Nights of the Jack Halloween Experience at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas September 27 to November 3, 2024

Nights of the Jack is back at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas from September 27 to November 3, 2024.

Local residents will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a Halloween wonderland, filled with thousands of hand-carved Jack O’Lanterns at this ranch, which is steeped in history. Legend has it that in 1824, at the top of the Calabasas grade on the original El Camino Real, a rancher from Oxnard spilled a wagonload of pumpkins while en route to Los Angeles. Sometime later, hundreds of pumpkin seeds sprouted alongside the road. As a result of the surprising event, the area was dubbed Las Calabasas—"the place where the pumpkins fell."

The trail is about 2/3rds of a mile and is self-guided. Guests typically spend 1 to 1 1/2 hours on the grounds.

Tickets are $29.99 to 44.99 per person general admission. Age 2 and under are free. Parking is $9.99.

Tickets are on sale now at nightsofthejack.com.

King Gillette Ranch is located at 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas.

Archaeology Day at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas on Saturday, October 19, 2024

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the National Park Service, California State Parks, and Western National Parks Association (WNPA) will host Archaeology Day at the Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center in Calabasas.

The family-friendly event, including parking, is free and is organized to shed light on a discipline that is sometimes overlooked.

The morning will start with a blessing, land acknowledgment, and Native American presentations

All-day activities will include digging up artifacts in an “excavation” box, spear throwing, flint knapping demos, local artifacts on display, replica viewing and much more.

Visitors of all ages will also get a chance to earn a special patch and become junior archaeologists.

More details at www.samofund.org/outdoors-calendar#event=77687858.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park System, it comprises a seamless network of local, state, and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/samo.

2024 Calabasas Pumpkin Festival at De Anza Park on Sunday, October 20th

The 2024 Calabasas Pumpkin Festival is planned for Sunday, October 20th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Road. There will be a pumpkin patch, pumpkin pies, pumpkin painting, live music, food court, vendor marketplace, professional pumpkin carving, photo opps, reptile shows, inflatable rides and games and more.

Tickets go on sale September 3rd. $10 per person in advance online (processing fees apply). $15 at the gate (processing fees apply). Kids under 24 months are free. Tickets can be purchased online after 9/3 at www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/pumpkin-festival/admission-and-tickets

Event entrance and parking at the corner of Lost Hills Road & Agoura Road (NOTE: No parking or entry along Las Virgenes - Malibu Canyon Road).

For more information at www.calabasaspumpkinfestival.com.

2024 City of Calabasas 4th of July Activities (No Fireworks This Year Due to Construction)

The City of Calabasas will not be hosting 4th of July fireworks in 2024 due to construction at the school.

OTHER 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES

The Lakeside Fun Run is presented by the Calabasas Park Homeowners Association at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center. Events begin at 7:45 am and include 4 and 2 mile runs, 2 mile walk and 1/4 mile races for youth 12 and under.

Summer Splash Party at the Tennis & Swim Center, 2300 Park Sorrento, on July 4th from noon–5:30 pm. Spend the day poolside. BBQ for sale at site. There will be games, prizes, music and more. Admission $5. Ages 2 and under free.

More information at www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/special-events

2024 Bulldog 50K and 25K Runs in Malibu Creek State Park on Saturday, August 17th

The challenging and popular Bulldog runs consist of two races - the 25K Bulldog Trail Run and the 50K Bulldog Ultra Run, which are conducted simultaneously (though the 50K starts an hour earlier - at 7 am.). This year’s event is on August 17, 2024.

Run in the beautiful scenic Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area beginning at base camp in Malibu Creek State Park.

The course offers inspirational vistas of untamed terrain and sweeping ocean views. The challenging trail weaves through the mountains on single track and fire roads.

Visit ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=108226 for more information and to register for these challenging events.

Lil' Ranchers Summer Roundup at Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas on Tuesdays, July 9 to August 6, 2024

Mark your calendars for "Lil' Ranchers Days" at the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas on Tuesdays, July 9th through August 6th, 2024 from 9:30am to 11:30am. Fun for the entire family with activities & live kids music, feeding the ranch animals and more! 

Admission:
- Members free
- Non-members: $8/person (2 y/o & up)
- Under 2 free

www.leonisadobemuseum.org

Paramount Ranch Trail Runs Marathon, 50K, 30K, Half Marathon and 10K on Saturday, December 17, 2022

The Paramount Ranch Trail Runs Marathon, 50K, 30K, Half Marathon and 10K take place on Saturday, December 17, 2022. The start time for all races is 6:30 am.

Course is one loop for 10K, two loops for half marathon, three loops for 30K, four loops for marathon and 5 loops for the 50K.

Learn more and sign up at paramountranchtrailruns.com.

Santa Monica Mountains Fund "Picnic for the Park" Fundraiser on Saturday, April 30th

SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS FUND HOSTS “PICNIC FOR THE PARK,” SATURDAY, APRIL 30

Santa Monica Mountains Fund will host Picnic for the Park – the organization’s first in-person general fundraiser in three years, Saturday, April 30, 4:00 p.m., outdoors at the idyllic King Gillette Ranch property in the heart of the stunning Santa Monica Mountains. This celebration of our beautiful local mountains will feature live music, a picnic dinner, a short film screening, a live Q&A, and a silent auction.

