Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration at The Calabasas Civic Center on Monday, December 30, 2024

The Commons at Calabasas will host its annual Menorah Lighting Celebration with Calabasas Shul on December 30, 2024 at 6:30pm adjacent to The Commons at the Calabasas Civic Center Plaza, 100 Civic Center Way.

The evening will consist of live musical entertainment, family-friendly activities, Chanukah treats and the lighting of the menorah, concluding with a dazzling fireworks show. The event is free and open to the public.

Chanukah Celebration in Newbury Park on Thursday, December 26, 2024

Chabad of Newbury Park's annual Chanukah Celebration will take place on Thursday, December 26, at The Village at Dos Vientos, 350 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park, from 5:00- 6:30 p.m.

The event will feature the carving and lighting of a 6 foot ice menorah, snow for the kids, live musical performance, latkes and donuts, Chanukah crafts, and the great gelt drop.Free admission, all are welcome. For more information, visit chabadnewburypark.org

48th Conejo Gem & Mineral Club "Pageant of a Thousand Gems" on April 12-13, 2025

The Conejo Gem & Mineral Club presents its 48th Annual Pageant of a Thousand Gems on Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, 2025 from 10am to 5pm (Sat) and 10am to 4pm (Sun) at the Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park. Admission and parking are FREE!

The show will serve up lots of fun for all ages! There are many different aspects of earth science from minerals to fossils to rocks. Vendors will be selling jewelry, minerals, gems and fossils with world-wide specimens and unique one-of-a-kind pieces.

Fun for all ages with exhibits and sales of gems, jewelry, rocks, minerals and fossils. Special youth activities. Lapidary and jewelry making demonstrations. Silent auction, door prizes, and plant sale.

CGMC is a non-profit educational organization encouraging interests in rocks, minerals, fossils, field trips, earth science education and the lapidary arts.

More information at www.cgamc.org.

48th Annual Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks on December 13-14, 2024

Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 48th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th, 2024, starting at 6:30 pm. This year's theme is “Candy Land.”

The two-day fun filled event includes a carnival, seaside shopping and dining followed by the lighted boat parade at 6:30 pm. Parking and admission are free. Fireworks at 8pm! (weather permitting)

Kids’ rides, carnival games and food vendors on the Harbor Village main lawn available starting at 4 pm. Faux snowfall and LED performers along the Harbor Village promenade at 5:30 p.m.

Visit venturaharborvillage.com for more information.

www.venturaharborvillage.com/parade-of-lights-2024

Bark in the Park at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, March 15, 2025

Bark in the Park is planned for Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 9am to noon at Conejo Creek Park North, 1379 E. Janss Road (behind the Thousand Oaks Library).

Special activities include a dog costume contest, dog racetrack, dog entertainers, dog agility course, vendors and more. No aggressive dogs. All dogs must be on a leash.

Event free of charge and activities are free to participate in. Food available for purchase.

For more details, visit www.crpd.org/events/bark-in-the-park.

Ventura County's 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on January 20, 2025

The 39th Annual Ventura County Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is Monday, January 20, 2025.

The event starts at 8 a.m. with a gathering at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street in Downtown Oxnard, followed by a "Freedom March" to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC), 800 Hobson Way.

Then at the OPAC is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance program that starts at 9am, featuring keynote speaker, James Joyce III, Founder of Coffee with a Black Guy. $10 admission includes refreshments. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.mlkventuracounty.com.

2025 Westlake Village Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk/Run 10K/5K on Saturday, March 22nd

The Westlake Village Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk/Run 10k/5k will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Westlake Village City Hall. Opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., 5k/10k start at 8:45 a.m. and kids’ fun run starts at 10:30 a.m.

Family-friendly community expo with food and drinks, live music, and kids corner.

Register at hope.lustgarten.org/event/westlake-village/home

The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research--100% of proceeds go directly to research.

Inaugural Conejo Valley Comedy Festival Planned for February 21 and 22, 2025

The Conejo Valley Comedy Festival announce its first-ever event, set to bring two days packed with comedy, connection, and community to the Conejo Valley. This unique festival, designed for comedy fans of all ages, will take place on Friday, Feb 21st and will run through Saturday, Feb 22nd, 2025. It promises something for everyone—whether you’re enjoying a day out with the family or looking for an evening of laughter with friends.

Festival Overview

Friday, Feb 21st: Tarantula Hill Brewing Company

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Kick off the festivities at Tarantula Hill Brewing in Thousand Oaks, where comedy takes center stage. Enjoy a dynamic showcase of stand-up comedians, improv teams, and sketch performers in a vibrant, lively setting. Grab a drink, soak in the laughs, and set the tone for a weekend of non-stop entertainment.

Saturday, February 22nd: Conejo Players Theater

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

● Daytime (10 AM - 2 PM): Comedy for All Ages Start the day with family-friendly fun! From interactive workshops to performances tailored for kids and adults alike, this session is all about inclusive laughter. Bring the whole family and explore the joy of comedy together.

● Main Event (2 PM - 10 PM): Headliners and Spotlight Acts The heart of the festival unfolds in the afternoon and evening. Experience the best of stand-up, improv, and curated performances from top-tier talent. From emerging stars to seasoned headliners, the Main Event delivers comedy’s finest straight to the Conejo Valley.

Who’s Invited?

● Families (10 AM - 2 PM): Bring the kids for a morning of hands-on comedy activities, kid-friendly shows, and a unique experience for all ages.

● Comedy Fans & Adults (2 PM - 10 PM): As the afternoon turns to evening, the event focuses on adult-oriented comedy, perfect for date nights or outings with friends, providing laughs well into the night.

