Halloween Events: https://venturabreeze.com/2026-halloween-event-guide.

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Rubicon Theatre Ragtime Musical: Oct 21 – Nov 15. Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E Main St.

This Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece is a portrait of a country—and its people—on the brink of change. Based on E.L. Doctorow’s acclaimed novel set at the turn of the twentieth century in New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future. www.rubicontheatre.org.

Reel Guppy Outdoors Blue Carpet Premiere: Fri, Oct 23, 5 pm – 7:30 pm. Museum of Ventura County, 100 E Main St.

Exclusive premiere of the family educational film Reel California Gold. Special book showcase and celebration featuring Isabella’s Sharks and Rays activity book. Refreshments, blue carpet paparazzi photos, and goodie bags This project is part of their STEAM initiative, where high school students gain hands-on experience in multimedia, entrepreneurship, and real-world film production. Through this program, students are developing their skills while helping create educational, family-friendly, and inspiring television programming. www.reelguppyoutdoors.com.

The Ventura County Food Justice Summit: Sat, Oct 24, 2 pm – 5 pm. Topa Topa Brewing Co. (indoor event hall). 4880 Colt St.

Hosted by Food Forward, this n afternoon gathering for people working or interested in the food recovery, food security, and food justice space across Ventura County. Open to everyone, whether you are a seasoned community advocate or looking to get involved in local food systems and equity work for the first time. Free to attend (registration is requested). https://foodforward.org/ventura-food-justice-summit-registration.

Ventura Center for Spiritual Living Guest Speaker: Sun, Oct 25 (see schedule below). 101 S Laurel St.

For over 30 years, Rep. David Ault has championed human potential, mindfulness, global literacy, and social justice. He founded the Kaleidoscope Child Foundation, which empowers vulnerable children and communities through sustainable education, life skills, and access to fresh water. Over 20 years, the foundation has supported programs in Cambodia, Bodhgaya, India, Guatemala, Africa, and the United States, serving more than 1,000 children annually. Schedule: 10 am – Sunday Service with guest speaker David Ault. 11 am – Light Lunch; 12:30 PM – Screening of Kaleidoscope Child, an award-winning 2026 documentary directed by Michael Patrick McKinley, exploring David’s humanitarian journey and the transformative power of resilience, education, and love in action. The film is free; donations to the foundation are welcome. www.kaleidoscopechildfoundation.org. https://venturacsl.org.

College Area Community Council Meeting: Wed, Oct 28, 6 pm. CAPS Media, 65 Day Rd.

In-person & Zoom meeting. Community council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. The Oct. meeting also includes a food drive to support the VC Food Pantry.  Please bring canned goods to the meeting to support food insecure students. CACC represents citizens in the area bounded by Mills Road on the west, Hill Road on the east, city limits in the hillsides on the north, and the 126 Freeway on the south.  Visit the CACC website https://caccventura.com for more information, a Zoom link to the meeting or to be added to the mailing list.

Cuba Up Close 2026: Thur, Oct 29, 6 pm.  Ventura College Applied Science Center, 361 S. Campus Way.

Presented by the Ventura College Departments of History & Political Science. Free event open to the public will be a discussion on the current situation in Cuba/U.S. relations and will be moderated by David Comden. Born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, Lorenzo DeStefano is a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, producer, director, film editor, and photographer. A member of the Directors Guild of America and former member of the Motion Picture Editor’s Guild, he has produced and directed network series, documentaries, and narrative films, worked in U.S. and U.K. Theater, and written fiction, non-fiction, original screenplays, and adaptations. www.themagichourbylorenzodestefano.com. For more info contact Colleen Coffey, ccoffey@vcccd.edu.

The Dudley Museum Open House Tours: Sun, Nov, 1 – 4 pm. 197 N. Ashwood.

Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum. Admission is free. For information call (805) 642-3345 or visit dudleyhouse.org.

Ventura County Ballet Brings The Nutcracker Directly to Local Communities

Ventura County Ballet is bringing excerpts from its 28th annual production of the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker directly to local children and families in schools, libraries and community centers, including special sensory friendly performances for those with autism and other sensory, physical, cognitive and emotional challenges.

The free interactive performances feature scenes from The Nutcracker and let audiences see the dancers up close, learn how they tell stories without words, try a few steps, and explore all the jobs involved in bringing a ballet to life. Ventura County Ballet will present The Nutcracker at Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 3:00 and Sunday, December 6, at 2:00. Global ballet stars headline a cast of nearly 100 dancers accompanied by a live 38-piece orchestra. An adapted sensory friendly performance without the live orchestra will be presented on Dec. 5, at 11:00 am. Tickets for all performances are available only at https://www.venturacountyballet.com.

Community outreach performances of The Nutcracker:

• Friday, Nov. 6, 1:45-2:30 pm – Driffil Elementary School, 910 S. E St, Oxnard 93030
• Saturday, Nov. 7, 11:00 am – Hill Road Library, 1070 S. Hill Rd, Ventura 93003
• Sunday, Nov. 8, 2:00 pm – Camarillo Library, 4101 Los Posas Rd, Camarillo 93010
• Monday, Nov. 16, 4:00 – Pleasant Valley Rec Center, 1605 E. Burnley Street, Camarillo
  93010

Note: This is a special sensory friendly event presented in collaboration with Autism Society
Ventura County.

