36th Annual Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off & Car Show in Simi Valley on Saturday, June 21, 2025

The 36th Annual Simi Valley Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off & Car Show is planned for Saturday, June 21, 2025 on the St Rose of Lima church grounds at 1305 Royal Ave, Simi Valley. Event hours are 10am to 4pm.

Sample chili, explore cars and enjoy the day with family and friends! Live bands and entertainment, large kids area, chili tasting galore, car show (over 100 cars) and vendors. There will also be plenty of vendors booths and ample quantities of food and drink.

Overflow parking available across the street at Royal High School.

General admission is $20. Seniors, children under 13 and active military with ID are $10. Family pass $50. Admission includes chili tastings, until the chili is gone.

More information at www.chilikc.com.

48th Annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show and Craft Brew Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025

Mark your calendars for the 48th Annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show & Craft Brew Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025. 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  

37th Annual Ojai Wine Festival at Lake Casitas on Saturday, June 21, 2025

The 37th Annual Ojai Wine Festival is the longest running wine festival in Ventura County. Overlooking scenic Lake Casitas in the Ojai Valley, The Ojai Wine Festival is an idyllic venue to taste award winning wines, amazing craft beers, fine spirits, ciders, kombucha and spiked seltzers. A bountiful selection of wineries and craft breweries will be represented along with a tempting selection of gourmet food trucks selling delicious culinary cuisine. Patrons can shop to their heart’s delight among the arts and crafts booths. Bid on the Silent Wine Auction featuring fine wines, private tasting parties, VIP tours of wineries, artisan crafts and much more.

Admission includes unlimited tastes of wine, beer and spirits, a keepsake crystal wine glass, live band/lakeside dance floor, shop at the fine artisan vendors & gourmet food trucks & bid on the silent auction. Limited to 2500 people.

Non-drink admission tickets are $25 available only on event day.

Children 12 years and under gain free admission with a paying adult. Children must be always monitored.

Hours are noon to 4pm.

About Ojai Wine Festival

The Ojai Wine Festival is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Ojai-West Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose charitable projects focus on improving education, aiding low-income families, and supporting activities that enrich the lives of area youth. Fitting examples of important projects include our science based Rotary Floating Classroom, Third Grade Dictionary Project, Nordhoff High School’s “Service Above Self” scholarships for graduating seniors, and free Ojai Community Summer Band Concerts. International projects are fostered by the Rotary Foundation through donations from Rotary Club of Ojai West. The Rotary Foundation’s goals are to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

Visit www.ojaiwinefestival.com to purchase tickets.

13th Annual Taste of Conejo Event in Westlake Village on Thursday, October 24, 2024

The thirteenth annual Taste of Conejo, presented by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, returns on Thursday, October 24th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (VIP Hour: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (General Admission: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm), at the Hyatt Regency Westlake.

Food and wine enthusiasts will enjoy an all-inclusive evening of exceptional food, wine, beer and spirit tastings from a wide range of local restaurants, breweries and wineries. New local establishments “tasting” at the event this year include: Crawford’s Social, Baxter Ridge Vineyards, Selvin’s Restaurant & Lounge, Fogo de Chao and Café Ficelle.

After guests have their wine glass in hand, they will be greeted with a step-n-repeat selfie photo booth, custom wine glass engraving and interactive entertainment in Hyatt’s Grand Plaza Ballroom. 

Tasting participants scheduled to date include: Aramark Refreshments Specialty Barista Coffees, atost Aperitif, Baxter Ridge Vineyards, Boisset Collection Wines, Café Ficelle, California Fish Grill, Crawford’s Social, Dusty Nabor Wines, El Sancho Loco Cantina, Ficelle Artisan Bakers, Fogo de Chao, Fork and Thyme Catering, Giessinger Winery and Cidery, grabbagreen, Harvest Kitchen & Bar, Heaven’s Hill Estate Vineyard, Hyatt Regency Westlake, Kaufman Wine, Lion’s Peak Winery and Tasting Room, M on High Restaurant, Made In Italy, Magnavino Cellars, Mizel Estate Wines, Mouthful Eatery, Nectar of the Dogs Wins, Neighborly, Newberry Candy, Opolo Wines, Pinstripes, Selvin’s Restaurant & Lounge, Shake Shack, Smokin Steve's BBQ Catering, Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Sunland Vintage Winery Tasting Room,  Tarantula Hill Brewing Company, Ubatuba Acai and more.

