2025 Oxnard Insect Festival at Plaza Park on Saturday, June 6th

The City of Oxnard Recreation and Community Services Division hosts its 6th Annual Oxnard Insect Festival at Plaza Park, 500 S. C Street on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Experience the world of insects through educational exhibits and enriching experiences. There will also be insects to touch, insects to taste, photo opps, bounce houses, live music and more. Free admission.

More information at www.oxnardrecevents.com/insect-festival.html

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

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  

29th Annual Oxnard Multicultural Festival on Saturday, October 3, 2026

The 29th Annual Oxnard Multicultural Festival is presented by the City of Oxnard's Community Relations Commission.

The festival is held annually on the first Saturday of October. The festival celebrates the rich cultural diversity of its residents and the city’s history. People of every culture come together to learn and discover their shared values in an atmosphere that honors all.

The festival offers a variety of performing groups, live music, food trucks, exhibitors, demonstrations and hands-on activities for the entire family. Admission is always free.   The 2025 event is Saturday, October 3rd from 10am to 4pm at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street in Oxnard.

More information at www.oxnard.gov/event/multicultural-festival.

2026 Aloha Beach Festival in Ventura on September 5-6

The Aloha Beach Festival is back in 2026 after a year off in 2025 at Promenade Park/Surfer's Point, west of the Ventura Pier, the weekend of September 5-6. The festival features frisbee dogs, C Street Surf Contest, Hawaiian dancing, live bands, vendors, food, beer garden and more. Event proceeds to benefit the Flow Surf Academy.

Hours are 10am to 8pm both days. Admission is free. Visit www.alohabeachfestival.us for more information.

40th Annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival at Santa Barbara Mission May 23-25, 2026

The I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival will be back over Memorial Day Weekend 2026, May 23-25. at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2100 Laguna Street. Festival hours are 10am to 6pm.

Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Santa Barbara Mission plaza each year over Memorial Day weekend using pastels on pavement to create over 100 vibrant and colorful, large scale images. The event is produced by the Children’s Creative Project.

There will also be live music and food available for purchase.

Pets are not allowed (other than service animals).

Learn more at www.imadonnarifestival.com.

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

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)