Events throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas! Click here for events by category/title or here for calendar format. New events added daily. Community events of broad public interest can be submitted here.
Bring the family for a fun and healthy morning of activity while supporting Mary Health of the Sick Convalescent Hospital in their 3rd Annual Care and Compassion 5K/1K Fun Run at Dos Vientos Park, 4801 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, on Saturday, July 20th. There will be snacks after the run and raffle baskets too!
The 10th Annual Channel Islands 4th of July 5K & 10K benefits the Channel Islands Harbor Foundation. This classic run takes place in the Channel Islands Harbor and Oxnard Shores beach community and is flat and fast. Starting line is on west side of Channel Islands Harbor, just north of the Whales Tail Restaurant, 3950 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard. Races start at 8 a.m. More information and registration at www.harborrun.com.
The Moorpark Military Salsa Festival will be an event to embrace our soldiers and veterans for their service. The festival will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, June 16th from 11am to 6pm at Moorpark College. A sizzling Father's Day weekend full of food, music, fun activities and of course, salsa tasting. Funds raised will benefit a great cause: Welcoming home those sons and daughters who have served in our Military. Adults $12.00 ONLINE ONLY ($15.00 at the door). Seniors/students $9 online only ($12 at the door). Children under 5 free. Active military with ID free. More information at www.moorparksalsafestival.com.
The 53rd Annual Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival on Sunday, May 19th at Paramount Ranch, Agoura Hills features a main stage with over 100 instrumental and singing contestants competing for cash and gift awards, many professional bands, a dance barn with square dancing, clogging and other dancing to live music, jam sessions (bring your instruments), a childrens' area, folk art and wares, great food, etc.
Advance tickets are now available: $11.00 for ages 18-64 and $9 for ages 10-17 and 65+. $16 and $11 at the gate. Kids under 10 get in free! Parking and shuttle bus are free! Bring a picnic, bring your instruments, bring your mother-in-law! Event is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.topangabanjofiddle.org or call the hotline at 818.382.4819. A TRULY UNIQUE EVENT! CHECK IT OUT IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN TO IT!
The California Jazz & Wine Fest will be held on Sunday May 19, 2013, at Conejo Creek Park North, 1379 East Janss Road in Thousand Oaks from 1:00pm – 6:00pm. The event is presented by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise.
The day will feature restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries and will highlight live jazz performed by some of the area’s finest musicians. Attendees pay one price to taste away the afternoon whether scrumptiously prepared food, delicate wine or craft beers.
Come and join us for a great afternoon of tastings and great music! Last year’s event sold out and we expect over 1200 attendees at this year’s event.
Must be 21 to be admitted! Please be prepared to show your ID, as you may be asked if you appear to look younger than 35 years old.
This event supports the local high school music programs of the Conejo Valley.
The cost to attend is $55 and the special VIP ticket is $80. The VIP ticket includes a premium parking, one hour early admission, and access to reserved VIP seating near the jazz music stage and under a shade tent. Buy tickets at www.californiajazzandwine.com!
On Saturday, June 29 from 5-9PM, Mi Casa de Angeles will be hosting its 3rd Annual Benefit Fashion Show in Westlake Village at the 1 Baxter Way building. To purchase tickets, visit micasadeangeles.org/events/upcomingevents.html. This year there will be live entertainment from a dance studio along with four participating boutiques and several other vendors. Mi Casa de Angeles,founded by 18 year old Westlake Village resident Gabriella Brignardello at the age of 15, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education for impoverished children in Peru to thereby empower them with knowledge and give them an opportunity for success. More information at www.micasadeangeles.org.
Meet & greet Gretchen Rossi of the Real Housewives of Orange County and Swimwear Designer Lisa Vogel at SwimSpot at The Oaks Mall, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive, # P022C, Thousand Oaks on Thursday, June 27th from 1-3PM.
Meet Gretchen Rossi, star of the Real Housewives of Orange County and swim designer Lisa Vogel as they celebrate their collaboration sold exclusively at SwimSpot. Enjoy small bites, sips, swim and fun at SwimSpot at The Oaks Mall.
