Ventura:

NAMBA Performing Arts Space: 47 S. Oak St.

November lineup features live music, dance, comedy, theater and songwriting events.

• Nov. 13, 7 pm – Ventura Improv Company: Dysfunctional Family Feud. Tickets: $13 online, $15 at the door.
• Nov. 14–15, 3 pm – Lesbo Solo, My Gay History Play: Terry Baum’s personal and humorous look at LGBTQ+ history. Tickets: $23 online, $25 at the door.
• Nov. 21, 7 pm – Joy Clark: Tell It to the Wind: Soulful, blues-infused folk music. Tickets: $23 online, $25 at the door.
• Nov. 22, 2 pm – Songwriter’s Workshop: Hosted by Henry Stewart. $10 suggested donation.
• Nov. 27, 7 pm – Henry Stewart’s Listening Room: An intimate evening of acoustic music. $10 suggested donation.

For tickets, registration and details, visit NAMBAarts.com.

National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Meeting: Nov 15, 11 am. Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Rd.

Interested in timepieces, both antique and modern, attend the Ventura/Santa Barbara County chapter meeting for a watch/clock marketplace and lunch. After lunch there will be a presentation on a horological topic. Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation. nawcc-ch190.com. rjmcclel@pacbell.net.

Book Author Signing – Chip Fraser “It’s Your Life”: Sat, Nov 21, 12 pm – 2pm. Abednego Book Shoppe, 2682 E. Main St.

Created by educator James “Chip” Fraser 51 years ago, the book encourages participants to reflect on life’s experiences, relationships, challenges, and opportunities. The interactive program explores how we choose to live, make meaningful connections, and make a difference in the lives of others. For more information, call 805-643-9350 or visit www.bankofbooks.com.

Gold Coast Gem Show: Sat – Sun, Nov 21–22, 10 am – 5 pm and 10 -4, Sun. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 E. Harbor Blvd. San Miguel/Anacapa Building.

Vendors & Dealers: Over 30 specialized dealers featuring gems, minerals, fossils, fine jewelry, beads, and lapidary supplies. Activities & Exhibits: Live demonstrations, raffle prizes, a teacher’s station, and hands-on kids’ activities (such as sand digging) hosted by local gem clubs. Admission: Free. https://goldcoastgemshow.com.

Dudley House Holiday Boutique: Nov. 27, 28, 29; Dec. 5, 6, 12 & 13. 197 N. Ashwood St.

Come celebrate the spirit of holidays past where you’ll find quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles plus holiday refreshments. The 32nd year of our popular annual fundraiser for the 1892 historic house museum takes place on three weekends and is open 11 am – 5 p.m. with outdoor vendors on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 4 pm weather permitting. Admission is free. www.dudleyhouseventura.org.

Patchwork Show: Sun, Dec 6, 11 am – 5 pm. Downtown Ventura, California & Main.

Soak up the charm of a beach town while shopping from local makers at Patchwork Show Ventura! This open-air street festival takes place in the palm tree–lined streets of downtown Ventura, with ocean views, handmade goods, and a walkable mix of local shops and restaurants. It’s a laid-back, sunshiny way to support small businesses and enjoy the coastal vibes. www.patchworkshow.com.

Footworks Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Fri – Sun, December 11-13. Ventura College Performing Arts Center. 4700 Loma Vista Rd.

With a cast of nearly 60 young dancers from across Ventura County and two professional guest artists. Under the direction of Artistic Director Kirsten Oakley, the company’s 28th production of the Tchaikovsky classic reaches well beyond the theater, taking the ballet to senior living communities and welcoming hundreds of local schoolchildren, many of them seeing live ballet for the first time. Performace times: Friday, Dec 11, 7pm; Sat, Dec 12, 1 pm and 5 pm; Sun, Dec 13, 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.oakleyballet.com.

Ventura Music Festival – Chanticleer: Tues, Dec 15, 7 pm. Ventura Center for Spiritual Living, 101 S Laurel St.

