Ventura:
The Throw Down Cornhole Festival: Fri, Aug 23 – Sun, Aug 25, Ventura County Fairgrounds
Spencer Makenzie’s invites all players of all skill levels to enter the World’s Largest Cornhole Tournament “The Throw Down”. This cornhole tournament is the largest in the world. Come enjoy the tournament as a cornhole player or spectator there is plenty of food, drinks, cold beer, live music, truck show and vendors. All players who play will be competing for over $300,000 in guaranteed payouts. Plus, all teams with Ventura County residency will be competing for additional payouts. 1088 teams will be playing. www.thethrowdowncornholetournament.com.
Fractured Actors Theater Company: Aug 16-31, Fri & Sat at 8 p.m.* Sundays at 5:00 p.m. Extra matinee performance on Aug 24 at 2:00 pm and Thur Aug 29 at 8:00 pm. Theater @ Liminal Ventura, 1956 Palma Drive, Suite J.
Actors Theater Company presents The Speakeasy PROM: Never Say Goodbye, their 5th annual festival of new plays and live music. This year’s edition features five world premiere one-acts by local playwrights and live music from Class Action. The Speakeasy PROM is an immersive theater and musical experience. It is all accompanied by modern and classic rock from Class Action, your new favorite band composed of Ventura County’s finest musicians. Speakeasy PROM: Never Say Goodbye is hosted at Sweet Jay’s, our charming and spacious black box theater that will be transformed into a colorful and celebratory high school dance. Purchase tickets at fracturedactors.com. *Prom attire is encouraged.
Free Family History Lectures: Sat, Sept 21. Online via Zoom, 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
The Ventura County Genealogical Society will present two speakers. The first is Jennifer Zinck,
speaking on “Connecting with Cousins: Using Tools & Technology for Genealogical
Collaboration,” followed by Kenneth R. Marks on “How to Develop Critical Online Newspaper
Research Skills.” All VCGS lectures are free and open to members and the public. Non-members may request a Zoom invitation at https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture. VCGS cannot respond to same-day requests.
Ventura Land Trust Wild Scenic Film Festival: Sat., Aug 24, 5-10pm, Ventura County Credit Union Headquarters, Ventura.
Ventura Land Trust’s annual flagship event, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is entering its 15th year and will be held on the lawn of the Ventura County Credit Union headquarters. In addition to nearly two hours of inspiring environmental and activism-focused films, festival-goers can expect incredible music, food, and a selection of beer and wine from Ventura County locals. The evening’s festivities will feature the live music of local legends Spencer the Gardener, an onsite raffle, and an online silent auction. Beverages from Topa Topa, Castoro Cellars, Balcom Cider, Ventura Spirits, and food from a variety of local food trucks will be available for purchase.
General admission tickets are $40, with children’s tickets available for $5 and teen tickets (ages 13-17) at $10. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets are available for $125 and offer exclusive early access to the Ventura Vibe VIP Lounge, providing additional free beverage and food options. Tickets and vendor details can be found at www.venturalandtrust.org/wsff2024.
C Street Classic Surf Contest: Sat, Aug 31 – Sun, Sept 1, C Street.
The C Street Classic is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of surfing at the iconic C Street in Ventura, California. Open to short and longboard surfers of all ages and genders, our contest fosters an inclusive community that emphasizes fun, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. We strive to create an unforgettable experience that honors the rich tradition of surfing, inspires personal excellence, and builds lasting friendships among surfers. Join us in riding the waves with joy and respect for the ocean and each other. www.cstreetclassic.com
Open House Tours the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum: Sun, Sept 1 from 1 to 4 pm Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood) in Ventura. For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at dudleyhouse.org.
Aloha Beach Festival: Sat, Aug 31- Sun, Sept 1, Surfer’s Point/Promenade Park
ALOHA BEACH FESTIVAL brings Hawaiian culture to Ventura with unity, respect, mind & spirit! West of Ventura Pier @ Surfers Point. www.alohabeachfestival.us
Olivas Adobe House Tours: Every Sunday in August
The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.
