Several Dozen Things to See and Do in the City of Oxnard

The City of Oxnard was incorporated on June 30, 1903. Covering an area of just over 39 miles, of which 70% is land, Oxnard is the most populous city in Ventura County, with nearly 208,000 residents in 2016.

Oxnard's namesake is Harry T. Oxnard, who opened a beet factory in 1899 and taught local farmers the ins and outs of growing sugar beets. The land for the factory was purchased from Thomas S. Rice (of Rice Avenue fame) and the first plant manager was Major J. A. Driffill, who later became mayor.

There's plenty to see and do in Oxnard, and we've summed up some of our favorite activities below.

Great beaches in Oxnard include Mandalay Shores, Hollywood Beach and Silver Strand Beach, which are highlighted at THIS LINK.

Speaking of beaches, ‘ololkoy Beach Park (formerly Oxnard Beach Park) is a nice park with a pirate-themed, accessible playground area, large grassy area, restrooms and quick access to the beach.

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum located at the Channel Islands Harbor is home to world class maritime art, ship models and other maritime items. Open Thursday through Monday from noon to 4pm.

Channel Islands Harbor is a great place to beat the heat with the family, offering a variety of activities, such as fishing trips, boat cruises, eateries, water sports, shopping and special events year-round.

Oxnard Beach Park

There's a nice bike path in Oxnard that takes you from Oxnard Beach Park to Channel Islands Harbor that we enjoy from time to time.

The Henry T. Oxnard Historic District is located on F and G Streets, between Palm and 5th Streets. The area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Most of the 144 historic homes and buildings in the area were built before 1925 and includes Mission/Spanish revival, bungalow/craftsman and Colonial Revival architecture.

A great time to check out the Historic Oxnard District is during the two weeks preceding Christmas each year, when dozens and dozens of residents decorate their homes in lights and holiday decor for Christmas Tree Lane.

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, musicals, speakers and other performances year-round. At over 1,600 seats, it is one of the largest venues in Ventura County.

The Collection at RiverPark is an outdoor shopping center located on the northeast side of the 101 between the Oxnard and Vineyard exits. The 650,000 sq ft center includes a combination of entertainment, retail, restaurants, open space with fountains, parks and playgrounds and quality art. Activities at The Collection include Century RiverPark Movie Theater and Levity Live Comedy Club, Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center, Red Door Escape Room, Slime Kitchen, The Mighty Axe, and Lucky Strike.

Swing for the fences at Who's on First Batting Cages in Oxnard. What's on second? I don't know's on third. Who? First base.

Hollywood Beach

River Ridge Golf Course is a public golf course offering two 18-hole courses as well as footgolf!

Skateboarders and in-line skaters are on a roll at the City of Oxnard Bedford Pinkard Skate Park near Channel Islands High School. Pinkard is a former City Council member who was a supporter of many youth and community programs.

The Elite Theatre Company, located at Fisherman's Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor, Fisherman's Wharf, is host to musicals, plays, comedies and more.

The Dallas Cowboys have held Summer Training Camp for a number of years at River Ridge Fields at Oxnard's Marriott Residence Inn. Practices and scrimmages taking place in August are open to the public and free of charge. Check for updates at www.dallascowboys.com/trainingcamp.

4th of July Fireworks, Parades and Other Events Around Ventura County

America's 250th birthday is Saturday, July 4, 2026! Here is a compilation of local holiday events and activities in celebration of Independence Day.

Fireworks Display Summary for 2026:

• Friday 7/3: Moorpark, Ventura, Fillmore

• Saturday 7/4: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Ojai, Camarillo, Channel Islands Harbor, Santa Paula, Santa Barbara, Woodland Hills

• Sunday 7/5: Agoura Hills (Drone Show)

4th of July celebration parades to take place in Westlake Village, Ventura, Ojai, Channel Islands Harbor and Carpinteria (June 27).

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

The annual Conejo Recreation and Park District and City of Thousand Oaks 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is launched from the hill behind the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Patriotic music simulcast by KHAY 100.7.

Other CRPD 4th of July events around town include a $5 family Pancake Breakfast and Home Run Derby in the morning at Borchard Park in Newbury Park, Concert in the Park at 5pm at Conejo Community Park and free swimming from noon to 4pm at CLU and NPHS pools.

