Upcoming Events at the Museum of Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County celebrates, preserves, and interprets the art, history, and culture of Ventura County, the California Channel Islands, and the surrounding region through its collections, exhibitions, events, educational programs, publications, and its research library, and serves as a gathering place for the community. The Museum has two locations ­– the main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura (805-653-0323). The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula (805-525-3100). Both museums are open Thursdays through Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – www.venturamuseum.org.

Upcoming Events and Activities:

Saturday, April 9th, 2:00 p.m. – “Mariposas del Campo” documentary – The Museum of Ventura County screens, “Mariposas del Campo,” an award-winning film by Bill Yahraus and Robin Rosenthal and sponsored by the Latino Advisory Committee, Oxnard Film Society, and MICOP. The film shares the stories of indigenous Mixtec, Zapotec, and Purépecha teenagers from Mexico striving to change their families’ destinies in the strawberry fields of Oxnard. The documentary captures their journeys—with help from the characters’ own intimate videos—as they navigate cultural identity, parental expectations, economic challenges, and the justice needs of their migrant farmworker community. The screening kicks off with pre-event music by Juan Mendoza at 2:00 p.m. Film begins at 3:00 p.m. with English to Spanish/Mixteco translations. (Free Bilingual Event with registration at www.venturamuseum.org. Attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination. If they cannot, they must take a rapid test onsite and show a negative result before entry. Masks will be required.)

Sunday, April 10th, 11:00 a.m. – Mono Print Workshop with Margaret Garcia – This fundamental mono print workshop hosted by The Museum of Ventura County provides the opportunity for students to learn from prolific artists Margaret Garcia and Bonnie Lambert. Create and walk away with your very own monoprint in hand. Supplies will be provided for the workshop, but it is recommended that students arrive with their own paintbrushes. This class is for anyone 16 years of age and over. (Free to Museum Members, Non-members $20, Students $10 with student ID. Proof of vaccination is required for attendees over 12 years of age. Register at www.venturamuseum.org)

Wednesday, April 13th, 6:30 p.m. – Life Drawing with Cathy Barroca and Barbara Brown – Join the Museum of Ventura County for open model drawing sessions with nude and clothed models every other Wednesday through early November. Arts educator Cathy Barroca, holds an M.F.A. in painting and printmaking, is known for painting the 100-ft mural “Portrait of a Neighborhood” located in Casa de Anza Library, and has been sharing her talents teaching at Ventura College since 1998. Every experience level is welcome. Chairs and easels will be provided. Artists must bring their own supplies. 10-35 participants per class. ($10 per class for Museum Members and Students with student ID, Non-members $20 per class. Proof of vaccination is required for attendees over 12 years of age. Register at www.venturamuseum.org)

Friday, April 22nd – Sunday, April 24th – The Ventura County Flower and Weed Show and Exhibit – This series and pop-up exhibit, hosted by the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula and sponsored by the Ventura County Weed Management Area, celebrates the wide variety of plants in Ventura County. Visit to learn about the invasive Arundo plant and how it negatively impacts our vital watersheds, early detection and rapid response for invasive weeds, Romain Young’s 1916 local plant collection, and more. The series kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on Friday with a presentation about the Arundo plant. (Free, Drop-in, Bilingual Event)

Saturday, April 23rd, 2:00 p.m. – “Not If But When” documentary – The Museum of Ventura County screens, “Not If But When,” an award-winning film by Radu Sava and co-hosted by the Ventura County Library Foundation and the Ventura County Library. The documentary discusses how wildfires are becoming a global issue, with California among the hardest hit. The film is based on interviews with leading experts from state, federal, and grassroots organizations, water agencies, and community partnerships. This film event complements the “Rising from the Ashes” tour of homes rebuilt after the Thomas Fire, presented by the Ventura County Library Foundation on Saturday, April 30, 2022. For more information about the home tour, please visit www.vclibraryfoundation.org. (Free Event. Proof of vaccination is required for attendees over 12 years of age. Register for the documentary screening at www.venturamuseum.org)

Thursday, April 28th, 6:30 p.m. – Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Bob Eubanks – The Museum of Ventura County invites guests to an evening with Ivor Davis Up Close and Personal with Bob Eubanks. Many recognize Bob Eubanks as a TV personality and game show host, best known for hosting the explosively popular "The Newlywed Game." In this fun evening, you will also learn about the Bob Eubanks you may not know, including the little-known story of how meeting the Beatles helped launch his career, all the twists and turns that recently earned him a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award, and so much more. (Free for members in-person or Zoom, $10 for non-members in-person, $5 for non-members on Zoom. Proof of vaccination is required for attendees over 12 years of age. Register at www.venturamuseum.org)

