Summer Sounds Free Concert Series at Ventura Harbor Village June 24 to Aug 26

Soak up the sun while listening to an array of music ranging from Jazz & Soul to Pop & Rock to a blend of Caribbean & Reggae during the Summer Sounds Concert series every Sunday from 1 to 4pm on the Ventura Harbor Village Carousel Stage. Series runs from June 24th to August 26th. Free.

Ventura Harbor Village is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. Dates/time subject to change so check www.venturaharborvillage.com or call 805.477.0470 for more information.

The Lineup:

June 24 - Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog, Blues
July 1 - Unkle Monkey, Tropical Surf Rock
July 8 - Drivematics, Classic Rock & Pop
July 15 - Streetwise Symphony, Reggae & Caribbean
July 22 - Pirate Days
July 29 - Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog, Blues
August 5 - Unkle Monkey, Tropical Surf Rock
August 12 - Drivematics, Classic Rock & Pop
August 19 - Seaside Sounds Live Music
August 26 - Streetwise Symphony, Reggae & Caribbean

Summer Movie Clubhouse at Century 16 Ventura, June 19 to August 22

Summer Movie Clubhouse! 10 weeks of fun films for kids at Century Stadium 16, 2875 Elba St, Ventura (off the Johnson Drive exit from the 101)! A different movie every week on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings this summer. Same price for parents and children.

All 10 movies can be purchased in advance for only $5! Or $1 per show at the box office. www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse-2012 or call 800.326.3264.

The Lineup:

June 19, 20: Rio (G)

June 26, 27: Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)

July 3, 4: Despicable Me (PG)

July 10, 11: Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 (PG)

July 17, 18: Dolphin Tale (PG)

July 24, 25: Puss in Boots (PG)

July 31, Aug 1: Winnie the Pooh (G)

Aug 7, 8: Yogi Bear (PG)

Aug 14, 15: Charlotte's Web (G)

Aug 21, 22: Clifford's Really Big Movie (G)

Ventura County Summerfest Event and 5K Run/Walk in Ventura on Saturday, June 2nd

The Ventura Unified School District is attacking the problem of childhood obesity, poor dietary habits and lack of exercise with its nationally recognized Healthy Schools Program. In keeping with that mission, VEP will present SummerFest on June 2, 2012 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in partnership with our health, school and business communities.

The event will be held at the VUSD Education Service Center, 255 W. Stanley Ave., Ventura. SummerFest brings our children and community together in a day-long event of fun, physical fitness events, music and healthy foods. This event celebrates our healthy community and also raises funds for nutrition and exercise programs through sponsorships. It is a free, family-friendly event with the following activities:

• Community 5K Run/Walk, Gary Tuttle Mile for elementary school children. Starts at 8 a.m. CLICK HERE to register on Active.com.
• Frisbee, soccer, volleyball, tennis, basketball, hoola hooping, dance and more; Two stages with all-day entertainment & fitness/dance demonstrations;
• Fun Zone with inflatables and climbing wall;
• Picnic area with wonderful food to purchase or bring your own;
• Raffles, prizes, and lots of giveaways;
• Cool, interactive activities focusing on trees, composting, recycling and gardening;
• Vendor Fair featuring sports organizations, health-related information and lots more for adults and kids;
• Health and fitness information; and
• Bicycle rodeo and skills course. Bring your bike for free safety check and helmet.

Last year more than 7,000 children and families attended this free event.

For more information, call 641-5000, ext. 1550 or visit www.vep4vusd.org/SummerFest.html.

National Marina Day Celebration at Ventura Harbor on Saturday, June 9th

NATIONAL MARINA DAY HONORS HARBOR’S ROLE IN COMMUNITY

National Marina Day, Saturday, June 9 from 11am – 3pm, commences at Ventura Harbor with a free festival focused on boating activities and a Harbor amenities, family seaside fun, water safety, commercial fishing, local hospitality, Harbor vendor booths, seafood tasting tent, live music, dockside boat tours with Harbor Patrol, Coast Guard, a tall ship, and fishing seiners, plus complimentary birding, boatyard and wildlife pond tours. Sponsored by the Ventura Port District, the festival highlights the social, leisure, and economic impact of Ventura Harbor businesses to the Ventura County region and residents.