CRPD also to host afternoon family games and activities at Conejo Community Center at 1175 Hendrix Ave. in Thousand Oaks. Festivities include a Youth Home Run Derby (1:00-3:00pm), Diaper Derby Baby Races (1:00-1:20pm), Potato Sack Races (1:25-1:45pm), Three-Legged Races (1:50-2:10pm), a Water Balloon Toss (2:15-2:35pm), Tug-of-War (2:40-3:00pm), and a Hula Hoop Contest (3:05-3:25pm). Also enjoy interactive musical experiences with the New West Symphony Music Van (1:00-3:30pm).

Independence Day Festivities at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park will take place on July 4th from 1-4PM.

4th of July Essentials

Westlake Village

The Westlake Village 4th of July Parade and Party in the Park starts at 9:30am at the corner of Lakeview Canyon and Agoura Roads, culminating at Berniece Bennett Park.

The City of Westlake Village presents its 11th Annual Fireworks Spectacular Show from the Westlake Village Golf Course, with additional viewing locations available. Activities begin at 6pm, including family-friendly activities, music and food trucks. The show will start at 9:10pm.

Westlake Yacht Club at 32119 Lindero Canyon Road opens its clubhouse to the public on the 4th of July for a Pancake Breakfast from 8:30am to 10:30am ($12; $6 under 10 yrs), Decorated Boat Contest and Boat Parade (11am judging, 11:30am parade), Sailboat Race at 1pm, live music 4:30-7pm, along with a mini bar, BBQ, jumbo hot dogs, and more. Flyer at THIS LINK.

Moorpark (3rd of July)

The City of Moorpark presents its 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road once again. A fun family event with festivities (games, food, entertainment) starting at 4pm. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the gate. Onsite parking $5 (advance purchase only.)

Simi Valley

The Reagan Presidential Library 4th of July Celebration is back this year from 10am to 3pm on July 4th, featuring patriotic music, family entertainment, games, crafts and more.

The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents the Star-Spangled Rock & Country Jam and Fireworks Celebration on July 4th at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue. Gates open at 3pm. There will be music, food and craft vendors, beer and wine, shopping and a free kids’ fun zone. And of course, fireworks! Event is free of charge but VIP passes are available.

Calabasas

The City of Calabasas is hosting the Lakeside Fun Run 4 and 2 mile runs in the morning and Summer Splash Party at the Tennis & Swim Center from noon to 5pm.

Camarillo

The City of Camarillo is hosting a July 4th Fireworks Show at the Camarillo Premium Outlets again this year at 9pm. Park and enjoy the fireworks. Last entry is 8:45 pm.

The Commemorative Air Force Museum in Camarillo is hosting a 4th of July Celebration from 10am to 4pm. Enjoy hot dogs, ice cream, apple pie, WWII aircraft and exhibits, cockpit tours, a selfie booth, and more. $5 admission; kids under 12 free.

Oxnard/Channel Islands Harbor

The Channel Islands Harbor 4th of July Family Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Albacore Way, travels north up Harbor Blvd. and ends at Cabezone Circle, home to Marine Emporium Landing. Then from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. there will be farmers’ market, over 40 local artisans, live music, and other activities at Harbor View Park.

The Channel Islands Harbor will be offering activities and entertainment all day, followed by Fireworks by the Sea at 9pm on the 4th of July.

The Oxnard Downtowners is hosting a Stars, Stripes & Sounds America 250 Celebration at Plaza Park (500 S. C St) on Friday, July 3rd, from 3-9:30pm. Event to feature live music, classic cars, food vendors and food trucks, beer garden, entertainment, and more.

Ventura

The annual Ventura Rotary fireworks event at Ventura College will not be held in 2026, but will be back on July 4, 2027. INSTEAD, the City of Ventura is hosting a free community fireworks show on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Downtown Ventura. The fireworks will be launched from the top of the parking garage on Santa Clara Street, with viewing throughout downtown, including Plaza Park. There will be live music from 7-9PM, with fireworks starting at 9PM.

Additionally on July 3rd, Ventura Harbor Village presents 250 minutes of live music to celebrate America’s 250th, from 1-4PM.

The City of Ventura 4th of July Street Festival and Annual Pushem-Pullem Parade are back this year, with the parade starting at 10am, street fest on Main Street and side streets with artisans, food booths, vendor displays and live music.

Ojai

The annual Ojai Independence Day Parade will take place at 10am on July 4th.

Live music and fireworks show will take place on July 4th at Nordhoff High School Stadium, starting at 6 pm (gates open at 5:30pm). Fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm. Presale tickets for the nighttime event are available at www.4thofjulyinojai.com. $14.64 (includes fees) adults, $8.24 for kids, $33.85 for family of 4 pass. (pre-sale)

Free concert on Thursday, July 3rd at Libbey Bowl at 6pm featuring the Ojai Band.