2022 Fairy Tales in the Park Throughout Ventura County in May through September (2022 WAS FINAL SEASON)

NOTE: THE 27TH SEASON IN 2022 WAS THE FINAL SEASON OF THIS FUN LOCAL EVENT. BEST WISHES TO THE ORGANIZERS IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Fairy Tales in the Park is a series of free, live theatrical performances geared towards children ages 3 to 10. John and Roxanne Diesel co-founded Gypsies in a Trunk, an all-volunteer troupe of actors performing free fairy tales for the young and young at heart. The troupe’s love of children’s theatre has led them to perform every May through September since 1995 throughout Ventura County.

The troupe's goal is to create an environment where families can introduce live theatre to their children in a casual setting at the right price – free! All Fairy Tales in the Park performances are held outdoors in a variety of venues and is always free of charge, though the players pass the hat to help cover costuming and travel costs, donations are always voluntary.

Most venues do not have shade, so sunscreen and hats are appropriate. Bring water, juice, snacks, picnics. Blankets and low-slung chairs are recommended. Please leave doggies at home (not that they don't love them). The shows are designed to run approximately 45 minutes, which coincides with the attention span of the target age group, 3-10 year olds.

2022 LINEUP

MAY - Snow White in Neverland

JUNE - Zorro Meets Merida

JULY - The Princess & The Pirate

AUGUST - The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

SEPTEMBER - The Hunchback of Notre Dame

LOCATIONS

Simi Valley (Shows at 4pm): Rancho Simi Community Park Amphitheatre, 1765 Royal Ave 

  • 5/7: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/4: Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/2: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/6: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/3: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Westlake Village (Shows at 11:30am): Foxfield Park, 31965 Foxfield Dr. (Lakeview Canyon & Lindero)

  • 5/7: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/4; Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/2: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/6: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/3: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Camarillo (Shows at 11:30am): Valle Lindo Park, 889 Aileen St

  • 5/14: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/11: Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/9: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/13: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/10: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Ventura (Shows at 4pm): Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston. (Johnson & Ralston)

  • 5/14: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/11: Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/9: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/13; The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/10: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Channel Islands Harbor (Shows at 2pm): Harbor View Park (Between Marine Emporium Landing & Port Royal Restaurant, near 3600 Harbor Blvd

  • 5/8: Snow White in Neverland

  • 6/5: Zorro Meets Merida

  • 7/3: The Princess & The Pirate

  • 8/7: The Adventures of Hansel & Gretel

  • 9/4: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Visit www.fairytalesinthepark.com for more information.

Inaugural Conejo Challenge 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon Virtual Event

Lace up your sneakers and join the Conejo Free Clinic in our first annual 1 Mile/5K/10K/Half Marathon run or walk challenge! This year will be a virtual event only. We hope to have an in-person event next year. You can choose when and where to run or walk! Your $40 fee gets you a race t-shirt and medal.

The Conejo Free Clinic is a leader in the non-profit safety net for low-income, uninsured adults and children in Ventura County and North Los Angeles County. We provide free medical, dental and legal services to those in need. Join us for a great cause!

Sign up for the Conejo Challenge, complete it anytime and anywhere, and help give back to a great cause! Every entry gets you a custom high-quality shirt that is sure to be your new favorite, a cool finisher medal, along with all proceeds going to the Conejo Free Clinic.

TO JOIN:

Register for the The Conejo Challenge 1Mile/5K/10K/Half Marathon before April 23, 2022. Complete 1 Mile, 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles) or a Half Marathon (13.1 miles) at your convenience any time anywhere (no deadline)!

Ask your friends/family to participate with you or donate to the Conejo Free Clinic by sharing on social media

Celebrate your accomplishment by sharing on social media! #ConejoChallenge

Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/ThousandOaks/TheConejoChallenge

Camarillo Fiesta Association Winter Concert Series March 5, 18 and April 8

Camarillo Fiesta Association 2022 Winter Concert Series

Camarillo's founder, Adolfo Camarillo, brought the community together with festive events and supported youth. The non-profit Camarillo Fiesta Association presents a winter concert series to benefit Rancho Campana High School.

