35th Annual Ventura County Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration in Oxnard on Saturday, June 20, 2026

Ventura County’s 35th Annual Juneteenth Celebration is planned for Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10am to 6pm at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street in Oxnard. Free event commemorates Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, marking the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. Event to feature live music, local artists, great food and more. Visit www.juneteenthoxnard.org for more information.

CSUCI to Host Its Annual STEAM Carnival on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Camarillo

California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) will host its annual STEAM Carnival on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the North Quad on the CSUCI campus. The free, family-friendly event is open to the public, with complimentary parking available.

Designed for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students and their families, the STEAM Carnival offers an engaging afternoon of hands-on learning experiences across science, technology, engineering, arts, humanities, and mathematics (STEAM).

Attendees can explore more than 75 interactive activities led by CSUCI faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Activities include experiments, creative projects, and demonstrations such as marshmallow launchers, slime-making, archaeological digs, and live lab experiences—all designed to spark curiosity and inspire future learning.

In addition to hands-on exhibits, families will have opportunities to:

  • Connect with local STEAM organizations and community partners

  • Learn about college majors and career pathways

  • Participate in guided campus tours, including visits to labs and student spaces

The STEAM Carnival, formerly known as the CSUCI Science Carnival, has been a cornerstone community event since 2009, growing steadily in size and impact while continuing its mission to make STEAM education accessible and exciting for all ages.

The event is open to all and welcomes participants regardless of background. Funding support is provided by the CSUCI School of Arts & Sciences, a Title III U.S. Department of Education grant, and community sponsors.

For more information or to register, visit the STEAM Carnival website: www.csuci.edu/steamcarnival.

About Cal State Channel Islands

Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is Ventura County’s only public university. Opened in 2002, CSUCI is part of the California State University — the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system. Located near Camarillo, the campus serves more than 4,800 students across more than 90 academic programs. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, CSUCI is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education for its commitment to excellence and opportunity. Learn more at www.csuci.edu.

Seaside Live Music at Ventura Harbor Village - Spring/Summer 2026

Enjoy live music at Ventura Harbor Village all spring and summer long. Located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura.

5/2/26 1-4PM: Caliente Band 805

5/9/26 1-4PM: Tiki Bomb

5/10/26 1-4PM: Ben Betts

5/16/26 1-4PM: Mary White

5/22/26 1-4PM: Petty by the Campfire

5/23/26 1-4PM: The Gamble

5/24/26 1-4PM: Mark Masson

5/25/26 1-4PM: Ben Betts

5/30/26 1-4PM: Pier 101

5/31/26 1-4PM: TBA

More details at www.venturaharborvillage.com/events. Subject to change, so check the Ventura Harbor Village first for updates.

Paid parking applis from 10am to 8pm Friday through Sunday and holidays at Ventura Harbor Village and neighboring beaches. Parking on Spinnaker Drive will remain free of charge. Under an hour will be free of charge. Up to 4 hours will be $1 per hour, or $10 for a day pass.

Memorial Day Service at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo on Monday, May 25, 2026

Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory presents its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026 beginning at 11am. Event, free of charge to the public, will feature live patriotic music, guest speakers, displays and complimentary hot dogs and refreshments. Located at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo.

Learn more at www.conejomountain.com/about/events.

Memorial Day Ceremony in Oxnard on Monday, May 25, 2026

A Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street, Oxnard. The community is welcome to join the ceremony in remembrance for those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Services.

www.oxnard.gov/event/memorial-day-ceremony-2026

Free Comic Book Day Planned for Saturday, May 2, 2026

Free Comic Book Day takes place annually on the first Saturday in May, which is May 2, 2026 this year. On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book stores around the world give away designated comic books to anyone visiting their stores.

Visit www.freecomicbookday.com to learn more. Participating stores in the local Ventura County area this year include:

Conejo Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale in Newbury Park on May 29 and 30

The Conejo Orchid Society will hold its annual Orchid Show and Sale fundraiser May 29 and 30 at the Newbury Park Library, 2331 Borchard Road. This free event will be an opportunity to learn about orchids and the Conejo Orchid Society. Learn how to care for your orchids, hop for some great bargains and try your hand at growing some of the most beautiful and unusual plants in the world.

This event includes an exhibit of members’ orchids and a wide range of inexpensive, easy-to-grow orchids for sale. Several hundred orchids from quality orchid nurseries and society member divisions will be available. Many can be grown outdoors in Southern California. Other available items will include companion plants, such as tillandsias, and succulents, grown by Society members, and orchid potting mix.

Demonstrations will show how to repot and care for orchids. Society members will be available to provide guidance on how best to grow your new orchids and will answer your questions.

Hours are 10:30am to 5:30pm Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday. Arrive early for the best selection. Demonstrations 11am until closing both days. Admission is free. Pay for purchases with cash or checks only.

For more information, call 805-410-3803 or visit www.conejoorchidsociety.org.

35th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Pierce Brothers Westlake Village on May 25, 2026

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park Hosts

35th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2026

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Day.jpg

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park at 5600 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village will host its 35th Annual Memorial Day event on May 25, 2026 in honor of those who have proudly served our country. This event is free and open to the public.

Limited parking available at the memorial park. Additional parking available at Costco.

Band concert begins at 10:30am | Program begins at 11:00am

www.piercebrothersvalleyoaks.com

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

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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

Kids' Swap Meet at Thousand Oaks Community Center on Saturday, April 11, 2026

The Conejo Recreation & Park District’s Kids' Swap Meet is back on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 8:00am to 12:00 noon at the Thousand Oaks Community Center, 2525 N. Moorpark Rd. Thousand Oaks.

Kids can earn some money and become young entrepreneurs by selling toys, supplies and equipment they no longer need or use, during this family swap meet featuring local families as the vendors. Parents and kids can reserve an 8 x 8 spot to sell children's old toys, clothes, games, and furniture.

The Kids Swap Meet is a great shopping opportunity for parents, teachers, and day care professionals! Admission to shop at the Kids Swap Meet is always FREE.

For more information call (805) 381-2793.

www.crpd.org/2026-04-11-crpd-recvan-pit-stop-kids-swap-meet