More events: venturabreeze.com/events
Ventura:
MERITO Foundation’s Open House & Ribbon Cutting: Fri, Aug 21, 4 pm – 5:30 pm. 3775 Market St.
Help us celebrate and warm up our new offices with an open house and ribbon-cutting! See our new ocean conservation and education location and learn about our tailored programs and services. Refreshments & cocktails will be served during & after the ribbon-cutting, Come ready for a fun and memorable time as we toast to this new chapter. www.meritofoundation.org.
15th Annual Cornhole Festival: Fri, Aug 21 – Sun, Aug 23. Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the three-day festival will welcome 768 teams competing for hundreds of thousands in cash prizes. Legendary Motocross Superstar Colby Raha to perform awe-inspiring aerial stunts at the event. www.thecornholethrowdowntournament.com.
Botanical Gardens – Summer Hummerz: Through Aug 31. 567 Poli St.
This summer, we’re celebrating one of California’ s most dazzling little visitors. The Gardens will transform into a colorful hummingbird-inspired experience with the debut of Summer Hummerz – an immersive exhibit where nature meets imagination. Wander scenic walkways, enjoy fragrant wildflowers. Find yourself enchanted by the tiny birds that bring the landscape to life. Designed for visitors of all ages. Admission: $15 per adult. Free for members and children under 18 when accompanied by an adult. special event only. https://venturabotanicalgardens.com/summer-hummerz/#.
Ventura Harbor Happy Hour Thursdays: Every Thursday from 3 – 6 pm. Free Parking
Plus, starting July 16, the Ventura Harbor Village is turning Thursday afternoons into Harbor Happy Hour Hangout – a weekly excuse to try a new happy hour spot, catch free live music, and spend a few hours unwinding by the water without the weekend crowds. Every Thursday from 3 – 6 pm, you’ll find free parking, specials from Harbor restaurants, shopping perks, bingo with prizes, and a reason to be outside in the fresh ocean air this summer. Local bands; August 6 | Terrill Carter & Jon Francis; August 13th | Erin Hawkins & Friends; August 20th | Mary White Duo.
Book Author Signing – Nicholas Deitch “Death and Life in the City of Dreams”: Sat. Aug, 22, 1-3 pm, Abednego Book Shoppe 2682 E. Main St.
Nicholas Deitch is a writer, architect, and advocate for social justice whose fiction explores the intersection of cities, history, and human resilience. He has honed his craft, publishing short stories in Litro Magazine, Club Plum, and Santa Barbara Literary Journal. His short story Grace Eternal won Best Fiction at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference (2019). Death and Life in the City of Dreams, his debut novel, is deeply influenced by his experience in nonprofit leadership and the design of inclusive communities and urban places. https://bankofbooks.com.
The Portal Garden Party: Sat, Aug 22, 12 pm – 4 pm. 290 Maple Court, Suite 118.
An afternoon of crystals, jewelry, local makers, readings, wellness, music, nibbles, connection, and magical finds! For more information visit https://healingportal.net.
The College Area Community Council Meeting: Wed, Aug 26, 6 pm. Zoom Meeting.
Council meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month and include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. CACC represents citizens in the area bounded by Mills Road on the west, Hill Road on the east, city limits in the hillsides on the north, and the 126 Freeway on the south. Visit https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list or to access a link to the Zoom meeting.
Community Autism Services (CAS) End of Summer Bash: Fri, Aug 28, 4:30 pm-7 pm. 4880 Market St
A Free community event (designed to support individuals and families in Ventura. This event is an opportunity to raise awareness, foster inclusion, and provide valuable resources. https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/california-autism-services/ventura.
Rugged Radios Dirt Expo: Sat, Aug 29 & Sun, Aug 30. Ventura County Fairgrounds
The event brings together the best in off-road vehicles, trucks, UTVs, overlanding, motorcycles, racing, fabrication and outdoor adventure, THE DIRT EXPO has become one of the premier destinations in the country for enthusiasts looking to experience the latest products, meet industry leaders and celebrate the off-road lifestyle. https://arizonaexpos.com/pages/dirt-expo-ventura-tickets.