Featured on June 9 as well in the Ventura Harbor are the Saturday Fish Market at Harbor Village, World Oceans Day at the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, Ventura West Marina’s Boater’s Swap Meet, and the Hokuloa Channel Challenge. 

Attendees are invited to bring a photo to the BIGGEST CATCH display for a chance to win a trip aboard Ventura Sport Fishing. Dockside tours feature new Ventura Harbor Patrol Fire Boat, recently rebuilt and launched in the Harbor. Little ones can win a prize at the “Fishing Booth” or create a nautical signal flag with Ventura City Corps. 

National Marina Day is a free event from 11am– 3pm at the Ventura Harbor Village near Entry #1 in front of the Fisherman’s Memorial. All dockside tours will be held in C Dock at the Harbor Village Marina. Schedules and details visit www.venturaharborvillage.com.

National Marina Day Schedule of Events:

7am – 4pm: Hokuloa Channel Challenge Outrigger Canoe Races at Harbor Cove Beach

8am – Noon: Fish Market at Andria’s Fish Pier

8 – 11am: Ventura West Marina Boater’s Swap Meet, 1198 Navigator Drive

10am, 12:30 pm & 2pm : World Oceans Day celebration at Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center features Live Dives off Anacapa Island in the Visitor Center’s theater.

11am – 3pm: National Marina Day Festival in Ventura Harbor Village

11am:  Birding Tour of the Coastal Sanctuary presented by Ventura Audubon Society, meets at Surfer’s Knoll Beach parking lot, (Tour 1.5 hours)

11am -3pm: Dockside Tours aboard the Bill of Rights Tall Ship featuring a touch tank at C-Docks in front of Fisherman's Memorial, 11 am - 3 pm, presented by American Tall Ship Institute, suggested $5 donation

11:30 am – 2:30 pm: Live Music by the Bobby Hart Band & Totally Local VC – Festival Stage in Ventura Harbor Village

12:30pm & 1:30pm: Ventura Harbor Boatyard Tour – Great opportunity to see the boats out of water and learn about the work completed at the boatyard. Meet at Fisherman's Memorial in Ventura Harbor Village

2:30pm: Wildlife Ponds Tour – Tour the ponds on the Oceanside of Spinnaker Drive- Meet at Fisherman's Memorial in Ventura Harbor Village

The Ventura Harbor Village is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. From the 101 North or South, exit Seaward, left onto Harbor Blvd, right onto Spinnaker Drive. For mor

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Roadshow Revival Tribute to Johnny Cash at Ventura County Fairgrounds on June 16th

4th Annual “Tribute to The Music Johnny Cash"
Scheduled for June 16th 2012 in Ventura, California

The Roadshow Revival is all about honoring Johnny Cash with a celebration like no other. This is a tribute to the life & legacy of "The Man in Black." Although the iconic Mr. Cash passed on in 2003, and this year would have been Johnny’s 78th birthday

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Native Animals Live at Museum of Ventura County on Sunday, June 10th

Wild In California! Native Animals Live At Museum June 10

Opossum (Courtesy The Nature of Wildworks)Bring the family to see and learn about live native animals at the Museum of Ventura County’s Wild In California event on Sunday, June 10, from 1:30 –2:30 p.m. Enjoy The Nature of Wildworks presentation of non-releasable wild animals from their care center and learn about the animals’ lifestyles and contributions to our environment. An opossum, skunk, owl, hawk, fox and reptiles will be featured.

The program is best suited for children ages 8 to 11. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children through age 17; admission for museum members is $6 for adults, and $4 for children. Includes entry to all museum exhibitions, such as Featured Creatures, which also celebrates California’s wild life. RSVP and pre-payment is required, as space is limited.

The Nature of Wildworks nonprofit presents interactive wildlife educational programs and provides lifetime care for non-releasable animals at their Wildlife Care and Education Center in Topanga Canyon.

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more museum information go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.

Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning in Ventura on Saturdays

Free crafts for kids ages 3 and up at Lakeshore Learning in Ventura on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm (updated 5/16/12):

5/19: Rainbow-Colored Creatures

5/26: Patriotic Wand

6/2: Snazzy Garden Snail

6/9: Flip-Flop Notepad

6/16: Key Keeper

6/23: Summertime Door Hanger

6/30: Star-Spangled Shaker

The Ventura store is located at 4705 Telephone Road.  Phone 805.289.1550 or visit www.lakeshorelearning.com.

