Free Concerts and Live Music All Summer Long Around Ventura County

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Summer 2024 will be here soon and we’ll have another outstanding summer of free live music throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas! Rock, jazz, pops, R&B, reggae, classical, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Classic Rock, Latin, tribute bands, etc. The compilation below has links to more detailed information.

Concerts subject to change. List will be updated regularly as new events are added.

Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Newbury Park

Agoura/Oak Park/Calabasas/Woodland Hills

  • City of Agoura Hills Free Summer Concert in the Park at Chumash Park (except 7/21 concert at the Agoura Hills High PAEC. Concerts start at 6pm.

    • Sun, June 16: Foo Fighters Tribute

    • Sun, July 7: Neil Diamond Tribute

    • Sun, July 21: Conejo Valley Community Concert and Jazz Bands (at AHS PAEC)

    • Sun, Aug 4: Taylor Swift Tribute

    • Sun, Aug 18: The Yacht Groove

  • Valley Cultural Foundation’s Free Concerts at Warner Park in Woodland Hills on Sunday nights from June 16 to August 25 at 5:30PM (emerging artist) followed by headline acts.

    • June 16: Linda Ronstadt Tribute

    • June 23: The Soul Juice Band

    • June 30: The Doors Tribute

    • Thursday, July 4: 4th of July Event with Angela O’Neill and Outrageous8

    • July 14: Foreigner Tribute

    • July 21: Fleetwood Mac Tribute

    • July 28: Prince Tribute

    • Aug 4: Bon Jovi Tribute

    • Aug 11: ABBA Tribute

    • Aug 18: Taylor Swift Tribute

    • Aug 25: Aerosmith Tribute

  • Sun Sets Summer Concert Series at Calabasas Lake on Sunday nights at 6pm.

    • June 2: Tribute to Grease

    • July 21: On Tap Band (80s/90s)

    • Aug 11: U2 Tribute

    • Aug 25: R&B/Motown

  • Music in the Park at Oak Canyon Community Park in Oak Park on Saturday, July 13th (DSB - Journey Tribute)

Moorpark/Simi Valley

  • Summer Music in the Park Free Concerts at Rancho Simi Community Park on Saturday nights at 6:30pm.

    • Sat, June 15: Garth Brooks Tribute

    • Sat, July 20: Foo Fighters Tribute

    • Sat, August 17: Queen Nation (Queen Tribute)

  • Simi Civic Center Plaza Concerts in the Courtyard on six designated Sat nights from 6-9pm.

    • Saturday, June 29: 805 Social Club (Dance/Pop)

    • Saturday, July 13: Sidetracs (Top 40, R&B, Latin)

    • Saturday, July 27: Little Alice (Top 40)

    • Saturday, August 10: Beatles Tribute

    • Saturday, August 24: Pat Benatar Tribute

    • Saturday, September 7: The Dirty Lowdown (Yacht Rock/80s)

  • City of Moorpark Concerts in the Park at Arroyo Vista Park at 6pm

    • June 22: Rockin’ Oldies

    • July 27: Country/Pop/Rock

    • Aug 24: Classic Piano Rock

    • Sept 28: Moorpark Symphony Orchestra

  • Free Summer Concert Series at the Simi Valley Town Center features a variety of bands, including a number of tribute bands at 7pm. TBA

Camarillo/Oxnard/Port Hueneme/Ventura

Santa Barbara

Free Thursday Night Concerts at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara on Thursday nights, June 27 and July 11, 18, 25 from 6-7:30pm.

Have something to add to this list? CONTACT US!!

Check the Events Calendar for things going on around town as well as the Local Events and Community Messages sections of Conejo Valley Guide.

Restaurant Rewards Programs and Birthday Freebies Around Ventura County

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It's nice finding Kids Eat Free deals around Ventura County but there are also dozens of local rewards programs and birthday clubs that give you something for FREE!!!

This list includes programs where you get something for signing up or for being a repeat customer...a free burger, gift card, dessert, etc. Excluded are programs that do not provide an obvious freebie (i.e. only sends you promotional emails).