The Assisted Home Health & Hospice Foundation Fundraiser: Thurs, Sept 5, 6:00 – 9:00 pm, Golf N’ Stuff, Ventura.
Engage in the spirit of friendly competition and help support access to in-home healthcare for the underserved. The foundation provides assistance to individuals and families across Ventura County that range from short-term caregiving, hospital beds, refrigerators, pet care, etc. The money raised at the event stays in Ventura County to ensure that assistance is provided to families in need. Asssitedcares.com/foundation.
Beautiful Blue Sky – Poetry and Piano by Oxnard artist Tim Pompey: Sat, Sept 7, 7 pm. NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 South Oak Street.
Accompanied by guest pianist Miriam Arichea. The poems are featured in his poetry book “Beautiful Blue Sky” – www.timpompey.com/poetry. “They’re each a combination of spirituality, personal reflection, and nature,” says Tim. Tickets $20 at nambaarts.com. The event is co-sponsored by Ventura County Realtor Rosa Carbajal (EXP Realty) and will feature a pre-show appetizer and cocktail reception prior to and during the concert.
National Heirloom Expo: Tues, Sept 10-12. Ventura County Fairgrounds
The National Heirloom Expo is America’s largest celebration of pure food and heirloom gardening. The Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from some of the best minds working in gardening, health, non-GMO activism, heirloom seed protection and preservation, permaculture, and regenerative soil practices. Produce is the real star of the show at the expo, and a trip around the fairgrounds is like an international adventure in heirloom seeds and vegetables. The Expo Hall features hundreds of heirloom vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers, plus exhibits, fruit carvers, and more! A one-day pass is $15. Three-day passes are available for $30. All profits benefit school garden and food programs. School groups are admitted free, and assistance is available to defray transportation costs for school groups. For more information, visit theheirloomexpo.com or www.rareseeds.com/national-heirloom-expo.
5th Annual Marvelous Mug Marketplace at the Ventura Pottery Gallery: Sat, Sep 14th & Sun, Sept 15th, from 11 am to 6 pm
Over 40 talented local potters have poured their creativity and craftsmanship into producing an array of unique, functional mugs designed to brighten your daily routine. From short to tall, wide to slender, and vibrant to whimsical, our selection is sure to have something for everyone.
Each mug is not only a work of art but also practical for everyday use – all are lead-free, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. As a special treat, the first twenty purchases each day will receive a complimentary cup of coffee from Top This Chocolate, located just around the corner from the Gallery.
While you’re here, don’t miss the colorful Harbor Art and Street Painting Festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a weekend full of art, creativity and community spirit. For more information, visit www.vcpg.org. Can’t make it to the Gallery. Online Store – www.venturapotteryonline.com.
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.
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.
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:
Free Libbey Bowl concert Series: Sun, Aug 25, 3:30 pm. Libbey Bowl.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1029718788210050?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D
North American Trade Beads – A talk with Joseph M. Puglia: Sat, Aug 31, 2 pm. Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Ave.
Local Ojai author Joseph M. Puglia will give a talk titled “North American Trade Beads.” On October 12, 1492, Columbus recorded in his logbook, “The natives of San Salvador Island were given glass beads.” This is the earliest written record of glass beads in the Americas. Beads are incidental to Europe’s incursion into North America. At the time most of the beads were used for trade with indigenous peoples. Thus, the name “Trade Beads.” This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected]. www.vencolibrary.org.
Ojai “pARTy animals” gala supports high school art scholarships: Sat, Aug 31, 7 pm, Ojai Valley Museum
Ojai artists are busy creating animal costumes and original artwork for a wild and whimsical party to raise funds to support the arts in Ojai. The first-ever “pARTY Animals gala” is a costume party fundraiser. Guests are invited to join the fun with costumes as elaborate or minimal as they choose. Proceeds benefit the Ojai Valley Museum and the Ojai Studio Artists outreach program that supports art students at Nordhoff High School. The Ojai Studio Artists scholarship program this year awarded $7,000 to seven young artists from Nordhoff High School. To date, OSA has given $281,000 in scholarship awards and remains committed to supporting the arts in Ojai.