19th Annual Ventura Rotary 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

Ventura's 4th of July Fireworks Show 2012 will be at Ventura College Athletic Field, 4667 Telegraph Road, featuring fun activities for the whole family (food, carnival games and contests), music by Men on the Moon and others. Gates and Family Festival open at 4 p.m., Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Please no pets, glass or alcohol. $6 adults, $4 kids, $25 family 6 pack advance purchase (at the gate, $8/$6, no family pack). Hosted by the Ventura Rotary.  More information at www.rotary4thofjuly.com.

2012 Aloha Beach Festival in Ventura on Saturday & Sunday, Sept 8th-9th

The 2012 Aloha Beach Festival is set for September 8th and 9th starting at 9 a.m. at Promenade Park/Surfer's Point, west of the Historic Ventura Pier.   The festival will feature freestyle frisbee and K9 frisbee competitions, surfing and outrigger canoe competitions and all day live music at the Aloha Stage.

Event will also feature the World Beach Invitational Frisbee® K9 freestyle disc Championships. The K9 event will be judged on presentation, execution, and overall performance. These routines are played to music and is sure to be the highlight of the Aloha Beach Festival. The World Beach K9 Championships will perform right in between each routine of the semi and final in open pairs for 3 minutes.

The Festival will also include local arts and crafts, food vendors and a beer garden  Admission is FREE.  Visit the website at www.alohabeachfestival.us for more information or to sign up for an event!  Or call 805.200.8674. Event proceeds benefit Food Share of Ventura County and the Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

Westside ArtWalk 2012 in Ventura Planned for July 21-22

Westside Artwalk is a free self-guided walking tour of 200 established and emerging artists at over 60 galleries and studios in Ventura's Westside Cultural District, just steps from the beach and Ventura Pier. Artwalk is one of the best ways to check out Ventura's bustling and diverse art community!

The Westside ArtWalk, scheduled for the weekend of July 21-22, 2012 is being planned by an all-volunteer group of citizens who took over the popular free showcase from the City of Ventura when budget cuts necessitated the elimination of many programs. Hours are noon to 8pm on Saturday, the 21st and Sunday from noon to 5pm.

The event features established galleries and art spaces west of Seaward Avenue, as well as new spaces created entirely for the event, highlighting a wide range of talented professionals from all over the region. Each venue will provide a unique experience for art lovers. A map will guide visitors.

Visit www.westsideartwalk.org for more information.

Harbor Lights Summer Sprint Series in Ventura, Thursday Nights, July 12 to August 9

Harbor Lights Summer Sprint Series takes place at Ventura Harbor Village, 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, on 5 consecutive Thursday nights at 6 p.m. starting July 12th through August 9th.

• Aquathon & 1/2 Swim: 2-1/4 mile laps in the wave protected cove of Harbor Cove Beach; 3-mi. run on Spinnaker Drive
• 5K Run/Walk: flat out and back on Spinnaker Drive
• Kids 1K & Kids Zone: (age 10 & under) 1K run in the harbor
• Post race light entree
• Series Awards

5:00 PM: Registration/check-in

6:00 PM: Kids 1K (10 and under)

6:20 PM: Aquathon & 1/2 Mile Swim - Harbor Cove Beach

6:30 PM: 5K Run/Walk

7:40 PM: Raffle

Visit www.nstepevents.com for more information and to register.

Ventura Beachfront Half Marathon & 5K on Saturday, June 16th

The City Impact 2nd Annual Ventura Beachfront Half Marathon and 5K will be held on Saturday, June 16th at the Ventura Pier. The half marathon and 5K will begin on the north side of the Ventura Pier. The half marathon runs along the oceanfront promenade and extends along the Pacific Coast Highway creating a flat and scenic course. The 5K runs out and back along the oceanfront promenade.

Details:

• Course Time is a generous 4 hours
• Early start time: 7:00 am (expected 2:15 - 4 hr finish time) 
• Regular start time: 8:00 am (expected finish under 2:15 hrs)
• 5K Run/Walk start time:  8:15 am 
• Kids Fun Run start time:  9:30 am

• Electronic Chip Timing
• FREE Kids Fun Run (10 yrs and under)
• Post Race Activities include awards ceremony, food, music, and train ride for kids
• Awards for top 3 finishers in each 10-year age category
• Medals for 1/2 marathon finishers
• T-shirts for all participants (1/2 marathon & 5K only)

Visit www.cityimpact.com/marathon.html for more details and to register.