These deals often change, so click through to the restaurant website to confirm the deal is still good. Let us know of any changes, broken links or additions!!

VENTURA COUNTY AREA DAILY DEALS AND PRINTABLE COUPON WEBSITES!

Corner Bakery

Corner Bakery Rewards: Sign up and get $5 off your first order, then receive 5 points for every $1 spent, to get various offer. Also, receive a free bakery sweet on your birthday.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Rewards: Earn “pegs” for each dollar spent and redeem for rewards. Free birthday reward - a dessert.

Location: Camarillo Premium Outlets

Daphne's Greek Cafe

Pita Points Rewards Club: Earn one point for each dollar spent; 100 points = $5 off any purchase. Plus another $5 credit on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Woodland Hills, Simi Valley

Dave & Buster’s

D&B Rewards: $10 free game play with $20 game play purchase for joining. $10 free game play for every $100 spent.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Del Taco

Dell Yeah! Rewards: Get two free tacos for signing up, get a free birthday reward and free ice or hot coffee before 11am daily with purchase. Accumulate points and exchange for rewards.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley (3), Oxnard (2), Ventura, Santa Paula

Denny's

Denny's Rewards: Sign up and get 20% off your next visit.  Free Grand Slam on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula

Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Rewards - 1 order of $5 or more = 10 points. 60 points = a free pizza.

Locations: Various

El Pollo Loco

La Familia Rewards: Earn 100 points for each dollar spent. Redeem for rewards.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (3), Santa Paula, Ventura

Farmer Boys

VIF (Very Important Farmer) Loyalty Club: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Redeem points for rewards.

Location: Newbury Park

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Rewards App: Use their app and earn points towards free subs and more. Get free birthday sub too.

Location: Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura, and soon, Thousand Oaks

Grabbagreen

Grabbagreen eClub: Sign up to receive buy one, get one free bowl for joining.

Location: Thousand Oaks

IHOP

IHOP Bank of Pancakes: Earn one PanCoin for every $5 spent. Trade 3 PanCoin crypto-pancakes for a short stack of 3 pancakes and other items.

Locations: Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Fillmore, Carpinteria

Islands

Islands Locals Program: Earn 1 point per $1 spent. 150 points = $10 reward. Get a free slice of Kona Pie upon sign-up.

Location: Newbury Park

Jack in the Box

The Jack Pack: Earn points for each dollar spent. Redeem for food.

Locations: Various

Jamba Juice

My Jamba Rewards App: Earn points for each purchase good for discounts on future purchases. Spend $35, get 35 points, which is good for $3 off your next order. Effectively an 8.6% discount. You also get a free birthday smoothie.

Locations: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at The Commons at Calabasas offers a free ice cream on your birthday. Birthday guests can order any single, standard, or trio size ice cream in a cup or cone of their choice, and get their order free of charge.  The birthday special is only applicable on a customer’s day of birth. Adults must show a valid ID, and kids must be accompanied by an adult who can vouch that the day is their real birthday.

Jersey Mike's Subs

myMike’s: Sign up and earn free subs with Shore Points and receive a free sub on your birthday.

Locations: Over a dozen locations...Ventura, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Ojai, Oxnard, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, etc.

Johnny Rockets

Rocket eClub: Sign up and get a free burger (with purchase of entree and a drink...basically a buy one, get one free) at signup and at your birthday.

Location: Camarillo Premium Outlets

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Rewards App: Register and get a free Original Glazed doughnut. Earn points towards free doughnuts and drinks and get a free gift on your birthday.

Location: 220 Riverpark Road, Oxnard

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Email Club: Sign up and get free birthday and anniversary treats (dessert or appetizer)

Locations: The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks and The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard

Little Calf Creamery & Cafe

Follow Little Calf: Sign up for their email list and get a free scoop of ice cream and updates. Visit website for details.

Locations: Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

Maria's Italian Kitchen

Maria's Kitchen Club App: Free birthday dessert. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Cash in 200 points for a $10 award (effectively a 5% discount). Free medium cheese pizza at signup. Free birthday month dessert.

