40th Annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival at Santa Barbara Mission May 23-25, 2026

imadonnari.jpg

The I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival will be back over Memorial Day Weekend 2026, May 23-25. at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2100 Laguna Street. Festival hours are 10am to 6pm.

Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Santa Barbara Mission plaza each year over Memorial Day weekend using pastels on pavement to create over 100 vibrant and colorful, large scale images. The event is produced by the Children’s Creative Project.

There will also be live music and food available for purchase.

Pets are not allowed (other than service animals).

Learn more at www.imadonnarifestival.com.

Tiny Porch Concerts Summer Series May through August at Peter Strauss Ranch in Agoura

The Tiny Porch Concert Summer Music Series is four outdoor concerts held every summer at the iconic Peter Strauss Ranch Theatre in Agoura Hills. There is one show per month, starting in May on Mother’s Day. This series is a must for any music lover that appreciates quality, original live music where artists travel from all over the country to perform.

The shows not only entertain, they also educate our audience about the park, its plants and wildlife. Peter Strauss Ranch is a unique theatre with a rich history of entertaining. Our community plans to keep it that way!

If you like the series and want to support but are not a sponsor or VIP donor, you can still help. There are donation boxes at every show, or you can donate by clicking on the “Donate” button at the bottom of the home page. Organizers are always looking for volunteers to help with each production. Tiny Porch Concerts is a non-profit 501c3 dedicated to the artists and the local National Parks that hold our concerts. All proceeds are donated to the Santa Monica Mountains Fund.

Tiny Porch Concerts is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the arts and preserving the Santa Monica Mountains. Net proceeds for each show go to the artists and the Santa Monica Mountains Fund which contributes directly to the local National Parks.

Tiny Porch Concerts 2026 Summer Concert Summer Series lineup as follows:

  • May 10th Two Runner with Special Guest Tin Angel

  • June 7th Laura Jean Anderson with Special Guest Francis Blume

  • July 19th LA River Rats featuring Sean Watkins and Adam Moss with Special Guest Serafia

  • Aug 16th Crying Uncle with Special Guest Rocko Wheeler

More information and tickets available at www.tinyporchconcerts.com. Concerts start at 5pm.

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

NO EVENT IN 2026. WILL RETURN IN 2027.

Quite possibly one of my top 5 favorite desserts on earth, Aebleskiver.

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.

scan fest.jpg

Ladyface Mountain Film Festival in Westlake Village February 26 to March 1, 2026

The 2nd Annual Ladyface Mountain Film Festival is planned for Thursday, February 26th through Sunday, March 1st, 2026 at Cinepolis Westlake Village.

The agenda for this year’s event is as follows:

Thursday 2/26

  • 6:30PM: “Whistle” at Cinepolis

  • 8:30PM: Open Reception at Red O

Friday 2/27

  • 11AM: “Coroner to the Stars” at Cinepolis

  • 1:30PM: Short Documentary Block 1 w/Q&As at Cinepolis

  • 4PM: Short Documentary Block 2 w/Q&As at Cinepolis

  • 6:30PM: “The Big Cheese” w/Q&As at Cinepolis

  • 8:30PM: Filmmaker Networking Party at Hyatt Westlake

Saturday 2/28

  • 11AM: Short Documentary Block 3 w/Q&As at Cinepolis

  • 1:30PM: “The Last Dive” w/Q&As at Cinepolis

  • 4PM: Short Documentary Block 4 w/Q&As at Cinepolis

  • 6:30PM: “Speak” w/Q&As at Cinepolis

  • 8PM: Closing Night Reception at Crawford’s Social

Sunday 3/1

  • 10:30AM-12:30PM: VIP Brunch and Awards Ceremony at the Agoura Rec Center

Learn more and buy tickets at ladyfacefilmfestival.com.

2nd Annual Conejo Valley Comedy Festival in Thousand Oaks on February 13-15, 2026

The Conejo Valley Comedy Festival announces its 2md annual event, set to bring three days packed with comedy, connection, and community to the Conejo Valley. This festival will take place on Friday, Feb 13 from 7-10:30pm, Saturday, Feb 14 from 5-10:30pm, and Sunday, Feb 15 from 11am to 8:15pm. It promises something for everyone—whether you’re enjoying a day out with the family or looking for an evening of laughter with friends.

