Events in and around Ventura County and surrounding areas, including Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Somis, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Ojai, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Port Hueneme.
Find events in Ventura County and surrounding areas in this section, by category at this link and in the Events Calendar. Community events of broad public interest can be submitted at this link for possible inclusion in this section (at our discretion).
We encourage posting of other events, activities, fundraisers, classes, workshops, sales, shout-outs, etc. directly to the COMMUNITY FORUM section!
The 28th Annual Patagonia Salmon Run is planned for Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 8 a.m. at 5721 N. Ventura Avenue in Ventura This is a certified 5K course on a flat dirt road along the Ventura River. Event usually sells out! No race day signups!
Register at runsignup.com/Race/Events/CA/Ventura/PatagoniaSalmonRun5K.
ArtWalk Ventura, returns on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, 2024. Hours are noon to 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.
This signature event will take to the streets of Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District as patrons enjoy a free, self-guided tour of dozens of professional exhibits, pop-up studios and live performances.
ArtWalk Ventura is a Free community event featuring 200+ artists in all fields. ArtWalk features a variety of artists from all over Southern California showcasing and selling their art including painting, photography, mixed media, glass, ceramics and more. Live performances include the Ventura County Ballet, Rubicon Theater, Interactive Mandala Creation, Aerial Dancers, Live Music and so much more.
New this year is the Ventura Film Festival and Poetry Reading, featuring local and internationally known artists in the Museum of Ventura County's Pavilion.
To learn more, visit www.artwalkventura.org.
The Aloha Beach Festival is BACK after a year off in 2023 at Promenade Park/Surfer's Point, west of the Ventura Pier, the weekend of August 31 and September 1, 2024. The festival features frisbee dogs, C Street Surf Contest, Hawaiian dancing, live bands, vendors, food, beer garden and more. Event proceeds to benefit Ventura-based non-profit Merito Foundation.
Hours are 10am to 8pm both days. Admission is free. Visit www.alohabeachfestival.us for more information.
The 2024 Haunted Housing Run is planned for Saturday, November 2nd at San Buenaventura State Beach.
Haunted Housing Run is a Halloween-themed 5K run/walk in support of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) Scholarship Program. Each year HACSB awards scholarships to current residents of affordable housing communities owned and/or managed by HACSB who are currently enrolled at a four-year college/university, community college, or vocational school.
Event begins at 8:30am at 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura. Costumes are encouraged!
Visit www.hauntedhousingrun.com to learn more and register.
The Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival will take place September 14 and 15, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura. This waterfront juried art festival features more than over 50 talented street chalk artists creating colorful murals along the village promenade overlooking the boats.
Among the featured artists is Greg Wray, known for his iconic work on the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. Wray will be crafting a Sonic-themed beach scene, inviting spectators to observe his process and, when appropriate, engage with him during the creation.
Other activities to include Craftman’s Marketplace, children’s art area, face painting, live music, and more. More information at venturaartfestival.com.
The Ponies by the Sea Car Show will be held at Harbor View Park at Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 10am to 3pm. Mustangs and other Ford powered vehicles are welcome to enter. Proceeds from the show to benefit the Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines. Food trucks and vendors will be on hand. There will also be food trucks, music, games and more.
Free to spectators. www.tricountymustangclub.com
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.
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.
The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon on Sunday, April 13, 2025 starts in beautiful Ojai at just over 700 ft. and gradually descends to sea-level over 18 miles, finishing near the historic Ventura Pier.
The Mountains 2 Beach Half-Marathon is a fast, beautiful, point to point 13.1 mile course that stars in the town of Oak View down the bike path to Ventura. Also on Sunday is a 10K run.
New in 2025: On Saturday, April 12th, the beachside M2B 5K will take place at San Buenaventura State Beach Park. A Kids 1K will take place at 1pm.
To learn more and to register, visit www.mountains2beachmarathon.com.
The 52nd Annual Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show is planned for October 4-6, 2024 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Family-owned and operated, the beloved tradition returns with the nation’s finest artists and crafters eager to showcase their newest creations for a one-of-kind shopping experience unlike any other.
The Festival offers a full day of fun for all ages with more than 24,000 handmade creations from hundreds of exhibitors, specialty foods, strolling performers, a KidZone, demonstrations, contests, and more. The event also gives back by supporting local charities in the community.
With such a colossal collection of artistry all under one roof, there is always something new to discover at the west coast’s largest and most prestigious indoor showcase. From jewelry, ceramics, blown glass and woodcarvings, to holiday décor, clothing, eclectic keepsakes, specialty foods, accessories, furniture, ornaments and more, each item is an expression of originality from artists who are share their passions with a personal touch.
General admission is $9. Seniors (62+) and military are $7. Youth (13-17) are $4, and it’s free to kids 12 and under. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Parking charged by the VC Fairgrounds is $10.
Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds; 10 West Harbor Blvd, Ventura
More information at harvestfestival.com.
Conejo Valley Guide covers events, activities and things to do throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas.
