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.

IHOP National Pancake Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, IHOP restaurants nationwide will celebrate National Pancake Day from 7 am to 8 pm and will offer each guest a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. In return, IHOP will ask guests to consider donating what they would have paid for the pancakes or more to Feeding America. IHOP has raised nearly $30 million for charity through this event since 2006!

The free pancakes are limited to one free short stack per guest. Dine in only. Tax and gratuity excluded. More information at www.ihoppancakeday.com.

Local area IHOP locations in Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Fillmore and Ventura.

33rd Annual Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival in Camarillo on Sunday, June 7, 2026

The award-winning Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival is back, bringing together an unparalleled showcase of fine wines, gourmet cuisine and community spirit. This premier event, benefitting Casa Pacifica, will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 1-5PM at California State University Channel Islands. Enjoy an all-inclusive experience featuring unlimited tastings of exceptional food, premium wines, and craft brews as well as complimentary parking and live, all-day entertainment. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

The Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival is Casa Pacifica’s largest annual fundraiser and supports the agency’s life-changing mental health programs for children, young adults and families.

More information, sponsorship opportunities, and tickets at www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in both counties and along with its campus-based programs administers a number of community-based programs which are designed with the intent to strengthen families and keep children in their homes. For more information about Casa Pacifica, visit www.casapacifica.org.

Senior Concerns Ultimate Dining Experience at Hyatt Regency Westlake on March 14, 2026

Senior Concerns is pleased to announce its 38th Annual Ultimate Dining Experience on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. Program to include honoring legacy families and organizations, special performances, tastings under the tent, dinner and dancing in the ballroom, and a glimpse into the future.

Inspired by a vintage circus aesthetic and the spirit of The Greatest Showman, the fundraising gala will spotlight the nonprofit’s mission of supporting over 13,000 local seniors and their family caregivers each year through vital programs and services. Proceeds from the event will help sustain Senior Concerns’ Adult Day Program, Meals On Wheels, Caregiver Support Center and Senior Advocate Services.

Guests will begin the evening with “Sip and Bites Under the Big Top” featuring cuisine from local restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The Ring of Rarities will be open for guests to bid on unique and dazzling silent auction packages. The festivities will continue in the ballroom with a gourmet dinner, themed entertainment, special presentations and a live auction hosted by celebrity auctioneer Zack Krone.

To learn more and reserve your seats, visit www.seniorconcerns.org/events/ultimate-dining-experience. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

2025 Annual Community Holiday Dinner in Thousand Oaks on December 25th

Local community members in need are invited to join Temple Adat Elohim in the congregation’s festively decorated social hall, located at 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, for a delicious hot turkey meal with all the fixings. Guests will also enjoy listening to holiday music. Gifts will be available for children.

The Annual Community Holiday Dinner takes place on Thursday, December 25, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 2420 E. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks. Event is free and open to everyone - nonsectarian - all are welcome.

More information at www.adatelohim.org/connect/social-action/holiday-dinner.

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

Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise "Cottontail Crawl" on November 15, 2025

The Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise presents the “Cottontail Crawl” charity pub event on Saturday, November 15th, from noon to 4pm. Tickets get you unlimited rides to event venues - Crawford’s Social, West Tasting Room, Pedals & Pints Brewing Company, The Mighty Axe, Sunland Vintage Winery, and Shrimp vs Chef and food and drinks at each stop.

Every sip, bite, and laugh helps fund Rotary projects — from local scholarships and food programs to disaster relief efforts. Learn more and register at www.cottontailcrawl.com. Early bird pricing $60 through October 17th, then $70.

39th Annual California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, October 3-5, 2025

The 39th Annual California Avocado Festival takes place October 3, 4 and 5, 2025. Festival hours 1pm to 11pm Friday (Locals Only Block Party - open to all), 10am to 10pm Saturday and 10am to 7pm Sunday.

One of the largest free festivals in California with over 60 music acts on three stages, 50 arts and crafts and commercial vendors, 15 food vendors, and over a dozen non-profits, and much more.

Located in downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue

Visit www.avofest.com for more information.

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.

Chowderfest Event at Channel Islands Maritime Museum on Sunday, September 14, 2025

The 6th Annual CHOWDERFEST event takes place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 2-6pm at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

The event will feature live music from local bands, creating the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of culinary delights and community camaraderie. Guests can also explore the museum's exhibits, as admission is included with the event ticket. Chowderfest bring together an exciting lineup of restaurants ready to serve their best chowders, sides and culinary creativity!

Tickets are priced at $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Given the event's popularity, advance purchase is highly recommended. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased online on the museum’s website.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

Additional information about the event and tickets at www.cimmvc.org/event-details/chowderfest