Simi Valley Cajun and Blues Music Festival, Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-27

Presented by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise in Simi Valley, the 23rd Annual Simi Valley Cajun and Blues Music Festival is held on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-27, will feature Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music provided by bands from around the county. In addition, there will be authentic cajun and creole food available from a variety of food vendors. The stage and dance floor is the largest outside dance floor west of the Mississippi. Hours are 10:30 am to 8:00 pm both days. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 5 to 12 yrs, Free under 5 yrs.  Rides and events in the kids area are no additional cost!

The festival also features a large kids area featuring a variety of climbing, sliding, bouncing contraptions, a crafts area and rotating demonstrations by performing artists and musicians.

Proceeds from the Festival are distributed to dozens of local charities and international projects, including funds to ship hundreds of wheelchairs to a variety of third world countries. The event will take place at Rancho Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley. More information at www.SimiCajun.org or 805.517.9000. THIS EVENT IS HUGELY POPULAR! GET THERE EARLY! :>

9th Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival Planned for Saturday, June 23rd

The 2012 Ojai Valley Lavender Festival
In the Heart of Historic Downtown Ojai

This year the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival is holding its 9th Annual Mediterranean Marketplace on Saturday, June 23rd from 10am-5pm.  Each year the festival takes place at Libbey Park, in the heart of historic downtown Ojai.

Sip on lavender infused lemonade as you meander the tree lined aisles of artisan wares. From essential oils and lotions, to plants, art and jewelry, to delectable gourmet treats, informative classes and hands-on demonstrations – there is something for everyone at the must attend event of the summer! Relax and enjoy a picnic while listening to the soft sounds of festival musicians. Or dine at one of Ojai’s heralded eateries featuring lavender infused specially items. Come for the day or stay a while and enjoy local art galleries, shops and boutiques that are uniquely Ojai.

And new to the festival this year is “Lavender Sunday” on June 24th!  The focus of this day is designed to engage the senses through a variety of classes - from art and cooking to tips for growing drought resistant plants, like lavender, in your own backyard!  Classes are being held throughout the Ojai Valley, visit www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.com to find out more. (The marketplace is on Saturday ONLY.)
For up to date information on the festival visit  www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org

Aspen Elementary Summer Fest 2012 in Thousand Oaks on Friday, June 1st

Aspen Elementary Summer Fest 2012 is planned for Friday, June 1st, 3pm - 8pm at 1870 Oberlin Ave, Thousand Oaks, including:

• Full Service Concessions
• Giant Slides & Obstacle Courses
• Carnival Style Games & Prize Redemption Booth
• Market Place
• Big Prize Raffle
• Local & Professional Entertainment
• Sweet Shoppe

FIVE FULL HOURS OF FUN FOR EVERYONE! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - FREE ADMISSION

Tickets are used for all features of Summer Fest, including games, attractions, sweet shoppe, and raffle. Concessions will accept cash and/or tickets. All tickets will be $1 on the day of the event. Tickets are non-refundable.Visit www.aspensummerfest.com for more information!

34th Annual Ventura County Greek Festival in Camarillo June 22-24

The 34th Annual Ventura County Greek Festival, held next to the Camarillo Airport, takes place June 22nd through 24th this year. The event is presented by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and features live Greek music, folk dancing, food, delicious pastries and baklava, vendors and a kids' play area. The food at this event is DELICIOUS!  And we got to see Nia Vardalos there two years ago :> This is a wonderful, yet low key, community event.

Festival times are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday the 22nd, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m on the 23rd and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday the 24th. Check www.vcgreekfestival.org or call 805.482.1273 for more information. The address of the church is 400 Skyway Drive in Camarillo (Los Posas exit towards the airport).

Admission is $3 and kids 12 and under are FREE...but print out the coupon at www.vcgreekfestival.org/CouponPage.htm for FREE admission for up to 6 people.

OakHeart Country Music Festival in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, August 18th

The Rotary Club of Westlake Village and Borderline Bar & Grill present the first annual Oakheart Country Music Festival at Conejo Creek Park Sough, Thousand Oaks on Saturday, August 18th from 2pm to 10pm. Featuring James Wesley, Mark Wills, Jamie O'Neal, Rachel Lynae and more. Tickets go on sale June 18th. Visit www.OakHeartCMF.com for details.

41st Annual Malibu Arts Festival July 28-29

MALIBU ARTS FESTIVAL 2012

The Malibu Arts Festival promises to offer something to everyone. 41 years of incredible high-end art, 41 years of beauty, 41 years of a wonderful event-known world-wide! Produced by the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, the two-day weekend event will take place July 28-29, from 10 am to 6pm, in front of the Malibu Civic Center. The Optimist Club of Malibu will be serving a pancake breakfast at the site from 8 a.m. to 11 am.

Considered “one of the most beautiful outdoor art festivals in the nation,” the Malibu Arts Festival features over 200 award-winning painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and other unique artisans. Festival goers can visit with the artists under individual gleaming white tents and learn about the creation of art in every genre.

Alongside the artists, members of the Chamber of Commerce share and promote their businesses in the Chamber Village section.

The Arts Festival also includes an entertainment stage where original musicians perform each day, a children’s workshop where kids work with artists to create their own art, and a food truck terrace featuring exciting menu items with incredible cuisine.

