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.

The Greater Contribution Hosts "A Woman's Worth" in Thousand Oaks (Must RSVP)

The Greater Contribution, a non-profit that provides micro loans for women in remote villages in Uganda, hosts a “A Woman’s Worth” celebration Sunday, May 19th from 3:00pm to 5:30pm in Thousand Oaks.
 
In a beautiful outdoor garden, guests will enjoy live entertainment with Ugandan dancers, African drumming, storytelling, and international foods and refreshments. Dedicated to empowering Ugandan women to reach higher, this exclusive fundraising event gives guests an immersive cultural experience while enabling brighter futures and stronger communities beyond our borders.
 
Tickets are $40 per person, or $30 each with a friend; available at
www.greatercontribution.org/a-womans-worth
 
Join us in making a difference as we honor Ugandan women who work their way out of poverty with the small business loans, literacy, and self-reliance training that The Greater Contribution provides. 
 
More than 31,000 micro loans have been issued since The Greater Contribution originated in 2006.  The three-year enrollment programs support Ugandan women in becoming equal partners in their families and respected members of their communities. With a 98% loan repayment rate, our women entrepreneurs are providing life-changes for their children. Essentials we often take for granted. That means they can purchase shoes, or provide three meals a day, pay for medical care when needed, and keep their kids in school.
                              
“A WOMAN’S WORTH”
 Sunday, May 19th 3:00pm – 5:30pm
 Garden Gathering at Thousand Oaks Residence

Halloween Trick or Treating at The Oaks Mall on Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Join The Oaks mall for a special Trick or Treat night on October 31 from 4pm to 6pm. Look for special treat stations throughout the center. Trunk or Treat with police vehicles, take pics and collect candy and treats throughout the center at special treat stations.

  • Thousand Oaks Fire Department

  • Thousand Oaks Police Department

  • Conejo Recreation and Park District

  • Conejo Schools Foundation

  • The Oaks

  • Boy Scouts of Ventura County

  • More to To Be Determined

All costumes must be family friendly. No costume masks allowed.

Retailers and restaurant trick or treat opportunities may vary. 

www.shoptheoaksmall.com/Events/Details/571588

Inaugural Wild Oaks Country Music Festival in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, June 3rd

The first annual Wild Oaks Country Music Festival will take place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists.

Performers set to appear include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, Grammy-nominated CAM, and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies (straight from the Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth).

The festival also features line dancing and lessons, a live DJ, food trucks, kids’ activities, Hot Summer Night People’s Choice Best Hot Sauce tastings and over 75 vendors and booths.

Event takes place from noon to 7 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park South, 1300 E. Janss Road.

Presented by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village, all net proceeds go to local nonprofit groups.

A limited number of VIP tickets that include shaded seating next to the stage, private restrooms and food and drink tickets are $225. Kids under 12 are free. Festival hours are noon to 7:00 p.m. Free onsite parking. To purchase tickets go to www.WildOakscmf.com.

For more information: obmhsn@gmail.com, 805-701-7248. Follow Wild Oaks Country Music Festival on Facebook

2023 Ride of Silence in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday, May 17th

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Residents are encouraged to participate in the annual Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Pedals & Pints Brewing Company, 156 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

The International Ride of Silence unites people worldwide who ride bicycles and those who love them in solemn remembrance of the tragic deaths and terrible injuries caused by motorists. Over 600 cyclists are fatally injured by motor vehicles on America’s roads each year.

Bicycle riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join the Conejo Valley Ride of Silence. The groups rides silently together for 10 miles on some of the busiest Thousand Oaks roads during rush hour. By doing so, the group reminds drivers that cyclists are traffic too and educate drivers to be more attentive and careful when sharing the roads. To ensure the safety of all, the Ride of Silence is escorted by the Thousand Oaks Sheriff's Department. The Conejo Valley Ride of Silence is hosted by the Conejo Valley Cyclists with the support of the Thousand Oaks Bicycle Advisory Team and the Ventura-Conejo Bicycle Coalition.

Gather at The Oaks Mall near Pedals & Pints Brewing beginning at 5:30pm. A ceremony at 5:45 will honor cyclists who have lost their lives to vehicular violence. After the ceremony, at approximately 6:00, the entire group will roll out to the solemn tones of a lone bagpiper. The procession of silent riders will keep an even pace of about 10-11 miles per hour, making it achievable by most riders. Helmets are mandatory.

Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/conejo-valley-ride-of-silence-tickets-579743577647

For information on the Ride of Silence or www.rideofsilence.org.

Walk 3to9 5th Annual Walk for Breast Cancer Research in Thousand Oaks on November 20, 2022

On November 20th, Walk 3to9 is asking our walkers, crewmembers, survivors and sponsors from around the country to join us in-person OR virtually as we walk, run, hike, or bike to help end breast cancer! As a participant you'll receive a Walk 3to9 bundle, which includes a limited-edition bandana, swag bag, custom walker bib, and social media toolkit to help you share your experience with the Walk 3to9 online community. Together we’re committed to reach our fundraising goal of $50,000 because even with all of the changes happening over the last two years, one thing is certain – Walk 3to9 is ready to join the fight and make a difference.

Location: Memorial Field at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks. Event starts at 8 a.m. Register at www.walk3to9.org.

Barnes & Noble Book Reading of "The Boy From Mexico" (An Immigration Story of Bravery and Determination) in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, November 12th

Edward Dennis is a Chicano Author/Illustrator who is proud to be reading his debut Children's book at Barnes & Noble in Thousand Oaks with a reading of “The Boy From Mexico.” Edward has worked 10 years as a Special & Gifted Education teacher in inner city Phoenix. He was often asked about immigration from his students. His students were either immigrants themselves, 1st or 2nd generation or even 3rd generation like Edward himself. He never had a good answer to their questions because of how complex the topic is.

Edward sought to change this by creating his own book, something that could break down such a complex issue for children. Edward has worked with numerous companies such as Giant Bicycle group, Disney, Toyota USA, Shimano to name a few. One of his goals, is to get more Latinx children into the arts.

Schedule of events

11:00 AM PST: Event will start with a panel discussion between Edward and several special guests, hosted by media.

11:20 AM: Edward will read his book aloud in store and answer any questions.

11:35 AM: An art lesson for the children in attendance. Paper and drawing materials will be provided at the event.

11:50 AM: Book signing immediately following read aloud.

Location: Barnes & Noble at The Promenade at Westlake, 160 S Westlake Blvd, Thousand Oaks

Learn more about the book and the author at www.theboyfrommexico.com.

Upcoming Events at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks

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Upcoming Events at California Lutheran University
60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks

Event information and visitor policies are subject to change. Check callutheran.edu/events and callutheran.edu/visitors for updates.

Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival
Fridays through Sundays, July 1–Aug. 7
Kingsmen Park


The 25th anniversary of the debut of one of the region’s most popular outdoor theatrical events features the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company performing William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” and “Macbeth.”

Festival grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and entertainment before “As You Like It” and “Macbeth.” The grounds open at 6:30 p.m. prior to “Puke & Snot.”

“As You Like It”
Fridays through Sundays at 8 p.m., July 1-3, July 8-10, July 15-17

One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, “As You Like It” delivers a wild romantic tale that plays with gender roles, politics and nature. Featuring one of the bard’s most iconic female characters and set in the magical Forest of Arden, the play is the perfect way to joyously return from our own exile to Shakespeare in Kingsmen Park.

Warren C. Bowles, who has decades of experience in Shakespearean and contemporary theater throughout the country, presents the play as the festival’s first Black director. He has spent many years working with Mixed Blood Theatre Company in Minneapolis as a director, actor, playwright, stage manager and fight choreographer. Mixed Blood uses theater to disrupt injustices, advance equity, build community and inspire people to create ripple effects of social change.

Rosalind, one of Shakespeare’s most iconic female characters, is played by Chloe Baldwin, a former festival apprentice who has appeared in regional productions and on film and television. Seta Wainiqolo, a Cal Lutheran alumnus and former festival intern and apprentice who studied at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, is the nobleman Jacques.

Puke & Snot
Special Benefit Performance
Friday, July 22, at 7:30 p.m.

Patrons can pay what they wish for this family-friendly benefit show. Puke & Snot, the longest-running two-man comedy act in U.S. renaissance festival history, is performing at the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival for the first time. Mark Sieve and Joe Kudla first performed under the name Mouldy & Wart at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in 1974. Renamed Puke & Snot the following year, the duo went on to perform at festivals, comedy clubs, colleges and companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. Nearly 50 years later, Sieve is still anchoring the act as Puke while Scott Jorgensen is in his fifth year as the third incarnation of Snot. Puke & Snot have released five CDs, two DVDs and a book.