Tickets are available online at TasteofConejo.com through October 24th.  Tickets for Chamber Members:  General Admission - $50 per person and VIP tickets - $75 per person (VIP ticket includes complimentary valet parking and 1-hour early entry into the event from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 pm). Tickets for Non-Members: General Admission - $75 per person and VIP tickets - $100 per person (VIP ticket includes complimentary valet parking and 1-hour early entry into the event from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 pm). Only guests over the age of 21 will be allowed admittance.

10th Annual Camarillo Old Town Wine Walk on Saturday, October 5, 2024

Sign up for the 10th Annual Camarillo Old Town Wine Walk from 1-4pm on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Experience the charm of over 20 local businesses lining Ventura Blvd, offering live music and tastings from our region's finest wineries and craft breweries. Advance purchase tickets are $55 ($65 at the event, subject to availability), or $75 for the VIP option. Sign up at www.camarillooldtown.org/10th-annual-wine-walk.

Attendees must be 21 years or older and show valid identification at Check-In and throughout the walk at the discretion of participating locations.

All proceeds benefit the Camarillo Old Town Association. This event along with the Wine Walk, Camarillo Old Town Glow and Heritage Days proceeds go to fund family friendly events held in the Camarillo Old Town area to benefit our community and support the small local retailers.

2024 Pier Under the Stars Food & Wine Tasting Benefit in Ventura on October 5th

Since its original construction in 1872, the Ventura Pier has stood as a symbol of the region's rich history and natural resources. Once the cornerstone of Ventura County's agricultural, construction and oil trade, today the Ventura Pier is a favorite attraction for fishing, picnics, sunset strolls and beautiful views of Ventura County's coastline and the Channel Islands.

In 1993 a dedicated group of community leaders created Pier into the Future, a non-profit organization, to establish a $1 million endowment fund to preserve and maintain the Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. This committed group is continually seeking volunteers to help Pier into the Future reach its goal through community outreach efforts at events such as the Ventura County Fair, the City of Ventura's Street Fairs and the ever-popular food and wine tasting event Pier Under the Stars, a gathering of restaurants, wineries, and breweries all in support of Ventura's treasured Pier. Festivities will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 4:30-7pm at the Ventura Promenade overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean and Ventura Pier. 21+ only.

Visit www.pierintothefuture.org to learn more and purchase tickets.

Conejo Valley Restaurant Week is February 19-28, 2021

Visit Conejo Valley is excited to be hosting its 2nd annual Conejo Valley Restaurant Week scheduled from February 19-28, 2021. Locals and visitors alike will have the chance to explore special menus and limited time offers at some of the best restaurants in the area. Conejo Valley is the perfect foodie destination with over eighty-five unique and delicious restaurants, six local craft breweries, amazing deserts and one of Southern California’s best undiscovered wine regions. The state of California has lifted its stay-at-home order,allowing hotels to now accept leisure travelers and restaurants to serve customers outdoors starting January 29, 2021.

Conejo Valley has something everyone will love, from American to Singaporean. You can discover something new or try an old favorite, taste wine or enjoy a juicy burger.

Restaurant Week is offering the best deals from restaurants in the region:

Bagelicious Café Agoura Hills

• Free pecan cookie plus 10% off the entire meal.

Bandits’ Grill and Bar

• 10% off your outdoor dining order of up to $100 (discount valid on food only).

Barone’s Pizza

• $5.00 carry out small pizza and half off all carry out wine.

Blue Table

• A cheese &charcuterie special for two with bubbly only for $31.

Chocolatine

• One free coffee drink with a $15 minimum purchase.

Country Harvest Restaurant

• 15% off any entrée.