VMF’s 31st season closes December 15 with a special holiday concert from Chanticleer, the celebrated twelve-voice male ensemble that has sold over one million recordings and performed thousands of concerts across the globe. Named for the clear-singing rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the ensemble spans countertenor to bass and performs five centuries of choral music with breathtaking precision. Tickets for all VMF-presented Fall Series events are on sale now at venturamusicfestival.org or by calling (805) 648-3146. VMF also offers subsidized ticket pricing and free programming to ensure music remains accessible throughout the community.

Ongoing:

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

A low-cost nonprofit weight loss group accepting new members. Wed. mornings, 9 am – 10:30 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 6190 Telephone Rd Rm 14, on Friday mornings or Friday mornings from 8-30 am -10 am at the Lutheran Church, 196 N Ashwood Ave. You can visit once to see if it’s right for you and choose the day that’s better as well. www.tops.org/find-a-meeting.

LPSC Social Club General Meeting: Monthly, every 1st Thursday, 6:30 pm (except Aug). 1363 Spinnaker Dr.

LPSC (formerly Los Padres Ski Club) is a social community of active members with many social activities such as barbecues, happy hour, educational outings, hiking, camping, and ski trips. They look to establish a sense of community for young and old who appreciate an active life. “We continue in the tradition of the ski club and create vibrant activities to build community and most of all we want to have a good time.” https://lpsc.club.

Toastmaster Club 24 Meetings: Every Monday, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Cypress Place Assisted Living, 1220 Cypress Point Ln, 3rd Fl.

Hey, are you not talk well? Come learn how talk good.  In front of people!  No more word stumble! Seriously speaking, we’d love to have you at our fun Toastmasters meetings. Everyone is welcome. https://venturatoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

Ventura Gem & Mineral Society: Fourth Wednesday (second Wednesday in Nov/Dec), 7:30 – 9:30, Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.

Join amateur enthusiasts interested in minerals, fossils, and jewelry making. We welcome individual and family members. We participate in Science Nights at schools and – in conjunction with the County Parks System at Camp Comfort – run a two-room museum open by appointment for school groups, homeschoolers and others. We have a youth group which meets regularly for activities. Enjoy field trips, lapidary classes to craft polished stones, speakers and refreshments at our meetings. Email info@vgms.org or visit www.vgms.org.

Free Grief Support Groups

Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program offers multiple support groups that focus on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again.

Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement offers free grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. General Bereavement Support Group on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8 pm (Ventura in-person). Thursdays from 10:30 am – Noon (Ventura in-person). For registration and locations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.

Ventura Senior Men’s Group: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, first and third Tuesdays. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.

Ventura Senior Men’s Group lunch meetings – first and third Tuesday of the month.  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+ and living in Ventura County.  Call Bob at 805-857-0055 or visit www.VSMG.net to see speakers and learn more.

Country Lovers Line Dancing: Ventura Moose Lodge. Tuesdays 7 – 9 pm, 10269 Telephone Rd.

Easy dances, first time free. Any questions, leave message at 805-889-3132.

Ventura VFW Post 1679 – Sunday Brunches/Dinners:  3801 Market St.

Help support your local Ventura County Veterans: “Open to the Public Brunches and Dinners.”  Sunday Brunch 10 am – 1 pm every Sunday. Prices from $8 – $15. Friday Night Dinners: 5:30 pm – 7 pm every Friday night. Prices depend on the menu for that night. $15 – $25. 805-642-2674. https://vfw1679.org.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Ventura County: 6:30 – 8pm, every Tuesday. Ralston St. At DBSA support group meetings, we share experiences, personal feelings, information, and strategies for living successfully. Groups are free, confidential, and open to people living with or who believe they may have depression, bipolar disorder, or another mood disorder. Join our community of hope, reassurance, and encouragement. Call (805) 665-3326 or Email DBSAVentura@gmail.com for more details and information.

Ventura County Philatelic Society Meeting: 1^st and 3^rd Mondays of the month, 7 pm. Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd. 805-415-9857. www.venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Camarillo:

Holiday Market & Silent Auction: Thur, Dec 3, 4 – 7 pm. SAGE Office Parking Lot, 1305 Del Norte Rd.