Location: Agoura Hills

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

My Smileage Club: Earn a Smile point for each dollar spent. Cash in 50 smiles for $5 towards a future purchase. That's a 10% rebate in my book!

Locations: The Oaks in Thousand Oaks, The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura.

Nick the Greek

Rewards App: Earn points from purchases and redeem for food and drinks.

Locations: Ventura, Westlake Village

Noah’s New York Bagels

Noah’s Rewards: Free bagel and shmear with purchase, free egg sandwich on your birthday and redeem rewards points for items.

Noahs App: Download the app and receive 2 points for every $1 spent to redeem for items. Order on the app and get a free hot or iced coffee reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ventura

Nothing Bundt Cakes

eClub: Sign up and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Old New York Deli

Deli Dough Rewards Program: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points  =  $7 in Deli Dough.

Location: Camarillo

Panera Bread

MyPanera: Sign up and receive a free "surprise" like a free pastry or sweet. Then receive other surprises as you accumulate points.

Locations: Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Papa John's

PapaRewards: Earn 1 point for every $5 you order ONLINE (including tax and delivery). Accumulate points for food items.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Peet’s Coffee

Peetnik Rewards App: Earn points and exchange them for drinks and food. FREE drink or baked good on your birthday.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Pickles Deli

Pickles Deli Rewards - Fill out a form or download the Royalty Rewards Member App to receive $10 off your next visit for signup, free birthday reward and earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 100 points equals a $5 reward certificate.

Location: Newbury Park

Pizza Hut

Hut Rewards - Earn 2 points for each $1 spent. Use points for free pizza and other items.

Locations: Various

Pizza Man Dan's

Pizza Lover's Email Club: Free pizza on your birthday and much more.

Locations: Ventura (2), Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark and Camarillo

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Caniac Club: Get a free box combo for signing up.

Location: Oxnard

RedBrick Pizza

RedBrick Rewards: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent. Receive a $10 reward for every 1000 points. Effectively a 10% discount. Receive a small gelato after registering.

Location: 4990 Telephone Road, Ventura

Red Lobster

My Red Lobster Rewards: Earn points for your purchases and redeem for food items. Receive something on your birthday too.

Location: Oxnard

Red Robin

Red Robin Royalty: Free burger on your birthday and every 10th item free.

Locations: Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard

Regency Theatres

Regency Rewards: Earn points on purchases. 10 points for each adult ticket...100 points gets you a free companion ticket.

Locations throughout the area.

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

Rise Rewards: Earn points for each dollar spent. Redeem points for food and beverages.

Location: Thousand Oaks, near Topper’s Pizza.

Rita's Italian Ice of Newbury Park

Rita's Birthday Club: Sign up and receive free birthday treat.

Location: 2290 Borchard Road, Newbury Park

Rubio's

Rubio’s Rewards: Receive free food offers, promotions, etc. via email. Signup for $5 off your first entree.

Locations: Oxnard, Ventura

Sbarro

Sbarro Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food items.

Locations: Pacific View Mall in Ventura, The Oaks Mall

Subway

Subway MVP Rewards: Earn 4 tokens for every $1 spent on food and drinks. 200 tokens = $2 reward. Free cookie with sub purchase.

Locations: Everywhere

7 Eleven

7Rewards Loyalty Program: Download app on your smartphone, scan when you purchase coffee, Slurpees and other fountain drinks, and get 7th drink free. Not a bad deal!

Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill

Sharky's Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points = $7 good toward future purchases. Effectively a 7% discount.

Locations: Calabasas, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Westlake Village and Woodland Hills.

Sprinkles

Sprinkles Perks: For every $1 spent, get 5 points. 300 points equals a free item (cupcake, cookie or brownie).

Location: The Promenade at Westlake

Starbucks

My Starbucks Rewards: Members receive a free birthday drink or treat. Free refills and other items based on number of Stars collected over designated periods.

Locations: Everywhere

Stonefire Grill

SFG Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Every 125 points equals a $10 reward. Free birthday dessert.

Locations: Thousand Oaks

Taco Bell

Taco Bell Rewards: Sign up and get a free reward, then earn 10 points for each $1 spent. Earn a new reward every 250 points.

