2025 Scandinavian Festival at Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks on April 5-6

Quite possibly one of my top 5 favorite desserts on earth, Aebleskiver.

The largest Nordic festival in Southern California will return to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks April 5-6, 2025

This 51st iteration of the Scandinavian Festival will celebrate the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Sami people from the Arctic regions of Scandinavia. The festival will run from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, with music, dancing, food, crafts, demonstrations (food and Nordic crafts), vendors and activities for people of all ages in Kingsmen Park.

The festival will offer a games area for competitive activities, including Viking chess, a strategy game from the Middle Ages. People also can play Dala horse croquet and the ancient Viking game of kubb. Children and adults can also paint a wooden Viking ship, decorate head wreaths with flowers and ribbon and dance around the maypole. There will also be performances at the Children’s Stage and the Main Stage most of the day, featuring fantastic performers and musicians.

In the Nordic Country Crafts Tent, children can make free craft souvenirs representing each Scandinavian nation and earn a reward for collecting passport stickers from each activity.

Festivalgoers can wander through an authentic Scandinavian encampment and a Sami siidastallan, or community gathering. They can ask a rune reader for advice, trace their family trees with the help of genealogy experts and buy Scandinavian handicrafts. Aebleskivers, Viking dogs, Swedish meatballs and other favorites will be available in the food court.

Tickets are $20 at the gate. Early bird tickets available for $15 through February 28 at scandinavianfest.org. Kids 12 and under are free of charge, accompanied by adult.

The campus is located at 60 W. Olsen Road.

2nd Annual Spring Arts, Crafts & Antiques Festival at the Stagecoach Inn Newbury Park on April 5, 2025

2nd Annual Spring Arts, Crafts & Antiques Festival, April 5th 10AM - 4PM

Join us for the 2nd ANNUAL SPRING ARTS, CRAFTS & ANTIQUES FESTIVAL. Entrance is free for this one-day event, 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). Enjoy music while shopping at the booths of local artisans in a beautiful setting.

If you would like to participate as a vendor or exhibitor, you may check the website or call the museum for the application. Applications are due prior to March 15, or a late fee will be charged.

The festival takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., April 5th at the Stagecoach Inn Museum at 51 S. Ventu Park Rd. in Newbury Park. This event is sponsored by the Conejo Valley Historical Society. www.stagecoachinnmuseum.com

Community Chanukah Festival in Moorpark on Sunday, December 29, 2024

The Chabad of Moorpark Jewish Center invites the community to celebrate the Festival of Lights at its annual Chanukah Festival on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 4:30-6PM 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)

Additional event on the 26th. RSVP at dlh@JewishMoorpark.com

17th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival on Saturday, December 7, 2024

The 17th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival, presented by Oxnard Recreation & Community Services, is planned for Saturday, December 7, 2024 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

22nd Annual City of Westlake Village City Celebration Event on Saturday, October 19, 2024

The City of Westlake Village's 22nd Annual City Celebration will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 3pm to 8pm. Event will feature the White Oak Elementary Family Fun Fair, food trucks, craft beer, wine, family friendly activities, live performances, and more.

Purchase an unlimited ride bracelet for $40 or individual ride tickets for $5 each. One ride requires one ticket. Purchase your tickets at the event or visit the White Oak PFC website at whiteoakpfc.org/shop to purchase ahead of time. All proceeds benefit the White Oak PFC.

Free Family Friendly Activities (3 – 6 pm)

• Face Painting and Balloon Animals with Daizy the Clown

• Dance Party with Thousand Oaks DJ

• Live Television Cameos with WLV Channel 10 News

• Giant Jenga, Connect Four, Checkers and Bag Toss

• Unlimited Photo Booth Access

• Eco-friendly Arts and Crafts with CreAte Studios!

• Other local businesses and non-profits

Fire & Sheriff Meet N’ Greet (3 - 6 pm)

Live Performances (3 - 8 pm)

Beer and Wine Garden (3 - 8 pm) Presented and sponsored by 14 Cannons Brewing!

Local Westlake Village brewing company Fourteen Cannons will be selling craft beer and wine on the back patio to adults 21 years old and up. Fourteen Cannons has generously donated all beer and wine for this event, and all sales will support the Westlake Village Community Foundation. Join us on the back patio of the Civic Center, and enjoy live music from local pianist Mark Anthony.