Domino’s

• Two medium two topping pizzas for $5.99, plus tax and delivery.

El Pollo Loco

• Free order of churros with $5 purchase or free chips and guacamole with $10 purchase.

Fresh Brothers

• A $25 menu for two! It includes a Fresh Garden Salad (an entrée size to share), a large Heart-Shaped cheese pizza and an order of Sweet Knots (3 pieces).

Green Onion Chinese Cuisine

• A special offer of a soup, appetizer, rice and one entrée.

Harvest Kitchen & Bar

• Enjoy a Winter Harvest Beet Salad (Santa Barbara Bebe Farms organic Tuscan kale, tri color baby beets, shredded Brussels Sprouts, candied hazelnuts, and Point Reyes Bay Blue, paired with a Canvas Chardonnay for $19) and/or Grilled Shrimp Cocktail (freshly grilled Mexican shrimp served with house made spicy cocktail sauce on bed of Napa cabbage paired with our Canvas Pinot Noir for $22).

Hatch Café and Market

• Family take-out meals including choice of two wraps, sandwiches, bowls, or salads and choice of one Hatch side dish (serves two for $28) or choice of four wraps, sandwiches,bowls or salads and choice of two Hatch side dishes (serves four for $50).

Himalaya Thousand Oaks

• Buy one get the second entrée 50% off.

Hummus Bistro

• $5 off any order of $20 and more or 10% off entire meal or catering.

Ma Dukes

• 10% off entire meal

Mouthful Eatery

• Prix Fixe Menu ($25/per person) featuring:

• 1stCourse: Tomato Basil Bisque w/Parmesan crostini

• 2ndCourse: Stuffed Chicken w/spinach & Gouda, served with Israeli cous-cous and cranberries

• 3rdCourse: Pear Caramel Bread Pudding a la carte

Paul Martin’s American Grill

• Offering the Ultimate Burger Pairing ($50 for two) featuring to Classic American Burgers with fries and your choice of one of three incredible bottles of wine.

• Family Meals Togo featuring one of eight different family meals starting at just $39 that serve four guests.

• Try the dinner package for four, with the dinner special for two (choice either chicken, ribs, tri-tip, or salmon), two kids basic pizzas or one build it yourself pizza, and an order of beignets for$50. This serves four at a $62 value.

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen

• 10% off your entire meal.

Social Monk Asian Kitchen

• A special 4-person family meal for $42, with a choice between two shareables, three entrees, and a side of brown or white rice.

Szechuan Place

• 10% off your order.

Tabu Shabu

• 10% off all entrees and free edamame.

The Grill on the Alley

• A “Happy Hour at Home” including exclusive appetizers in the comfort of your own home. Menu features mini lobster & shrimp rolls, cheese toast, crab & corn fritters, mac & cheese, truffle fries and wood-grilled cheeseburger sliders.

Urbane Café

• Free warm cookie with the purchase of a sandwich, salad, or bowl.

Winners NY Pizza

• Pizza specials such as the Jumbo three topping deal, is a 16” pie with three of your favorite toppings for $20.99.

“This is an opportunity for our community to experience the unique offerings from our eateries in the Conejo Valley while supporting an industry that has been highly impacted over the last 12 months,” said President/CEO of Visit Conejo Valley, Danielle Borja. "We are offering a safe way for visitors and local residents to enjoy Conejo Valley Restaurant Week by dining outdoors or ordering take-out."

Conejo Valley has many things to discover and explore only 30 minutes from the beaches of Malibu and 45 minutes from Los Angeles. Conejo Valley hotels are open for leisure travel, and please call ahead for specific details.

For more Conejo Valley Restaurant Week 2021 offers, visit: RestaurantWeek 2021 - Conejo Valley

For visitors looking for lodging, visit: https://conejo.com/stay/

ABOUT VISIT CONEJO VALLEY
Created in 2013, Visit Conejo Valley is the official tourism marketing organization for the cities of Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills, Calif. With a mission to increase overnight visitation and improve the local economy, Visit Conejo Valley promotes the region’s diverse 16 lodging properties, unique outdoor recreation, bustling arts and culture scene, diverse dining and tasting experiences, providing visitors with helpful resources to make the best of their trip and “See Another Side of Southern California.” To learn more about accommodations, attractions and things to do in Conejo Valley, visit conejo.com.

