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

NO EVENT IN 2026. WILL RETURN IN 2027.

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.

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

2025 Calabasas Pumpkin Festival at De Anza Park on Sunday, October 19th

The 2025 Calabasas Pumpkin Festival is planned for Sunday, October 19th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Road. There will be a pumpkin patch, pumpkin pies, pumpkin painting, live music, food court, vendor marketplace, professional pumpkin carving, photo opportunities, reptile shows, inflatable rides and games and more.

Tickets go on sale in September. $15 per person in advance online (processing fees apply). $20 at the gate (processing fees apply). Kids under 24 months are free. Tickets will be available at www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/pumpkin-festival/admission-and-tickets

Event entrance and parking at the corner of Lost Hills Road & Agoura Road (NOTE: No parking or entry along Las Virgenes - Malibu Canyon Road).

For more information at www.calabasaspumpkinfestival.com.

Westlake High School Instrumental Music 15th Annual Food Truck Festival on Sunday, October 12, 2025

Westlake High School Instrumental Music Boosters presents its 15th Annual Food Truck Festival on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 11am to 3:30pm 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 $10 presale and $15 at the event. Food sold separately. Buy tickets and learn more at whsband.org/foodtruckfestival.

Proceeds support WHS Instrumental Music programs.

2025 Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival on Saturday, October 18th

When it comes to fresh seafood, you can’t get it any fresher than right off the boat. On October 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival lures seafood lovers of all ages to Santa Barbara’s thriving harbor for one of the community’s most beloved and flavorful events. 

This signature event coincides with lobster season and features local commercial fishermen offering the Santa Barbara Channel’s freshest seafood. Fishermen and seafood vendors will provide thousands of festival-goers with an abundance of live lobster, crab, prawns, BBQ albacore, clam chowder, fish tacos, seafood gumbo and other prepared dishes. Arts and crafts vendors will offer jewelry, clothing, art, photography and other hand-crafted items. There will also be vessel tours, harbor boat rides, and live music.

Admission is FREE. Since 2002, the annual Harbor and Seafood Festival has become Santa Barbara’s signature autumn event. It brings people together for a day full of fun and good memories.

For more information, visit harborfestival.org. Location: Harbor Way.