Free admission. Free open parking off of Park Terrace (look for the signs). Parking is free.

 The event takes place at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 Oak Crest Drive.

Additional information at www.wlv.org/citycelebration. 

3rd Annual Fall Festival at Plaza Park in Downtown Oxnard on Saturday, October 19, 2024

The City of Oxnard presents its 3rd Annual Fall Festival at Plaza Park on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event will include live entertainment, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, food vendors and more. Free admission. www.oxnardrecevents.com/fall-festival.html

Westlake High School Instrumental Music Food Truck Festival on Sunday, October 13, 2024

Westlake High School Instrumental Music Boosters presents its annual Food Truck Festival on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 11am to 4pm at Conejo Creek Park North, adjacent to the Thousand Oaks Library at 1379 E. Janss Road.

Enjoy a beautiful day, with great music, delicious food from gourmet food trucks, kids activities, silent auction and raffle.

Ticket prices $8 presale and $10 at the event. Food sold separately. Buy tickets and learn more at whsband.org/foodtruckfestival.

Proceeds support WHS Instrumental Music programs.

Dia de los Muertos Festival at Strathearn Park in Simi Valley on Sunday, October 27, 2024

The Simi Valley Historical Society invites you to their 10th Annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival on Sunday, October 27, 2024 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.

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.

Visit simihistory.com for the altar form link, or directly at https://forms.gle/dBWVw1ewMybhJEYc7 for the altar form.

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

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids ages 5-12 online at simihistory.com. (Tickets at the gate will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids.)

38th Annual California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, October 5-6, 2024

The 38th Annual California Avocado Festival takes place October 5 and 6, 2024. Festival hours 10am to 10pm Saturday and 10am to 6pm Sunday.

One of the largest free festivals in California with over 60 music acts on three stages.

The AvoEXPO TENT is home to Avocado agricultural photos, historical photos, lessons in avocado grafting, FFA restored antique tractors, and the Largest Avocado Contest.

The FOOD VENUE will have plenty of avocado dishes so come hungry, and enjoy some avocado creations!!!

There will also be merchant booths with local vendors, a ferris wheel, guacamole contest and much more.

The events are located in downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue

Visit www.avofest.com for more information.

20th Annual Reyes Adobe Days Festival in Agoura Hills October 4-6, 2024

The City of Agoura Hills presents the 20th Annual Reyes Adobe Days October 4-6, 2024 at Reyes Adobe Park & Historical Site, 30400 Rainbow Crest Drive, Agoura Hills.

The event lineup includes:

RAD Seniors Fiesta on Thursday, September 26 from 11am to 1pm at the Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center. $15 Register at www.reyesadobedays.org/blank-5 (SOLD OUT)

Night at the Adobe (21+ event) on Friday, October 4 from 6-9pm at the Reyes Adobe, featuring artisan vendors, beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music and site tours. Tickets $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door (includes 1 drink and food). www.reyesadobedays.org/blank-1

Reyes Adobe Days Festival on Saturday/Sunday, October 5-6 from 11am to 4pm to feature artisan vendors, beer and wine, children’s activities and entertainment, food trucks, live music and site tours. Entertainment lineup:

• Sat, Oct 5: 11:15am-12:45pm Brandon Ragan Project, 12:45pm-1:45pm Interactive Drum Circle, 2:30-4pm Coffis Brothers

• Sun, Oct 6: 11-11:45am Kids Imagine Nation, 12-1:30pm Tokens (60s Hits), 2:30-4pm Wanted: Tribute to Bon Jovi

Reyes Adobe Days Parade on Saturday, October 5 at 10am. The parade begins at the intersection of Reyes Adobe Road and Lake Lindero Road and ends at the Reyes Adobe Historical Site & Park. This year’s Grand Marshall will be actor Jerry O’Connell.

Reyes Adobe Days RAD 5K is on Saturday, October 5. CLICK HERE

Reyes Adobe Days Ride: Register to bike 4 miles, 40 miles, or 40 kilometers. All levels are encouraged. Rides begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 6. www.bikereg.com/rad-ride-2024

More info at www.reyesadobedays.org.