Free Concerts and Live Music All Summer Long Around Ventura County

We’re looking forward to another outstanding summer of free live music throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas here in 2026! The compilation below has links to more detailed information.

Concerts subject to change. List will be updated regularly as new events are added.

Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Newbury Park

• Free Concerts in the Park in Thousand Oaks starting at 5pm

  • Memorial Day Monday, May 25: Garth Guy - The Premier Garth Brooks Experience

  • Saturday, July 4: The New West Symphony

  • Sunday, July 19: Twisted Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

  • Sunday, August 9: Wild Night - Van Morrison Tribute

  • Labor Day Monday, September 7: 90’s Rock Show - Iconic Sounds of the 1990s

• Saturday Night Concerts at Berniece Bennett Park in Westlake Village at 7pm

  • Saturday, June 6: Stone Soul, Motown Dance Party

  • Saturday, July 25: Tom Petty/Stevie Nicks Tribute

  • Saturday, August 15: 90s Rockshow

  • Saturday, August 22: Surf City All Stars

• City of Westlake Village TGIF Series of free events (time/locations below)

  • May 29: Agoura High School and Lindero Canyon Middle School Jazz Bands at Berniece Bennett Park at 7pm (food trucks at 6pm)

  • June 12: Thousand Oaks DJ, World Cup Watch Party of the USA vs Paraguay match at Berniece Bennett Park at 6pm (activities start at 5pm)

  • August 7: 5-Star Theatricals at 31200 Oak Crest Drive at 7pm (food trucks at 6pm)

• The Promenade at Westlake hosts live entertainment on Saturdays from 6:30-9:30PM from Memorial Day weekend (May 23) through Labor Day weekend (September 5) near the fountain.

• City of Thousand Oaks Pop-Up Arts & Music Festival every Friday/Saturday from June 5 to June 27 at 7PM. Eight free concerts at eight locations. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS)

Agoura/Oak Park/Calabasas/Woodland Hills

• City of Agoura Hills Free Summer Concerts in the Park at Chumash Park. Concerts start at 6pm on the following Sunday nights:

  • June 14: Skynyrd Reloaded (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute)

  • July 5: Disco Inferno (followed by patriotic drone show)

  • August 2: Fortunate Son (CCR Tribute)

  • August 16: Turn the Page (Bob Seger Tribute)

• Valley Cultural Foundation’s Free Concerts at Warner Park in Woodland Hills on Sunday nights from June 14 to August 23 (except the July 4th Saturday event) at 5:30PM (emerging artist) followed by headline acts.

  • June 14: Dog n Butterfly - The Heart Experience

  • June 21: The Purple Generation - Tribute to Prince

  • June 28: Cali Country All-Stars

  • July 4: July 4th Extravaganza with Doctor Wu - The Music of Steely Dan

  • July 12: Flashback Heart Attack - 80s Tribute

  • July 19: Ridin’ The Storm Out - REO Speedwagon Tribute

  • July 26: Abbey Road - Beatles Tribute

  • August 2: New Romantics - Taylor Swift Tribute

  • August 9: Start Me Up - Rolling Stones Tribute

  • August 16: Super Soul Groove - Disco/Funk/Soul/R&B

  • August 23: Led Zepagain - Led Zeppelin Tribute

• Sun Sets Summer Concert Series at Calabasas Lake on Sunday nights at 6pm.

  • June 14: Billy Nation - Billy Joel Tribute

  • July 19: Jumping Jack Flash - Rolling Stones Tribute

  • August 2: Gold Rush Country

  • August 23: Fantastic Diamond - Neil Diamond Tribute

• Music in the Park at Oak Canyon Community Park in Oak Park at 6:30pm

  • Saturday, July 11 - Fantastic Diamond - Nel Diamond Tribute

• The Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge is hosting a free summer concert series starting May 24th. More info at THIS LINK.

Moorpark/Simi Valley

• Summer Music in the Park Free Concerts at Rancho Simi Community Park on Saturday nights at 6:30pm.

  • Saturday, June 20: Wallen Outlaws (Morgan Wallen Tribute)

  • Saturday, July 18: TLR (Eagles Tribute)

  • Saturday, August 15: Buffett Beach (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)

• City of Moorpark Concerts in the Park at Arroyo Vista Park at 6pm

  • June 27: Fast Times (80s Music)

  • July 25: The 805 Social Club (Pop)

  • August 22: Blue Breeze Band (Soul/R&B)

  • September 26: Country Nation

• Concerts at the Plaza at the Simi Valley Civic Center Plaza takes place from 6-9pm on the following Saturday nights:

  • 7/11: Soul Jukebox & The Funky Divas (Dance Soul)

  • 7/18: Sonic Kiss (Duran Duran Tribute)

  • 7/25: The Way (80s/90s Hits)

  • 8/1: Pre-Existing Condition (Classic Rock) and Pretty Boy Floyd (Hollywood glam band - not a tribute band!

  • 8/15: America Made (Toby Keith Tribute)

  • 8/22: JACK’D (Dance Band)

  • 9/5: Ticket to Ride (Beatles Tribute)

Camarillo/Oxnard/Port Hueneme/Ventura/Santa Paula

• Summer Concert Series at Constitution Park at 7pm on designated Saturday nights.