Chiefs Along the Channel Car Show at Ventura Harbor Village on August 26th

Chiefs Along the Channel Car Show will take place at the Ventura Harbor Village main lawn from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, August 26th. Buicks, Oldsmobile, Pontiacs, and GMC Pickups, both vintage and modern, will be on display for car enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy!

The show is presented by The Channel Islands Chapter of the Pontiac-Oakland Club International and includes live music, raffle, 50/50 drawing and final awards ceremony. For more information visit www.venturaharborvillage.com/ventura-harbor-village-event-details.php?event=37.

California Beer Festival in Ventura the Weekend of September 15-16, 2012

The California Beer Festival (CBF) returns to Ventura County the weekend of September 15-16, 2012. On Saturday 12:30pm to 5pm there will be over 130 different CRAFT beers represented, mouth watering food and an Electrifying 14 tribute to Michael Jackson with Foreverland!.

CBF will be the event of the year for any beer enthusiast! All guests will receive a souvenir tasting cup to sample some of the best craft beers from around the world! YOU MUST BE 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to enter CBF on Saturday. Gates will open at 12pm, beer sampling will start at 1pm. Space is very limited!

On Sunday September 16 from 11am to 6pm, bring your blanket, blues chair and appetite because the Blues, Brews and BBQ Blues Festival is back! 15 teams from all over the state will compete for the CBF BBQ Championship and YOU are one of the judges! Sample great BBQ while you get marinated by this All Star Blues Line up!

• Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds
• Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan with Crossfire
• Chris Cain
• Walter Trout
• Rod Piazza and The Mighty Flyers
• Michael John and the Bottom Line

No beer sampling on Sunday but craft beer will be available for purchase.

Proceeds of the California Beer Festival will benefit DARC (Dyslexia Awareness and Resource Center) www.dyslexiacenter.org and the Gen Giammanco Foundation. Must Be 21 years old to attend.

Visit californiabeerfestival.com/ventura.html to learn more and buy tickets!

Ventura County Fair Costume 5K Run/Walk and Downhill Mile on Saturday, Aug 4th

The Ventura County Fair Costume 5K Run/Walk takes place on Saturday, August 4th in Downtown Ventura. Scenic and challenging 5K takes place before the Ventura County Fair Parade. Great awards and awesome post race scene. Following the 5K will be a blazing fast downhill mile on Main Street. A great option for those who are not ready for a 5k. Or feel free to run both the 5K and 1-Mile. Costumes Welcome for all races!

The 5K starts at 8am and the downhill mile is at 9am. For more information and to register visit www.vcfair5k.com.

2012 Sunset Tiki 5K & 1K Family Fun Run in Ventura on Saturday, July 14th

The 2012 Sunset Tiki 5K & 1K Family Fun Run will be hosted from the Ventura Promenade (364 S. California St., Ventura) late in the evening just before sunset on Saturday, July 14th. The course will be partially lit by tiki torches along the way. Beginning on Harbor Blvd., runners will make their way down Ventura’s beachfront bike trail looping around San Buenaventura State Beach and finishing back at the Promenade. It is a flat, fast and scenic 5k. The 1k fun run, for children under 12, will be out and back along the same bike trail.

Eco-friendly age group and overall awards will be presented after the race for the 5k. Each child in the 1k fun run will receive a participant award. There will also be a “Most Hawaiian” award for Men and Women.

The post race Hawaiian themed party will be located near the finish line and Ventura Promenade.

Visit www.competegreen.com/tiki for more information and to register.

25th Annual Music Under the Stars in Ventura, July 14th to Sept 8th

The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division presents the 25th year of the popular Music Under the Stars series, Saturday nights beginning July 14th through September 8th. Performances run from 7:30 to 9:30 pm outdoors at the historic Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive, near Ventura Harbor. Concerts start at 7:30 pm & gates open at 6:30 pm for dining. Visit www.cityofventura.net/mus for more information and tickets or call 805.658.4726. Tickets are $20.

Dine, dance & delight to great performances at Ventura’s most historic party site! Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy nine Saturday nights of summer magic “dancing with the stars” on a majestic wooden ballroom floor. Bring your own homemade feast or reserve a catered hot buffet dinner for fine twilight dining with friends within the warm embrace of adobe-baked courtyard walls.

