Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Ventura on Saturday, August 23, 2025

Ventura Land Trust’s annual benefit, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, returns on Saturday, August 23, 2025 to the expansive lawn of the Ventura County Credit Union headquarters, 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, Ventura. The film festival features nearly two hours of environmental and activism films along with live music, food trucks, drinks, raffle, auction, kids’ activities and more.

A family-friendly event, participants are encouraged to spread out on chairs and blankets. Doors open at 5 pm, and films begin around 7:30 pm as the sky darkens.

A general admission ticket is $40, $5 children and $10 for teens (13-17), plus processing fees. VIP tickets, which include special gift items and admission to the Ventura Vibe VIP Lounge, are $125 plus fees. Tickets and more information at www.venturalandtrust.org/wild-scenic-film-festival.

2025 Matilija Poppy Festival at Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks on May 18th

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The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden presents its annual Matilija Poppy Festival on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11am to 4pm. Event will feature beautiful Matilija poppies, including garden tours at 11:15am and 2pm, crafts, speakers, kids’ activities, and more. Free admission.

Master gardener speakers at 12:30pm (Drought Tolerant Landscaping with Herbs) and 1pm (Gardening with California Sage Varieties).

The garden is located at 400 W. Gainsborough Road,

www.conejovalleybotanicgarden.com

2025 Santa Barbara Lavender Festival Planned for Saturday, June 28th

The Santa Barbara Lavender Festival is planned for Saturday, June 28, 2025, from noon to 7pm at the Great Meadow at Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive. Free admission and parking.

More details at santabarbaralavenderfestival.com.

Chinese Cultural Day at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025

The 7th Chinese Cultural Day at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Park will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 11am-3pm.

The Conejo Chinese Cultural Association (CCCA), a non-profit organization, is hosting Chinese Cultural Day in celebrating the Moon Festival. The celebration will showcase traditional Chinese music, dance performances, and interactive cultural exhibits, as well as games, food and raffles. Admission is free.

Learn more about CCCA at www.ccca-tocs.org.

Celebration of the Whales Festival at Channel Islands Harbor on Sunday, April 13, 2025

The 26th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival is planned for Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 11am to 3pm at the Channel Islands Harbor, 3350 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard.

This year’s event will feature a community “paint a whale” mural project, chalk art, shopping, free kayaking and standup paddleboarding, a children’s 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/2025-celebration-of-the-whales-festival.

48th Annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show and Craft Brew Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025

Mark your calendars for the 48th Annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show & Craft Brew Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Held from noon – 5pm (11:00 am entry for VIP tickets), this family friendly extravaganza will take place at Conejo Creek Park North at Janss Rd & Hwy 23 in Thousand Oaks.

There will be over 40 chili tasting booths – and included with your general admission is free unlimited chili tasting. Returning again is the popular Craft Brew Festival – an event within an event – with a multitude of participating breweries! There will also be a Classic & Custom Car Show in several style and vintage categories and live music on two stages. Also on hand will be over a dozen food trucks and beverage booths and a free kids’ fun zone.

The Chili Cook-Off is proudly presented by the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks, with 100% of the net proceeds going to local charities. Tickets will be available in advance, along with more information at www.chili-cook-off.com  

2025 Oxnard Insect Festival at Plaza Park on Saturday, June 7th

The City of Oxnard Recreation and Community Services Division hosts its 5th Annual Oxnard Insect Festival at Plaza Park, 500 S. C Street on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Experience the world of insects through educational exhibits and enriching experiences. There will also be insects to touch, insects to taste, photo opps, bounce houses, live music and more. Free admission.

More information at www.oxnardrecevents.com/insect-festival.html

37th Annual Ojai Wine Festival at Lake Casitas on Saturday, June 21, 2025

The 37th Annual Ojai Wine Festival is the longest running wine festival in Ventura County. Overlooking scenic Lake Casitas in the Ojai Valley, The Ojai Wine Festival is an idyllic venue to taste award winning wines, amazing craft beers, fine spirits, ciders, kombucha and spiked seltzers. A bountiful selection of wineries and craft breweries will be represented along with a tempting selection of gourmet food trucks selling delicious culinary cuisine. Patrons can shop to their heart’s delight among the arts and crafts booths. Bid on the Silent Wine Auction featuring fine wines, private tasting parties, VIP tours of wineries, artisan crafts and much more.

Admission includes unlimited tastes of wine, beer and spirits, a keepsake crystal wine glass, live band/lakeside dance floor, shop at the fine artisan vendors & gourmet food trucks & bid on the silent auction. Limited to 2500 people.

Non-drink admission tickets are $25 available only on event day.

Children 12 years and under gain free admission with a paying adult. Children must be always monitored.

Hours are noon to 4pm.

About Ojai Wine Festival

The Ojai Wine Festival is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Ojai-West Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose charitable projects focus on improving education, aiding low-income families, and supporting activities that enrich the lives of area youth. Fitting examples of important projects include our science based Rotary Floating Classroom, Third Grade Dictionary Project, Nordhoff High School’s “Service Above Self” scholarships for graduating seniors, and free Ojai Community Summer Band Concerts. International projects are fostered by the Rotary Foundation through donations from Rotary Club of Ojai West. The Rotary Foundation’s goals are to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

Visit www.ojaiwinefestival.com to purchase tickets.

39th Annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival at Santa Barbara Mission May 24-26, 2025

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The I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival will be back over Memorial Day Weekend 2025, May 24-26. at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2100 Laguna Street. Festival hours are 10am to 6pm.

Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Santa Barbara Mission plaza each year over Memorial Day weekend using pastels on pavement to create over 100 vibrant and colorful, large scale images. The event is produced by the Children’s Creative Project.

There will also be live music and food available for purchase.

Pets are not allowed (other than service animals).

Learn more at www.imadonnarifestival.com.

ArtsFest at Rancho Tapo Community Park in Simi Valley on Saturday, May 17, 2025

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District presents ArtsFest at Rancho Tapo Community Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event is free of charge. Fees for some activities. Features artists, vendors, face painting, activities, demonstrations, dance performances, chalk art festival, theater and storytelling, food vendors, workshop/craft area, and more. rsrpd.org/recreation/events/spring_(march_-_may)/artzfest.php