The Malibu Chamber invites everyone to be a part of this weekend-long event. Festival admission is free, so bring the whole family for a day of fine art, rockin’ music, and great food! The Malibu Arts Festival is held at Malibu Civic Center, 23555 Civic Center Way between Cross Creek and Webb Way off Pacific Coast Highway 1 in beautiful Malibu. There is limited free parking and a $7 lot located adjacent to the festival.

For more information, go to www.malibu,org or call the Malibu Chamber of Commerce at (310) 456-9025.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara Takes Place August 1-5

Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara is an annual festival that honors and preserves Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions. This year's event will take place August 1-5 with the fiesta theme "Viva La Familia"

The annual event provides an education to residents and visitors about the history, customs, and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers that comprise the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara. Old Spanish Days Fiesta is not only a unique forum for the cultural expression of our diversity, but it also provides a vehicle for the non-profit and community service groups to raise funds for local charities and social service organizations. The event annually draws thousands of visitors from around the world who contribute to the local economy.

Invite your family, friends, locals and visitors as the bells of Old Mission Santa Barbara ring in the 88th year of Old Spanish Days Fiesta.  Enjoy five memorable days under the full August moon at La Fiesta Pequena.  Come taste the flavors at the Mercados featuring local non-profits; watch the daily performances at Las Noches de Ronda in the beautiful Courthouse sunken gardens; experience El Desfile Histórico, one of the largest equestrian parades in the United States, enjoy the thrills at the Rodeo; and visit the Arts and Crafts show along the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline.

Visit www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org for more details and specific dates, times and locations. Most events are free of charge.

45th Annual Santa Paula Citrus Festival, July 20-22, 2012

The 45th Annual Santa Paula Citrus Festival will be held at Harding Park, 1330 E. Harvard Boulevard, on Friday, July 20th (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and Saturday/Sunday, July 21-22 (noon to 11 p.m.).

Santa Paula is known as the Citrus Capital of the World! The event features food contests, entertainment, all types of musical performers, food, rides, vendors, beer garden, etc. Event is organized by the Santa Paula Kiwanis. Admission is only $5 for adults and $2 for kids 10 and under. Carnival rides are separately priced.

The Festival's Citrus and Avocado Pavilion is packed with information and displays about the fruit of California, citrus ranching, and our agricultural heritage. Local growers, ag companies, and packing houses invite you to see how they bring the best produce in Ventura County from the orchards and fields to your crisper and dinner table. The Citrus & Avocado Pavilion is located to the left as you enter the Festival inside the Boys and Girls Club building. Don’t miss it!

For more information visit www.santapaulafestival.org.

24th Annual Live Oak Music Festival in Santa Barbara June 15-17

The Live Oak Music Festival is a three day concert and camping event held every year on Father’s Day weekend in the hills above Santa Barbara. This year's festival will be held on June 15-17. 100% of Live Oak proceeds go to support KCBX Public Radio.

The Live Oak Music Festival is held at Live Oak Camp, about twenty minutes west of Santa Barbara. Nestled in the river valley that feeds Cachuma Lake, the site is filled with old oaks that provide restful shade and pristine beauty.

The focus of the Live Oak Music Festival is, of course, the mainstage performances. With musicians from all over the United States and across the globe performing, this hub of the festival is the gathering place for everyone to hear and see some of the finest entertainers anywhere do what they do best: play music. Ranging from traditional, folk, bluegrass and gospel, to blues, jazz, classical and world music, and touching most genres in between, the mainstage provides cultural entertainment and education. The music on the mainstage is engineered by a top-notch crew, so the sound is second to none for an outdoor venue. Click here for the lineup. Wow. The Indigo Girls will be there this year! There are also arts and crafts, activities for small children and camping activities.

Click here for ticket prices. Visit www.liveoakfest.org or call 805.781.3030 for more information.

26th Annual Ojai Wine Festival to Take Place Sunday, June 10th

The Ojai Wine Festival's VIP Lounge Debut Inspires 2012 Expansion

Sunday, June 10, 2012, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The twenty-sixth annual Ojai Wine Festival will take place Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on the shores of Lake Casitas. Producer of the event, Rotary Club of Ojai West, has made several enhancements to the festival. Last year's exciting addition was the VIP Lounge.  For an upgraded ticket, patrons had exclusive use of a large canopy tent and patio area on the lakefront.  The lounge included many amenities, and was the perfect place to sit down, relax and take in the natural beauty of the lake.

The VIP Lounge swiftly sold out and produced enthusiastic reaction from patrons and sponsors alike which has inspired the club to expand it for this year's festival.  They have already begun work to improve the site in order to accommodate a larger VIP Lounge that will better complement the Main Tasting Area.

"This year's VIP Lounge is perfect for wine and beer connoisseurs and "foodies" alike," states Wine Festival Executive Director, Angela May.   "Several wineries will be pouring their wines by the glass, including two outstanding Paso Robles wineries Le Vigne Winery and Nicora Wines.  Three craft Belgian draft beers: Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden will be served in specially designed take-home beer glasses to bring out the unique character of each beer.  A delicious selection of hors d'oeuvres will be served buffet style by Sakura Ojai Japanese and La Piu Bella Tavola Italian Catering.  Non-alcoholic beverages will also be served.  The expanded VIP area will have shared seating; shaded tables b

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