One of the most popular children's events in the area is the Annual Conejo Recreation & Park District's Touch-a-Truck event in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, June 15th (strategically placed the day before Father's Day every year).
Dozens and dozens of trucks and large vehicles of all shapes and sizes, all at Thousand Oaks Community Center, 2525 North Moorpark Road, between Thousand Oaks High School and Acorn Acres Park. This is a hugely popular event! Parking at the park fills up pretty quickly, so be prepared to park at the T.O. High School parking lot south of the tennis courts and football field (corner of Moorpark Road and Avenida de Las Flores) and walk a block north up Moorpark Road to Acorn Acres Park.
We have enjoyed this event for years...we've seen a garbage truck, Army truck, stretch limousine, tractor, excavator, dump truck, school bus, fire engine, ambulance, police van, monster truck, bulldozer, police cruiser, motorcycle, you name it. Too many to mention and your kids can check them out first-hand. They let your kids honk the horns, kick the tires, work the controls, blare the sirens, etc. In other words, bring aspirin!
There are numerous other activities, including kids construction play area, power wheel course, arts and crafts, wash-a-truck, jolly jumps, and a motorized train ride and junk food for sale! Throughout the event you will find live truck demonstrations to consist of water balloons being dropped from the cherry picker, beach balls being unloaded from the dump truck, and even a helicopter landing! Yes, this is an awesome way to spend a Saturday afternoon with Dad on Father's Day weekend! Invite Mom too!
New addition to the 2013 event...Gourmet Food Trucks!
Free admission! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call the Conejo Recreation and Park District for more information at 805.381.2793 or visit www.crpd.org.
Mark your calendars once again for the FREE Janss Marketplace Summer Concert Series from June 19 through August 28. Janss Marketplace is located at Moorpark Road & Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks. Bring your folding chairs and arrive early to enjoy special dinner menus, special merchant samples and the chance to win prizes during the concerts. The music is from 6-8PM.
This awesome 11 week series features music ranging from top tribute bands, R&B, Reggae, Classic Rock to 70’s dance favorites. More info at www.janssmarketplace.net.
The Lineup:
June 19: Hollywood U2 (U2 tribute)
June 26: 90's Top Dance Band
July 3: Acoustic Saints
July 10: Funkytown
July 17: Strange Days (Doors tribute)
July 24: Neil Deal (Neil Young tribute)
July 31: Fan Halen (Van Halen tribute)
August 7: Hollywood Stones (Rolling Stones tribute)
August 14: Masamba Maranga (African/Latin instrumental ensemble)
Local Master Artist Brings Disneyland’s Main Street to the Camarillo Library
The Camarillo Library is honored to display master artist Robert Olszewski "Art of Miniatures" Exhibition now through May 31. The exhibit is displayed throughout the main entrance of the library. View up close the work of the 30+ year resident of Camarillo. The exhibit includes rare figurative artwork created prior to Olszewski partnering with Goebel and miniatures created for Goebel such as miniatures of Alice in Wonderland, Hummel’s Goose Girl and Little Fiddler. The exhibit also features the Olszewski Studios designs commissioned by Disney, including the entire Main Street of Disneyland with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
This extensive selection of Olszewski art is on loan from the private collections of Larry and Carol Mills of Salt Lake City, Utah and the artist. This is the second ever showing in the area since 1993 when Olszewski's art was displayed at the Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard.
Olszewski's award winning artistry is known internationally and has been commissioned by Goebel, Disney, along with Harmony Ball Company and Encesco, LLC. Meet Olszewski on Saturday, May 18, from 11am – 5pm. Also on May 18, at 11:00 a.m. in the Camarillo Library’s Community Room, Olszweski will discuss the history of his craft, his career, and story behind his art. Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet a master craftsman and learn about his art.
For more information call the Camarillo Public Library at 805-388-5222 or visit camarillolibrary.org.
Santa Barbara's 40th Annual Greek Festival is taking place from on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 2013 from 11am to 7pm in beautiful Oak Park. The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Stroll through Santa Barbara's beautiful Oak Park and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village. FREE ADMISSION!
