Celebration of the Whales Festival at Channel Islands Harbor on Sunday, April 19, 2026

The 27th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival is planned for Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 11am to 3pm at the Channel Islands Harbor, 3350 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard.

Enjoy activities throughout the Harbor including a community “Paint a Whale” mural project, ocean-themed chalk art, free kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, a children’s fun zone with bounce houses and carnival games, shopping, and educational booths about whale migration.

Stop by the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Boating Center, the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market, and explore the Gray Whale Migration Trail at Harbor View Park connecting the activity areas.

Learn more at www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/2026-celebration-of-the-whales-festival

ArtsFest at Rancho Tapo Community Park in Simi Valley on Saturday, May 16, 2026

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District presents ArtsFest at Rancho Tapo Community Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event is free of charge. Fees for some activities. Features artists, vendors, face painting, activities, demonstrations, dance performances, chalk art festival, theater and storytelling, food vendors, workshop/craft area, and more. rsrpd.org/recreation/events/spring_(march_-_may)/artzfest.php

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  

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds May 16-17, 2026

The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura). Festivalgoers can indulge in strawberry treats from over 50 food and beverage booths. Strawberry-themed nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry kabobs, popcorn, and margaritas are just a few of the choices. The festival also features 150 artists and crafters, a Strawberryland for kids, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, and a "build-your-own" strawberry shortcake experience.

Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. General admission is $15, active military with ID and family and seniors 62 and over, $10, youth ages 5 to 12, $8 and children 4 and under are free. Limited parking onsite ($30). Visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle service nearby or take advantage of the Ventura Amtrak Station across the street. For more information, go to www.CAStrawberryFestival.org.

Community Chanukah Festival in Moorpark on Sunday, December 14, 2025

The Chabad of Moorpark Jewish Center invites the community to celebrate the Festival of Lights at its annual Chanukah Festival on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 4:30-5:30PM at the Mission Bell Plaza, 593 Los Angeles Avenue.

Event to include a glowing menorah, gelt drop, free hot latkes and donuts, music, crafts and games, entertainment, hot coffee and drinks and more. Event is free of charge.

For more information, visit www.JewishMoorpark.com or call 805-CHABAD-2 (242-2232)

Star of Wonder at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village on Saturday, December 13th

Come kick off the Christmas season at Star of Wonder on Saturday, December 13th from 3pm-7pm at Calvary Community Church! 

Free admission • Open to everyone • Bring your friends and family!

Star of Wonder is Calvary’s Christmas festival, packed with festive fun and cozy vibes. Slide down a real snow hill, visit the Shepherd’s Petting Zoo, and don’t forget to swing by the free Candy Shoppe for a sweet treat to take home.

The kids will love the inflatable play zone. There’s plenty of space to jump, bounce, and burn off that candy energy!

Come hungry because the food trucks will be serving up all kinds of delicious eats, and there’ll be coffee and hot cocoa to keep you cozy. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with your people and your community!

Get more information at calvarywestlake.org/star-of-wonder

Inaugural Fall Arts, Crafts & Antiques Festival at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park on October 18, 2025

The Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park presents its inaugural Fall Arts, Crafts & Antiques Festival on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 10am to 4pm. Entrance is free, which includes an open house at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Complex (there will be a $5 charge to tour the Inn, free to tour out buildings). There will be live music and plenty of artisans on the beautiful museum grounds.

The Museum is located at 51 S. Ventu Park Rd. in Newbury Park. www.stagecoachinnmuseum.com

Dia de los Muertos Festival at Strathearn Park in Simi Valley on Sunday, October 26, 2025

The Simi Valley Historical Society invites you to their 11th Annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 11AM to 5PM at Strathearn Historical Park & Museum.

Event to include music, entertainment, craft vendors, crafts for kids, face painting, food and more. Costumes encouraged. New in 2025: Chips & Salsa Competition!

Día de los Muertos is traditionally a three day celebration running from October 31st to November 2nd.  This is an event that explores the beautiful symbols, traditions, and imagery of the holiday with activities that represent something significant and special in the remembrance of loved ones. Part of the celebration is the altars (ofrendas) in the Wood Ranch Barn. Individuals, families and businesses are encouraged to construct altars for the celebration to honor loved ones who have passed on. (Receive two free admission tickets for each altar setup! Visit simihistory.com for the altar form link.

Strathearn Park is located at 137 Strathearn Place (behind the Madera Target store)

Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 5-12 EVENT IS NOW FREE OF CHARGE IN 2025 simihistory.com.

St. Paschal Baylon Presents Conejo Fall Fest in Thousand Oaks October 17-19, 2025

The annual St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church Fall Fest is planned for Friday through Sunday, October 17-19, 2025 at 155. E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

There will be numerous carnival rides, games, free live entertainment, a variety of food options, boutique, beer garden, “Sweet Shop,” raffle, and more!

Hours of operation are 5 pm - 10 pm on Friday, 2 pm - 10 pm on Saturday and 1 - 9 pm on Sunday. All are welcome and admission and parking are free! For more information and to purchase discounted ride tickets and festival dollars in September, visit www.spbfestival.com.

18th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival on Saturday, December 6, 2025

The 18th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival, presented by Oxnard Recreation & Community Services, is planned for Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Plaza Park in Downtown Oxnard. This festive event includes food and arts and crafts vendors, live music and a kids zone. More info at www.oxnardrecevents.com/tamale-festival.html