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.

2026 Aloha Beach Festival in Ventura on September 5-6

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The Aloha Beach Festival is back in 2026 after a year off in 2025 at Promenade Park/Surfer's Point, west of the Ventura Pier, the weekend of September 5-6. The festival features frisbee dogs, C Street Surf Contest, Hawaiian dancing, live bands, vendors, food, beer garden and more. Event proceeds to benefit the Flow Surf Academy.

Hours are 10am to 8pm both days. Admission is free. Visit www.alohabeachfestival.us for more information.

2026 Ventura 4th of July Street Fair and Children's Pushem-Pullem Parade

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The City of Ventura 4th of July Street Fair will be back on Saturday, July 4, 2026 along Main Street from Fir Street to Ventura Avenue as well as side streets Chestnut, Oak and California.

The street fair features over 100 arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food trucks, a car exhibit, and family-friendly activities. Open 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event is free to the public.

The 48th Annual Children’s Pushem - Pullem Parade is at 10 a.m.  Assemble at Cemetery Park at Main and Crimea Streets at 9:30 a.m.  The parade proceeds down Main Street to Fir Street at 10 a.m.

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1737/4th-of-July-Street-Fair-Pushem-Pullem-Pa

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:

63rd Annual Ventura Gem & Mineral Society Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show on March 7-8, 2026

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Ventura Gem & Mineral Society presents its 63rd Annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show at Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds. on Saturday, March 7th (10 am to 5 pm) and Sunday, March 8th (10 am to 4 pm).

Explore gems, minerals, rocks, fossils, jewelry, exhibits, displays, prizes, dealers, silent auction, kids' activities, plant sale and more.

FREE admission. There’s a fee for parking.  More information at www.vgms.org.

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds May 16-17, 2026

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The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura). Festivalgoers can indulge in strawberry treats from over 50 food and beverage booths. Strawberry-themed nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry kabobs, popcorn, and margaritas are just a few of the choices. The festival also features 150 artists and crafters, a Strawberryland for kids, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, and a "build-your-own" strawberry shortcake experience.

Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. General admission is $15, active military with ID and family and seniors 62 and over, $10, youth ages 5 to 12, $8 and children 4 and under are free. Limited parking onsite ($30). Visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle service nearby or take advantage of the Ventura Amtrak Station across the street. For more information, go to www.CAStrawberryFestival.org.

26th Annual Pooch Parade Dog Walk and Pet Expo in Oxnard on Sunday, September 13, 2026

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Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) will host its 26th Annual Pooch Parade at a NEW location this year on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the beautiful 'olołkoy Beach Park, 1601 S. Harbor Blvd, in Oxnard.

In addition to a fun walk, the event will feature entertainment, education, a large vendor fair, and the opportunity to meet adoptable dogs looking for a fresh start.

The non-profit C.A.R.L. has rescued thousands of dogs since 1996.

Learn more and register at carldogs.org/events-2/pooch-parade.

Ventura Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026

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The Earth Day Festival will return to downtown Ventura on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at Plaza Park on East Thompson Blvd. Some event highlights include opening remarks and Chumash blessing, live performances, and more.

Event will also feature environmental booths and sustainable goods, local food vendors, EV showcase, and more.

More information at www.meritofoundation.org.