Ventura
Ventura’s ArtWalk Features the Best of the Area’s Vibrant Art Scene: Sat, Sept. 21, 12 – 5pm and Sunday, Sept. 22, 11 am – 4 pm. Downtown.
The family-friendly event will feature hundreds of artists in local galleries, businesses, restaurants and on the grounds of Mission Park and the Albinger Museum. Artist booths, popular local bands, aerialists, poetry, dance, a film festival, street painting, puppetry and a children’s area will all be a part of this event run by an enthusiastic all-volunteer team. Live painting and pottery demonstrations will also be featured. This huge, free event unites Ventura’s west side neighborhoods, businesses and arts community in a two-day celebration of the creative spirit. Transit to ArtWalk Ventura and along the route will again be at no cost through the generosity of Gold Coast Transit. Register to participate at www.artwalkventura.org.
Namba Performing Arts Space: 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival Weekend #2 and #3. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak Street.
The 2024 Playwrights’ Splash Festival brings new playwrights to Ventura and provides a platform for emerging artists to share their stories. Support for the festival is provided by the City of Ventura Cultural Funding Grant Program and Ventura County Behavioral Health. Tickets for each show are $20 online or $25 at the door. Or purchase a “SPLASH Pass” and see all three shows for $60! Includes a complimentary drink for each show and waives ticket fees. Join us at the SPLASH Festival and support the flourishing performing arts scene in Ventura. Learn more at NambaArts.com.
September 20 – 22
Namba Performing Arts Space is thrilled to announce the second weekend of its 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival, a three-weekend celebration of innovative theater that will run from August 30th through October 20th. This year’s festival brings to Ventura the best of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, featuring eight carefully curated shows that highlight new voices in theater.
Friday, September 20 at 8 PM, The Godmother
Kicking off the second weekend, we are proud to present “The Godmother,” which brings to life the story of Griselda Blanco, one of the most notorious drug lords of her era. Melina Farahani’s solo performance is guided by the intricate direction of the piece, offering a tale of power, sacrifice, and the indomitable bond between mother and son. This show is a profound exploration of family and the human condition.
Saturday, September 21, 8 PM, Mermaid
“Mermaid” intertwines a personal narrative with African mythology. Italome Ohikhuare’s solo show follows a Nigerian-American woman discovering a link between her health and an ancient mermaid goddess. This poignant and magical performance explores themes of identity, heritage, and healing.
Sunday, September 22, 7 PM, Magic for Animals
“Magic For Animals” closes weekend two on Sunday, September 22, at 7 PM, with Liz Toonkel’s witty and insightful one-woman show that blends magic, humor, and activism. Toonkel, who is the actor, writer, and producer, uses allusions to explore pressing issues like animal welfare and climate change, delivering a heartwarming and thought-provoking narrative.
Weekend #3 (October 18 – October 20)
Mental Health Awareness/Poetry Weekend with “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack” by Ben Kassoy, “Resilient AF” by Kamakshi Hart, and “Mictlan” by Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola, with shows in Spanish and English.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk: Sat, Sept. 21, Promenade Park near the Ventura Pier
Join the walk to promote the importance of suicide prevention. In 2021, over 420 Out of the Darkness Walks took place in communities and on campuses across the United States, attended by over 80,000 dedicated people who shared their passion for a growing movement. The goal is to spread awareness of what is currently a leading cause of death in the U.S., and let others know they are not alone. Help ensure that mental health is looked upon with equal importance to physical health and continue to bring hope to those affected by suicide. Register: afsp.org/vc.
VACE CAREER and EDUCATION EXPO: Tues, Sept 24, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, VACE Campus 5200 Valentine Road.
This event is FREE and open to the public! This is a GREAT opportunity to meet local business owners and representatives. Someone might need someone with your exact skill set or might know someone else who does. Scan the QR code to register. www.workforceventuracounty.org or www.facebook.com/WDBVC.
The Museum of Ventura County: The Curse of The Vampire. Tales from the Book of Nosferatu. Sept 19 – Nov 17.
The artists have created a spine-tingling, comic-like experience that will thrill anyone fascinated by Dracula and occult storytelling. You’ll be scared, amazed, and completely immersed in a world where imagination meets the supernatural! The Curse of The Vampire: Tales from The Book of Nosferatu is a collaborative exhibition that features seventeen George Stuart Historical Figures enhanced by blown up retro comic book style illustrations created by artists, Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. The exhibition brings a fictional story to life, chronicling the rise and fall of a vampire dynasty from Vlad the Impaler (the first alleged vampire) to Dracula to Alexander Cepesi (one of the last vampires). The story unfolds through illustrations created by Pugh and Alvitre in a retro comic book style. www.venturamuseum.org/upcoming-exhibitions.
2024 Ventura Women’s Conference: Sat, October 19m 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Poinsettia Pavilion.