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria

eClub: Sign up and get $20 savings on two regular dinners combined and gifts on your birthday and other special occasions.

Location: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard

T.G.I. Friday's

Friday's Rewards Program: Earn points and redeem for food awards. Also receive free appetizer after joining, free dessert w/purchase of entree on your birthday and more.

Locations: Oxnard, Simi Valley

Urbane Cafe

Urbane Cafe App: Download the app, use it to pay for your purchases, and receive $5 credit for every $100 you spend; a 5% discount. I also received a $3 birthday credit.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura

Wienerschnitzel

Wiener Lovers' Club: Get a free chili dog for signing up and other stuff.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura

Wingstop

Email Club: Free birthday gift.

Locations: Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura

Yard House

E-Club: Register and receive a free appetizer

Location: Oxnard

Yogurtland

Real Rewards Program: Earn points for each ounce purchased and exchange points for free yogurt and birthday treats.

Locations: Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Arby's

Arby’s Email List: Get free Classic Roast Beef with purchase of full-price menu item after signing up.

Locations: Ventura, Simi Valley

Baja Fresh

Club Baja: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Every 100 points gets you a $10 reward. Special offer on your birthday.

Locations: Camarillo (2), Simi Valley (2), Calabasas, Oxnard, Westlake Village

Bandits Grill & Bar

Bandits' Roundup Club: Free birthday gift, specials and more.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Baskins-Robbins

Birthday Club: Free small scoop on your birthday!

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (2), Thousand Oaks (2), Santa Paula, Ventura (2)

BJ's Restaurant

BJ's Premier Rewards Plus: Earn 1 point for each $1 spent and redeem for discounts. For example, cash in 350 point for $25 off your meal, effectively about a 7% rebate. Free Pizookie at registration and on birthdays.

Locations: Westlake Village, Oxnard

Black Bear Diner

Bear Lovers E-Club: Sign up and get a free meal now and another on your birthday.

Locations: Simi Valley, Ventura

Buca di Beppo

Buca E-Club: Join and receive $10 gift.

Location: Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

Buffalo Wild Wings

Blazin' Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food. Get 10 free boneless wings for signing up.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cafe Rio

My Rio Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Receive $10 reward for 100 points. Effectively 10% off.

Location: Thousand Oaks

California Pizza Kitchen

CPK Rewards: Free small plate when you register. Earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 75 points equals a $5 reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks (The Lakes), Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura (Pacific View Mall)

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A One App: Earn points with each purchase and redeem them for free food rewards.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura

Chili's Grill & Bar

My Chili's Rewards: Get free chips and salsa or non-alcoholic beverage on every visit. Free dessert on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cold Stone Creamery

My Cold Stone Club® Rewards: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. 50 points can be used as a $5 reward towards purchases of $5 or more. 25 points earned just for registering.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley

Non-Food Rewards

Ulta

Ultamate Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for discounts. Free birthday item.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Calabasas

Hillside Letters in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County

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There are over 500 hillside letters, or “mountain monograms,” in the United States, including 81 in California. What are hillside letters, you ask. They are simply large single letters, abbreviations and sometimes even messages erected on a hillside, usually by a school or town.

The Big “C” overlooking UC Berkeley (From Wikipedia; public domain)

The Big “C” overlooking UC Berkeley (From Wikipedia; public domain)

One well known hillside letter is a giant concrete block letter “C” built in the hills overlooking UC Berkeley that was constructed on March 23, 1905.

We have our share of hillside letters here in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County, some of which you may be aware of…others, perhaps not.

The mountain monograms visible in our neck of the woods include:

The letters CLU on Mt. Clef Ridge above Cal Lutheran University are maintained by students.

Hilltop A overlooking Agoura High School up a steep hill. Made out of wood, I believe.

Here is a view of the letter VC north of Ventura College in late April 2019.

Here is a view of the letter VC north of Ventura College in late April 2019.

If you drive north up Catalina Street, west of Ventura High School, you will be able to see this letter V on the hillside.

The letter F is located in the hills west of Fillmore and is quite easy to see.