Dozens of volunteers enthusiastically staff their booths, creating a convivial, welcoming atmosphere. Festival-goers return year after year for the food. — Delectable festival favorites like gyros and moussaka. And no Greek village would be complete without homemade pastries from Yiayia's traditional recipes: baklava, melomakarona, and kataifi are just a few of the sweet treats to delight you.
Listen to the distinctive sounds of the bouzouki and other exotic instruments played by authentic Greek musicians who perform traditional and popular songs. Delight in the beauty of the elaborate costumes worn by performers as they share their carefully practiced steps and intricate dances with the enthusiastic audience.
Take advantage of a free Greek dance lesson, and enjoy participating in the same dances you would perform in the traditional villages of Greece. Dance the afternoon away, eat a little (or a lot), shop in the Greek marketplace, relax and enjoy yourself under the oaks in the warm embrace of the best Greek culture has to offer.
Free events and programs in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area locations in Ventura County and adjacent areas through June 2013 are highlighted below! (updated periodically to remove past activities)
FRI 5/17 2pm Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center - King Gillette Ranch History Tour Join a ranger for a stroll through the grounds of King Gillette Ranch and learn about the history of the site. Meet by fountain. Rain cancels. 1hr
SAT 5/18 10am King Gillette Ranch - A Walk into the Chumash World Discover how local Chumash have used the natural resources of their environment for thousands of years to create a sustainable way of life on this easy 1-mile walk. 2hrs
SUN 5/19 8am Malibu Creek State Park - Birdwalk - Enjoy watching birds in unspoiled habitats. Bring binoculars. Beginners welcome! Meet in lower parking lot. Muriel 310-457-5796 or Art 818-887-0973. 4hrs
SUN 5/19 9am Malibu Creek State Park - Stay a Little Longer - Explore the Backbone Trail east of Corral Canyon on a steep downhill hike. Meet in lower parking lot for carpool. Reservations required: Tom at 818-216-7696 or tgkaplan54@gmail.com by 6pm 5/16 and leave phone #. Rain cancels. 4-5hrs
SUN 5/19 1pm Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center - Gardening with Nature - Tour the garden with a ranger. Learn how using native plants can mean less work, saving money, and benefitting the environment. Meet at fountain. 1hr
SAT 5/25 8:30am Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa - Birds of Spring - Many habitats attract colorful migrants and summer residents: blue grosbeaks, the elusive grasshopper sparrow and more. Bring binoculars. Beginners welcome. Rain cancels. Meet at main parking lot. 2.5hrs
Memorial Weekend Art Show & Sale May 25 – May 27 Saturday – Monday, 9am–5pm - Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center - Enjoy an extraordinary variety of Oaxacan wood carvings, Mata Ortiz pottery and Zapotec rugs. Meet premier Oaxacan wood carver Jacobo Angeles and master Mata Ortiz potter Jorge Quintana. 11am and 2pm daily: Mata Ortiz pottery demonstrations. 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm daily: Oaxacan woodcarving demonstrations. More info: www.wnpa.org
Cultural Workshop Sunday, May 26 10am–12pm & 1pm–3pm - Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center - Celebrate the spring with Chumash elder and Satwiwa co-founder Charlie Cooke as he shares his culture through the art of storytelling and demonstrations. All ages are welcome.
