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

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.

Art Comes Alive Event at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum on November 9-10, 2024

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum announces the return of its highly anticipated Art Comes Alive event, taking place on November 9 & 10, 2024 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

At Art Comes Alive, you'll stroll through the museum's world class galleries and meet a colorful cast of characters who have stepped right off the canvas (or boat decks) to share their stories, both real and imagined.

Actors will bring to life characters from the museum's renowned maritime art collection allowing visitors of all ages to interact with historical figures, both real and imagined. Characters like Edward Marple, famed boat model maker or infamous lady pirate, Anne Bonny will be sharing their stories allowing attendees to engage a side of the museum not seen on a traditional docent tour.

In addition, attendees can explore games (with prizes!), take pictures at the themed photo stations, kids can try on the costumes and all can participate in family friendly fun and adventure.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Art Comes Alive are available for purchase online or at the door. Discounts are available for museum members, seniors, military families, and for those who purchase their tickets in advance at www.cimmvc.org. The museum is located at 3900 Bluefin Circle in Oxnard.

2024 Surf Rodeo Music & Surf Festival in Ventura on July 5-6

Surf Rodeo will take place on Friday/Saturday, July 5-6, 2024 at Surfer’s Point in Ventura.

Featuring over 30 bands, a surf rodeo competition, a bikini cowgirl and bikini cowboy contest, cornhole tournament, skateboard demos, over 70 vendors, and more. Hours are 2-10pm on Friday and noon to 10pm on Saturday.

More information and tickets at www.surfrodeo.org.

Moorpark College Dance Department Presents "Motion Flux" Dance Concert April 18-20

Motion Flux, featuring new works by Moorpark College dance students and faculty, with an array of dance styles, will take place April 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 pm and April 20 at 2 pm. Come support young dance artists’ talent in their choreographic and performance experiences. Motion Flux is a show to touch your soul through dance. Tickets $15.00 at moorparkcollege.edu/pac. Save 20% when you purchase online. Moorpark College Performing Arts Center is located at 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark.

Moorpark College Dance Department Presents "An Informal Evening of Dance" on December 12 & 13

Join the Moorpark College Dance Department for “An Informal Evening of Dance” on December 12 & 13 at 7:00 pm. Tickets will be available in advance at moorparkcollege.edu/pac.

Come enjoy a lovely dance performance presented by the Moorpark College dance program and the many movement courses it offers. Including classical concert forms, social dance, and creative projects, the evening of dance is always a hit and a great way to conclude a semester of learning! 

Free Concerts at the Simi Valley Town Center - Spring/Summer 2023

The Simi Valley Town Center presents a free series of concerts starting in April through mid-August. Details at simivalleytowncenter.com and their Facebook page. All events in the Center Court. Check the Town Center website and social media for any updates/changes. Bring your own chairs. No outside food/drinks allowed, but food will be available for purchase.

The lineup (updated 6/30/23):

Sat, Jul 8 7pm: TLR, The Eagles Experience

Sat, Jul 15 7pm: Jon Ranger

Sat, Jul 22 7pm: Fast Times (80s Tribute Band)

Sat, Jul 29 7pm: Ignition

Sat, Aug 5 7pm: Journey USA/Trinity

Sat, Aug 19 7pm: Bruno and the Hooligans

Fri, Sep 1 7pm: Rock cover band Ignition

Sat, Sep 2 7pm: Twisted Gypsy (Fleetwood Mac tribute)

Sun, Sep 3 7pm: 805 Social Club

Mon, Sep 4 7pm: Vinyl Gypsies (classic rock)

Reagan Library Sunset Dinner & Dance Series Features DSB (Journey Tribute) on August 18th

Sunset Dinner and Dance- A Tribute To Journey--August 18, 2023- 5:30 PM- 10:00 PM

The final band in the Reagan Library’s Sunset Dinner series is DSB, a tribute to Journey. DSB has been highly revered as one of the best Journey tribute bands. They have captured the signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry and Journey.  The band is composed of world-class musicians and will give a nostalgic concert. The evening will begin with a three-course meal created by the library’s Presidential Chef.  It is a perfect evening of rock 'n' roll entertainment that will keep you on the dance floor all night long.  

Tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Air Force One from 5:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.  This all-inclusive offer is only $83.95 per person (includes tax and gratuity).  Reservations are required and must be made by Monday, August 14, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.  Reserved tables are available for parties of 10 or more.  Casual dress attire is suggested.  Please note the Auschwitz Exhibit is not included in this price and will not be open.

For more information, please call 805-577-4057.

Cash-less Bar Available. Bar Accepting Debit and Credit Cards, Apple and Google Pay Only. NO CASH ACCEPTED.

www.reaganfoundation.org/programs-events/events-calendar/sunset-dinner-and-dance-a-tribute-to-journey-2023

"Bring it On!" Musical at Moorpark College Performing Arts Center August 4-6

Bring it On! Born to Perform Studio brings this musical to the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, August 4-6! It's fun for the whole family! Tickets at www.borntoperformstudio.com/bringiton

The musical, loosely based on the 2000 film of the same name written by Jessica Bendinger, focuses on the competitive world of cheerleading and over-the-top team rivalries.

Moorpark College Theatre Arts Presents "Cabaret" July 20th thru August 6th

Set in a nightclub in Berlin at the end of the 1920’s, “Cabaret” explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin's natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. The story revolves around Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, who is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally's boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. This powerful and darkly comic American musical explores themes of love, political intrigue and the consequences of intolerance. Musical numbers include "Willkommen," "Cabaret," "Don't Tell Mama" and "Two Ladies."

All performances will be held in the intimate Studio Theater in the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center so seating will be limited.

Tickets go on sale beginning July 1st at moorparkcollege.edu/pac (save 20% by ordering online)

July 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, August 3, 4, 5 at 8:00PM

July 23, 30, August 6 at 2:00PM

Ventura County Ballet Company Presents "The Nutcracker" December 3, 10, 11, 2022

Ventura County Ballet Company will perform Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo at 2pm and 7pm on December 3rd, 3pm on December 10th and 1pm and 5pm on December 11th.

Tickets at www.venturacountyballet.com.