Safe Boating Expo at Channel Islands Harbor on Saturday, May 16, 2026

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In conjunction with National Safe Boating Week, the U.S. Coast Guard Station Channel Islands will host its 16th Annual Safe Boating Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Harbor East Park, 3874 Murre Way, Oxnard. Admission and parking are free.

Event to include free tours of first responder vessels, in-water rescue demos at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., food truck, booths, raffle prizes, and more.

More detailed information at www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/16th-annual-channel-islands-harbor-safe-boating-expo.

Butterflies Alive! Exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Open May 23 to September 7, 2026

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The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History opens its popular summer exhibit Butterflies Alive! on Saturday, May 23, 2026 and will be open until September 7th.

Guests are invited to walk through a serene garden while nearly 1,000 live butterflies flutter freely around them. Various butterfly species cycle through the Sprague Butterfly Pavilion during the summer, so no two visits are the same.

The exhibit requires $3 tickets in addition to regular admission and is open daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry into the pavilion is at 4:30 PM. Reservations are recommended at sbnature.org/tickets. Admission to the museum is $20 for ages 18-64, $17 for 65+ and 13-17, $15 for ages 2-12 and free for toddlers under age 2.

About the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1916, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world. The Museum seeks to connect people to nature for the betterment of both, and prides itself on being naturally different. For more information, visit sbnature.org.

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

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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

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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.

2026 Ventura County Greek Festival in Camarillo June 26-28

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Ventura County Greek Festival.jpg

The 47th Ventura County Greek Festival will take place June 26, 27 and 28 at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Camarillo (5575 Santa Rosa Road).

The event features live Greek music, folk dancing, food, delicious pastries and baklava, vendors, and a kids' play area.

Festival times are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Check vcgreekfestival.org or call 805.482.1273 for more information. No onsite parking. Free parking and shuttle rides at the Ventura County Office of Education parking lot at 5100 Adolfo Road.

Admission is $6, which includes a raffle ticket. Free admission for kids under age 12 and active military and veterans with ID.

Redbird's 2026 Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow in Oxnard June 20-21

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Redbird’s 2026 Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow June 20-21 in Oxnard

Redbird's Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow is a Native American cultural celebration encompassing tribal people from throughout the western hemisphere.

Native American singing, dancing, drumming, arts, crafts and food.  An authentic cultural experience and a celebration of cultural perseverance and continuity.  Public is welcome. This is a family friendly event.  The powwow takes place outdoors on the field in front of the gymnasium. There is limited covered visitor seating on the dance arena.  Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and canopies which can be set up in the open space between the dance arena and the vendors.

Please no drugs, alcohol, smoking, vaping, fireworks or firearms.  Free parking and free admission.  The powwow is hosted by Redbird, a 501(c)(3) non profit association, and sponsored by Edison International, The Moon Family Trust, Gary Pickett, Oxnard College, and the County of Ventura Department of Arts and Culture.

Saturday, June 20 from 11 AM to 7PM

Sunday, June 21 from 11AM to 6PM

Location: Oxnard College Gymnasium Field, 4000 S. Rose Avenue, Oxnard

Learn more at www.RedbirdsVisions.org or email redbirds_vision@hotmail.com.

"Day of the Horse" Showdeo Event in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, October 17, 2026

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Don’t miss this great tradition celebrating the history and culture of our vibrant equestrian community in the Conejo Valley.

Day of the Horse on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 11 am to 2 pm is a free family event open to the public and is full of fun activities aimed to educate and spread knowledge about horses. This open house event is located on our 30-acre Conejo Creek Equestrian Park that is part of the Conejo Recreation & Park District.

Activities will include horse riding demonstrations, barrel racing, dressage, kids activities, educational vendor booths, and more. Several food trucks will be on hand.

The Showdeo at 12:30 pm is an exciting, fast-paced equestrian showcase featuring riders and specialty acts demonstrating multiple riding disciplines and skills. Enjoy a performance that highlights the athleticism, partnership, and traditions of horsemanship — fun for all ages!

This event will also feature a silent auction and raffle to support ETI Corral 37’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve Conejo Creek Equestrian Park. Your participation helps keep this special public park accessible, safe, and vibrant for local youth, families, and riders. Donate here https://givebutter.com/AS74AT

This event provides free access to equestrian education and cultural experiences, encourages youth engagement in outdoor activities, and celebrates the community’s equestrian heritage.

More info at eticorral37.org/day-of-the-horse

Location: 1350 E. Avenida de las Flores, Thousand Oaks

Scene at the 2022 Showdeo event.

29th Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fish Derby at Cachuma Lake on April 18-19, 2026

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The 29th Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fishing Derby at Cachuma Lake begins at 6 am on April 18 until noon on April 19, 2026.

This year’s fishing derby will include prize categories for multiple types of fish such as crappie, catfish, trout, bass, sunfish and carp for all ages. Registration fees range from $15 for ages 4-15 to $35 for 16+ by February 28th. (Fees for 16+ increase after that date.)

Visit www.troutderby.org for more information and to register.

13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, April 11, 2026

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Fifteen Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, April 11, 2026* from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The day includes behind-the-scenes tours, tractor-with-trailer rides, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Farm Day allows the public to meet local farmers who grow the food we eat.

Check the Farm Day Trail Map at vcfarmday.org/map for the latest list of participants. Some locations require reservations.

The nonprofit 501(c)(3) Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) organizes Ventura County Farm Day. SEEAG’s mission is to educate students and the greater community about the farm origins of our food and agriculture's contribution to our nutritional well-being.

For more information about Ventura County Farm Day and a list of participating farms, visit vcfarmday.org.

*Date changed - originally planned for November 8, 2025

Bark in the Park at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, March 14, 2026

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Bark in the Park is planned for Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 9am to noon at Conejo Creek Park North, 1379 E. Janss Road (behind the Thousand Oaks Library).

Special activities include a dog costume contest, big and littlest dog contests, small dog races, dog entertainers, dog agility course, vendors and more. Dogs available for adoption will also be on hand.

Event free of charge and activities are free to participate in. Food available for purchase.

For more details, visit www.crpd.org/2026-03-14-bark-in-the-park.