23rd, 2:00 p.m. – “Not If But When” documentary – The Museum of Ventura County screens, “Not If But When,” an award-winning film by Radu Sava and co-hosted by the Ventura County Library Foundation and the Ventura County Library. The documentary discusses how wildfires are becoming a global issue, with California among the hardest hit. The film is based on interviews with leading experts from state, federal, and grassroots organizations, water agencies, and community partnerships. This film event complements the “Rising from the Ashes” tour of homes rebuilt after the Thomas Fire, presented by the Ventura County Library Foundation on Saturday, April 30, 2022. For more information about the home tour, please visit www.vclibraryfoundation.org. (Free Event. Proof of vaccination is required for attendees over 12 years of age. Register for the documentary screening at www.venturamuseum.org)

Thursday, April 28th, 6:30 p.m. – Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Bob Eubanks – The Museum of Ventura County invites guests to an evening with Ivor Davis Up Close and Personal with Bob Eubanks. Many recognize Bob Eubanks as a TV personality and game show host, best known for hosting the explosively popular "The Newlywed Game." In this fun evening, you will also learn about the Bob Eubanks you may not know, including the little-known story of how meeting the Beatles helped launch his career, all the twists and turns that recently earned him a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award, and so much more. (Free for members in-person or Zoom, $10 for non-members in-person, $5 for non-members on Zoom. Proof of vaccination is required for attendees over 12 years of age. Register at www.venturamuseum.org)

2022 Fairy Tales in the Park Throughout Ventura County in May through September (2022 WAS FINAL SEASON)

NOTE: THE 27TH SEASON IN 2022 WAS THE FINAL SEASON OF THIS FUN LOCAL EVENT. BEST WISHES TO THE ORGANIZERS IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Fairy Tales in the Park is a series of free, live theatrical performances geared towards children ages 3 to 10. John and Roxanne Diesel co-founded Gypsies in a Trunk, an all-volunteer troupe of actors performing free fairy tales for the young and young at heart. The troupe’s love of children’s theatre has led them to perform every May through September since 1995 throughout Ventura County.

The troupe's goal is to create an environment where families can introduce live theatre to their children in a casual setting at the right price – free! All Fairy Tales in the Park performances are held outdoors in a variety of venues and is always free of charge, though the players pass the hat to help cover costuming and travel costs, donations are always voluntary.

Most venues do not have shade, so sunscreen and hats are appropriate. Bring water, juice, snacks, picnics. Blankets and low-slung chairs are recommended. Please leave doggies at home (not that they don't love them). The shows are designed to run approximately 45 minutes, which coincides with the attention span of the target age group, 3-10 year olds.

2022 LINEUP

MAY - Snow White in Neverland

JUNE - Zorro Meets Merida

JULY - The Princess & The Pirate

AUGUST - The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

SEPTEMBER - The Hunchback of Notre Dame

LOCATIONS

Simi Valley (Shows at 4pm): Rancho Simi Community Park Amphitheatre, 1765 Royal Ave 

  • 5/7: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/4: Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/2: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/6: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/3: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Westlake Village (Shows at 11:30am): Foxfield Park, 31965 Foxfield Dr. (Lakeview Canyon & Lindero)

  • 5/7: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/4; Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/2: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/6: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/3: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Camarillo (Shows at 11:30am): Valle Lindo Park, 889 Aileen St

  • 5/14: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/11: Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/9: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/13: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/10: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Ventura (Shows at 4pm): Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston. (Johnson & Ralston)

  • 5/14: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/11: Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/9: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/13; The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/10: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Channel Islands Harbor (Shows at 2pm): Harbor View Park (Between Marine Emporium Landing & Port Royal Restaurant, near 3600 Harbor Blvd

  • 5/8: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/5: Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/3: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/7: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/4: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Visit www.fairytalesinthepark.com for more information.

2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk in Ventura on October 9th

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Join in the campaign to support more birthdays at the 2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K fundraiser and pancake breakfast for Ventura County.  Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a celebration of survivorship an occasion to express hope and our shared determination to make this breast cancer's last century.

Making Strides is a non-competitive 5K scenic morning walk, beginning at 10 am Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Ventura Harbor Village. Learn more and register at www.MakingStridesWalk.org/Ventura.

2021 Virtual Walk to Defeat ALS in Ventura-Santa Barbara on Saturday, October 23rd

More than just a few-mile trek, the Walk to Defeat ALS®is an opportunity to bring hope to people living with ALS, to raise money for a cure, and to come together for something you care about. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s biggest annual event, which raises funds that allow local chapters to sustain care services and support research for much of the next year.

