Calling all Mermaids and Mermen…Mermaid Month has officially returned to Ventura Harbor Village! It’s the perfect time to head seaside as these mystical aquatic creatures take center stage all month long. Special themed events and live mermaid sightings are scheduled for select Sundays, March 13th and March 20th from 1-4 PM.
Locals and visitors across all oceans are encouraged to make a splash and delve into a myriad of mermaid activities. Kicking off Mermaid Month is a Kid’s Free Scavenger Hunt, which runs from March 5th to March 31st. Pick up the scavenger hunt sheets at the Mermaid Gallery in Ventura Harbor Village and return for prizes. On Saturdays in March, bask in the sunshine with sounds of the steel drum (March 12th, 19th and 26th from 1 – 4 PM) along the Village’s Seaside Promenade.
Lovers of the sea can meet a live mermaid at the Harbor’s “Mermaid Meet & Greet” on two Sundays, March 13th and March 20th from 1 – 4 PM (weather permitting). Festivities feature photos with a live mermaid, entertainment, colorful face paintings, spectacular exotic birds, scavenger hunts, and mermaid fashion.
On Sunday, March 13th extra activities are a live mermaid chalk art demonstration by artist Lysa Ashley, free craft stations courtesy of Macaroni Kid, and new this year- a Mer-mazing Dance Party with DJ Darla. Come dressed up for a family-fun dance party featuring music from under the sea, bubbles, wands, and flowers galore!
On Sunday, March 20th festivities will feature a new Pop-Up Mermaid Market from 12 – 4 PM in the Channel Islands Courtyard in the Harbor Village. The Harbor’s own talented artisans and makers will display their handmade nautical treasures and treats!
All month long, visitors can also engage in seaside selfie stations, including large mermaid shells and the 20-foot plus sign feature that reads “I Love the SEA” on Ventura Harbor Village’s Promenade.
Enjoy complimentary giveaways and month-long special savings by select Ventura Harbor Village retailers all month long including: Mermaid Gallery artisan Tina O’Brien is giving a free starfish or bag of shells with every $25+ purchase. PLUS, get a free shell bracelet if you come in and say “I’m really a mermaid” (while supplies last); Top This Chocolate has chocolate mermaid pops, chocolate mermaid tails, chocolate seashell pops and $1 chocolate seashells. Ventura Swimwear is offering a free gift with $50 purchase (while supplies last); Sugar Lab Bake Shop has discounted the reusable Mermaid Straws, mermaid drinks, and much more.
Shoppers can purchase a dazzling array of more than 100 mermaid-themed items that include artwork, soaps, jewelry, pottery, nautical finds, coastal décor, ocean-inspired apparel, and mermaid-themed accessories. What’s more. Ventura Harbor Village’s bars and restaurants are serving up “sea-sonal” themed cocktails, sweat mermaid treats, and delicious freshly caught seafood and Ventura Harbor Village welcomes locals and visitors from across all oceans!
Those seeking to get on the water with ease can rent a kayak, SUP paddle board, electric boats or popular themed swan, duck or dragon peddle boats daily with Ventura Boat Rentals. And to catch a real live mermaid or just a large fish (bragging rights included), they can aboard a vessel from Ventura Sportfishing or get a possible glimpse of the illusive mermaid swimming with the whales on an Island Packers Winter Whale Watch excursion.
To learn more about Ventura Harbor Village Mermaid Month, visit venturaharborvillage.com/mermaidmonth-2022