In partnership with 805 Connects and Royal Day Solutions. Our participants, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, have been creating handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, and decorations that they’ll be selling at the market. Cocoa bar, popcorn booth, DJ, and silent auction featuring some great donations from local businesses. All proceeds will go toward hosting a special holiday dinner for our participants, bringing everyone together to enjoy a warm meal, celebrate the season, and experience a sense of community. Parking available next door and across the street. Free admission. https://www.thesantaeffect.com/event-details/holiday-market

Oxnard:

Nate’s Place Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Fri, Nov 13, 5:30 pm. 375 S. K St.

From one young man’s recovery journey to a new campus and 20-bed Peer Respite Center, Nate’s Place is celebrating a major milestone for Ventura County youth. Join us for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of our new home, and upcoming Youth Peer Respite Center for Transitional Aged Youth. Enjoy tours, music, food, speakers, and be there for an exciting announcement. Free and open to the public. www.natesplacewellnesscenter.org.

Ojai:

Ojai Book Festival: Sat, Nov 14, noon to 5 pm. Ojai Art Center Patio, 113 S Montgomery St.

The first Ojai Book Festival is presented by the center’s Literary Branch, the free event invites visitors to meet authors, discover new books, and enjoy an afternoon of conversation and entertainment. Writers will take turns reading selections from their books on stage, giving visitors a chance to hear the stories directly from the people who created them. 20 authors, wine, refreshments. From historical fiction and mysteries to memoirs, romance, poetry, children’s literature, and books about navigating life’s challenges. Some have enjoyed long careers in publishing, while others are introducing readers to their latest works. www.oacliterarybranch.com.

New Art City Theatre premieres Sunday After Next: Nov 13 to 22, Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Rd.

A musical comedy inspired by Oscar Wilde, with a company boasting 70 Broadway credits and orchestrations by Tony winner Larry Hochman. Lord Arthur’s set to marry the girl of his dreams. One problem: he has to kill someone first. Tickets: $25 Open Door, $45 Value, $65 Pay-It-Forward. Groups of 10 or more: (805) 242-8575 or boxoffice@newartcitytheatre.org. https://newartcitytheatre.org/sunday-after-next.

Santa Barabara:

UCSB Arts & Lectures Presents Meow Meow: Feline Festive: Tues, Dec 1, 7:30 pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

Enter the glorious world of international chanteuse and comedienne Meow Meow and her unique  brand of holiday hilarity and melodic mayhem. Wrapped in musical wonder, peals of laughter and loving audience encounters, Feline Festive is a rollicking tonic of seasonal spirit, sparkling goodwill and joy to the world. Feline Festive features a band of superb musicians and tunes ranging from jazzy vintage showbiz to wicked, witty Weimar, French chansons and original surprises. https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu/events-tickets/events/26-27/meow-meow.

California Ocean Summit: Thur, Dec 10, 8:30 pm – 11 pm. SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St, Suite 205.

Step inside a kelp forest for one night. Zach Gill, of Jack Johnson’s band and ALO, leads an evening of ocean-themed music with Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Jack Johnson’s band drummer Adam Topol, and other surprise musical guests. Immersive projections from The Hydrous, a project of 2026 TIME Trailblazer Erika Woolsey, bring the Channel Islands kelp forests to life inside the venue. Guests can also try an optional virtual reality experience that lets you get up close to the sea animals and plant life just off our coast. Part of the California Ocean Summit’s public programming, the experience wraps the room in an ecosystem we’re working to protect and brings the ocean conversation to the whole community. Tickets are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. www.calocean.org.

Santa Paula:

Citrus Christmas: Sat, Nov 21 – Dec 20. Downtown Santa Paula

The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce invites families and visitors to celebrate Citrus Christmas, a season-long holiday celebration inspired by the city’s citrus heritage and themed “Local Roots. Brighter Holidays.” Festivities include a Holiday Sip & Shop, Small Business Saturday alongside the 76th Annual Christmas Parade, four weekends of music, sidewalk sales and art, and Pictures with Santa. All events are presented in English and Spanish. For details, visit www.santapaulachamber.com.

Westlake Village:

Conejo Valley Bonsai Club Meeting:  Thurs, Nov 19, doors open at 7:30 pm. Westlake Village City Hall, 312 Oak Crest Dr.

Monthly club meeting with annual elections. We will be reviewing our annual show from at 7 Gardens of The World. Email, publicity@cvbs-bonsai.org. www.cvbs-bonsai.org.