This year’s walk will take place anywhere, virtually on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Walk will start at 11:30am and will be livestreamed via Zoom.

Approximately two miles. Learn more and register at Ventura-SBWalktoDefeatALS.org.

Surfers Point Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K/10K in Ventura on Sunday, November 7, 2021

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The Surfers Point Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and 10K are planned for Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground , 800 W. Main St, Ventura. Race start times are: Full marathon 7:00am, half marathon 7:15 am, 10K 7:30am and 5K 7:45am.

Start at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground head onto the bike path,  bike path leads you onto HWY-1 beachfront bike path.  All runners will stay on the bike path or shoulder (ocean side) of Highway 1 along the route.  turn around at the designated turnaround point at approx 6.55 mile mark and back towards the finish line the same way you came out.  Always stay to the right of the path / road during the entire race.  FULL MARATHON- two loops of this course. For more information and to register, visit www.surferspointmarathon.com.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Walk for Kids Ventura on Sunday, April 25, 2021 (VIRTUAL EVENT)

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Ronald McDonald House Charities Walk for Kids Ventura is planned for April 25, 2021, once again this year as a virtual event.

The Walk for Kids is a virtual fundraiser where YOU can walk your own way to raise funds to help families served by Ronald McDonald House Family Room at the Ventura County Medical Center. This year’s virtual walk will include activity challenges, fundraising tools, incredible incentives, and a fabulous virtual celebration on Sunday, April 25 highlighting fitness, fun, and family!

All of the proceeds from the Ventura Walk For Kids will benefit the Family Room at the Ventura County Medical Center.

Learn more and sign up at walkforkids.org/ventura.

CANCELLED 37th Annual Ventura County Bar Association Law Day 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 20, 2020

EVENT CANCELLED FOR 2020

Mark your fitness calendars for the 37th Annual Ventura County Bar Association Law Day 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

The 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m. and 1 mile family fun run starts at 9:30 a.m. at Ventura Community Park, 901 S. Kimball Road. Flat and fast course. All proceeds benefit VCBA and Ventura Co. Legal Aid, Inc., who provide legal services to the needy. The flat and fast race includes 12 age categories, with a first-place winner in each category.

Visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/Ventura/LawDay5KVentura to register.

Mom's Day Run 5K and 10K in Ventura on May 10, 2020 (VIRTUAL RUN THIS YEAR)

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Mom's Day Run 5k/10k Fun Run
May 10, 2020 (VIRTUAL DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC)

MOM'S DAY RUN 2020

Come join us for the 9th Annual Mom's Day Run to benefit The VHL Alliance, raising money and awareness for cancer research and patient services.

100% of the Race Registration will go directly to the VHL Alliance.

Registration: https://www.active.com/ventura-ca/running/distance-running-races/mom-s-day-run-virtual-2020

VIRTUAL RUN/WALK - What does that mean? Once you register, we would mail your bib, medal, prepaid tee's. And you would run or walk in your neighborhood, your favorite path or trail or even on your treadmill. You can run with family or friends, or even your pooch, you can run on Friday, Saturday or Sunday or even Wednesday night. You can run/walk virtually anywhere at any time, before May 17th. You might challenge a friend or family member from out of state to run/walk with you will recording it LIVE. Once you've finished, you would post your time, location and photo (optional) of your Run/Walk and this would be posted on our Mom's Day Run Facebook Page. This option would be offered at Pre April 11th pricing. 5k/10k -$30 or Family 4 Pack - $100 ~ And of course, always heed the advice from your local government in response to the developing situation in your area. Keeping you and your community safe should always be the top priority.

2020 Ronald McDonald House Charities Walk for Kids Ventura on Sunday, April 5th

Ronald McDonald House Charities Walk for Kids Ventura is planned for April 5, 2020 at San Buenaventura State Beach, 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura.

Walk for Kids is a fun, family-friendly 5K walk along the promenade at San Buenaventura State Beach. All proceeds from the event will benefit the future Ronald McDonald Family Room at Ventura County Medical Center.

Form a team or walk as an individual - $25 registration fee, Kids under 18 free - all registered walkers receive a free t-shirt. Schedule: 7am registration, 8:30am program, 9am walk begins, 11am walk ends.

Learn more and sign up at walkforkids.org/ventura.