Sea Center Celebrates World Oceans Day with Free Admission in Santa Barbara on June 6, 2026

Sea Center Celebrates World Oceans Day with Free Admission

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center on Stearns Wharf invites the community to celebrate World Oceans Day with free admission and a full day of ocean-themed activities from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Guests of all ages can meet animals from the Santa Barbara Channel, explore interactive exhibits, and connect with local organizations working to protect and study our ocean.

Community partners include The Nature Conservancy California, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, UCSB Marine Science Institute and Long-Term Ecological Research, Santa Barbara Surfrider Foundation, The Cultured Abalone Farm, Celebration Cruises (Lil’ Toot!), Sunflower Star Lab, Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, CSU Long Beach Shark Lab, and the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara. Each partner will offer unique insights into ocean research, conservation, and maritime culture.

The celebration extends across Stearns Wharf. Guests can pick up a World Oceans Day passport at the Sea Center and collect stamps at participating Wharf businesses, including Lil’ Toot Santa Barbara, Moby Dick Restaurant, Deep Sea Tasting Room, Nature’s Own Gallery, and Mother Stearns Candy Company, with special offers available June 6 and 7. Adventurous folks who get their entire passport filled with stamps can enter into a drawing to win a special gift basket by returning their full passport back to the Sea Center.  

No reservations required. For more information and upcoming events, visit sbnature.org/calendar. 

29th Annual Rods & Roses Car Show and Carpinteria Independence Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026

The 29th Annual Rods & Roses Car Show is planned for 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in downtown Carpinteria. Following the car show is the annual Carpinteria Independence Parade at 3:30 pm. https://rodsnroses.com

Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District Movies in the Park in June, July and August

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District presents free Movies in the Park this summer of 2026 Pre-movie fun activities start at 6:30PM. Movies start at dusk. Bring blankets and chairs.

• Friday, June 12: A Minecraft Movie (pre-movie crafts and scavenger hunt) at Rancho Madera Community Park, 556 Lake Park Drive, Simi Valley (Wood Ranch)

• Saturday, July 11: Dive-In Movie at the Rancho Pool, 1765 Royal Avenue. Gates open at 6pm. Movie at dusk. $7 admission. Movie: “Rango”

• Friday, August 7: The LEGO Batman Movie at Rancho Madera Community Park, 556 Lake Park Drive, Simi Valley (Wood Ranch)

Additionally, there will be a free screening of “The Greatest Showman” at Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park, on Friday, June 19th.

www.rsrpd.org/recreation/events/summer_(june_-_august)/family_movie_nights.php

2026 Summer Music in the Park Free Concert Series in Simi Valley in June, July, August

Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District presents the 2026 Music in the Park free concert series at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley. Concerts begin at 6:30pm. Lineup is as follows:

Saturday, June 20: Wallen Outlaws (Morgan Wallen Tribute)

Saturday, July 18: TLR (Eagles Tribute)

Saturday, August 15: Buffett Beach (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)

Visit rsrpd.org/recreation/events/summer_(june_-_august)/music_in_the_park.php for more information.

Bring your picnic basket or purchase food at the events. Parking is free, but limited. Umbrellas/canopies are okay on the perimeters but not in the main event area. Alcohol is permitted; intoxication is not. Dogs on leash allowed on the perimeters but not in the main event area.

Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Open House in Agoura Hills on Saturday, May 2, 2026

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department invites the community to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Open House on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1 PM.. Bring the entire family to learn more about the Sheriff's Department through interesting displays and interactive activities. There will also be food vendors, mini horses, community partners on hand, jail tours, and more.

Located at 27050 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills.

35th Annual Ventura County Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration in Oxnard on Saturday, June 20, 2026

Ventura County’s 35th Annual Juneteenth Celebration is planned for Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10am to 6pm at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street in Oxnard. Free event commemorates Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, marking the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. Event to feature live music, local artists, great food and more. Visit www.juneteenthoxnard.org for more information.

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.

Butterflies Alive! Exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Open May 23 to September 7, 2026

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History opens its popular summer exhibit Butterflies Alive! on Saturday, May 23, 2026 and will be open until September 7th.

Guests are invited to walk through a serene garden while nearly 1,000 live butterflies flutter freely around them. Various butterfly species cycle through the Sprague Butterfly Pavilion during the summer, so no two visits are the same.

The exhibit requires $3 tickets in addition to regular admission and is open daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry into the pavilion is at 4:30 PM. Reservations are recommended at sbnature.org/tickets. Admission to the museum is $20 for ages 18-64, $17 for 65+ and 13-17, $15 for ages 2-12 and free for toddlers under age 2.

About the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1916, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world. The Museum seeks to connect people to nature for the betterment of both, and prides itself on being naturally different. For more information, visit sbnature.org.

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.

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