This letters SP letters in the hills south of Santa Paula is cleared brush. They originated originated in 1922. More information on THIS PAGE.

Happy Face Hill in Simi Valley is not a mountain monogram but is perhaps the visible hillside attraction throughout Ventura County.

Koi Ponds In and Around Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

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On a recent visit to The Commons at Calabasas we were treated to a beautiful pond full of koi and turtles cohabitating. Koi comes from the Japanese word nishikigoi, which means "brocaded carp." Koi is basically domesticated, ornamental carp. In Japanese, the word koi sounds like another word that mean affection or love.

Where to find koi in Ventura County and surrounding areas? Here's what we know:

There is a koi pond at The Promenade at Westlake, next to Marmalade Cafe.

Friendly looking koi looking for handouts at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks.

Friendly looking koi looking for handouts at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks.

The bottom level pond at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks has lots of koi, frolicking around with the ducks, even during the winter when the Holiday Ice Rink is in use.

Green Thumb Nursery on Victoria Avenue in Ventura has a small koi pond container in the back that is fun to observe with the kids.

The pristine Gardens of the World on Thousand Oaks Boulevard has a Japanese Garden that contains a beautiful koi pond.

Koi pond at The Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks

Koi pond at The Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks

The Santa Barbara Zoo has a large koi pond area with some very healthy looking koi, swimming among the lily pads.

Last I checked there were a lot of koi amongst the hundreds of ducks at Conejo Creek Park in Thousand Oaks.

The Simi Valley Town Center has a koi pond on the west side of the mall where you can get up close and personal with them.

Koi pond at west end near Studio Movie Grill.

Koi pond at west end near Studio Movie Grill.

As noted at the beginning of the article The Commons at Calabasas has quite a lovely koi and turtle pond.

The turtles are quite prominent at The Commons at Calabasas. Don't touch them!

The turtles are quite prominent at The Commons at Calabasas. Don't touch them!

When in Santa Barbara, be sure to stop by Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, a beautiful botanic garden with over 75 tree and plant species, a large koi pond also home to ducks and turtles, picnic areas and more. Quite a serene place.

Only 25 miles from the Conejo Valley is the Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades. This 10 acre spiritual sanctuary hosts a spring-fed lake lined with gardens and home to koi, ducks and beautiful swans.

Things to Do With the Kids in Ventura County When It's Wet Outside

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It doesn't rain nearly often enough here in Ventura County, but when it does, that's a great excuse for staying inside. You are in the right place as we have compiled this extensive list of well over 200 indoor activities from Agoura to Simi Valley to Ventura and everywhere in between!

Eleven of My Favorite Things to Do In and Around the City of Ventura

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Incorporated in 1866, the City of Ventura is the county seat of Ventura County. The official name of Ventura is the city of San Buenaventura. Mission San Buenaventura was founded by Franciscan priest Junipero Serra on March 31, 1782 and was named after Saint Bonaventure. Enough with the history lesson...here are some of my favorite things to do in this beautiful city!

You can't miss the 1,600 foot long Ventura Pier, with its panoramic views, fishing and ocean breezes. There's a cool little playground area in the sand just west of the pier, bicycle rentals nearby, miles of beachfront bike path and Surfers' Point. San Buenaventura State Beach stretches from the Ventura Pier down south past the homes of the Ventura Keys. Eateries on the pier include Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co., MadeWest Brewing Company Taproom and Beach House Tacos.

(NOTE: The Ventura Pier was closed to the public in January 2023 due to significant storm damage. Repairs efforts have been underway with an estimated completion date of summer 2024. Check for updates at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2519/Ventura-Pier.)

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Ventura Harbor Village is home to 33 acres of harborside activities, shopping and restaurants. There's an arcade with an antique carousel, boat rides, kayaking and sailing and quick access to family-friendly Harbor Cove Beach and Surfer's Knoll Beach. Also within a short walking distance is the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, an inspirational and interactive source of information about the Channel Islands National Park. Bring the kids!