  • Saturday, June 27: 90s Rock Show

  • Saturday, July 11: Savor

  • Saturday, July 25: Blue Breeze Band

  • Saturday, August 8: Yellow Brick Band

• Camarillo Community Band Free Concerts in the Park at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings, July 9, 16, 23 and 30 at Constitution Park

• Free Concerts by the Sea at Harbor View Park at Channel Islands Harbor is on Saturdays from 4-6PM for 8 weeks - July 11 to September 5.

• Heritage Square Summer Concert Series from 6-8pm on Friday nights from June 12 to August 21 - reserved tables and seats available for a free. Free lawn seating available (donations appreciated) for this concert series that offers a wide variety of musical genres.

• Free Seaside Live Music at Ventura Harbor Village includes a variety of performers beginning Memorial Day weekend through August

• Rock the Collection Free Concert Series at The Collection at RiverPark

  • July 29: The K-Tel All Stars (70s Tribute)

  • August 12: DSB (Journey Tribute)

  • August 26: Twisted Gypsy (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

  • September 9: That’s What I Like (Bruno Mars Tribute)

• Santa Paula Parks & Rec Concerts in the Park 2026 planned for Friday evening, June 19, July 17 and August 21 at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park, 301 Harvest Loop. Details at www.instagram.com/spparksandrec

Santa Barbara

Free Thursday Night Concerts at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara on Thursday nights, July 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 6-7:30pm.

Have something to add to this list? CONTACT US!!

Check the Events Calendar for things going on around town as well as the Local Events and Community Forum sections of Conejo Valley Guide.

Hike to the Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park in Agoura Hills

One of the most popular destinations in Malibu Creek State Park is the Rock Pool, a picturesque place that is easily accessible for all ages.

As seen in the photo above, it can be stunning to see after solid rains but can also dry up. One fun way to get to the Rock Pool is via the Grassland Trail, accessible on Mulholland Highway just west of Las Virgenes Road, where street parking is available.

Take the Grassland trail, with moderate hills, .7 miles to the Crags Road main fire road/trail in Malibu Creek State Park, and turn right. Alternatively, you can park in the Park's lower parking lot, pay $12 for a bit more secure parking, and take the main trail into the park.

The scenery along the Grassland Trail can be quite beautiful, particularly after the rainy season.

Soon you'll see the sign where you can see the Visitor Center is on the left. That's the direction you'll be taking to get to the Rock Pool. Veering to the right gets you to another popular site at the Park, the old M*A*S*H television series set.

You'll see a bridge over the creek (seen below after the winter rains) that takes you to the Visitor Center (open weekends noon to 4pm). The Rock Pool is the trail on the right (west) before reaching the bridge. Look carefully and you may see the little sign that says "Rock Pool."

Malibu Creek free flowing after some decent winter rainstorms

Well known Rock Wall used by rock climbers seen in the original Planet of the Apes (1968)

You'll walk through a shaded area with picnic benches through to a Rock Wall that is popular with local rock climbers. The video above shows scenes from the movie Planet of the Apes (1968) shot in Malibu Creek State Park. From there, the Rock Pool is a short walk further.

California State Parks, which manages the Park, warns visitors not to jump or dive into the Rock Pool as it is dangerous. But it is certainly fun to explore and is quite a beautiful area.

All told, getting to the Rock Pool is only about 3 miles round trip and worth it. I would put this hike on par with hiking to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks' Wildwood Park in terms of ease of access and family enjoyment. Learn more about Malibu Creek State Park at this link.

19th Annual Waves of Flags Display at Pepperdine University September 5-18, 2025

For the 19th consecutive year, Pepperdine University will commemorate the lives lost in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, with the Waves of Flags display at Alumni Park on the Malibu campus.

Waves of Flags commemorates the 2,977 lives lost in the September 11 terror attacks and features a vast display of American flags for each American life lost as well as international flags representing the home countries of those from abroad. Made possible through the support of donors and volunteers, the installation will be on display at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road from Saturday, September 5 to Friday, September 18, 2026.

In addition to the Waves of Flags installation, Pepperdine is the permanent home of the Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., Heroes Garden, a place to honor all those who live heroic lives, including Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. (MBA ’95), a passenger on United Flight 93, whose life was cut short in the September 11 attacks. The garden's plaque reads: “Dedicated to freedom's heroes of September 11, 2001, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, among them Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., who sacrificed their lives to overcome terrorists’ intent on destroying American lives and landmarks in our nation's capital. We shall never forget.” Heroes Garden is currently closed to the public, along with the rest of the Pepperdine campus.

A 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 9AM on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Alumni Park. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to find seating and to allow the ceremony to begin promptly. Attendees and members of the public are also invited to visit the Reflection Station to write messages of reflection and remembrance on the provided cards and attach them to any flagpole.

Learn more and register for the Remembrance Ceremony at www.pepperdine.edu/waves-of-flags.

Craft Breweries with Onsite Tasting Rooms In and Around Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

According to the Brewers Association, there were 9,761 craft breweries operating at the end of 2023 in the U.S., which is over five times the total in 2010. As of December 2023, there were 2,092 microbreweries, 3,511 brewpubs, 3,771 taprooms, and 261 regional craft breweries in the U.S.

A craft brewer is defined as being small (annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less), independent and traditional (flavors derived mostly from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients).

