CSUCI to Host Its Annual STEAM Carnival on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Camarillo

California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) will host its annual STEAM Carnival on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the North Quad on the CSUCI campus. The free, family-friendly event is open to the public, with complimentary parking available.

Designed for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students and their families, the STEAM Carnival offers an engaging afternoon of hands-on learning experiences across science, technology, engineering, arts, humanities, and mathematics (STEAM).

Attendees can explore more than 75 interactive activities led by CSUCI faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Activities include experiments, creative projects, and demonstrations such as marshmallow launchers, slime-making, archaeological digs, and live lab experiences—all designed to spark curiosity and inspire future learning.

In addition to hands-on exhibits, families will have opportunities to:

  • Connect with local STEAM organizations and community partners

  • Learn about college majors and career pathways

  • Participate in guided campus tours, including visits to labs and student spaces

The STEAM Carnival, formerly known as the CSUCI Science Carnival, has been a cornerstone community event since 2009, growing steadily in size and impact while continuing its mission to make STEAM education accessible and exciting for all ages.

The event is open to all and welcomes participants regardless of background. Funding support is provided by the CSUCI School of Arts & Sciences, a Title III U.S. Department of Education grant, and community sponsors.

For more information or to register, visit the STEAM Carnival website: www.csuci.edu/steamcarnival.

About Cal State Channel Islands

Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is Ventura County’s only public university. Opened in 2002, CSUCI is part of the California State University — the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system. Located near Camarillo, the campus serves more than 4,800 students across more than 90 academic programs. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, CSUCI is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education for its commitment to excellence and opportunity. Learn more at www.csuci.edu.

2026 Happy Face Music Festival in Simi Valley on Saturday, May 23rd

The 5th Annual Happy Face Music Festival in Simi Valley takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10:30am to 7pm at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.

A spectacular day of live music and entertainment in the community known for its famous happy face.

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and get ready to bask in the sun, surrounded by breathtaking hilltop views at the Happy Face Festival in Simi Valley. Satisfy your hunger cravings with delicious eats from the area’s best food truck vendors and quench your thirst with a cold beverage in hand. Music lineup (as of March) includes Bee Gees Fever, The fABBA Show, Dog “N” Butterfly, and YachtSoul Groove.

General Admission: $25 (25% Early Discount Tickets)
VIP Admission: $125

Free for children 11 and under

Tickets at happyfacemusicfest.com.

This Memorial Day weekend concert is presented by The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise - A charitable organization. 100% of festival proceeds benefit dozens of local charities and international causes.

Memorial Day Service at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo on Monday, May 25, 2026

Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory presents its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026 beginning at 11am. Event, free of charge to the public, will feature live patriotic music, guest speakers, displays and complimentary hot dogs and refreshments. Located at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo.

Learn more at www.conejomountain.com/about/events.

Memorial Day Ceremony in Oxnard on Monday, May 25, 2026

A Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street, Oxnard. The community is welcome to join the ceremony in remembrance for those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Services.

www.oxnard.gov/event/memorial-day-ceremony-2026

35th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Pierce Brothers Westlake Village on May 25, 2026

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park Hosts

35th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2026

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Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park at 5600 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village will host its 35th Annual Memorial Day event on May 25, 2026 in honor of those who have proudly served our country. This event is free and open to the public.

Limited parking available at the memorial park. Additional parking available at Costco.

Band concert begins at 10:30am | Program begins at 11:00am

www.piercebrothersvalleyoaks.com

2026 Matilija Poppy Festival at Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks on May 17th

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The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden presents its annual Matilija Poppy Festival on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11am to 4pm. Event will feature beautiful Matilija poppies, including garden tours at 11:15am and 2:15pm, crafts, speakers, kids’ activities, and more. Free admission.

Master gardener speakers at 12:30pm (Vegetable Container Gardening) and 1pm (Composting 101).

The garden is located at 400 W. Gainsborough Road,

www.conejogarden.org

49th Annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show and Craft Brew Festival on Sunday, May 3, 2026

Mark your calendars for the 49th Annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show & Craft Brew Festival on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Held from noon – 5pm (11:00 am entry for VIP tickets), this family friendly extravaganza will take place at Conejo Creek Park North at Janss Rd & Hwy 23 in Thousand Oaks.

There will be over 40 chili tasting booths – and included with your general admission is free unlimited chili tasting. Returning again is the popular Craft Brew Festival – an event within an event – with a multitude of participating breweries! There will also be a Classic & Custom Car Show in several style and vintage categories and live music on two stages. Also on hand will be over a dozen food trucks and beverage booths and a free kids’ fun zone.

The Chili Cook-Off is proudly presented by the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks, with 100% of the net proceeds going to local charities. Tickets will be available in advance, along with more information at www.chili-cook-off.com  

8th Annual Cancer Support Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara Hope Walk in Thousand Oaks on June 6, 2026

Cancer Support Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara’s 8th Annual Hope Walk

When: Sat, June 6, 2026, 8:00 AM check-in

Where: Cal Lutheran William Rolland Stadium, 60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks

This event is held in combination with National Cancer Survivors Day. Activities include a 5k walk (shorter route available), survivors’ lap, music, booths, food, kids’ activities, etc.

Since 1991, CSCVVSB has worked to fulfill its mission ensuring that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. We offer professionally led support groups, individual counseling, networking groups, educational workshops, and healthy lifestyle classes. These programs are at no cost to participants.

Learn more and register at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/walk4csc.

Kids' Swap Meet at Thousand Oaks Community Center on Saturday, April 11, 2026

The Conejo Recreation & Park District’s Kids' Swap Meet is back on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 8:00am to 12:00 noon at the Thousand Oaks Community Center, 2525 N. Moorpark Rd. Thousand Oaks.

Kids can earn some money and become young entrepreneurs by selling toys, supplies and equipment they no longer need or use, during this family swap meet featuring local families as the vendors. Parents and kids can reserve an 8 x 8 spot to sell children's old toys, clothes, games, and furniture.

The Kids Swap Meet is a great shopping opportunity for parents, teachers, and day care professionals! Admission to shop at the Kids Swap Meet is always FREE.

For more information call (805) 381-2793.

www.crpd.org/2026-04-11-crpd-recvan-pit-stop-kids-swap-meet

2026 Ventura County Greek Festival in Camarillo June 26-28

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The 47th Ventura County Greek Festival will take place June 26, 27 and 28 at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Camarillo (5575 Santa Rosa Road).

The event features live Greek music, folk dancing, food, delicious pastries and baklava, vendors, and a kids' play area.

Festival times are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Check vcgreekfestival.org or call 805.482.1273 for more information. No onsite parking. Free parking and shuttle rides at the Ventura County Office of Education parking lot at 5100 Adolfo Road.

Admission is $6, which includes a raffle ticket. Free admission for kids under age 12 and active military and veterans with ID.