The theme is “Wellness Warriors… embrace, empower, energize. Giving you the tools to gently warrior through life with compassion and grace.” Twelve women will speak on their wellness expertise, and over 20 health and wellness vendors will share products and services. Tickets are available at Eventbrite and all proceeds benefit Food Share Ventura. www.venturawomensconference.com
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra: Sun., Sept 22, 3 pm. First United Methodist Church, 1338 E Santa Clara St.
“Season Opener!” Sinfonia concertante in B-flat major by Joseph Haydn (Kimaree Gilad, Oboe; Cavit Celayir-Monezis, Bassoon; Sharon Cooper, Violin; John Fare, Cello)
Concerto in G minor for Organ, Strings and Timpani Francis Poulenc A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Felix Mendelssohn. Tickets are $20 online in advance and
$25 at the door. Students and children under 12 are free!
cichamberorchestra.org/general-admission/p/september22.
Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board hosts Speaker Session Q&A: Mon, Sept 23, 1:15 p.m. Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Hall of Administration, Ventura County Government Center
Join Us for the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board Speaker Series! Speaker: Dr. José M. Alamillo will discuss his research on Farmworker Labor Camps and Farmworker Movements in Ventura County, including the nation’s largest bracero camp, Buena Vista Camp, in Oxnard. Don’t miss this insightful presentation!
Chabad of Ventura High Holidays: Crown Plaza Ventura Beach
Rosh Hashanah: October 3 & 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Shofar at 12:00 pm. Thursday, October 3, 5:30 pm at the Ventura Promenade Beach Playground for “Shofar in the Park.”
Yom Kippur; October 11, 6:30 pm, October 12, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chabad of Ventura services are designed to make everyone feel welcome and at home. The prayers, conducted with Hebrew/English prayer-books, are lively, engaging, and inclusive – spiced with inspiring tunes and insightful explanations throughout – allowing all to absorb the experience at their own level. There is NO CHARGE for seats; your donation is greatly appreciated. Advance reservations are suggested to secure your seat. Reservations can be made online or over the phone. 805-658-7441. www.ChabadVentura.com/HighHolidays
Patchwork Show: Nov 3, 2024, 11-5pm, Downtown Ventura.
Patchwork Show Ventura brings all the charm of a beach town (you can even see the ocean from the show!) including a walkable collection of local shops and restaurants. Over the past 16 years, Patchwork has grown from a small parking lot craft fair into multiple locations including street festivals and large indoor marketplaces. Each location is as unique as the venue and showcases different makers and collaborations that reflect the local environment and community. www.dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/
Ongoing:
Social Golf Club
Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com
Ventura Senior Men’s Group: First and Third Tues each month: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Poinsettia Pavilion.
Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group. Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.
Play Bridge: Every Tues, Wed and Thurs at 12:30 pm.
ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse. For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected].
Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Mon each month – 7:30 pm.
Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.
Beach Cleanup: First Sat of every month – 8:30 -10:30 am.
Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St). Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided – BYO water.
Ojai:
Monday Matinees: A Movie Screening Series, First and Third Mondays at 12pm. The Ojai
Library, 111 East Ojai Ave.
The Ojai Library announces the launch of Monday Matinees. The library will be hosting free movie screenings on the first and third Mondays of each month at noon. There will be a special additional screening on Monday, September 30, 2024, to round out the first month.
This program aims to provide a fun and relaxing way for visitors to enjoy a diverse selection of films, ranging from classic favorites to contemporary hits. The movie listings will be posted in the library, ensuring that everyone can stay up to date with upcoming features. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].
Ojai Studio Artists Tour: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, October 12 – 14
Always a highlight of the Southern California arts calendar, the (OSA) is back with a three-day “choose-your-own adventure” extravaganza. More than 70 artists open their private spaces over the course of the long weekend in a tour that features paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, collage, jewelry, glass, prints, mixed media and all manner of artworks, all experienced in a variety of intimate and idiosyncratic spaces by members of a community-based nonprofit devoted to celebrating Ojai arts.
Ticket holders get a program and map of participating studios, from back yard wonderlands within walking distance of the town arcade to stone cabins nestled up Sulphur Mountain. Tickets are $20, giving visitors access to all studios over the three-day weekend (and supporting art scholarship programs for Nordhoff High art students). www.ojaistudioartists.org/all-tours/2024-fall-open-studios-tour.
Oxnard:
Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Meeting: Wed, October 2, 9:30 – 11am, PCYC Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club 2600 Harbor Blvd.
Guest speaker and BCNN member, Lisa Mirisola, a recently appointed volunteer member of the Ventura County Clean Air Fund Advisory committee, will present an introduction to local air quality, electric vehicles and fueling technology. BCNN, Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers, meets the first Wednesday of the month. It has dozens of small group off shoots from sports activities, to wine tasting, bridge, games, book groups and more. (www.bcnnwomensclub.org).