The party will be held under the stars in the historic Ojai Valley Museum’s beautiful courtyard and will feature mojitos, wine from the Ojai Vineyard, appetizers, a build-your-own bowl buffet with options available for all food restrictions and deserts prepared and served by lions, deer, rabbits and kittens (AKA artists). Entertainment will be provided by DJ D’ete Soleil a juggling rabbit. Tickets cost $100 and are available at the OSA website, www.ojaistudioartists.org.
10th Annual Mountain Film On-Tour: Sat, Sept 21, Ojai Valley School (Lower Campus Sports Field). Gates open at 5 pm – Films start at 7:15 pm
OVLC celebrates 25 years of work at the Ojai Meadows Preserve! Bring your blankets and low-back chairs and join the festivities on the field at Ojai Valley School’s Lower Campus Sports Field for another fantastic year of films and fun! Experience the beauty of nature, the thrill of wild adventures, and the power of environmental storytelling through a carefully curated selection of films from the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride. ovlc.org/mountainfilm.
Make it a weekend – Friday, September 20, at Under the Open Sky—a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner by Seasons Catering with live music, a photo booth, beer, wine, a virtual auction, and a paddle raise at our historic Ventura River Steelhead Preserve. When the sun sets, we will enjoy a collection of films selected for this special event that will not be shown on Saturday night. https://ovlc.org/events
Oxnard:
Digital Marketing Guide – What, When and How to Post Content: Wed, Sep 4, 10:00-11:00 AM. Oxnard Public Library, 251 South A St., Meeting Room B.
Free – In Person Event. Many small businesses face significant challenges and frustrations when it comes to marketing. They often struggle with what to post, how to do it, and when. While they understand the importance of marketing and promotion for their business, they are unsure how to effectively implement it on a daily basis. This workshop offers practical and straightforward solutions to address these issues. https://score.tfaforms.net/112?EventID=a10Vt000001yaeL
2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Sat., Sep 21. The Park at the Collection
Registration at 8 am, Ceremony at 9 am, Walk at 9:30 am. Visit https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_homepage to register and learn more:
Camarillo:
Digital Literacy – Adventures in VR Ocean Rift: Mon, Aug 26, Join the introductory VR class Ocean Rift from 2 – 3:15 pm. 3639 E. Las Posas Rd.
Take your digital literacy to the next level while having fun with Camarillo Health Care District’s award-winning Adventures in Virtual Reality program. Learn how to use the equipment and then choose a sea creature to interact with while in the deep sea. You’ll be a virtual scuba diver. See whales, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, manatees and more. Learn about them and their habitat. Cost is $5 (non-District residents add $4). Register by calling 805-388-1952. You must be 13 or older to participate. https://www.camhealth.com/vr-classes-offer-immersive-experiences
Senior Nutrition Counseling: Tues, Aug. 27, Appointments are available the second and fourth Tuesday of the month between 1 and 4 pm. Camarillo Health Care District, 3639 E. Las Posas Rd.
Meet with Patti Jaeger, Registered Dietitian with Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, to discuss your specific health needs. Topics include controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, enhancing bone health and eating healthy on a budget. Participants must be age 60 or older. Call 805-388-1952 to book an appointment.
Free Genealogy Workshop: Wed, Sept 4, 10:30 – 11:30 am. Doors open at 10 am. Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road.
Help offered with family history and genealogy questions. No registration needed. Free and open to the public. Suitable for all levels, including beginners. Get help or offer help to others. General questions and topics for discussion are always welcome. For more information about the society visit www.venturacogensoc.org. VCGS is an all-volunteer, public benefit non-profit corporation [501(c)(3)]. Donations are appreciated.
Camarillo Quilters Association: Tues, Sept 10 at 9 am. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley Drive.
This month will present Annette Ornelas of South Wind Quilts. Her Lecture is: “Dimensional Curved Piecing”. Annette’s unique approach to quilting has led her to design numerous Dimensional Curved piecing patterns and books. Annette is the owner and creator of Southwind Designs patterns. Guest fee is $5 and everyone is welcome. Visit camarilloquilters.com.
