2024 Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival on Saturday, October 19th

When it comes to fresh seafood, you can’t get it any fresher than right off the boat. On October 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival lures seafood lovers of all ages to Santa Barbara’s thriving harbor for one of the community’s most beloved and flavorful events. 

This signature event coincides with lobster season and features local commercial fishermen offering the Santa Barbara Channel’s freshest seafood. Fishermen and seafood vendors will provide thousands of festival-goers with an abundance of live lobster, crab, prawns, BBQ albacore, clam chowder, fish tacos, seafood gumbo and other prepared dishes. Arts and crafts vendors will offer jewelry, clothing, art, photography and other hand-crafted items.

Admission is FREE. Since 2002, the annual Harbor and Seafood Festival has become Santa Barbara’s signature autumn event. It brings people together for a day full of fun and good memories.

For more information, visit harborfestival.org. Location: Harbor Way.

24th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering in Malibu on April 6-7, 2024

24th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering in Malibu on Saturday/Sunday, April 6-7, 2024.

The Chumash Day Powwow celebrates Native Americans from all over the country, representing hundreds of tribes who will gather at Malibu Bluffs Park. This is a non-competitive powwow. Food trucks, craft vendors, tribal ceremonies and dances will be a part of the event on both days. Admission is free. Hours 10am to 6pm.

Offsite parking only at 23575 Civic Center Way and for ADA, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. Free shuttle rides to Malibu Bluffs Park.

Event is located at Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway.

For more event information call (310) 317-1364 or visit www.malibucity.org/chumashday.

Calabasas Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 13, 2024

The City of Calabasas Earth Day Celebration/Green Expo will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Las Virgenes Creek site, south of Agoura Rd. in Calabasas. Over 50 exhibitors from all over Los Angeles County and Ventura County will be participating in the event to help participants take actions that will save them money through efficiency while protecting our planet. The festival is free of charge and the Calabasas Earth Day event will have something of interest for everyone. The festival will also feature numerous children’s activities to teach kids about the environment while they have fun.

Calabasas Earth Day/Green Expo was created to be a day of education, celebration, and action for the natural world in which we live. On April 22, 1970, Earth Day marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Calabasas Earth Day/Green Expo sets a clear example for people and businesses how simple lifestyle changes can make a difference.

The City of Calabasas invites public agencies, non-profit organization and private companies that provide green services or products to participate in this event. Each exhibitor will be provided with one 6-foot long table to set up educational and promotional materials.

Learn more at www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/public-works/environmental-igr-division/earth-day-celebration-green-expo..

Celebration of the Whales Festival at Channel Islands Harbor on Sunday, April 7, 2024

The 25th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival is planned for Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 10am to 3pm at the Channel Islands Harbor, 3350 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard.

The event will feature family fun, chalk art, shopping, kids’ fun zone and more.

Activities will be held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market and a “Gray Whale Migration Trail” that runs through Harbor View Park that connects the two activity centers.

Learn more at www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/2024-celebration-of-the-whales-festival

Steampunk at Strathearn Festival in Simi Valley on Saturday, June 22, 2024

Steampunk at Strathearn is a whimsical festival event that will celebrate Victorian-era industrialism on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Strathearn Historical Park, 137 Strathearn Place in Simi Valley. Hours are 10am to 6pm. Adults $20. Kids 8-12 $8. Ages 7 and under free.

Event to feature vendors, entertainment, steampunk-themed activities, costumes, inventions, food and more. Learn more at rsrpd.org/recreation/the_great_outdoors.php

Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival on Sunday, May 19, 2024

The Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, starting at 9 a.m. Contests begin at 9 a.m. Performances begin at noon. Other activities to include music and dance competitions, jamming, workshops, food trucks, artisan booths and much more.

Learn more and purchase tickets at www.topangabanjofiddle.org

SoCal Museums "Museum Free-for-All" Day on Saturday, March 23, 2024

SoCal Museums announces the Museums Free-for-All on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Over thirty museums—presenting art, cultural heritage, film, natural history, and science—will open their doors and offer free general admission.

Of particular interest to local audiences, the following Santa Barbara and Ventura County museums will be participating in Museums Free-for-All:

  • Museum of Ventura County

  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art

  • Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

More details at socalmuseums.org/annual-free-for-all-2024

The Free-for-All also serves as a reminder that free visitor days are available year-round at museums across Southern California. A calendar of free days can be found at socalmuseums.org/free.

Spring Spectacular at America's Teaching Zoo in Moorpark March 16-17, 23-24, 2024

Spring Spectacular is the America's Teaching Zoo's largest fundraising event of the year, with entertaining animal meet and greets all day.

Spring Spectacular 2024 will take place the weekends of March 16-17 and 23-24 from 10 am to 5 pm. Event to feature 3 shows, discovery stations and Ira’s Kingdom! Stay all day and enjoy the fun! Food truck will be on site, or bring your lunch to picnic in the sun!

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors. Ages 2 and under free of charge.

For directions and questions, visit zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/spring-spectacular. The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark.

38th Annual California Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds May 18-19, 2024

The 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2024 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura). Festivalgoers can indulge in strawberry treats from over 50 food and beverage booths. The festival features artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on two stages, "build-your-own" strawberry shortcake and more.

Since its inception, the nonprofit California Strawberry Festival has donated over $5 million to Southern California charitable organizations. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $15, active military with ID and family and seniors 62 and over, $10, youth ages 5 to 12, $8, children 4 and under, free. Limited parking onsite is $20 per vehicle. Visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle service at the 6 locations nearby. Amtrak station across the street. For more information, go to www.CAStrawberryFestival.org.