We've seen and experienced this growth in and around Ventura County, so how about if we summarize them right here! This list includes local craft breweries with onsite tasting rooms ranging from the Conejo Valley out just past Ventura County into Carpinteria.

Conejo Valley (Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills)

14 Cannons Brewery and Showroom opened at 31125 Via Colinas, Suite 907 in Westlake Village in September 2017, featuring a handful of freshly brewed craft beers as well as an actual brewery showroom. www.14cannons.com 818.652.6971

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company opened its Westlake Village taproom at The Shoppes at Westlake, 30770 Russell Ranch Road, in December 2015. Offers craft beers brewed onsite as well as at other locations in Santa Barbara. Also a full-service restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating. Open daily. www.figmtnbrew.com 818.874.1305

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company opened in July 2019 at 244 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. They offer numerous brews on tap, along with several ciders and wine. Fantastic outdoor patio, wood-fired, organic pizzas, sandwiches, salads, tacos, appetizers, fresh ice cream and more. tarantulahillbrewingco.com 805.538.1191

Pedals & Pints Brewing Company is located in The Oaks mall east parking lot, between Olive Garden and Bank of America. Along with fresh brewed beer, Pedals & Pints offers artisan pizzas, delicious crispy baked tater tots loaded with flavor, wings and other small plates. www.pedalsandpintsbrewing.com

Naughty Pine Brewing Co. opened its doors on September 25, 2021 at 767 Lakefield Road, Unit A in Westlake Village. This 2,200 sq ft microbrewery and tasting room offers classic and contemporary beers. They also offer live entertainment and trivia nights. www.naughtypinebrewingco.com

Malibu Brewing Company is opening at 29281 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills on August 25th. The extensively remodeled space features 190 seats, central bar with 22 taps, 115-seat all-weather patio, and much more. www.brewmalibu.com.

Naughty pine brewing co. on lakeview drive, just east of hampshire road in westlake village

Ventura

Topa Topa Brewing Company is a microbrewery with taprooms at its headquarters location at 4880 Colt Street in Ventura (805.535.4366) (also a nice outdoor beer garden area with tables, cornhole and food trucks) and at 104 E. Thompson Boulevard in Ventura. www.topatopa.beer 805.628.9255

Poseidon Brewing Company opened its tasting room on August 11, 2014 at 5777 Olivas Park Drive, Unit Q, Ventura and is open Tuesday through Sunday.www.poseidonbrewingco.com 805.477.0239 Also a dog-friendly tasting room.

MadeWest Brewing Company opened in January 2016 and is located at 1744 Donlon Street, Ventura, offering a variety of craft beers, plenty of indoor/outdoor seating, food trucks and more. www.madewest.com 805.947.5002 MadeWest also operates a taproom on the Ventura Pier.

Ventura Coast Brewing Co. is at 76 S. Oak Street in Downtown Ventura. Offers indoor/outdoor patio seating, flights, 4 and 16 ounce pours of its creations. Open 7 days a week. www.vcbc.beer

Leashless Brewing opened in July 2017 at 585 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura, offering organic, Belgian style ales. Over 10 beers on tap. www.leashlessbrewing.com. Open Mon-Thu 4-10pm, Fri 3-11pm, Sat noon to 11pm and Sun noon to 9pm. 805.628.9474

Transmission Brewery and Tasting Room opened in January 2020 at 1098 East Front Street, Ventura, offering 15 different beers on tap. transmissionbrewing.com

Seaward Brewing is open at 1920 Goodyear Ave., Suite D, Ventura. Seaward is a microbrewery offering craft beer brewed onsite with 10 rotating taps. Food trucks available on weekends. Food can be brought in. Family and pet friendly! Hours are Tue-Thu 3-9pm, Fri 3-10pm, Sat Noon-10pm and Sun noon-7pm. www.seawardbrewing.com

Rincon Brewery is located at 4100 Telegraph Road, Ventura. rinconbrewery.com. 805.676.0020

Bellringer Brewing Co. premiered on February 18, 2023 at 472 E. Main Street, Ventura (formerly Anacapa Brewing Co.), offering its own selection of brews and guest beers from other local breweries. They also offer a menu that includes burgers, tacos, hot dogs, salads and more. Open M/W/Th noon to 8pm, Fri noon to 10pm, Sat 11am to 10pm and Sun 11am to 8pm. 805-643-2337 bellringerbrewco.com

Bright Spark Brewing opened in November 2022 and is located at 4561 Market Street, Ventura in the space previously occupied by Concrete Brewing and Surf Brewing. Offers a selection of 10 of its own brews plus some guest taps. Their menu includes salads, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and more. 805-322-8884 www.brightsparkbrewing.com

Camarillo, Oxnard

Institution Ale Company is a microbrewery and tasting room at 3841 Mission Oaks Boulevard in Camarillo. Food offered includes artisan flatbread pizzas and soft baked pretzels. Indoor seating with 7 TVs, game room and outdoor patio area with fire pit. institutionales.com 805.482.3777

Red Tandem Brewery is a nanobrewery featuring 7 high quality ales brewed onsite to customers at its tasting room at 109 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard Shores at Channel Islands Harbor. Founded in September 2014 and opened in May 2016. Open Wednesday through Sunday. www.redtandembrewery.com 805.236.2105

Twisted Oak Tavern opened at 2433 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo in the historic J.F. Lewis & Sons - 1916” building) on Monday, June 15, 2020. www.twistedoaktavern.pub

Flat Fish Brewing is a brewery co-owned and located with Cantara Cellars at 126 N. Wood Road, #104 in Camarillo. Taproom offers both beers (9 of them at last count) and wines. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday. flatfishbrewing.com 805.484.9600

Topa Topa Brewing Company also has a tasting room in Old Town Camarillo at 2024 Ventura Blvd, just east of Cedar. www.topatopa.beer 805.702.4091 Open daily.