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2:00 – Ray D. Prueter Library, 510 Park St, Port Hueneme 93041

For more information about these events and Ventura County Ballet, please contact: Cheryl
Sills, 412-508-1515, cecesills@gmail.com.

Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale: Sat, Nov 7, 9 – 3 pm. Vons Grocery, Telegraph & Victoria (6040 Telegraph Rd.).

Shop our Gift Quality Books! Fiction, Non-fiction, Classics, Seasonal Books, Vintage and Collectibles, Graphic Novels & Manga, Children’s Books, Board Books, Picture Books, Puzzles, DVDs, CDs. Proceeds benefit Ventura’s libraries.

Ventura County Ballet at the Library: Sat, Nov 7, 11am. Children’s area, Hill Rd. Library, 1070 S. Hill Rd.

The Ventura County Library and Ventura County Ballet present a magical Nutcracker Storytime! Families are invited to a special reading of “The Nutcracker”.  In addition to the reading, there will be small dance performances of select scenes from The Nutcracker by Ventura County Ballet dancers, showcasing the beauty and elegance of this beloved work. Dancers will also lead a demonstration in which children can learn basic ballet moves inspired by the story. It is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring young dancers to experience firsthand the magic of ballet. We look forward to sharing The Nutcracker with our community! This event is free and open to the public. For additional information contact Linda Cherry at linda.cherry@venturacounty.gov.

Ongoing Events:

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:

Cabrillo EDC 45 Year Anniversary Celebration: Thurs, Nov 5, 4 – 7 pm. Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Rd.

An inaugural community event, Roots & Roofs 2026: Celebrating 45 Years of Cultivating Community & Building Opportunity. Inspired by the spirit of our agricultural roots, the event will feature market-style booths, locally inspired food and beverages, and entertainment, along with opportunities to learn how affordable housing and service-enriched programs help individuals and families thrive. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.cabrilloedc.org/roots-and-roofs.

Ojai:

Mesa’s Party in the Park: Sat, Oct 24. On the lawn at Libbey Park.

Bringing together local food, live music and supporters of Mesa’s work to end youth homelessness in Ventura County. The evening includes a gala with Taste of Mesa, dinner and auctions, followed by a concert featuring Matt Costa, Brothers Koren, Sisterfriends, Dev Dance Theater and Moonshadow. Concert-only tickets start at $45; gala tickets are $375 and include a reserved concert seat. Proceeds support housing and whole-person programs for young adults ages 18–24 facing homelessness. Event details and tickets: mesafarm.org

Taste of Ojai 2026: Sun, Oct 25, 2 pm – 5:30 pm. Libbey Park (located near 210 S Signal St.

Ojai’s premier charitable culinary festival features local restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, kombucha, and specialty cocktails like espresso martinis, alongside a silent auction. Organized by the Rotary Club of Ojai to raise funds and grant money for local non-profit organizations and charities in the Ojai Valley. https://www.tasteofojai.org/

Ojai Pops Orchestra Concerts: Visit website for concerts and dates. Libbey Bowl.

The orchestra brings together musicians, conductors, and composers to play Pops music in a full orchestra – show tunes, jazz, movie music, new scores, and more. www.ojaipops.com.

Ojai Storytelling Festival: Oct 22-25.

Acclaimed storytellers, musicians, and performers from across the globe share personal tales, traditional folklore, and historical narratives. www.ojaistoryfest.org.

Santa Barbara:

State Street Ballet Presents Dracula, a dark shadow: Fri – Sat, Oct 30 & 31. Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.

Newly commissioned two-act ballet offering a striking new take on one of the most enduring tales of all time. Featuring Nicolas Blanc’s choreography, Ben-Oni Cortes’ “Victorian Fusion Haute Couture” costume designs, and Philip Glass’s iconic score performed live onstage by the Kronos Quartet, this is a Halloween event unlike any other. https://statestreetballet.com/dracula.

Ensemble Theatre Season Opener – BUYER & CELLAR: Through Oct 25. 33 West Victoria St.

Drama Desk Winner for Best Play by Jonathan Tolins. Directed by Jamie Torcellini. Brian McDonald reprises his award-winning performance as Alex, an out-of-work actor who lands the strangest gig of his life: working in the private shopping mall that Barbra Streisand built in the basement of her Malibu estate. As he tends to the antique doll shop, gift wrapping station, and frozen yogurt counter in the deserted mall, his only customer is Barbra herself. What begins as a surreal job becomes an unexpected friendship as Alex navigates the absurd reality of playing shopkeeper to one of the world’s biggest stars. Jonathan Tolins’ solo comedy is a witty, warm, and wonderfully theatrical meditation on celebrity, consumerism, and the price of living in someone else’s fantasy. https://etcsb.org.