Ventura Harbor Village is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Ventura Harbor Village is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

For some of the most spectacular views of Ventura, stop by Grant Park / Serra Cross Park. You can drive up there, or park above the historic Ventura City Hall building and walk to Grant Park via the Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail. This nice one mile trail will give you a nice little workout, with views along the way.

A view from the Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail near Grant Park in 2020.

Golf N' Stuff is a family favorite, especially when it's really hot in the Conejo Valley and you're looking for an outdoor alternative to the beach.  The kids never tire of the two 18-hole mini golf courses, bumper boats, large, nicely appointed arcade, go karts and bumper cars.

Mini golf fun at Golf N' Stuff Ventura.

Mini golf fun at Golf N' Stuff Ventura.

Another popular family choice is oceanfront Marina Park in the Ventura Keys, a decent sized park with plenty of grassy area, a newer playground and path to adjacent picnic and viewing area Soter Point. We enjoy riding bikes from the park to the Ventura Beach Path.

Marina Park Beach

Marina Park Beach

In Downtown Ventura, the Museum of Ventura County hosts a collection of over 30,000 pieces of fine art and historical items and a changing lineup of exhibits displaying items of local relevance. The Museum's Research Library houses over 150,000 resources related to the history of Ventura County. And the Museum regularly hosts public events geared towards all ages as well as free admission the first Sunday of each month.

The city closed off five blocks of Main Street in Downtown Ventura to create “Main Street Moves.” in 2020. This allowed many businesses to thrive with outdoor dining during the pandemic, but it also caught on as a great opportunity to roam the streets of Downtown Ventura in a leisurely way, without automobile traffic. City Council has extended Main Street Moves to July 2024, pending feasibility study of a permanent arrangement. Updates at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2165/Main-Street-Moves.

It doesn’t feel like it is in Ventura, but Lake Casitas Recreation Area, technically in Ventura (though it feels more like it is in Oak View), is a wonderland of outdoor fun - boating/kayaking on the lake (no swimming though…it is a water source), camping, disc golf, picnicking, bicycling, exploring and more.

Kayaking at Lake Casitas.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Locations in Ventura County

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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program recruits volunteer tax preparers to provide free preparation of federal and state income tax returns to taxpayers with incomes less than $64,000 in 2023. VITA benefits these taxpayers by eliminating the cost of commercial tax return preparation and by securing valuable tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit and EITC.

Local VITA location sites are as follows (see this IRS link for details, including dates and times and contact information for making appointments, when required):

  • Newbury Park Library, 2331 Borchard Road - Wednesdays 10am to 4pm, 2/7/24 to 4/10/24. Appointments not required.

  • Conejo Creek South Park, 1350 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks - Mon-Fri 8:30am to 4pm, 2/1/24 to 4/12/24. Appointments not required.

  • Many Mansions, 2725 East Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks - 2/6/24 to 4/30/24. Appointments are required.

  • Calvary Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village - 2/6/24 to 4/9/24. Appointments are required.

  • Moorpark College - 2/1/24 to 4/30/24. Appointments are required.

  • East County Job and Career Center, 2900 N. Madera Road, Simi Valley - 2/7/24 to 4/30/24. Appointments are required.

  • CLU Oxnard Campus: 2201 Outlet Center Drive, Suite 600 - 2/6/24 to 4/30/24 - Appointments are required.

  • Oxnard College, 4000 South Rose Avenue - 2/6/24 to 4/30/24. Appointments are required.

  • United Way of Ventura County, 702 County Square Drive #100, Ventura. 2/1/24 to 4/30/24. Appointments are required.

  • Ventura Community Service Center, 4651 Telephone Road, 2nd Floor. Appointments are required.

What to bring:

  • Proof of identification (photo ID)

  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents

  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number

  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN

  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return

  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers

  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

  • Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received

  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available

  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check

  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number

  • Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements

  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable

www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation

The IRS partners with software companies to provide “IRS Free File” guided tax software for taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) or $79,000 or less for the 2023 tax year. Learn more at apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile. Providers for 2023 filings include FreeTaxUSA, 1040.com, FileYourTaxes.com, 1040NOW, TaxAct, OLT.com, TaxSlayer, and ezTaxReturn.com