Pancake breakfast at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 East Ojai Ave from 7am to 10am on July 4th hosted by the Ojai Lions Club. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for kids.

Fillmore

The Sespe Creek 4th of July Car Show, Chili Cook-Off & Cornhole Tournament will take place in downtown Fillmore on July 4th from 9 am to 4 pm.

The City of Fillmore is hosting its annual fireworks show on Friday, July 3rd at 9pm at the Fillmore Middle School athletic field, 532 A Street. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the show from their homes and city parks.

Santa Paula

The City of Santa Paula invites the community to a day of celebration capped by a spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at the Santa Paula Creek Regional Sports Park at Harvest at Limoneira (301 Harvest Loop). Festivities kick off in the afternoon from 4-8:30PM and include live music at the amphitheater, food trucks, face painting, lawn games, inflatable jumpers, and the City Corps Wagon Train. The fireworks show begins at 9:00 PM. Admission and parking are free.

Agoura Hills

There will be a fun Patriotic Drone Show after the free concert at Chumash Park on Sunday, July 5th (featuring Disco Inferno).

Woodland Hills

Valley Cultural Foundation presents a July 4th Extravaganza at 6pm, featuring live music, then fireworks at 9pm.

Carpinteria

The 29th Annual Rods and Roses Classic Car Show will take place from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, June 27th in Downtown Carpinteria, followed by an Independence Parade at 3:30pm.

Santa Barbara

The City of Santa Barbara is planning fireworks at West Beach at 9 p.m. this year and there will be other festivities during the day.

Malibu

The City of Malibu does not host a public fireworks display but the LA County Fire Dept approves permits for private fireworks displays off of barges in the ocean.

Tell Me a Little Bit About Newbury Park

Newbury Park is a community located in the western portion of Thousand Oaks. Most of Newbury Park became part of Thousand Oaks by community vote sometime in the 1960s and 1970s. Thousand Oaks became a city in October 1964.

A view of Newbury Park from Boney Peak in October 2021. (Feet Model: Conejo Joe)

Egbert Starr Newbury (Photo Courtesy Conejo Valley Historical Society)

Newbury Park is named after Egbert Starr Newbury, who owned thousands of acres of land in the Conejo Valley after moving to California from Michigan for health reasons in 1871.  Newbury was one of the three largest Conejo Valley landowners of his time. He and his wife Fannie became the first postmasters in the Conejo Valley in 1875.  The post office was located in a small compound near their house, which was located at the current location of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. 

The other major landowners at that time were John Edwards, who owned much of the current Newbury Park/Thousand Oaks area north of the 101, and Howard Mills, who owned much of what today is Westlake Village and Hidden Valley.

Edwards sold 10,000 acres of what is now central Thousand Oaks to Edwin and Harold Janss in 1893.  The Janss Corporation also bought thousands of acres of land in Newbury Park (Friedrich, Running Springs and Borchard Ranches) in 1962. 

There were efforts to incorporate Newbury Park in 1961 and 1963 that failed due to a lack of sufficient votes.

Over a 30 month period beginning in the fall of 1876, only 6 inches of rain fell in the Conejo Valley.  This drought brought devastation to landowners, most of whom lost their crops and livestock and had to sell at a loss or went bankrupt.  The Newburys were no exception; they moved back to the midwest in 1877.  Egbert fell ill to pneumonia in 1880 and passed away at the young age of 36.

The Newburys lived here only six years, so why is it still called Newbury Park? Because the name of the Newburys' post office never changed! The Newbury Park Post Office has changed locations a number of times (including 1602 Newbury Road from May 1968 until it moved to its current location at 3401 Grande Vista Drive in 2013). So the Newbury name and legacy live on here in the Conejo Valley.

Horse tied to a sign indicating the Newbury Park Post Office, in 1909. The location was near modern-day Lynn Ranch. (Courtesy of the Thousand Oaks Library Local History Photo Collection).

Sources: "The Conejo Valley - Old and New Frontiers" by Carol A. Bidwell and "The Newburys of Newbury Park" by Miriam Sprankling

But wait...there's more to Newbury Park! Casa Conejo is also part of the Newbury Park community but is not an incorporated part of Thousand Oaks. It is considered a census-designated place in Ventura County, with its own Municipal Advisory Council. Casa Conejo is the first planned community in Newbury Park and was built in the early 1960s. It has an area of .5 square mile and is bound by Borchard to the south, Old Conejo Road to the north, Jenny Drive (east of Newbury Park High School) to the west and Sequoia Middle School to the east.