Justice For All Ventura County – A Labor Day Salute: Sun, Aug 30, 1 pm. Museum of Ventura County. 100 E. Main St.
The “Labor of Love” celebration features timeless union songs and movies that spotlight the origins of organized labor. Beyond the history, a panel of Ventura County labor leaders presents the here and now of today’s workplace. Speakers, music, food and more.Tickets – justiceforallvc.org. Adults: $28; Students: $16. No tix will be sold at the door.
The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Annual Open House: Thur, Sep 3, 8 am – 12 pm.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Connect, learn, and celebrate the progress we are making together as a workforce community. Hear directly from Executive Director Rebecca Evans about the milestones reached this year and where we are headed next. Explore our Career Services and Business Solutions offerings, along with other programs designed to connect job seekers with opportunity and employers with talent. Join open conversations with fellow partners about breaking down silos and building stronger collaboration across our workforce system. Space is limited – reserve your spot: bit.ly/wdbvcopenhouse.
Rubicon Benefit Performances – The Folk Legacy Trio: Fri, Sep 4, 7 pm (with Optional VIP Experience), and Sep 5 at 2 pm.
The Folk Legacy Trio, Lifetime Grammy Winners George Grove and Rick Dougherty (The Kingston Trio) and Jerry Siggins (The Diamonds) perform folk favorites. Experience the rich tapestry of American folk music with The Folk Legacy Trio – revered as the “living library” of the great folk era. From the timeless tunes of the ’50s to the soul-stirring melodies of the ’70s, immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey through the songs of The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, and many more iconic artists. Led by two Lifetime Grammy Award-Winners, George Grove and Rick Dougherty, who collectively spent decades with The Kingston Trio and The Limeliters, the trio’s lineup is completed by the legendary Jerry Siggins, renowned as the lead singer of The Diamonds. Their accolades echo across the nation, drawing acclaim from venues far and wide. VIP EXPERIENCE (Friday night only) For the best center seating and a chance to visit with the Trio up close and in person, choose our VIP event. Concert Tickets $89.50 (includes a $20 tax-deductible contribution to Rubicon’s Main Stage and educational programming). www.rubicontheatre.org.
Rubicon Thursday, Sep 10, 7 pm. Celebrate the enduring partnership between people and horses – told through beautifully crafted songs, vivid storytelling, and genuine Western wisdom by Mike Beck during Ventura LIVE! ’26. Drawing from a lifetime spent studying with legendary horsemen Bill Dorrance, Tom Dorrance, and Ray Hunt; years as a working cowboy throughout the American West; and decades leading acclaimed Horsemanship Clinics, Mike offers far more than a cowboy concert. The Ponies is a rich, inspiring celebration of the enduring partnership between people and horses—told through beautifully crafted songs, vivid storytelling, and genuine Western wisdom.
The Dudley Museum Open House Tours: Sun, Sep 6, 1 – 4 pm. 197 N. Ashwood.
Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum. Includes a demonstration by the Ventura County Handweavers & Spinners Guild. Admission is free. For information call (805) 642-3345 or visit dudleyhouse.org.
Ventura Audubon Society Speaker: Tues, Sep 8, 7 pm. Timbre Books, 1910 E Main St,
Chuck Graham will be discussing his third and most recent book, Paddling into a Natural Balance, Stories of Kayaking and Conservation around Channel Islands National Park. Woven around his own personal kayaking trips through one of the least visited national parks in North America, the book chronicles the recovery of flora and fauna across the islands—with chapters exploring seabird recovery, the reintroduction of bald eagles, the island scrub jay, and peregrine falcons. Join us at 6:30 for a book signing – great chance to grab a copy and meet Chuck in person! Seating is limited – chairs will be available, but we encourage you to bring one if you’re able. www.venturaaudubon.org/speakers.