Wagon Wheel Brewing Company opened May 4, 2023 at 2601 Wagon Wheel Road, Suite 15 in Oxnard. Wagon Wheel offers nine exclusive brews and another 11 collaborative and guest beers from other local breweries. They have a full menu, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. www.wagonwheelbrewingcompany.com 805.351.0449

Moorpark, Simi Valley

Enegren Brewing Company opened in July 2011 in Moorpark and is now located at 444 Zachary Street, #120 at The Alley where they operate up to a dozen taps.  www.enegrenbrewing.com 805.552.0602

Simi Valley Brewing Company is opening soon (late spring/early summer) at 20 W. Cochran Street, Simi Valley (cross street Madera). Updates at www.simivalleybc.com.

Other Local Cities

The Ojai Valley Brewery and Tap Room is located at 307 Bryant Street in Ojai. The taproom is open daily. ojaivalleybrewery.com 805.798.9282

Rincon Brewery at 5065 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria is a craft brewery and restaurant open 7 days a week. rinconbrewery.com 805.684.6044

Institution Ale Company in Camarillo brewery/taproom has a 2nd taproom at 516 State Street, Santa Barbara. Open 7 days a week. Food offered includes artisan flatbread pizzas and soft baked pretzels. Indoor seating with 10 TVs, outdoor patio area and extended back room area. institutionales.com 805.482.3777

Island Brewing Company has been brewing in Carpinteria since July 2001 at 5049 Sixth Street (Linden at the railroad tracks). Its open redwood beam tasting room was originally built as a packing house for lemons and citrus. Open 7 days a week. www.islandbrewingcompany.com 805.745.8272

BrewLAB is an artisanal nano-brewery located at 4191-8 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria. Tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday. www.instagram.com/brewlabcraft 949.922.9152

Topa Topa Brewing Company in Ventura also has a tasting room in Ojai at 345 E. Ojai Ave. www.topatopa.beer 805.798.9079 Open daily.

Red Engine Brewing Company is now open at 803 Ventura Street (Hwy 126) in Fillmore. This is a firefighter-owned, family operated brewery that will offer handcrafted beer, artisan pizzas and (soon) charcuterie boards. redenginebrewing.com 805.823.5479

Malibu Brewing Company Taproom & Eatery is located at Trancas Country Market, 30745 E. Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. They offer 22 taps, with a selection of lagers and ales, food, wine, and more. Open daily at 11 a.m. www.brewmalibu.com 310.684.2408

Other Options on Tap

(Some additional craft beer tasting options in the area are highlighted below. These establishments serve local craft beers on tap from other breweries and/or produce the beer elsewhere. We have included on this list bars/taverns serving at least a dozen craft beers on tap.)

Conejo Valley

Bottle & Pint is a specialty craft beer store and taproom at 1714 Newbury Road, Suite G, Newbury Park. Open seven days a week, they have a revolving list with 20 beers on tap. Bring your own food or have it delivered. 805.480.9500 www.instagram.com/bottleandpint

The Crown and Anchor at 2891 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks has 17 draft beers and ciders on tap, serves food, lots of TVs and periodic live entertainment. www.crownnanchor.com 805.497.0070

Boney Mountain Pizza Co., located at 722 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, has 25 beers on tap, including a variety of craft beers. www.facebook.com/BoneyMountainPizzaCo 805.498.6511

Finney's Crafthouse & Kitchen is located at the Westlake Plaza, 982 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village. They serve 30 craft beers on tap. www.finneyscrafthouse.com 805.230-9950

Wades Wines at 30961 Agoura Road, Suite 321, Westlake Village offers over 50 beers on tap, wine tasting and thousands of other spirits for sale and tasting. Retail store is open daily. Tasting is open Thursday through Sunday. www.wadeswines.com 818.597.9463

Other Local Cities

Bottle & Pint has a 2nd location at The Annex, a cool food "court" area within The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard.

Finney's Crafthouse is also located at 494 E. Main Street in Ventura, They serve 30 local craft beers on tap. www.finneyscrafthouse.com 805.628.3312 Their newest location at The Promenade section of the Camarillo Premium Outlets opened in January 2023. 805.702.0010

The Golden Nugget Pub at 4435 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, offers 30 beers on tap at this dive bar established in 1964. www.goldennuggetpub.com (805) 583-9715

The Local Beer & Wine Bar is located at 795 Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo, Suite E. It is open daily at noon (11am on Sundays). 16 rotating taps are offered. thelocalcamarillo.com

The Dugout Sports Grill serves about 22 taps of beer along with cocktails, food and 32 TVs at 109 W. Cochran Street, Simi Valley. www.thedugoutsimi.com 805.955.9200

Winchesters Grill & Saloon at 632 East Main Street in Ventura has over 30 beers on tap, mostly craft types. They also have a full menu and full bar. www.winchestersgrill.com 805.653.7446