SUN 5/26 8:30am Malibu Lagoon State Beach - Beach and Wetlands Bird Watching - Experts and beginners, adults and teens, all are welcome. Bring binoculars. Info: 310-395-6235. 2-3hrs
SUN 5/26 10am Malibu Creek State Park - Welcome to Malibu Creek Join a docent for a walk along the creek and a wooded valley. Learn about the area’s animals, plants, early inhabitants, and movies filmed in the park. Meet at lower parking lot. 2hrs
SUN 5/26 10am Malibu Lagoon State Beach - Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents - Special short walk for children and families - binoculars provided. Reservations required for groups: 310-395-6235. 1hr
SUN 5/26 1pm Paramount Ranch - Movie Magic - Learn the secrets that turn a dusty set into a realistic town. Join us on this walk behind the scenes to discover the illusions and history of Paramount Ranch. 1hr
SAT 6/1 9am Malibu Creek State Park - Introduction to Mountain Bike Skills - Learn proper off-road riding fundamentals and shared-use etiquette. Mountain bike and helmet required. Heavy rain cancels. Info: 805-558-1606 or www.corbamtb.com. 4hrs
SAT 6/1 10am King Gillette Ranch - Innovation in the Golden Era - King Gillette Ranch was home to MGM Director, Clarence Brown, who made movies on this still popular filming location. Look behind the scenes at his filmmaking innovations and Hollywood parties on this easy walk. 1.5hrs
The Ojai Concert Series is dedicated to bringing high quality live Celtic, Folk and Roots musicians to beautiful Ojai. Please join us, and help support community culture and the continuation of heart-felt live performances! Concerts take place at the Ojai Valley Woman's Club at 441 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai (unless otherwise noted**)
Upcoming Concerts:
Saturday May 25th at Dancing Oak Ranch (gates open at 5:00PM with opener starting at 6:00, main act starts at 7:00PM) “The Young Dubliners”
The Young Dubliners are quite possibly “Celtic rock's” hardest working band, playing hundreds of shows to thousands of fans across the US and Europe every year.$20 in advance, or at the gate under 15 years are free
In recent years the Young Dubliners have twice appeared on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, had songs featured in TV shows (Sons Of Anarchy, Human Target) and toured extensively as a headliner and as the opener for such a diverse list of artists as The Flaming Lips, Collective Soul, Jethro Tull, Johnny Lang and many more.
Although the Young Dubliners sound is most commonly called 'Celtic Rock', that label, as labels often can be, is misleading. The Irish influence is there, certainly, but it's not the only influence that rears its head on their albums, or in live shows. "That was always the idea", Keith Roberts, lead singer for the band explains, "The sound was always intended to be a hybrid because we all come from different backgrounds. Even though two of us are from Ireland, a lot of the music we listened to growing up wasn't Irish at all, but when we got here, we got homesick and developed a new appreciation for Irish Music.”
As a special treat, for an opening act (from 6:00 till 6:45), they have the return of the dynamite Santa Barbara indie band The Indian Trading Furs. “Sounds like … Mumford & Sons thrown into a circle pit. Breakneck guitar parts, whip-like drum fills, fearless banjo and soaring vocals have helped move this trio from local street corners to a nine state tour and a new album in the works”
Sunday, August 4th at Dancing Oak Ranch “John Reischman and the Jaybirds”
The Jaybirds offer "clarity, energy, good ensemble work, classy originals, and an adventurous approach" to the world of bluegrass and folk music — along with engaging stage humour in powerful live shows.
Costs: $20 in advance, or at the gate under 15 years are free
Sunday Sept 15th at Dancing Oak Ranch “Yves Lambert Trio”
“a breath of fresh and happy air on the musical Quebecer scene.”
Costs:$20 in advance, or at the gate under 15 years are free
Thursday Oct, 17th at The Ojai Valley Woman’s Club “The Gothard Sisters”
“a dynamic all-female Irish music and dance group.”
Costs:$20 in advance, or at the gate under 15 years are free
For more information and to buy tickets via PayPal, visit www.ojaiconcertseries.com or call 805.665.8852.
** During the warmer months concerts are at our home “Dancing Oak Ranch,” nestled in a quiet and beautiful canyon 3/4 of a mile off HWY 150 halfway between Carpinteria and Lake Casitas. These shows are preceded by an optional potluck picnic, so if you can come early, bring a dish to share (B-Y-O-B) and join us for a picnic with friends, and the musicians. You should also bring a low back deck chair (we have some if you forget) a blanket and a jacket (it will cool down after dark) plus bring a small flashlight to help find you vehicle after the show. There will usually be a bonfire and you can also bring friendly, well behaved dogs on a leash. (Directions available on the Ojai Concert Series website.)
16th ANNUAL “FIREWORKS BY THE SEA” Channel Islands Harbor Wednesday, July 4, 2013 • 10:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Join our celebration for a full day of food and fun. Exhibits galore, live entertainment & children’s activities. Visit www.channelislandsharbor.org for more info! Fireworks at 9 p.m. Fireworks are usually launched from 3900 Pelican Way and can be seen from any location along the harbor! The Marine Emporium Landing watching location is at 3600 South Harbor Boulevard.