Museum of Ventura County’s Taste of History 2026: Thurs, Sep 10, 5:30 – 9:30 pm. Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks.
Step back into the shimmering world of the 1920s, when the silver screen lit up the dreams of a generation. This year’s Taste of History celebrates the Silent Movie Era of Ventura County with an evening of cinematic glamour, fine dining, vintage cocktails, lively entertainment, dancing, and fundraising inspired by the Golden Age of film. https://venturamuseum.org/taste2026.
Annual Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day: Sat, Sep 19, 9 – 12 pm. Multiple locations.
Hosted by the Ventura County Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways (VCCCIW). This event has been a cornerstone of our community for over 15 years. www.vccoastcleanup.org/cleanup-sites.
NAMBA Performing Art Space Playwright’s Splash Festival 2026: Sat, Sep 19 – Oct 24.
Ventura’s premiere theater event returns. brings the best emerging artists to our shores. www.nambaarts.com.
IF4 International Fly Fishing Film Festival: Sat, Sep 19, 3 pm – 8 pm. Performing Arts Center of Ventura College. 4700 Loma Vista Rd.
The International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) returns with a curated collection of world-class films spanning conservation, family, adventure and culture, including a standout short featuring prominent American chef and cultural storyteller David Chang chasing permit in Mexico. Doors open at 3 pm and the films begin at 4 pm with a 90 minute intermission for dinner and beverages. Phil Freidman is the guest MC with Guy Jeans (Kern River Fly Shop) and Fish the West providing a pre-screening discussion of local waters. Hosted by Sespe Fly Fishers. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $15 for students. Get tickets at https://flyfilmfest.com/venturaca.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Sat, Oct 3. Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn
Every participant needs to sign a standard waiver through their official registration. There is no registration fee for the Walk. However, they ask every participant to make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s. All funds raised further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Register a team as well. alz.org/VenturaWalk.
Ventura Music Festival Tea & Trumpets: Sun., Oct 11., 3 -5 pm. The Historic Pierpont Inn, 550 Sanjon Rd.
A lively local favorite returns to the beautiful and historic Pierpont Inn for an afternoon of tradition. Guests are welcomed with a full afternoon tea: warm scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a tempting array of pastries, served in one of Ventura’s most gracious settings. The music comes courtesy of a spirited brass quintet, whose program moves easily between classical favorites and jazz standards. www.venturamusicfestival.org/events/tea-trumpets-2026.
Ongoing:
LPSC Social Club General Meeting: Monthly, every 1st Thursday, 6:30 pm (except Aug). 1363 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, CA
LPSC (formerly Los Padres Ski Club) is a social community of active members with many social activities such as barbecues, happy hour, educational outings, hiking, camping, and ski trips. They look to establish a sense of community for young and old who appreciate an active life. “We continue in the tradition of the ski club and create vibrant activities to build community and most of all we want to have a good time.” https://lpsc.club.
Toastmaster Club 24 Meetings: Every Monday, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Cypress Place Assisted Living, 1220 Cypress Point Ln, 3rd Fl.
Hey, are you not talk well? Come learn how talk good. In front of people! No more word stumble! Seriously speaking, we’d love to have you at our fun Toastmasters meetings. Everyone is welcome. https://venturatoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society: Fourth Wednesday (second Wednesday in Nov/Dec), 7:30 – 9:30, Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.
Join amateur enthusiasts interested in minerals, fossils, and jewelry making. We welcome individual and family members. We participate in Science Nights at schools and – in conjunction with the County Parks System at Camp Comfort – run a two-room museum open by appointment for school groups, homeschoolers and others. We have a youth group which meets regularly for activities. Enjoy field trips, lapidary classes to craft polished stones, speakers and refreshments at our meetings. Email info@vgms.org or visit www.vgms.org.
Free Grief Support Groups
Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program offers multiple support groups that focus on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again.
Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement offers free grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. General Bereavement Support Group on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8 pm (Ventura in-person). Thursdays from 10:30 am – Noon (Ventura in-person). For registration and locations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.