Yard House at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard has well over 100 beers on tap of all varieties.  www.yardhouse.com/locations/ca/oxnard/oxnard-the-collection-at-riverpark/8349 805.981.8707

Two Trees Restaurant and Taps is located at 7822 Telegraph Road in Ventura, serving up 28 beers on tap along with full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. www.twotreesrestaurantandtaps.com 805.659.3365

Fluid State Beer Garden, located at 692 E. Main Street, Ventura, offers craft beers, sourdough pizzas and more. www.fluidstatebeer.com 805.628.3107

LOOKING FOR WINE? CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL WINE TASTING OPTIONS

NIGHTLIFE OPTIONS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Beer No More

Darryl's Couch was a craft beer bar located at 795 Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo.  www.darrylscouch.com They closed on Sunday, March 11, 2018, after operating for 5 1/2 years. Now located there is The Local Beer & Wine Bar.

Surf Brewery was the first packaging craft brewery in Ventura County when it opened in June 2011. It closed in early 2018. Now operating at this location is Concrete Jungle Brewing.

Westlake Brewing Company opened its small volume brewery in early 2016 at 31111 Via Colinas #200, Westlake Village. The taproom closed its doors in June 2019.

The Dudes' Brewing Company Tasting Room opened at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks on July 15, 2016 and closed March 1, 2020 to refocus efforts on other locations.

Tap’d Ventura operated at 546 E. Main St, serving 43 taps of craft beer. Closed in the Fall of 2019.

Concrete Jungle Brewing was located at 4561 Market Street in Ventura in the former Surf Brewing location. Closed in mid-2020.

Cask Alehouse was located at 5952 Telegraph Road in Ventura (at Victoria), and offered a rotating selection of 32 beers on draft. Established in December 2016. Closed in 2020.

McGregor's Craft Beer and Wine was a tasting room/bottle shop at 144 W. Los Angeles Avenue #105 in Moorpark, with 16 rotating taps. Established in 2016. Closed in September 2020.

Draughts Restaurant & Bar at 398 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks closed in mid-August 2021.

Twisted Oak Tavern opened in 2015 at 30105 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, offering a full gastropub experience with a full lunch/dinner menu and over 30 craft beers on tap made onsite. It closed on January 16, 2022 but its newer Camarillo location remains open.

Five Threads Brewing Company at 31133 Via Colinas, Suite 109, Westlake Village opened in October 2015. Offers fresh brewed craft beers in its tasting room seven days a week. www.fivethreadsbrewing.com 805.457.5990 FIVE THREADS’ LAST DAY OPEN WAS 1/30/22.

Anacapa Brewing Company opened its doors in 2000 with a seasonal rotation of over 25 beers in this full service restaurant/brewery in the heart of Downtown Ventura. Their last day open was Sunday, October 30, 2022 after 20 years in business.

Tavern Tomoko and Ladyface Brewery (formerly Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie), the Conejo Valley's first microbrewery and brewpub, opened in November 2009 at 29281 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Sadly, they closed their doors on 12/22/24.

Eureka Brewing Company tasting room at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks closed its doors in January 2025.

Angry Ferret Brewing opened in mid-2021 at 11990 Hertz Street in Moorpark, specializing in English, Irish, Scottish beers. It closed in the summer of 2024. www.angryferretbrewing.com

Casa Agria Specialty Ales is a small brewery located at 701 N. Del Norte Boulevard, Suite 310 in Oxnard, brewing up a handful of specialty beers since February 2015. Its final day of service is February 14, 2026.

Barrelhouse 101 at 545 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura served its last pint on April 19, 2026.

The End of the U.S. Penny: What It Means for Cash Transactions

The final batch of Lincoln cents was struck by the United States Mint on November 12, 2025, closing the book on a coin that’s been part of American pockets and piggy banks since 1793. Rising production costs finally did it in — by 2025, each penny cost 3.69 cents to make, and more than 300 billion pennies were already floating around in circulation.

Even though production has ended, pennies remain legal tender, and they’ll continue circulating for decades as they slowly disappear from everyday use. The U.S. joins countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, all of which retired their lowest‑value coins years ago.

With no new pennies entering circulation, cash transactions in the U.S. now follow rounding rules similar to those used abroad. Only the final cash total is rounded: amounts ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7 cents round down, while 3, 4, 8, or 9 cents round up. Totals ending in 0 or 5 stay the same. Electronic payments aren’t affected — card and mobile transactions still settle to the exact cent.

It’s a small change, but a historic one. After more than two centuries, the penny has officially become a relic of the past — and the country is finally moving on from a coin that cost more to make than it was worth.

Volunteer Opportunities in Ventura County

Looking for a job? Why not help yourself by filling in the gaps in your resume with new experiences while helping others! Or if you are just looking to give back to the local community, there are hundreds of opportunities to volunteer throughout Ventura County. Here's where to find volunteer opportunities:

The United Way of Ventura County hosts www.VolunteerVenturaCounty.org, which lists numerous upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Since 1998, VolunteerMatch.org has helped volunteers find over 4 million volunteer matches at over 60,000 non-profits across the country.