At the event, guests will have the opportunity to meet with National Park Service Rangers and SAMO Fund staffers to learn more about conservation and restoration work in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the largest urban national park in the country located on the doorstep of the Conejo Valley.

The evening will feature a live concert performance by soulful singer/songwriter Sophia Dion and her band, including USC Thornton School of Music artists Jack Severino, Matt Sukert and Noah Ehler. The Fund will also present a special screening of the new National Park Service film, “To Right a Wrong: Ballard Mountain.” Made with support from SAMO Fund, the film will give insight into the diverse history of this beautiful national park.

A fajita bar picnic dinner will be provided by Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill, along with a range of beverages, and a wide array of prizes will be offered at a silent auction.

“We’re so looking forward to meeting with people who enjoy recreating in our local national park and who value the conservation work that takes place here,” said Charlotte Parry, Executive Director. “Please come along and support our mountains, our home,” she added.

Address: Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch, 26876 Mulholland Highway

Calabasas

Tickets available at: samofund.org/picnicforthepark

Special thanks to our sponsors Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, GRoW@Annenberg and CR Print.

Santa Monica Mountains Fund is the official philanthropic partner of the National Park Service in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

CANCELLED 23rd Annual Calabasas Fine Arts Festival, Weekend of May 1 & 2, 2021

CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

The Calabasas Arts Council welcomes back the 23rd Annual Calabasas Fine Arts Festival at the Calabasas Civic Center and Commons at Calabasas 101 Freeway, exit at Parkway Calabasas. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This is a premiere, two-day, outdoor event with live entertainment and over 150 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and hundreds of other fine artisans, as well as children’s activities and more.

The Calabasas Fine Arts Festival attracts over 15,000 collectors and art buyers each year. FREE admission and parking (sponsored by Kilroy Realty Corp).

Visit www.calabasasartscouncil.com/CalabasasFineArtsFestival.htm for more information.

Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Programs in Ventura County

Free events and programs at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area locations in Ventura County and adjacent areas are highlighted below! (updated periodically to remove past activities). For additional details and other event locations, visit samofund.org/calendar.

Most activities subject to cancellation if there's significant rain.

7/24 8:30-10:30pm: The Moon in Action program at Paramount Ranch - Much like the sun during the day, the Moon is the dominant bright gem of the night sky. Join us at Paramount Ranch to learn about the surface features of the Moon and the influence it has on the Earth.

The program will start with a demonstration on how the Moon reflects sunlight and why we see the different phases. The demonstration will be followed by telescope and binocular viewings of the surface of the Moon, including interactive activities for children and families to learn about the surface features.

Sat TBA 8:30-10am - Birds of the Santa Monica Mountains Walk at King Gillette Ranch - Bring your binoculars, bird guide, and/or camera and join us for an easy bird walk around the grounds of King Gillette Ranch. This area attracts many songbirds, water birds, woodpeckers, and raptors and we are always treated to something interesting. Kids are welcome and the walk is less than a mile at a very easy pace as we stop often to observe the birds. We leave promptly at 8:30 from the flagpole. Heavy rain cancels (but I will be there for anyone who wants to walk in it!). See you there!

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center in Calabasas

King Gillette Ranch - View from near Inspiration Point

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Newbury Park

Directions to various locations

Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons: Ventura Fwy (101) to Chesebro Rd exit. Turn north on Palo Comado Canyon Rd then right on Chesebro Rd. Go north 1 mile to park entrance. Turn right and follow road to parking lot.

Circle X Ranch: Pacific Coast Hwy to Yerba Buena Rd. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.

Sandstone Peak Trailhead: 1 mile north of Circle X Ranch contact station on Yerba Buena Rd. Parking lot is on left.

Mishe Mokwa Trailhead: 1.75 miles north of the Circle X contact station along Yerba Buena Road. Parking lot is on right.

King Gillette Ranch: Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Park entrance is 0.1 mile on right.

Malibu Creek State Park: Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Park entrance is 0.25 mile south of the intersection on Las Virgenes Rd. From Pacific Coast Hwy: north on Malibu Canyon Rd to park entrance on left.

Paramount Ranch: Ventura Fwy (101) to Kanan Rd exit. South on Kanan 0.5 mile. Left on Cornell Way and veer to right. South 2.5 miles, entrance is on right side of the road.

Peter Strauss Ranch is located at 30000 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills.

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa: Ventura Fwy (101) to Lynn Rd exit. South on Lynn Rd 5.25 miles to Via Goleta. Park entrance is on the left at Via Goleta. Continue all the way to a parking lot where the road ends. To get to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, walk 0.3 mile up gravel road from the parking area to brown wooden building. 

Wendy Trailhead: Ventura Fwy (101) to Wendy Dr. exit. South on Wendy Dr to dirt pullout at intersection with Potrero Rd.

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch: From Ventura Fwy (101): Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Go 0.1 mile and turn right into entrance of King Gillette Ranch. The visitor center is the first building on your right. 26867 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.