See participating restaurants at https://conejo.com/restaurant-week-2021/

47th Annual Santa Barbara Greek Festival the Weekend of July 25-26, 2020

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PANDEMIC

Santa Barbara's 47th Annual Greek Festival is planned for July 25-26, 2020 from 11 am to 7 pm in beautiful Oak Park, 600 West Junipero Street. The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Stroll through Santa Barbara's beautiful Oak Park and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village. Admission and parking is free.

Dozens of volunteers enthusiastically staff their booths, creating a convivial, welcoming atmosphere. Festival-goers return year after year for the food. — Delectable festival favorites like gyros and moussaka. And no Greek village would be complete without homemade pastries like baklava, melomakarona, and kataifi.

Listen to the distinctive sounds of the bouzouki and other exotic instruments played by authentic Greek musicians who perform traditional and popular songs. Delight in the beauty of the elaborate costumes worn by performers as they share their carefully practiced steps and intricate dances with the enthusiastic audience.

Take advantage of a free Greek dance lesson, and enjoy participating in the same dances you would perform in the traditional villages of Greece. Dance the afternoon away, eat a little (or a lot), shop in the Greek marketplace, relax and enjoy yourself under the oaks in the warm embrace of the best Greek culture has to offer.

More information at www.santabarbaragreekfestival.org.

VIRTUAL EVENT California Honey Harvest Festival in Fillmore June 20-21, 2020

EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY THIS YEAR DUE TO PANDEMIC

The 2020 California Honey Harvest Festival is planned for the weekend of June 20-21 at Central Park in Fillmore from 9 am to 5 pm. Activities to include kid zone, live music, petting zoo, exhibits, BBQ tri tip sandwiches, train rides to honey farm tour, antique carousel rides, vendors, honey products and more! Free admission. Train rides “The Honey Bee Express” $28 for adults, $25 seniors, $16 youth, $12 child.for two hour event.

Event to be held at Central Park in downtown Fillmore, where you'll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own and browse the many vendors that are all about bees and honey. Then, step aboard the historic Fillmore & Western Railway for a short train ride to Bennett's Honey farm, located halfway between Fillmore and Piru.

You'll see demonstrations by California bee keepers along the way and take a one-of-a-kind tour at the honey farm, where you'll learn all about honey bees and how the honey is collected and processed.

californiahoneyharvestfestival.com

CANCELLED 34th Annual St. Joseph's Day Celebration at St. Paschal Thousand Oaks on March 22, 2020

EVENT CANCELLED AS A RESULT OF COVID-19 EMERGENCY

The Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) is hosting its annual St. Joseph’s Day festivities on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 4-7pm at St. Paschal Baylon Church, located at 155 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.

The event, now celebrating its 34th year, will feature an italian dinner with raffle prizes and live musical entertainment. Proceeds from the event benefit St. Paschal Baylon Church and other charitable organizations.

St. Joseph’s Day is a centuries-old Italian tradition honoring St. Joseph which began after rains ended a severe drought in Sicily. Each March, Italians worldwide celebrate this event with a procession, a beautifully decorated table or altar with flowers, fruit, candles, wine, fava beans and baked goods, and a large Italian dinner.

Dinner ticket prices are $15 for adults and $8 for children for general seating, or a limited number of reserved seating packages are also available and priced at $20 each. Tickets and event schedule are available online by visiting www.icfbranch380.org or by calling 805-368-3384.

About the Italian Catholic Federation The ICF was founded in San Francisco in 1924 by Italian immigrants keen to preserve their faith and pride in their shared heritage. Today, the ICF has nearly 10,000 members across the United States consisting of men, women and children of all ages. ICF members promote and support the Catholic faith and its values, family togetherness, fellowship, apostolic and charitable works, and celebrate Italian American heritage and all the heritages of their communities.