Or visit the Local Charities section of Conejo Valley Guide and you'll find over 100 Ventura County area non-profit organizations, most of which could use your help. I clicked a few and found plenty of volunteer needs publicized on each entity's website, like MANNA Food Bank, L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue in Agoura, Hospice of the Conejo, Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library, and CareGivers - Volunteers Assisting the Elderly.

You could also join one of over 80 service organizations in the Service Clubs section of CVG. The Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist, Assistance League, Lions Club and other organizations provide needed services to others in need. 

Community Action Ventura County is a non-profit that seeks volunteers to serve the vulnerable in our local community. ca-vc.org/volunteer

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County seeks volunteers at www.habitatventura.org/volunteer.

The Ventura County Medical Reserve Corps is a volunteer network that provides support for public health, emergency response, first aid services for local events and other local needs. www.venturacountymrc.org

Volunteer opportunities in Simi Valley: www.simivalley.org/index.aspx?page=355

Volunteer opportunities in Camarillo: www.cityofcamarillo.org/departments/city_manager/volunteers.php

Volunteer opportunities in Moorpark: moorparkca.gov/389/Volunteering-in-Moorpark

Volunteering in the City of Westlake Village: www.wlv.org/index.aspx?nid=320

Volunteering for the County of Ventura: hr.ventura.org/volunteer

How about the National Park Service? Check the local Santa Monica Mountains volunteer opportunities and Channel Islands National Park volunteer opportunities.

Also check out the volunteer opportunities with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. mrca.ca.gov/educational-outreach-programs/volunteer-2

And more links to volunteering opportunities:

Conejo Recreation and Park District www.crpd.org/volunteer

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District www.pvrpd.org/volunteer

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District www.rsrpd.org/recreation/volunteers.php

Los Robles Hospital volunteer opportunities for adults and high school students www.losrobleshospitalvolunteers.com

Thousand Oaks Library www.tolibrary.org/services/get-involved/library-volunteers

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley www.bgcconejo.org/get-involved/volunteer

Food Share of Ventura County foodshare.com/volunteer

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme) www.oxnard.org/recreation/senior-services/rsvp-volunteer

St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo www.dignityhealth.org/central-coast/locations/pleasantvalley/about-us/volunteering

Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship in Newbury Park www.rideon.org/volunteer.php

Shelter Hope Pet Shop in Thousand Oaks shelterhopepetshop.org/help

Conejo Players Theatre in Thousand Oaks conejoplayers.org/volunteer

Rancho St. Francis in Newbury Park www.ranchostfrancis.org/Volunteers.htm

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers in Policing Program www.venturasheriff.org/volunteers/volunteers-in-policing

New West Symphony in Thousand Oaks newwestsymphony.org/volunteer

Conejo Free Clinic www.conejofreeclinic.org/volunteers

Interface Children & Family Services www.icfs.org/volunteer

Make-A-Wish Central Coast & Southern Central Valley volunteer opportunities at wish.org/cvs/volunteer

Boys and Girls Clubs of Conejo Valley www.bgcconejo.org/get-involved/volunteer

Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks seeks volunteers for its Adult Day Care Center, Meals on Wheels and other programs. www.seniorconcerns.org/volunteer

James Storehouse in Newbury Park seeks volunteers for its work supporting children in need. Visit www.jamesstorehouse.org/volunteer to apply.

Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara seeks volunteers cancersupportvvsb.org/about-us/volunteer-opportunities

Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency seeks volunteers for trail watch, trail work days, Adopt-a-Trail and more. conejo-openspace.org/about/volunteer-opportunities

The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program provides opportunities for adults age 55+ to use their life experience and skills to meet local community needs. www.crpd.org/conejo-senior-volunteer-program

School on Wheels seeks volunteers to tutor children experiencing homelessness. schoolonwheels.org/apply-to-be-a-volunteer

Non-profit Step Up Tutoring seeks volunteers ages 16+ to tutor students online in underserved communities. Learn more at www.stepuptutoring.org/volunteer-tutor.

Restaurant Rewards Programs and Birthday Freebies Around Ventura County

It's nice finding Kids Eat Free deals around Ventura County but there are also dozens of local rewards programs and birthday clubs that give you something for FREE!!!

This list includes programs where you get something for signing up or for being a repeat customer...a free burger, gift card, dessert, etc. Excluded are programs that do not provide an obvious freebie (i.e. only sends you promotional emails).

These deals often change, so click through to the restaurant website to confirm the deal is still good. Let us know of any changes, broken links or additions!!

Corner Bakery

Corner Bakery Rewards: Sign up and get $5 off your first order, then receive 5 points for every $1 spent, to get various offer. Also, receive a free bakery sweet on your birthday.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Rewards: Earn “pegs” for each dollar spent and redeem for rewards. Free birthday reward - a dessert.

Location: Camarillo Premium Outlets

Daphne's Greek Cafe

Pita Points Rewards Club: Earn one point for each dollar spent; 100 points = $5 off any purchase. Plus another $5 credit on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Woodland Hills, Simi Valley

Dave & Buster’s

D&B Rewards: $10 free game play with $20 game play purchase for joining. $10 free game play for every $100 spent.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Del Taco

Dell Yeah! Rewards: Get two free tacos for signing up, get a free birthday reward and free ice or hot coffee before 11am daily with purchase. Accumulate points and exchange for rewards.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley (3), Oxnard (2), Ventura, Santa Paula

Denny's

Denny's Rewards: Sign up and get 20% off your next visit.  Free Grand Slam on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula

Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Rewards - 1 order of $5 or more = 10 points. 60 points = a free pizza.