Ventura Senior Men’s Group: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, first and third Tuesdays. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.
Ventura Senior Men’s Group lunch meetings – first and third Tuesday of the month. Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50+ and living in Ventura County. Call Bob at 805-857-0055 or visit VSMG.net.
Country Lovers Line Dancing: Ventura Moose Lodge. Tuesdays 7 – 9 pm, 10269 Telephone Rd.
Easy dances, first time free. Any questions, leave message at 805-889-3132.
Ventura VFW Post 1679 – Sunday Brunches/Dinners: 3801 Market St.
Help support your local Ventura County Veterans: “Open to the Public Brunches and Dinners.” Sunday Brunch 10 am – 1 pm every Sunday. Prices from $8 – $15. Friday Night Dinners: 5:30 pm – 7 pm every Friday night. Prices depend on the menu for that night. $15 – $25. 805-642-2674. https://vfw1679.org.
Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Mon each month – 7:30 pm. Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd. https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Ventura County: 6:30 – 8pm, every Tuesday. Ralston St.
At DBSA support group meetings, we share experiences, personal feelings, information, and strategies for living successfully. Groups are free, confidential, and open to people living with or who believe they may have depression, bipolar disorder, or another mood disorder. Join our community of hope, reassurance, and encouragement. Call (805) 665-3326 or Email DBSAVentura@gmail.com for more details and information.
Camarillo:
Camarillo Quilters Association Meeting: Tue, Sep 8. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1605 Burnley St.
Yvonne Pheniclie is a certified teacher for “Sew Kind of Wonderful” products which include their “Quick Curve Ruler.” She will share tips and tricks. The doors open at 9 am and the meeting begins at 9:30. There is a $5 charge for guests. https://camarilloquilters.com.
Brain Injury Center of Ventura County – Celebration of Survival: Sat, Sep 12, 12 pm – 3 pm. Harley’s Camarillo Bowl, 305 Arneill Rd.
9 Pin No-Tap Bowling Fundraising Event. Celebrating 18 Years of Survival for Stephanie Coppage. $25 per person (brain injury survivors bowl for free). Enjoy 3 Hours of 9 Pin No-Tap Bowling Fun. Shoe Rental Included. Music, Raffle Prizes. Opportunity 50/50 Drawings, Pizza and Beverages will be provided. more info or to sign-up, contact Laurel Householder at (805) 415-3702 or email lcop0112@hotmail.com
Evening of Magical Memories Gala – The 23rd Annual Fundraiser: Sat, Oct 10, 5 pm. Las Posas Country Club, 955 Fairway Dr.
Supporting the Programs of the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. The evening includes a champagne reception, silent and live auction, gourmet dinner, award presentations and entertainment. The gala annually honors brain injury survivors, professionals, and family/caregivers for their hard work and dedication. This year we are honoring Carol Leish, Graal Diaz, and Dotti Oliver as Above & Beyond Award recipients. The funds raised by this event will provide support for our programs including individualized support, education, Care Transitions, Trabajador(a) de Salud, support groups, advocacy, and care coordination for brain injury survivors and their families. Your donation will enable the Brain Injury Center to continue to offer these critical services at no cost to the survivor or family. https://braininjurycenter.org/eomm.
Ojai:
Libbey Bowl 2026 Concert Series: Sun, Aug 30. Libbey Bowl, Edward Libbey Park.
10th year anniversary of FREE community concerts. Sponsored by Music 4 Kids. Beginning this year all proceeds from each and every concert will be used for music scholarships for music students in need. Our first concert will feature the Ojai Pops Orchestra. www.libbeybowl.org/events/all.
Ojai Raptor Center Moonlit Nights – Charity Benefit: Sat, Sep 12, 5 pm – 9 pm.
An extraordinary evening in support of raptor rehabilitation and environmental stewardship. This elegant event will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and wildlife supporters for an evening of dining under the stars, live music, a silent auction, and inspiring stories of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education. www.ojaoraptorcenter.org/orc-events.
