152nd Anniversary Ventura County Fair to Take Place July 29 to August 9, 2026

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The 2026 Ventura County Fair will take place July 29 to August 9 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Boulevard in Ventura.

The fair features arts, crafts, food, exhibits, displays, demonstrations, farm animals, petting zoo, carnival rides, games and entertainment. More information at www.VenturaCountyFair.org.

General Admission Prices:  

Regular admission: Ages 13-64 TBA, Ages 6-12 TBA, Ages 65+ TBA, Ages 0-5 free (DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM 5/26 TO 6/30).

Parking at the Ventura County Fair is $20.00 per car. Parking at the Fairgrounds is limited. Free shuttle buses are provided from the Ventura Government Center, Pacific View Mall, Ventura Community Park, Ventura High School and San Buenaventura State Beach (with $10 parking fee). See venturacountyfair.org/fair/parking-shuttles.

Fair hours are 12pm to 11pm daily. Early opening time on August 4 only is 11am.

Special Promotion Days:

  • Wednesday, July 29 – $5 before 5pm

  • Friday, July 31 – Youth Day - Visitors ages 12 and under will be admitted free all day with paid adult admission.

  • Tuesday, August 4 – Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Day - Ages 65+ and disabled persons (and one caregiver) will be admitted free all day.

  • Thursday, August 6 – Community Heroes Day - All teachers, military, police, fire and EMS personnel with current, valid ID and first responders admitted free.

  • Friday, August 7 - Food Share Day - Bring 5 non-perishable items to donate and receive a same-day BOGO offer on admission.

Carnival Wristband Days - NEW for 2026 - wristbands available every day.

Grandstand Concert Series Lineup (All concerts are free. Concerts start at 7:30pm unless otherwise noted. VIP seats available for each concert for an additional charge.)

  • Wednesday, July 29: Bush

  • Thursday, July 30: Marshmello

  • Friday, July 31: Iration

  • Saturday, August 1: Jake Owen

  • Sunday, August 2 3PM: Herencia de Patrones ft. Banda Maguey and Banda Toro

  • Monday, August 3 - Ashanti ft. Bow Wow

  • Tuesday, August 4 - Switchfoot ft. Hoobastank

  • Wednesday, August 5: Nate Smith

Pacifico Stage: Check website for updates.

Flying U Rodeo will be back on Friday through Sunday, August 7th (7pm), 8th (2pm and 7pm) and 9th (2pm and 7pm). Ages 13+ $11.45. Children 3-12 $9.29 (lap children do not require ticket). Rodeo tickets are in addition to fair admission. Tickets on sale at vcfair.org.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Ventura on Saturday, August 22, 2026

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Ventura Land Trust’s annual benefit, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, returns on Saturday, August 22, 2026 to Majestic Ventura Theater (NEW LOCATION), 26 South Chestnut Street, Ventura. The festival takes place from 1-7PM, with film showings at 2PM (family-focused matinee) and 7PM.

The film festival features nearly two hours of environmental and activism films indoors, and a community street festival outdoors.

Tickets for the film screenings and more information at www.venturalandtrust.org/wild-scenic-film-festival.

2026 Cool Breeze Century Ride in Ventura on Saturday, August 15th

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COOL BREEZE CENTURY 2026

30, 60, 100 and 125 Miles

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Ventura

Sponsored by the Channel Islands Bike Club and the Kiwanis Club of Ventura, the Cool Breeze route follows the coast from Ventura to Santa Barbara. The weather is generally in the low 70's -- you can't ask for better summer cycling weather! There are lots of great rest stops along the way. Pre-race breakfast and post race lunch included.

Visit coolbreezecentury.com for more information and to register.

2026 Boogie Nights Summer Run Series in Ventura May 20 to July 22

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The Boogie Nights Summer Run Series is back for a 10 week run in 2026 on Wednesday nights from May 20th through July 22nd, starting at 6:20 pm. 5K start/finish is at the Ventura Promenade in front of Aloha Steakhouse and The Crowne Plaza. Free kids fun run starts at 6 pm.

Chip timing and a t-shirt for those that register for the series and flat course along the Ventura Promenade. Cost is less than $20 per race or $139 for the entire 10 week series, including t-shirt. Drinks and a light meal from Aloha Steakhouse can be added to your registration.