Locations: Various

El Pollo Loco

Loco Rewards: Earn points and redeem for free food or discounts.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (3), Santa Paula, Ventura

Farmer Boys

VIF (Very Important Farmer) Loyalty Club: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Redeem points for rewards. www.farmerboys.com/vif

Location: Newbury Park

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Rewards App: Use their app and earn points towards free subs and more. Get free birthday sub too.

Locations: Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks

Fire Island Grill

Rewards: Sign up with your email and earn 1 point for each $1 spent. Receive $5 off for ever 50 points; effectively 10% off.

Locations: Simi Valley, Ventura

Fogo de Chao

Fogo Rewards: $25 birthday reward. Complimentary charcuterie plate every visit. Earn 1 Fogo Reward for each visit and redeem for rewards.

Location: Thousand Oaks

IHOP

IHOP Bank of Pancakes: Earn one PanCoin for every $5 spent. Trade 3 PanCoin crypto-pancakes for a short stack of 3 pancakes and other items. www.ihop.com/en/rewards

Locations: Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Fillmore, Carpinteria

Islands

Islands Locals Program: Earn 1 point per $1 spent. 150 points = $10 reward. Get a free chips, salsa and guacamole upon sign-up. www.islandsrestaurants.com/locals-program

Location: Newbury Park

Jack in the Box

Loyalty Program: Download the app, create an account, and earn 10 points for every $1 spent. Redeem points for menu items. www.jackinthebox.com/faqs

Locations: Various

Jamba Juice

My Jamba Rewards App: Earn points for each purchase and redeem for discounts on future purchases. You also get a free birthday smoothie.

Locations: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura

Jersey Mike's Subs

myMike’s: Sign up and earn free subs with Shore Points and receive a free sub on your birthday.

Locations: Over a dozen locations...Ventura, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Ojai, Oxnard, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, etc.

Juice It Up!

Juice It Up! Rewards: Free medium classic smoothie when you register. Earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 50 points = $5 reward.

Location: Westlake Village

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Rewards App: Register and get a free doughnut with any purchase. Earn points towards free doughnuts and drinks and get a free gift on your birthday. www.krispykreme.com/rewards

Location: 220 Riverpark Road, Oxnard

La La Land Kind Cafe

La La Land Rewards App: Earn 5 hearts for every $1 spent. Exchange for drinks, food or merchandise.

Locations: Westlake Village, Calabasas

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Email Club: Sign up and get free birthday and anniversary treats (dessert or appetizer)

Locations: The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks and The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard

Marco’s Pizza

My Rewards: Sign up and earn points to redeem towards menu items.

Location: Agoura Hills, Simi Valley

Maria's Italian Kitchen

Maria's Kitchen Club App: Free birthday dessert. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Cash in 200 points for a $10 award (effectively a 5% discount). Free medium cheese pizza at signup. Free birthday month dessert.

Location: Agoura Hills

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

My Smileage Club: Earn a Smile point for each dollar spent. Cash in 50 smiles for $5 towards a future purchase.

Locations: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard and Ventura.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Mountain Rewards: Earn points points for each purchase and for ever 100 points, receive $10 towards your next purchase.

Locations: Moorpark, Oxnard

Nick the Greek

Rewards App: Earn points from purchases and redeem for food and drinks.

Locations: Ventura, Westlake Village

Noah’s New York Bagels

Noah’s Rewards: Free bagel and shmear with purchase, free egg sandwich on your birthday and redeem rewards points for items.

Noahs App: Download the app and receive 2 points for every $1 spent to redeem for items. Order on the app and get a free hot or iced coffee reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ventura

Nothing Bundt Cakes

eClub: Sign up and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Camarillo

Old New York Deli

Deli Dough Rewards Program: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points  =  $7 in Deli Dough.

Location: Camarillo

Panera Bread

MyPanera: Sign up and receive a free "surprise" like a free pastry or sweet. Then receive other surprises as you accumulate points.

Locations: Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Papa John's

PapaRewards: Earn 1 point for every $5 you order ONLINE (including tax and delivery). Accumulate points for food items.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Peet’s Coffee

Peetnik Rewards App: Earn points and exchange them for drinks and food. FREE drink or baked good on your birthday.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Philz Coffee

Philz Rewards App: Earn 10 points for every $1 spent. Use for free rewards.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Calabasas

Pickles Deli

Pickles Deli Rewards - Fill out a form or download the Royalty Rewards Member App to receive $10 off your next visit for signup, free birthday reward and earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 100 points equals a $5 reward certificate.

Location: Newbury Park

Pizza Hut

Hut Rewards - Earn 2 points for each $1 spent. Use points for free pizza and other items.

Locations: Various

Pizza Man Dan's

Pizza Lover's Email Club: Free pizza on your birthday and much more.

Locations: Ventura (2), Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark and Camarillo

Prince St. Pizza

Rewards: 50 points for signing up, 1 point for each dollar spent. Save $10 for 100 points.

Location: Westlake Village

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Caniac Club: Get a free box combo for signing up.

Location: Oxnard

RedBrick Pizza

RedBrick Rewards: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent. Receive a $10 reward for every 1000 points. Effectively a 10% discount. Receive a small gelato after registering.