Oxnard:
Concerts By The Sea: Sat, 4-6 pm, Harbor View Park, 3600 Harbor Blvd.
Seven free concerts through Sept 5. www.channelislandsharbor.org/events-festivals.
Rock the Collection Summer Concert Series: See date/times below. 6:30 pm – 8 pm. The Collection, Collective Park.
All concerts are FREE. Gather your lawn chairs, family, and friends for a perfect summer evening at Collection Park Aug. 12, DSB: A Tribute to Journey; Aug. 26, Twisted Gypsy – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac; Sept. 9, That’s What I Like – A Tribute to Bruno Mars. https://thecollectionrp.com/portfolio/rock-the-collection-2026.
Panteón Fest Fourth Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration: Sat, Oct 17. 1 pm – 9 pm. Heritage Square, 715 S A St.
This year’s festival pays homage to Chespirito, the beloved Mexican comedian and creator of El Chavo del Ocho and El Chapulín Colorado. Live music, dance, theater, community altars, local art and more. Tickets; Pre-Sale, August-September: $15. General Admission, October: $25. VIP Tables: Premium experience available. www.puebloandco.com.
Food Share of Ventura County New Home Groundbreaking Celebration: Fri, Sep 11, 3 pm – 5 pm. 1425 Mariner Dr.
Food Share is breaking ground on its new 85,000-square-foot food bank – a transformational project that will expand its capacity to serve Ventura County for generations to come. Whether you’ve volunteered your time, made a gift, partnered with them, attended an event, or simply cheered them on, this milestone belongs to all of us. Join us as we celebrate this exciting next chapter with Food Share leadership, community partners, donors, elected officials, and neighbors from across Ventura County. www.foodshare.com.
Oxnard Film Society: Sept 21, screenings at 3:30 and 6:30. Plaza 14 Cinema, 255 West 5th St.
THE MARCHING BAND 2025. France 1hr 42 minutes. Comedy/Drama NR. In French with English subtitles. A world-famous orchestra conductor discovers the brother he never knew he had — a school cafeteria worker who plays trombone in a local marching band. Detecting his brother’s exceptional musical talent, he takes it upon himself to rectify the injustice of fate. An equally hilarious and affecting crowd-pleaser that premiered at Cannes and became a French box office sensation starring Benjamin Lavernhe (My Donkey, My Lover & I) and Pierre Lottin (The Stranger).
HEROES OF THE COAST – FREE SCREENING 2025 – USA 52 minutes; This 52-minute documentary tells the story of how the people of California organized to save the coast in response to the Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969. Written, produced and directed by Janet Bridgers, the President of EarthAlert!, Heroes of the Coast – The Documentary tells the story of some of the Californians who invested their time, money and, sometimes, their careers, in supporting the passage of Proposition 20, The California Coastal Protection Act. Post Screening Q/A with Director. www.oxnardfilmsociety.org.
Santa Barbara:
Ensemble Theatre Season Opener – BUYER & CELLAR: Oct 7 – 25. 33 West Victoria St.
Drama Desk Winner for Best Play by Jonathan Tolins. Directed by Jamie Torcellini. Brian McDonald reprises his award-winning performance as Alex, an out-of-work actor who lands the strangest gig of his life: working in the private shopping mall that Barbra Streisand built in the basement of her Malibu estate. As he tends to the antique doll shop, gift wrapping station, and frozen yogurt counter in the deserted mall, his only customer is Barbra herself. What begins as a surreal job becomes an unexpected friendship as Alex navigates the absurd reality of playing shopkeeper to one of the world’s biggest stars. Jonathan Tolins’ solo comedy is a witty, warm, and wonderfully theatrical meditation on celebrity, consumerism, and the price of living in someone else’s fantasy. https://etcsb.org.
Thousand Oaks
Conejo Players Theatre – Steel Magnolias: Performs August 7 – 29. 351 S. Moorpark Rd.
This play is a timeless celebration of friendship, family, and resilience. www.conejoplayers.org.