“Macbeth”

Fridays through Sundays at 8 p.m., July 23-24, July 29-31, Aug 5-7 (Note that a previously scheduled performance on Friday, July 22, has been canceled.)

Such are the legends and superstitions surrounding Shakespeare’s most infamous tragedy that theater folks the world over avoid speaking the name of the play and its fascinating protagonist. “Macbeth” (aka The Scottish Play, Mackers, the Bard’s Play, etc.) will bring together sweeping battles, sardonic wit, occult mysteries and sublime poetry in a masterful tale of ruthless ambition — brought to life under the stars for Kingsmen’s 25th season.

The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company is the professional theater company of Cal Lutheran. The nonprofit organization coordinates apprentice programs for professional and aspiring Shakespearean actors, an educational tour for local schools, and summer theater camps for youth.

General admission for “As You Like It” and “Macbeth” is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 62 and over and active military, $15 for students 18 and over with ID, and free for those 17 and younger. Reserved lawn boxes are $90 to $110. A lawn box accommodates four to six, and only one ticket is required per box. Online ticketing is available for both lawn boxes and general admission.

Patrons can pay whatever they wish for the “Puke & Snot” benefit performance.

Parking is available in the lot off Mountclef Boulevard just south of Olsen Road. For information, visit kingsmenshakespeare.org or call 805-493-3452.

July 4th Celebration at Bethany Church on the Hill in Thousand Oaks

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Join the 4th of July fun and see the best panoramic view of Conejo Valley's Independence Day fireworks on Monday, July 4, 2022 at Bethany Church on the Hill in Thousand Oaks. Games for kids, food and fun.

Questions? Call (805) 495-7029 or visit www.bethanyto.org

Location: 200 W. Bethany Court, Thousand Oaks

Conejo Valley All-District Music Festival Concerts May 16-25

The beloved community-wide All-District music festival returns to the Conejo Valley after a two-year pandemic hiatus, but will look a little different than in years past. The 38th annual multi-night festival put on by the Conejo Schools Foundation and featuring band, strings, and chorus students from local Elementary, Middle, and High Schools normally fills the large Kavli Theatre in the Bank of America Performing Arts Center for eight separate concerts, hosting thousands of Conejo Valley families. This year the eight concerts will be held May 16-25 in five different venues throughout the district.

The Conejo Schools Foundation takes the lead on presenting this incredible community-wide event, but they are supported by the cooperative efforts of Conejo Valley Unified School District, and the Conejo Recreation and Park District who administer the elementary band, strings, and chorus programs throughout the district. Representatives from each agency have worked together to ensure students would have a meaningful and extraordinary musical experience. Now in its 38th year, this annual tradition endures as both an opportunity to showcase the musical talents and achievements of the youth of our community, and to inspire the younger performers to continue with their music studies and attain the level of excellence they will see in the High School performers. To inspire young musicians even further, the Sedalia Ragtime Orchestra, whose members are primarily retired professional musicians, will play as audience-goers exit the venues, offering a chance to enjoy what a lifetime of musical practice can sound like as well as an opportunity to donate to the non-profit Conejo Schools Foundation that hosts these events.

First up will be the Newbury Park Band track on Monday, May 16, which will feature performers from the elementary and middle schools that feed into Newbury Park High School sharing the stage with the NPHS Band outdoors in the NPHS football stadium.

Tuesday, May 17, Westlake High School Football Stadium will host a combined concert of schools feeding into both Westlake High School and Thousand Oaks High School band programs.

Wednesday, May 18 the Newbury Park High School gymnasium will host strings students from the Newbury Park track.

Thursday, May 19 strings students from all over Thousand Oaks will perform together at Redwood Middle School.

Friday, May 20 Westlake area strings students will star in two back-to-back concerts in the Westlake High School gymnasium (5pm and 7pm).

Monday, May 23 kicks off the 3-day chorus festival in the Westlake High School football stadium with chorus students from throughout Westlake Village.

Tuesday, May 24 the Newbury Park students gather in the Westlake High School football stadium.

And finally, Wednesday, May 25, chorus students from throughout Thousand Oaks will come together in the Westlake High School football stadium for the festival finale!

All concerts begin at 7pm (except the first WHS Strings Concert at 5pm). Tickets are $10. These events are open to the whole community. Pre-sale tickets and more information online at www.conejoschools.org.
The Festivals plan to return to the Kavli Theatre in 2023.