Artists Market, Live Music all day, Food Booths, Old Fashioned BBQ at 11am, Water Taxi Rides, Children’s Games & Activities, Face Painting, Gigantic Inflatable Fun Zone, Rock Climbing Wall, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides for the Kids and much more!
16th ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY CHILDRENS PARADE Parade begins at 10:00 AM
The parade route is Harbor Boulevard from Albacore to Cabezone Circle (staging is at parking lot south of Channel Islands Yacht Club). The parade is open to all patriotic entries. Kids, decorate your bikes, scooters, skates & boards. Parents oil the strollers and shine the wagons. Grandparents tune up the old Model-T & plug in the golf carts. Musicians tune your instruments & patriots wave your flags; everyone is welcome! Judging categories include: Individual, Small Group, Large Group, Motorized Vehicle(s): classic cars, fire trucks, golf carts, etc., Musical: bands, individual musicians, etc., Equestrian and Floats For information or entry visit www.channelislandsharbor.org. FUN!
PANIC! PRODUCTIONS PUTS ITS OWN TWIST ON ‘A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM’
Panic! Productions closes its second season with the musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, June 1 through 16, at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks. The popular musical farce, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, is directed by Broadway veteran Joshua Finkel, with music direction by Diann Alexander and choreography by Mona King.
Forum is a frenetic romp based on the ancient Roman comedies of Plautus. This newly imagined production preserves the classic show’s structure, music, and book, while creating an interesting new framing device. Tapping into the show’s famous opening number, “Comedy Tonight,” Finkel has crafted a show-within-a-show concept, where a 1966 theatre troupe is putting on the show on the first day the Uniform Time Act, which made Daylight Savings Time a national law, has taken effect. Some cast members have forgotten to move their clocks forward—and a bit of confusion and chaos ensues.
“When first approached to direct this show for Panic! Productions, I was immediately excited by the idea,” says Finkel, whose work as an actor and director ranges from Broadway and London’s West End to extensive film and television credits. “When I started to study the show more closely, I was enticed by its structure and how cleverly it blended the elements of classic bawdy Roman Comedy with our American version of that genre—Burlesque and Vaudeville. I wanted to try something new that would maintain the show’s wonderful structure and book, but create an interesting new context.”
Appearing in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum are Silas Benjamin, P.J. Wong, Paul Panico, Lisa Gaston, Kurt Kemper, Amanda Wanamaker, Keith Moreton, John Gaston, Bob Decker, Andrew Metzger, Alexandra Gonzales, Jamie Baer, Danielle Samson, Michelle Miller, Shanni Tal, Amber Langford, Chava Caiyem, and Heidi Appe.
“Panic! Productions is particularly excited to welcome Joshua Finkel as director of this production, says company founder Paul Panico. “Joshua is one of the most talented directors and performers of musical theatre working in Los Angeles, and we are pleased that he is sharing his theatrical gifts with our local theatre troupe.”
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opens Saturday, June 1 at 8 pm and continues Fridays and Saturdays at 8, Sundays at 2 pm through June 16. Tickets are $20/$18 student and seniors, and are available at www.hillcrestarts.com, by calling 805/381-1246, or by visiting the box office. The Hillcrest Center for the Arts is at 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.
Swedish American Central Association of Southern California 93rd Midsummer Festival is Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Vasa Park, 2854 Triunfo Canyon Road, Agoura Hills. Ages 13 and above $ 5.00 / Children 5-12 $2.00 / includes parking. Park opens at 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - "Continental" Cold Breakfast, 12:00 - Raising Midsummer Pole, Ring Dancing, 2:00 p.m. - Stage Program, Dancing to the Music of Vastkustens Spelmanslag. Food, swimming, huge water slide, zip line, folk dancing, Scandinavian vendors. Fun Stuff!
Exit 101 freeway at Kanan Road and turn west. NO PETS / NO BARBECUES
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 04:09PM 
Bring the family for a fun and healthy morning of activity while supporting Mary Health of the Sick Convalescent Hospital in their 3rd Annual Care and Compassion 5K/1K Fun Run at Dos Vientos Park, 4801 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, on Saturday, July 20th. There will be snacks after the run and raffle baskets too!