Learn more and sign up at runsignup.com/Race/Events/CA/Ventura/BoogieNightsSummerRunSeriesVentura.

Seaside Live Music at Ventura Harbor Village - Spring/Summer 2026

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Enjoy live music at Ventura Harbor Village all spring and summer long. Located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura.

5/2/26 1-4PM: Caliente Band 805

5/9/26 1-4PM: Tiki Bomb

5/10/26 1-4PM: Ben Betts

5/16/26 1-4PM: Mary White

5/22/26 1-4PM: Petty by the Campfire

5/23/26 1-4PM: The Gamble

5/24/26 1-4PM: Mark Masson

5/25/26 1-4PM: Ben Betts

5/30/26 1-4PM: Pier 101

5/31/26 1-4PM: TBA

More details at www.venturaharborvillage.com/events. Subject to change, so check the Ventura Harbor Village first for updates.

Paid parking applis from 10am to 8pm Friday through Sunday and holidays at Ventura Harbor Village and neighboring beaches. Parking on Spinnaker Drive will remain free of charge. Under an hour will be free of charge. Up to 4 hours will be $1 per hour, or $10 for a day pass.

Free Comic Book Day Planned for Saturday, May 2, 2026

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Free Comic Book Day takes place annually on the first Saturday in May, which is May 2, 2026 this year. On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book stores around the world give away designated comic books to anyone visiting their stores.

Visit www.freecomicbookday.com to learn more. Participating stores in the local Ventura County area this year include:

2026 Gold Coast Gem Show at Ventura County Fairgrounds on June 6-7

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The Gold Coast Gem Show is planned for Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, 2026 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Boulevard, Ventura. Free admission. Hours 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday.

Event to feature gems, minerals, fossils, rocks, jewelry, beads, lapidary supplies, demonstrations, kids’ activities, silent auctions and gold panning. More information at goldcoastgemshow.com.

Beachfront Run Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Run in Ventura on Saturday, May 30, 2026

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The Ventura Beachfront Run (1/2 Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Fun Run) will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026 with a scenic course along the beautiful coastline.  The race will begin on the north side of the Ventura Pier, 668 Harbor Boulevard. 

The half marathon and 10K runs along the oceanfront promenade and extends along PCH, creating a flat and scenic course.  The 5K runs out and back along the oceanfront promenade.  Half marathon starts at 7 am. Race participants will receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medal.

More information and registration at runsignup.com/Race/Info/CA/Ventura/CIBeachfrontRun.

Ventura Spring Wine Walk & Vendor Fair on Saturday, March 28, 2026

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Sample wine at more than 50 different tasting locations and shop from local vendors at the Spring Wine Walk & Vendor Fair on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11am to 6:30pm.

The Wine Walk take place in Downtown Ventura from the Museum of Ventura County through the 600 block of Main Street with vendors and live entertainment. Shop artists, crafters, non-profit organizations, commercial and food vendors. The street fair and entertainment is free and open to the public.

More information and tickets at www.springwinewalk.com

Short Dawgs in Da House Dog Racing Festival at Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, April 18, 2026

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Dozens of dachshunds, corgis, and small dogs will race along the Ventura Harbor waterfront as the viral pup Rowdy Dachshund (www.instagram.com/rowdy_dachshund), a professional skateboarding dog and champion racer with over 304,000 Instagram followers, hosts “Short Dawgs in Da House” for the first time ever.

The dog-chella event of the year will take place on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Completely free to attend and participate, guests will experience a full day of small dog races and family-friendly entertainment at the waterfront, including:

  • Dachshund, corgi, and small dog races

  • Best trick and best outfit contests

  • Harbor-wide scavenger hunt

  • Live music and photo ops

  • Community vendor village featuring pet accessories and treats

  • Dog-friendly boat rentals in the harbor

Short Dawgs in Da House will bring together over 15 dog-friendly vendors in the Community Vendor Village. Live music by “Blake Quake” and MC “John Wick” will keep the party going.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their dogs, get ready to meet other dog lovers, support local vendors, participate in contests, and enjoy a festival built just for them and their pup.

Rowdy is a longtime Ventura fan, promoting the new Westpark Skatepark in a social media video garnering over 216,000 views, and showcasing the pet-friendly boat rentals at the Ventura Harbor in a video that received over 117,000 views.

More information at visitventuraca.com/short-dawgs-in-da-house.