Location: 4990 Telephone Road, Ventura

Red Lobster

My Red Lobster Rewards: Earn points for your purchases and redeem for food items. Receive something on your birthday too.

Location: Oxnard

Red Robin

Red Robin Royalty: Free burger on your birthday and every 10th item free.

Locations: Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard

Regency Theatres

Regency Rewards: Earn points on purchases. 10 points for each adult ticket...100 points gets you a free companion ticket.

Locations throughout the area.

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

Rise Rewards: Earn points for each dollar spent. Redeem points for food and beverages.

Location: Thousand Oaks, near Topper’s Pizza.

Rita's Italian Ice of Newbury Park

Rita's Ice App Rewards: Sign up and receive a free treat on your 8th visit.

Location: 2290 Borchard Road, Newbury Park

Robeks

Robeks Rewards: Download app. Receive $5 in rewards for signing up. Earn point for each $1 spent. Receive free menu items with your points. Receive $5 birthday credit.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery

Birthday Club: Sign up for Rori’s email list and get a free birthday scoop

Locations: Camarillo, Ventura

Sbarro

Sbarro Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food items. (REWARDS ON PAUSE AS OF JULY 2026)

Locations: Pacific View Mall in Ventura, The Oaks Mall

7 Eleven

7Rewards Loyalty Program: Download app on your smartphone, scan when you purchase coffee, Slurpees and other fountain drinks, and get 7th drink free. Not a bad deal!

Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill

Sharky's Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points = $7 good toward future purchases. Effectively a 7% discount.

Locations: Calabasas, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Westlake Village and Woodland Hills.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Slice House Rewards: Get $5 upon sign-up, earn 1 point for each $1 spent. Redeem 150 points for $10 off.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Sprinkles

Sprinkles Perks: For every $1 spent, get 5 points. 300 points equals a free item (cupcake, cookie or brownie).

Location: The Promenade at Westlake

Starbucks

My Starbucks Rewards: Members receive a free birthday drink or treat. Free refills and other items based on number of Stars collected over designated periods.

Locations: Everywhere

Stonefire Grill

SFG Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Every 125 points equals a $10 reward. Free birthday dessert.

Locations: Thousand Oaks

Subway

Subway Sub Club: Earn 10 points for each $1 spent. 400 points = $2 Subway Cach.

Locations: Everywhere

Taco Bell

Taco Bell Rewards: Sign up and get a free reward, then earn 10 points for each $1 spent. Earn a new reward every 250 points.

Urbane Cafe

Urbane Cafe App: Download the app, use it to pay for your purchases, and receive $5 credit for every $100 you spend; a 5% discount.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura

Wienerschnitzel

Wiener Lovers' Club: Get a free chili dog for signing up and other stuff.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura

Wingstop

Email Club: Free birthday gift.

Locations: Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park

Yard House

E-Club: Register and receive a free appetizer

Location: Oxnard

Yogurtland

Real Rewards Program: Earn points for each ounce purchased and exchange points for free yogurt and birthday treats.

Locations: Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Arby's

Arby’s Email List: Get free Classic Roast Beef with purchase of full-price menu item after signing up.

Locations: Ventura, Simi Valley

Baja Fresh

Club Baja: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Every 100 points gets you a $10 reward. Special offer on your birthday.

Locations: Camarillo (2), Simi Valley (2), Calabasas, Oxnard, Westlake Village

Baskins-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins Rewards: Free scoop for signing up.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (2), Thousand Oaks (2), Santa Paula, Ventura (2)

BJ's Restaurant

BJ's Premier Rewards Plus: Earn 1 point for each $1 spent and redeem for discounts. For example, cash in 350 point for $25 off your meal, effectively about a 7% rebate. Free Pizookie at registration and on birthdays.

Locations: Westlake Village, Oxnard

Black Bear Diner

Bear Lovers E-Club: Sign up and get a free meal now and another on your birthday.

Location: Ventura

Buca di Beppo

Buca E-Club: Join and receive $10 gift.

Location: Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings Rewards: Get free burger with $15+ order after you join. Earn 10 points per $1 spent.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cafe Rio

My Rio Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Receive $10 reward for 100 points. Effectively 10% off.

Location: Thousand Oaks

California Pizza Kitchen

CPK Rewards: Free small plate when you register. Earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 75 points equals a $5 reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks (The Lakes), Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura (Pacific View Mall)

Carl’s Jr.

My Rewards: Free sandwich when you join. Earn 10 stars for every $1 spent when you order in the app or online, then cash them in for free food items.

Locations: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore

CAVA

CAVA Rewards: Earn points for purchases and redeem for food rewards.

Location: Westlake Village

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A One App: Earn points with each purchase and redeem them for free food rewards.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura

Chili's Grill & Bar

My Chili's Rewards: Get free chips and salsa or non-alcoholic beverage on every visit. Free dessert on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Chipotle

Chipotle Rewards: 10 points for every $1 spent. Redeem points for free menu items, apparel, accessories or charitable donations. Get free guac at signup and on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cold Stone Creamery

My Cold Stone Club® Rewards: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. 50 points can be used as a $5 reward towards purchases of $5 or more. 25 points earned just for registering.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley

Non-Food Rewards

Ulta

Ulta Beauty Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for discounts. Free birthday item.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Calabasas