Festival Overview

Friday, Feb 13th: Tarantula Hill Brewing Company - 7-10:30PM

Kick off the festivities at Tarantula Hill Brewing in Thousand Oaks, where comedy takes center stage. Enjoy a dynamic showcase of stand-up comedians, improv teams, and sketch performers in a vibrant, lively setting. Grab a drink, soak in the laughs, and set the tone for a weekend of non-stop entertainment.

Saturday, February 14: Conejo Players Theater 5-10:30PM

Love & Laughs Stand-Up Night featuring headliners that include Adam Yenser, Wendy Liebman, Chad Opitz, and Max Witrak

Sunday, February 15: Conejo Players Theatre 11AM-8:15PM

Improv All Day and Night, including Family Improv Games and Workshop for all ages at 11am, a Youth Improv Showcase at at noon, and more improv shows the rest of the day.

Learn more and purchase tickets at www.conejovalleycomedyfest.com or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/conejovalleycomedyfest

25th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering in Malibu on March 28-29, 2026

25th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering in Malibu on Saturday/Sunday, March 28-29, 2026

The Chumash Day Powwow celebrates Native Americans from all over the country, representing hundreds of tribes who will gather at Malibu Bluffs Park. This is a non-competitive powwow. Food trucks, craft vendors, tribal ceremonies and dances will be a part of the event on both days. Admission is free. Hours 10am to 6pm.

Continuing a generations-long tradition of Powwows in California, members from tribes all over the western and southwestern states will gather at Malibu Bluffs Park to sing, dance, socialize and heal. The event will begin with an invocation and prayer led by Chumash elder Beverly Folkes.  Native American Head Staff include: Vic Chavez, Arena Director, Randy Pico, MC, Kale Flores, Head Man, Maxine Orozco, Head Woman, Kenny Gonzales, Head Young Man, and Aurelia Hale, Head Young Woman. Northern Drums, Bear Springs Singers and Southern Drums, Hale and Company, will accompany the dancers.
 
The event will feature Native American tribal ceremonies, dances, and special guest performances. Twenty Native American artisan vendors will have merchandise for sale including: jewelry, flutes, moccasins, beading accessories, leatherworks, pottery, dream catchers, and more.  Food will be available for purchase from Bison Burger, Drizzle, LA Donut, Salt ‘N Pepper, Tropic Truck, and Westside Banh Mi.

This family-friendly cultural festival is free and open for all to attend. Event hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a Grand Entry at 12:00 PM. Complimentary general and ADA parking is available at 23815 and 23825 Stuart Ranch Road with free shuttle rides available to Malibu Bluffs Park and back. There is no on-site parking at Malibu Bluffs Park. 

Offsite parking only at 23575 Civic Center Way and for ADA, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. Free shuttle rides to Malibu Bluffs Park.

Event is located at Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway.

For more event information call (310) 317-1364 or visit www.malibucity.org/chumashday.

19th Annual Simi Community Christmas Creche Exhibit on December 5-7, 2025

International Creche Exhibit & Music Performances

The 19th Annual Simi Community Christmas will take place Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 7th, 2025 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm nightly, featuring an International Creche Exhibit and music performances.

Simi Community Christmas is an admission-free, inter-faith, three-day event featuring nativity displays from around the world and nearly 20 performances by local choirs, bands and ensembles.

Event will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sinaloa Stake Center, North Foyer, 480 Sinaloa Road, Simi Valley.

Visit www.simicommunitychristmas.com for more information.

