Downtown Ventura Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating on Saturday, October 25, 2025

Downtown Ventura’s Costume Contest & Trick-or-Treating is planned for Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Main Street in Downtown Ventura. Free event to include a costume contest (with prizes) at 3pm on the Main Street Stage followed by trick-or-treating at downtown businesses on Main Street starting at 4pm. There will also be a Best Pet Costume Contest this year.

https://downtownventura.org/event/downtown-venturas-annual-halloween-costume-contest-trick-or-treating

Veterans Day Ceremony in Ventura on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Gold Coast Veterans Foundation is hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Ventura County Veterans Memorial at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Telephone Road in Ventura on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 11 am to noon.

Join GCVF at this free event as they recognize the sacrifices of our veterans and their families. They will have several distinguished speakers and a presentation honoring a local veteran from each military branch for their service to our country. Visit gcvf.org/veterans-day for more information.

Halloween Events at Ventura Harbor Village in October 2025

Ventura Harbor Village at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura is hosting the following Halloween events and activities this October:

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Enter the 13th Annual HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest at Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, October 25th at noon. Space is limited to the first 75 dogs. www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/howl-2024-2

Kids Seaside Trick or Treat 2025

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Dress up the kids and navigate through the Ventura Harbor Village from 1 – 3PM. Come early starting at noon to explore vendors and other activities. This free community event features 20+ treat stops at participating shops and restaurants, packed full of sweets (while supplies last), face painting, Halloween themed crafts, professional pumpkin carving, and more.

Ventura Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, November 27, 2025

Before you gobble, gobble, get out and run Ventura County’s fastest 5K on Thanksgiving morning!

Head to the Ventura Auto Center, 6451 Auto Center Drive, Ventura, on Thursday, November 27, 2025 for the annual Ventura Turkey Trot.

This fast and fun 5K starts at 8 a.m. For the 14 and under crowd, there’s the Kids 1K which starts at 9:15 a.m. Registration includes finisher’s shirt, electronic chip timing and post-race food.

For more information or to sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/Ventura/VenturaTurkeyTrot. (Tickets go on sale August 30th.)

Ponies by the Sea Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor on Sunday, October 12, 2025

The Ponies by the Sea Car Show will be held at Harbor View Park at Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 10am to 3pm.  Mustangs and other Ford powered vehicles are welcome to enter. Proceeds from the show to benefit the Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines. Food trucks and vendors will be on hand. There will also be food trucks, music, games and more.

Free to spectators. www.tricountymustangclub.com

2025 Seaside Highland Games at Ventura County Fairgrounds, October 11-12

The weekend of October 11-12, 2025 will see Scotland in all its color and pageantry come alive on the Fairgrounds as the Seaside Highland Games return to Ventura. The pipes—the Great Highland Bagpipes of Scotland—will signal the call to gather on that one special weekend when all are invited to join in the fun!

Hundreds of pipers and drummers along with all sorts of Scottish/Celtic entertainment will descend on the Ventura County Fairgrounds and the gates are open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm.

A wonderfully entertaining weekend of music, dance, athletics, children’s events, shopping, food and drink! Something for everyone! Seaside is known for bringing tradition to the field—with a twist! The ageless Celtic pastimes are honored but with a big nod to today. The pipes will play the tunes handed down through the ages—but don’t be surprised when you hear new and modern sounds emerging from those ancient reeds!

Massed pipe bands, large men throwing things, Scottish entertainers, clan tents, children's den, British food, Highland dancing, reenactments, darts, Scottish Fiddling Competition, all sorts of stuff!

Admission prices at the gate are $25 for ages 13 to 61 for 1 day; $40 for both days and $20/$35 for 62+ seniors and military. Ages 6 to 12 are $10. Five and under are free.

For more information, visit www.seasidehighlandgames.org.

Ventura Fire Department Honor Guard Hosts 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Sunday, September 7th

The Ventura Fire Department Honor Guard invites first responders and community members to join in honoring the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The Memorial Stair Climb will be hosted on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, located at 450 E. Harbor Blvd.

Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories, symbolizing the height of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers and paying tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters, 60 law enforcement and emergency personnel, 55 military personnel, and the 200+ firefighters who have since passed from 9/11-related illnesses.

The stair climb is not a timed race. Participants are encouraged to climb at their own pace.

“This is more than a memorial, it’s a living act of remembrance,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “We climb to honor those who ran toward danger and to reflect on their extraordinary courage and sacrifice. This event connects our community in a shared moment of respect, resilience, and gratitude.”

Registration is $50 per climber, limited to 150 participants. The fee helps cover event expenses, with proceeds supporting the Ventura Fire Honor Guard in its mission to honor fallen firefighters through funerals, memorial services, and other ceremonial events. These funds assist with travel and ensure the legacy of those who serve and sacrifice is respectfully upheld.

Community members who wish to support the cause without climbing are welcome to attend as spectators or make a donation. To register, donate, or learn more, visit www.VenturaFireHonorGuard.org.

Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show September 12-14, 2025

The 53rd Annual Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show is planned for September 12-14 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Family-owned and operated, the beloved tradition returns with the nation’s finest artists and crafters eager to showcase their newest creations for a one-of-kind shopping experience unlike any other.

The Festival offers a full day of fun for all ages with more than 24,000 handmade creations from hundreds of exhibitors, specialty foods, strolling performers, a KidZone, demonstrations, contests, and more. The event also gives back by supporting local charities in the community.

With such a colossal collection of artistry all under one roof, there is always something new to discover at the west coast’s largest and most prestigious indoor showcase. From jewelry, ceramics, blown glass and woodcarvings, to holiday décor, clothing, eclectic keepsakes, specialty foods, accessories, furniture, ornaments and more, each item is an expression of originality from artists who are share their passions with a personal touch.

General admission is $9. Seniors (62+) and military are $7. Youth (13-17) are $4, and it’s free to kids 12 and under. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Parking charged by the VC Fairgrounds is $10.

Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds; 10 West Harbor Blvd, Ventura

More information at harvestfestival.com.

Seaside Live Music at Ventura Harbor Village - Spring/Summer 2025

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

Summer Live Music Lineup

All summer long catch the “sun-sational” sounds of Live Music Weekends every Saturday and Sunday in July and August, from 1–4 PM, on the Seaside Promenade. With a rotating lineup of talented local bands, performances are free and open to all ages.

Bands Every Saturday this Summer:

  • Saturday, August 2 - Karen Eden & The Bad Apples

  • Saturday, August 9 - Mary White

  • Saturday, August 16 – Salty Misfits

  • Saturday, August 23 – Mark Masson

  • Saturday, August 30 – The CocoKnots

Steel Drums Every Sunday in July (Feat. Casey Jones & Special Guest Ben Betts)
Enjoy steel drum every Sunday in July, including Casey Jones, Sunday, July 13, 2025, special performances by coastal loop artist Ben Betts on Sunday, July 20 and Sunday, July 27. Betts’ tropical-infused, steel drum sound and layered live looping performances bring chill island vibes to the Village.

Reggae Music Every Sunday in August
Sundays in August (August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31) feature island rhythms in Ventura Harbor Village. Soak in laid-back vibes by the sea throughout August on the Village’s Seaside Promenade Stage.

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

The Harbor announced recently that paid parking will apply 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. Revenue will support clean restrooms, security, free community events, and facility upkeep. More details at www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/paid-parking/2025-07-05 or venturaharbor.com/parking.