The Lineup:

July 14: Rob Rio (Boogie Woogie)

July 21: Cascada (Latin Guitar World Fusion)

July 28: Sweet Baby J'ai (R&B/Pop)

August 4: The Kings of Classic Rock

August 11: Porterhouse Bob (New Orleans jazz/zydeco)

August 18: Estrada Brothers (Latin Jazz)

August 25: Shari Puorto (Blues)

September 1: Susie Hansen (Salsa/Latin Jazz)

September 8: Lisa Haley (Zydeco)

Ventura 4th of July Street Fair and 37th Annual Children's Pushem-Pullem Parade

Held on our nation's birthday, the annual City of Ventura 4th of July Street Fair attracts up to 50,000 people to Downtown Ventura. This year's event theme is "Happy Birthday Lady Liberty."

The event covers seven blocks of Main Street and several side streets filled with over 250 fine artists, crafters, nonprofit organizations and food booths. The Street Fair has three stages of continuous live entertainment. Open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The event is free to the public. A free shuttle service to the event from the Ventura County Government Center is available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Last shuttle leaving the Street Fair is at 5 p.m.

The 37th Annual Children’s Pushem - Pullem Parade at 10:00 a.m. is sponsored by the Ventura East Rotary Club and City of Ventura Community Services Department.  Assemble at Cemetery Park at Main and Crimea Streets at 9:00 a.m.  The parade proceeds down Main Street to Fir Street at 10:30 a.m.

More information and applications for vendor and food booths at www.cityofventura.net/streetfairs or call 805.654.7749 for more information.

Fairy Tales in the Park Free Outdoor Shows in Ventura County, May to September

Fairy Tales in the Park is a series of free, live theatrical performances geared toward children ages 3 to 10. John and Roxanne Diesel co-founded Gypsies in a Trunk, an all-volunteer troupe of actors performing free fairy tales for the young and young at heart. The troupe’s love of children’s theatre has led them to perform every May through September since 1995 all over Ventura County.

The troupe's goal is to create an environment where families can introduce live theatre to their children in a casual setting at the right price – free! All Fairy Tales in the Park performances are held outdoors in a variety of venues and is always free of charge, though the players pass the hat to help cover costuming and travel costs, donations are always voluntary.

Most venues do not have shade, so sunscreen and hats are appropriate. Bring water, juice, snacks, picnics. Blankets and low-slung chairs are recommended. Please leave doggies at home (not that they don't love them). The shows are designed to run approximately 45 minutes, which coincides with the attention span of the target age group, 3-10 year olds.

THE 2012 LINEUP:

• Peter Pan
• Cinderella: Bippity, Boppity, Oops!
• Beauty and the Beast
• Three Billy Goats Gruff
• Chicken Little

LOCATIONS

Simi Valley (Shows at 4pm): Rancho Simi Bicentennial Amphitheatre (Erringer & Royal)

• May 5: Peter Pan
• June 2: Cinderella: Bippity, Boppity, Oops!
• July 7: Beauty and the Beast

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Boogie Nights Summer 5K Run Series in Ventura, Wednesday Nights May 23 to Aug 15

Boogie Nights Ventura is coming back for its 2nd annual summer run/walk series in Ventura taking place on Wednesday evenings beginning May 23rd through August 15th. Races start at 6:15pm.

Phase 1 - Ventura Promenade

The first phase of Boogie Nights will be at the oceanfront Ventura Beach promenade taking place 8 consecutive Wednesdays (except July 4th) from May 23rd to July 18th.

Phase 2 - Arroyo Verde Park (Trail Series)

The second phase will be on the trails of Ventura's Arroyo Verde Park and consists of 4 consecutive Wednesday evenings from July 25th to August 15th

Why?

The idea behind the event is to get fun and hard weeknight workout in and then socialize after with friends and family. In addition it will raise money for the Buena High School Cross Country Team. We look forward to seeing you.

When?

All races will start at 6:15pm.

The first eight weeks (June 1st - July 20th) will start by the Ventura Pier. The last 4 weeks (August 3rd - 24th) will take place at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura.

There's also a McConnells Free Kids 1K (0.62 miles) Run that will start at 6:00pm.

For more information and to register, visit www.boogienightsventura.com.