TELL ME ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE STREET NAMES IN THE CASA CONEJO NEIGHBORHOOD

Interested in historical pictures of the area going back to the 1950s?  Click here to read about the work of prolific Conejo Valley photographer, Ed Lawrence. 

Click here for a history of Thousand Oaks. Thousand Oaks is over 56 square miles and Newbury Park represents about 40% of that square footage. Thousand Oaks was incorporated as a city on October 7, 1964.

Three dozen or so things to do in Newbury Park

Another three dozen or so kids' activities in Newbury Park

Yet another three dozen or so sports and fitness activities in Newbury Park

Ten Things To Do in the City of Moorpark

The City of Moorpark has the distinction of being the youngest city in Ventura County,  incorporating July 1, 1983.

According to the Moorpark Historical Society, the city originated when land investor Robert W. Poindexter of Los Angeles and his wife Madeline purchased the plot of land that is now Moorpark after Southern Pacific Railroad announced plans to relocate its tracks Los Angeles to San Francisco route from the coast to Chatsworth.

For many years, Moorpark was mostly farmland, with dry land crops including apricots, hay and lima beans, then later, walnuts and citrus when irrigation systems were improved. Moorpark became known as the "apricot capital of the world" and held an annual apricot festival by the late 1920s

So where did the name Moorpark come from? Apparently, Poindexter named the community after the Moorpark Apricot. Simple as that. Heck, he could have named it Poindexter!

So in any case, Moorpark is now a full-fledged city of 12.8 square miles with a population of approximately 35,000. Here is a selection of over a dozen things to do in the City of Moorpark.

• The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is a five acre zoo housing 200 exotic animals as part of the Exotic Animal Training & Management program. Great place for a quick weekend wild animal fix right here in our backyard.

• Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park is a 3,000 acre wilderness area with over 12 miles of trails.

• Ambush Paintball and Airsoft Park

• Moorpark City Library

• Underwood Family Farms offers fresh produce, kids' activities, special events, farm animals and more.

• High Street Arts Center

• Poindexter Skate Park

• Golf Development Complex Driving Range

• Arroyo Vista Recreation Center

• 18 community parks in Moorpark

• Take a tour of Apricot Lane Farms

• Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes and Arcade

• The Park Golf Lounge in Moorpark

For more things to do in Moorpark, visit the Do Something, Kid Fun and Fitness & Sports sections of the site. And of course the Events Calendar highlights daily goings on around the county.

A DOZEN FUN THINGS TO DO IN SIMI VALLEY

Memorial Day Weekend Events and Activities Around Ventura County

Memorial Day is a holiday to remember those who died while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress in 1971, but its beginnings go back to after the Civil War in 1868.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, cities in the North and South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. But in 1966, Congress and President Lyndon B. Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y. as the birthplace of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.

Traditionally, Memorial Day was May 30th each year. That was changed to the last Monday in May when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was signed into law in June 1968 and put into effect in 1971.

In 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was enacted by Congress to ask Americans to pause in an act of national unity at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

Here is a compilation of activities and events this 2026 Memorial Day weekend around Ventura County and adjacent areas.

• Fri 5/22: Camarillo Old Town Cruise Night (4-7PM)

• Thu-Mon 5/21-5/25: Public Dockside Tours of Tall Ship Mystic Whaler at Ventura Harbor

• Fri-Mon 5/22-5/25: Live Music at Ventura Harbor Village (1-4PM)

• Fri-Mon 5/22-5/25: Simi Town Center Carnival

• Sat-Mon 5/23-5/25: I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival in Santa Barbara

• Sat/Sun 5/23-5/24: 49th Annual Ojai Art in the Park

• Sat 5/23: Happy Face Hill Music Festival in Simi Valley (10:30-7)

• Sat 5/23: Clarence the Galapagos Tortoise 103rd Birthday Celebration (11-4:30)

• Mon 5/25: Memorial Day Service at the Reagan Library (9:30AM)

• Mon 5/25: Memorial Day Service at Pierce Brothers Westlake Village (10:30AM)

• Mon 5/25: Memorial Day Service at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo (11AM)

• Mon 5/25: Memorial Day Ceremony at Plaza Park in Oxnard (11AM)

• Mon 5/25: Moorpark Field of Valor Event (10AM-5PM Flag Viewing, 1PM Ceremony)

• Mon 5/25: Memorial Day Free Day at the Ventura Botanical Gardens (9AM-5PM)

• Mon 5/25: CPRD Concert in the Park - Garth Brooks Tribute (5PM)

• The annual Butterflies Alive! summer exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History opens on Sat, 5/23

Earth Day Events In and Around Ventura County

Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd each year since 1970. Earth Day events celebrate the planet we live on and helps to renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world. Here is a compilation of 2026 Earth Day as well as Arbor Day events in Ventura County and neighboring areas.