EVENT LINEUP (subject to changes):
Friday, December 5th
5:30 p.m.     TBA
6:00 p.m.     Hillside Middle School Choir
6:30 p.m.     Royal High School Choir
7:00 p.m.     Valley Middle School Choir
7:30 p.m.     Sinaloa Middle School Choir
8:00 p.m.     Channelaire Chorus
8:30 p.m.     Looking Back - Band

Saturday, December 6th
5:30 p.m.     Simi Valley Orchestra Choir
6:00 p.m.     Paige Peel - Guitarist
6:30 p.m.     Polyphonix Choir
7:00 p.m.     Laura Bylund - Pianist
7:30 p.m.     Pipe Dreams Flute Ensemble
8:00 p.m.     The Sedgewick Sisters
8:30 p.m.     Elaine Litster - Harpist
 
Sunday, December 7th
5:30 p.m.     Temple B’nai Emet Choir
6:00 p.m.     Foundations Academy Bell Choir
6:30 p.m.     Simi Valley Children & Youth Choir
7:00 p.m.     St. Rose of Lima Handbell Choir
7:30 p.m.     St. Rose of Lima Master Chorale
8:00 p.m.    Latter-Day Saint Stake Choir, joined by St. Rose Chorale for the Hallelujah Chorus Finale

2025 Holiday Art Market at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo December 5-7

Studio Channel Islands presents its annual Holiday Art Market on Friday through Sunday, December 5-7, 2025. Hours are 6-9pm Friday, 11am-5pm Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sunday. Enjoy unique gift shopping this holiday season for your family and friends while browsing through 40 professional artists’ studios and additional guest vendors. There will be free activities for kids, delicious food and treats available for purchase, and craft beer and wine. Free admission and plenty of free parking. Located at 2222 E. Ventura Blvd in Camarillo.

studiochannelislands.org/holiday-market

2025 "Voices of Old Conejo" Living History Performances at Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park October 4-5, 11-12

The Museum Theater of The Stagecoach Inn Museum is presenting The Voices of Old Conejo: The History of Television, on Saturday and Sunday evenings, October 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM each evening at the Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 South Ventu Park Road, in Newbury Park. Tickets are $20 for the general public, and $15 for members of the Conejo Valley Historical Society.

The Voices of Old Conejo: The History of Television, is delightfully absurd comedy that begins with the question, “What if television had existed in 1876 at the time of The Grand Union Hotel’s heyday?” What would people have watched? Would there have been many of the types of programming we see today, even commercials? Join us for a fun filled romp as an 1876 era family spins the Television dial. Through the course of the evening, you will experience familiar characters of the Conejo, like Frances and Egbert Newbury, John Edwards, James and Martha Hammell, and Maria Del Carmen Rodriguez de Lorenzana, in ways you never have before. National figures like Rutherford B. Hayes, Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, Wild Bill Hickock, Florence Nightingale, Oscar Mayer, Henry Wells, William Fargo, and even the Hatfields and the McCoys, will drop by during the evening to join the shenanigans and bring history vividly, and even ridiculously, to life!

The Voices of Old Conejo: The History of Television, is a new play written by Michael Gregory, directed by Bill Ackerman, produced by Ruth Dods, and stage managed by Bob Maron. The show features a cast 19 that includes: Bill Ackerman, Megan Alfaro, Sam Alfaro, Zoe Alfaro, Peter Alvarez, Chris Carnicelli, Neil Davies, Sarah Ely, Mike Gregory, Lisa Halub, Liz Hoskinson, Carly Kosmatka, Payton Mead, Casey O’Brien, Grigor Panosyan, Sargis Panosyan, Susan Robb, Stasia Simrall, and Greg Seymour

Tickets available at stagecoachinnmuseum.com or at the gate.

Stagecoach Inn Museum is located at 51 S. Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park

Many Mansions "Bowls of Hope" Event in Thousand Oaks on Sunday, October 12, 2025

Bowls of Hope aims to raise awareness for the need for affordable housing in our community, and to funds for Many Mansions’ programs that serve the formerly homeless, veterans, seniors, and families of very low income. The 2025 Bowls of Hope event will take place at Momentum, 2400 Willow Lane, Thousand Oaks, at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 12th.

Designed to represent a soup kitchen, attendees select a bowl handcrafted by community members and enjoy delicious and comforting food, in community. Experience meaningful & fun family activities: an informative exhibition on the homelessness issue, affordable housing, and Many Mansions; an opportunity to take action and be part of the solution; crafts, games, a raffle, silent auction, and more!

Learn more at www.manymansions.org/news-events/bowls-of-hope-event.