Malibu Chili Cook-Off on September 4-7, 2026

The 2026 Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off is planned for Labor Day weekend, September 4-7 at 23575 Civic Center Way. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.

ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY! TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD ONSITE. Tickets will be available at malibuchilicookoff.org. Carnival ride tickets will be sold separately.

Event hours are 4-10PM Friday, 1-10PM Saturday/Sunday and 1-8PM Monday.

Event features a chili contest, carnival, fair, skate contest, live entertainment, food for sale, vendors, and more.

Event parking is $30 to $60, cash only. Ridesharing is encouraged.

More info at malibuchilicookoff.org

Westlake High School Instrumental Music 16th Annual Food Truck Festival on Sunday, October 11, 2026

Westlake High School Instrumental Music Boosters presents its 16th Annual Food Truck Festival on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 11am to 4pm at Westlake High School.

Enjoy a beautiful day, with great music, delicious food from gourmet food trucks, kids activities, live music, silent auction and raffle.

Ticket prices in 2025 were $10 presale and $15 at the event (2026 prices TBA). Food sold separately. Buy tickets and learn more at whsband.org/foodtruckfestival.

Proceeds support WHS Instrumental Music programs.

2026 Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival on Saturday, October 17th

When it comes to fresh seafood, you can’t get it any fresher than right off the boat. On October 17, 2026, 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. There will also be vessel tours, harbor boat rides, and live music.

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.

Chowderfest Event at Channel Islands Maritime Museum on Saturday, September 19, 2026

The 7th Annual CHOWDERFEST event takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2025, from noon to 4pm at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

The event will feature live music from local bands, creating the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of culinary delights and community camaraderie. Guests can also explore the museum's exhibits, as admission is included with the event ticket.

Tickets are priced at $45 in advance (event sold out in 2025). Given the event's popularity, advance purchase is highly recommended. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at www.cimmvc.org/chowderfest.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

NEW in 2026 - the first ever Sea Lion Imitation Contest! Attendees and volunteers will have the chance to compete for best sea lion impression. Open tryouts are 1-2:30PM, with top 10 advancing to the semifinals, culminating in the top 5 finalists taking the main stage at 3:15pm.

Corks and Kegs Wine and Beer Festival in Thousand Oaks on Thursday, October 8, 2026

The 2nd Annual Corks and Kegs Wine and Beer Festival is set for Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 5:30-8:30PM at The Gardens at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, the event will feature an evening of fine wines, craft beers and delicious cuisine. Proceeds will support Kiwanis programs and initiatives that are dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families in our community. Ages 21+ only. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Learn more at corks-and-kegs.com.

Simi Valley Oktoberfest Event on Saturday, October 3, 2026

The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise presents its Simi Valley Oktoberfest event on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 11am to 6pm. Located at Lemon Park (Rancho Tapo Community Park), 3700 Avenida Simi. Ticket prices are $25 general admission (early bird discount is available) and $200 for the VIP experience ($125 early bird). Ages 21+ only. Admission includes access to the beer tent, Oktoberfest music and concert viewing area, food trucks and more.

Learn more and get your tickets at simioktoberfest.com.

40th Annual California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, October 2-4, 2026

The 40th Annual California Avocado Festival takes place October 2, 3, and 4, 2026 in downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue.

Festival hours 1pm to 11pm Friday (Locals Only Block Party - open to all), 11am to 10pm Saturday and 11am to 6pm Sunday.

One of the largest free festivals in California with over 60 music acts on three stages, 50 arts and crafts and commercial vendors, 15 food vendors, and over a dozen non-profits, and much more.

Visit www.avofest.com for more information.

California Lemon Festival in Goleta September 26-27, 2026

Stop by Girsh Park in Goleta on September 26-27, 2026 for the California Lemon Festival. Admission and parking are free. Open 10am to 6pm both days.

Festival will include 80+ booths, lemony food and drinks, live entertainment, kid zone, classic car show on Saturday (9am-3pm), pie eating contests, and more.

For more information visit www.lemonfestival.com. Pets not allowed at the event.

37th Annual Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off & Car Show in Simi Valley on Saturday, June 20, 2026

The 37th Annual Simi Valley Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off & Car Show is planned for Saturday, June 20, 2026 on the St Rose of Lima church grounds at 1305 Royal Ave, Simi Valley. Event hours are 10am to 4pm.

Sample chili, explore cars and enjoy the day with family and friends! Live bands and entertainment, large kids area, chili tasting galore, car show (over 100 cars) and vendors. There will also be plenty of vendors booths and ample quantities of food and drink.

Overflow parking available across the street at Royal High School.

General admission is $20 ($15 early bird until 6/6). Seniors, children (ages 6-17) and active military with ID are $10. Family pass $50. Admission includes chili tastings, until the chili is gone.

More information at www.chilikc.com.

25th Annual Thousand Oaks Rotary Wine & Beer Festival on Sunday, June 14, 2026

The Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation will celebrate the 25th Annual Thousand Oaks Rotary Wine & Beer Festival on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1-4PM at the Westlake Yacht Club, 32119 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. Since its inception, the event, for adults ages 21 and up, has raised over $600,000 to benefit the Ventura County Special Olympics and the Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation which supports many local charities and provides student educational scholarships.

Purchase advance sale event tickets at www.ThousandOaksRotaryWineFestival.com.

Sample acclaimed California limited-production handcrafted wines, microbrews and hors d’oeuvres while perusing fabulous auction items donated by local businesses and residents. Meet Special Olympics athletes.

Special Olympics Ventura County offers free year-round sports training and athletic competition to over 700 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in 10 Olympic style sports at over 20 county sites.

The Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation has been a major supporter of the Special Olympics and has enabled over 10,000 athletes to compete. The club also donates more than $175,000 each year to many local and international charities to foster social, cultural, economic, and environmental progress.