Three performances will be held in Rancho’s beautiful Performing Arts Center on the school grounds at 4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo, located near Las Posas Road and Lewis Road.

  • Saturday, March 5: Twisted Gypsy, Fleetwood Mac Reimagined Tribute

  • Friday, March 18: Rod the Mod, Rod Stewart Tribute Band

  • Friday, April 8: Prince Again, A Tribute to Prince

The theater doors open at 6 pm. Performances begin at 7 pm. Cost starts at $15 or $40 for the entire series. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com/o/camarillo-fiesta-association-38864016013.

Annual Chanukah Family Celebration at Simi Valley Town Center on Sunday, November 28, 2021

The annual Chanukah Celebration at the Simi Valley Town Center will take place from 3:30pm to 5pm on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Center Court.

There will be fun and activities (balloon artist and crafts, etc...) from 3:30-5:00 including the lighting of a giant Menorah.

Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, call (805) 577-0573 or go to chabadsimi.org/chanukah.

City of Fillmore Winter Fest Event at Central Park on Saturday, December 4, 2021

The City of Fillmore presents “Winter Fest” from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Central Park, 250 Central Avenue.

Event includes Lions Club Parade, food trucks, holiday boutique shopping, carolers and more.

Additional details and updates at www.fillmoreca.com/departments/parks-and-recreation-department/events.

Santa's Stroll Down Candy Cane Lane at Fillmore City Hall on Friday, December 10th

The City of Fillmore Recreation Department is hosting Santa’s Stroll Down Candy Cane Lane event on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 5-9PM at Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue.

Food trucks, holiday boutique shopping, FREE pictures with Santa! + your last chance to donate towards the Fillmore City Fire Department collection of brand new toys & coats for the youth of Fillmore that are in need.

www.fillmoreca.com/departments/parks-and-recreation-department/events

CANCELLED 51st Annual Galaxy of Gems Gem & Mineral Expo in Oxnard November 21-22, 2020

CANCELLED DUE TO PANDEMIC - NEXT YEAR!

The 51st Annual Galaxy of Gems Expo is planned for Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, 2020 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Hours are 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Free admission, parking and hourly door prizes! Visit www.oxnardgem.com for more information.

Great event to bring the kids to, with numerous displays and activities geared towards educating students about earth sciences.

Event features gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, demonstrations, exhibits, dealers, silent auctions and kids' activities.

The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society will be hosting about 50 display cases that will showcase the talents and artistic skills of members and guest exhibitors. Some of the displays and activities are directed towards teaching students about the earth sciences.

Activities throughout both days will include demonstrations of lapidary techniques, glass-bead making and wire wrapping. A silent auction will offer rock and mineral treasures.

On hand will be a select group of dealers with gems, minerals, fossils, stone beads, Idaho opals, silver craft, finished jewelry, tools, lapidary supplies and books about earth science and more.

2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk in Ventura on October 9th

MakingStrides.jpg

Join in the campaign to support more birthdays at the 2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K fundraiser and pancake breakfast for Ventura County.  Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a celebration of survivorship an occasion to express hope and our shared determination to make this breast cancer's last century.

Making Strides is a non-competitive 5K scenic morning walk, beginning at 10 am Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Ventura Harbor Village. Learn more and register at www.MakingStridesWalk.org/Ventura.

CANCELLED 87th Annual Simi Valley Days Parade and Carnival September 10-13, 2020

CANCELLED DUE TO PANDEMIC IN 2020 AS WELL AS 2021. PERHAPS WE WILL SEE THIS EVENT BACK IN 2022!

The Simi Valley Days Parade & Carnival 2020 is September 10th to 13th at the Simi Valley Town Center, north of the 118 freeway between Erringer Road and First Street.

In store is carnival games, contests and prizes, live music, shopping, arts and crafts, great food, family entertainment, car show, rides and much more!

Admission will be $7 for ages 6 to 64, $5 ages 65+. Ages 5 and under are free.

Ride wristbands will be available at the event.

More information at www.svfamf.com.

Carnival Hours:
Thursday, September 10 : 5pm - 10pm
Friday, September 11, 5pm - 11pm
Saturday, September 12, Noon - 11pm
Sunday, September 13, Noon - 10pm

Parade is on Saturday from 8:30am to noon. Details at svdays.com/parade-info.