2026 City of Ventura Fireworks Show on Friday, July 3rd

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Ventura Rotary’s annual event at Ventura College will not be held in 2026, but will be back on July 4, 2027.

INSTEAD, the City of Ventura is hosting a free community fireworks show on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Downtown Ventura. The fireworks will be launched from the top of the parking garage on Santa Clara Street, with viewing throughout downtown, including Plaza Park. There will be live music from 7-9PM, with fireworks starting at 9PM.

Ventura Rotary is sponsoring the musical simulcast for the fireworks show on KBBY 95.1 or www.951KBBY.com.

Learn more at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events

2026 Cinemark Theatres Summer Movie Clubhouse June 1 to August 6 in Oxnard and Ventura

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Summer Movie Clubhouse! Ten weeks of fun films for kids at Century Riverpark at The Collection in Oxnard, 2766 Seaglass Way, Oxnard on Monday, some Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings at 9:30 am., June 1 to August 6, 2026, as well as at Cinemark Century Ventura Downtown 10, 555 E. Main Street, at 10am All films rated G or PG.

Tickets are $1.75 per show at the box office.  Same price for parents and children. Visit www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse for more information.

The 2026 Lineup:

  • June 1-4: Paddington

  • June 8-11: Sonic the Hedgehog

  • June 15-18: KPOP Demon Hunters Sing-Along

  • June 22, 24, 25: Shrek Forever After

  • June 29, July 1, 2: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

  • July 6, 8, 9: A Minecraft Movie

  • July 13, 15, 16: Dog Man

  • July 20, 21, 22, 23: How to Train Your Dragon

  • July 27, 29, 30: The Bad Guys 2

  • August 3, 4, 5, 6: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie

Ventura Fire Department Honor Guard Hosts 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Sunday, September 6, 2026

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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 6, 2026, 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.

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 Art and Chalk Festival on September 12 & 13, 2026

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The Rotary Club of Ventura presents the Ventura Art and Chalk Festival on September 12 and 13, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura. This waterfront juried art festival features more than over 50 talented street chalk artists creating colorful murals along the village promenade overlooking the boats.

More information at www.venturaartandchalkfestival.com.

Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show September 11-13, 2026

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The 54th Annual Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show is planned for September 11-13 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 free to kids 12 and under. Hours are Friday and Sunday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Parking charged by the VC Fairgrounds is $10.

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

More information at harvestfestival.com.

23rd Annual Ventura Nationals at Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 5, 2026

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The 23rd Annual Ventura Nationals Car and Motorcycle Show is planned for Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Fun all around with car/motorcycle show, live music, vendors, food and more.

Show hours are 9am to 5pm. More information and tickets at www.venturanationals.com

Fireworks Show in Downtown Ventura on Friday, July 3, 2026

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The annual Ventura Rotary fireworks event at Ventura College will not be held in 2026, but will be back on July 4, 2027.

INSTEAD, the City of Ventura is hosting a free community fireworks show on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Downtown Ventura. The fireworks will be launched from the top of the parking garage on Santa Clara Street, with viewing throughout downtown, including Plaza Park. There will be live music from 7-9PM, with fireworks starting at 9PM.

Ventura Rotary is sponsoring the musical simulcast for the fireworks show on KBBY 95.1 or www.951KBBY.com.

Additionally on July 3rd, Ventura Harbor Village presents 250 minutes of live music to celebrate America’s 250th, from 1-4PM.

Learn more at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events

2026 Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe in Ventura, July 11 to August 29

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The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division presents the popular Music Under the Stars series, Saturday nights, July 11 through August 29, 2026. Performances run from 7:30 to 9:30 pm outdoors at the historic Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive, near Ventura Harbor. Concerts start at 7:30 pm & gates open at 6:30 pm for dining. Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/mus for more information and to purchase tickets (beginning May 12th).

Dine, dance & delight to great performances at Ventura’s most historic party site! Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy nine Saturday nights of summer magic “dancing with the stars” on a majestic wooden ballroom floor. Bring your own dinner or purchase it from a gourmet food truck on site. Full beverage service on hand.

The Lineup:

  • July 11: My Generation (80s Tribute)

  • July 18: Dark Desert Highway (Eagles Tribute)

  • July 25: Fortunate Son (CCR Tribute)

  • August 1: Smooth Sounds of Santana (Carlos Santana Tribute)

  • August 8: Pretzel Logic (Steely Dan Tribute)

  • August 15: Joe Finkle and the 7/10 Splits (Original Rockabilly)

  • August 22: Wilbury Super Group (Traveling Wilburys Tribute)

  • August 29: Stone Soul (Motown)

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.