Sat 4/18: Calabasas Earth Day Festival (2-5PM)

Sat 4/18: Arbor/Earth Day Celebration in Thousand Oaks (10AM-2PM)

Sat 4/18: Ventura Earth Day Festival (11AM-4PM)

Sat 4/18: Earth Day Event at the Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College (11AM-4:30PM)

Fri 4/24: Earth Day and Arbor Day Events in Simi Valley (1-2PM, 3:30-5:30PM)

Sat 4/25: Earth Day Festival in Westlake Village (3-5:30PM)

Sat/Sun 4/25-26: Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival (11AM)

Sat 5/3 Moorpark Earth Festival & Arbor Day Celebration (9AM-1PM)

Easter Egg Hunts and Other Fun Easter Activities Around Ventura County

Here at Conejo Valley Guide we have a special place in our heart for Easter fun! The bunnies of the Conejo Valley and surrounding Ventura County areas are planning ahead to make this Easter memorable.

We have the Germans to thank for the Easter Bunny concept, which came about in the 1500s. Hares and bunnies are signs of fertility and eggs signify rebirth. The Germans brought Easter traditions to America and it wasn't until after the Civil War that Easter became widely celebrated.

Easter Sunday 2026 is April 5th! Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern hemisphere's vernal equinox. As a result, Easter Sunday ranges from March 22nd to April 25th

Upcoming Easter season events and activities in and around Ventura County (list will be updated regularly; dates/time subject to change, so check with event organizers to be sure):

Sat, Mar 21: Easter Bunny Arrival, Egg Hunt at Simi Valley Town Center (11am-4pm)

Mar 21-22, 28-29 Spring Spectacular at America's Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Fri, Mar 27: Flashlight Egg Hunt at 5 Locations in Thousand Oaks (6-9pm)

Sat, Mar 28: Springtime at the Adobe at Leonis Adobe Calabasas (1-4pm)

Sat, Mar 28: The Hunt Holiday Egg Hunt in Ventura (10am-3pm: RSVP required)

Sat, Mar 28: The Bunny Trail Junior Egg Hunt in Calabasas (SOLD OUT - No walk-ups)

Sat, Mar 28: Little Oaks Garden Party with the Easter Bunny (10am-1pm RSVP reqd)

Sat, Mar 28: Breakfast with the Bunny at Reyes Adobe Park in Agoura (10-12; SOLD OUT)

Sat, Mar 28: Easter Egg Hunt at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall in Thousand Oaks (9:45am)

Sat, Mar 28: Easter Egg Hunt at Church of Latter-day Saints Simi Valley (10am-noon)

Sat, Mar 28: City of Port Hueneme Egg-Stravaganza (9-11am)

Sat, Mar 28: City of Santa Paula Easter Egg Hunt (11am-3pm)

Sun, Mar 29: Selfies with the Bunny at The Collection at Riverpark (Noon-3pm)

Thu, Apr 2: Easter Egg Hunt in Thousand Oaks (Century Academy / Shine Homeschool).

Sat, Apr 2: Little Oaks Garden Party with the Easter Bunny (10am-1pm RSVP reqd)

Sat, Apr 4: Egg Scramble Event at Rancho Santa Susana Park in Simi Valley (9am start)

Sat, Apr 4: Easter Eggstravaganza Event in Camarillo (10am-1pm)

Sat, Apr 4: City of Moorpark Easter Egg Hunt (10am-1pm; Purchase wristbands in advance beginning March 2nd)

Sat, Apr 4: Egg Scramble Event Mae Boyar Park in Oak Park (9:15-11am)

Sat, Apr 4: Bunnies & Baskets at the Stagecoach Inn Museum (1-4pm)

Sat, Apr 5: Meet & Greet with the Seaside Bunny at Ventura Harbor Village (12-3pm)

Sun, Apr 5: Easter Sunrise Service at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks in Westlake Village (6am)

Sun, Apr 5: Easter Egg Hunt at Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge (1pm)

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

Mar 21 to Apr 12; Springtime Easter Festival at Underwood Family Farms

Mar 13 to Apr 4: Photos with the Bunny at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura

Mar 20 to Apr 30: Spring Scavenger Hunt at The Collection at Riverpark

Mar 21 to Apr 4: Bunny Photos at the Simi Valley Town Center