By Carol Leish, MA –
“Just when the caterpillar thought that the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly.” — Proverb
The 4th Annual Ventura County Mental Wellness Festival on June 6 at Ventura Harbor will celebrate the completion of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month. “It’s a grassroots mental health and wellness festival where everyone is welcome,” according to Josh Carsman, Leadership Team Member at Turning Point Foundation.
Turning Point Foundation is a local nonprofit with the mission to improve the quality of life for adults experiencing serious mental illness, addiction, lack of housing and inadequate physical health care. “They do this by providing health navigation services, rehabilitation, wellness and recovery programs, temporary housing, transitional housing, and permanent supported housing in Ventura County.”
This festival is a fun, informative and interactive event that offers: 1) a unique mental health art exhibit (client submitted); 2) a ‘Growing Works’ horticultural garden exhibit (client cultivated); 3) live music by Orchard Bluegrass Band; 4) meditation sessions from Two Moon Child; and 5) a blend of related cultural, holistic, therapeutic and spiritual wellness vendors, community service organizations, and program booths.
People will be able to share their messages of hope on the “Mental Wellness Means to Me” wall. Event admission is free and family-friendly. Select Ventura Harbor restaurants and stores will provide a 10% discount to event visitors that day as they shop and dine. Visit the event website for a list of participating businesses.
“Our objective is to continue to raise awareness about mental health and continue to share mental wellness pathways in our community that support, maintain and/or improve our mental health,” said Josh Carsman.
The festival takes place at Ventura Harbor Village on the large grass area and runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come support this event and its participants, view unique art and garden exhibits, shop, relax your mind, and enjoy a beautiful day at Ventura Harbor. Pets are welcome.
To see a list of sponsors and learn more about the event, visit www.mentalwellnessfest.com or www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/mental-wellness-festival-2026.