Festival Highlights

● Local Talent Showcase: Discover up-and-coming comedians from the Conejo Valley area as they bring their unique styles to the stage.

● Interactive Comedy Workshops: Dive into the world of comedy with workshops that bring audiences and performers together in a hands-on experience.

● Diverse Comedy Styles: Experience everything from stand-up to sketch and improv, showcasing a wide range of comedic expression.

● Community Spirit: Join friends, neighbors, and fellow comedy lovers in a day dedicated to connection and laughter.

Our Mission

The Conejo Valley Comedy Festival is more than just a comedy event; it’s a celebration of community through the joy of laughter. With activities for all ages, this event fosters local connections, showcases regional talent, and provides a space where everyone can come together to share in a positive, joy-filled experience.

About

The Conejo Valley Comedy Festival is a community-centered event with a simple mission: to bring people together through the universal power of comedy. From family-friendly shows in the morning to adult-centered acts in the evening, this festival offers a diverse array of entertainment for everyone in the Conejo Valley.

Join us for the First Annual Conejo Valley Comedy Festival—a day of laughter, connection, and community. Let’s make it a day to remember!

Learn more at www.conejovalleycomedyfest.com or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/conejovalleycomedyfest

Upcoming Events and Free Programs at the Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park Branch Libraries

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

There are two great Thousand Oaks libraries; the Grant R. Brimhall Library at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks (805.449.2660) and the local Newbury Park Branch is at 2331 Borchard Road (805.498.2139).  These libraries provide year-round free events, activities and programs for all ages. Selected events from time to time will be covered here.

Visit the library website at www.toaks.org/library to learn more. 

The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of December, with GRB denoting Grant R. Brimhall Library, and NPL denoting Newbury Park Library. All programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. For the latest information on Library events, please visit www.tolibrary.org/calendar.

ALL AGES 

Holiday Classics with Silver Strings

Tuesday December 10 • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Local chamber music group Silver Strings will present a special holiday concert at the Thousand Oaks Library.

Gosh Yarn It

Friday, December 13 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Relax, crochet, and socialize at our crochet club! Beginners and experts alike are welcome to bring your own supplies and hang out with fellow crocheters as we sip tea and work on our projects. For ages 11+.

LevelUp Lounge 

Fridays • 10:00 am – 5:30 pm • GRB Teen Space

Access all ages gaming with the Library’s Xbox Game Pass! Hang out and relax with games like No Man’s Sky, Powerwash Simulator, Forza, Sea of Stars, and over 250 more options!

Stay & Switch

Newbury Park Library

Join the fun by exploring our newest addition to the Library of Things. Stop by the Newbury Park Library Information Desk to check out a Nintendo Switch Lite, loaded with exciting digital games! You can borrow it with your library card and enjoy gaming while you’re in the Library.

KIDS 

Homework Help

Mondays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Tuesdays • 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Wednesdays & Thursdays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Struggling with challenging school assignments? Our volunteers are here to help! For students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Runs September 2024 to May 2025; closed on CVUSD holidays and breaks. No Homework Help on December 23 through December 31.

Fall Storytimes & Playtime

Baby Storytime

Tuesday, December 3 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am • GRB Community Room

This is a lapsit storytime for babies 0-12 months. Walk-ins welcome!

Toddler Storytime

Wednesday, December 4 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am & 11:00 am – 11:20 am • GRB Community Room

This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. Registration required.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, December 5 • 10:15 am – 11:00 am • GRB Community Room

This is a preschool storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years. Walk-ins welcome!

Enrichment Playtime

Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime from 10:15 am – 10:50 am.

For babies (0-12 months): Tuesday, December 10 • GRB Community Room

For toddlers (12-36 months): Wednesday, December 11 • GRB Community Room

For preschoolers (3-5 years): Thursday, December 12 • GRB Community Room

For NPL toddlers (12-36 months): Thursday, December 12 • NPL Meeting Room

Dog Days

Tuesdays, December 3 & 10 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room

Thursday, December 5 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Readers of all levels and abilities are invited to come and read to a certified therapy dog! Participants will sign up for a brief 10-minute session with a dog and their owner.

Music Time with Mr. Michael

Thursday, December 5 • 10:15 am – 11:00 am • NPL Meeting Room

A fun-filled, interactive concert where children sing, clap, and play along to a lively mix of classic and kid-friendly tunes. With acoustic guitar and percussion instruments, Mr. Michael creates a joyful atmosphere for kids and parents alike. Registration required.

Mini Masters: Frank Lloyd Wright - Designing Homes

Sunday, December 8 • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room

Read the story Shape of the World: A Portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright, learn about architecture, and craft home designs. Led by a Teen Volunteer. For grades 1-5. Registration required.

Writing Buddies

Thursday, December 12 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Students in grades 2-5 are invited to share their creativity by writing a short story. Registration required.

Music & Movement 

Saturday, December 14 • 10:15 am – 10:45 am & 11:15 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room

Dance, clap, and sing along with Ms. Cheryl and her guitar during this fun, interactive program for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. 

Future Einsteins: Density and More

Sunday December 15 • 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm • GRB Community Room

Learn about density and more using a cartesian diver. Led by a Teen Volunteer. For grades 1-5. Registration required.

Let’s Chill

Wednesday December 18 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Join Art Trek for a wintery art experience at the Library! For grades K-5. Registration required.

Winter Mitten Craft Table

Monday, December 23 – Friday, January 3 • Both Libraries

Visit the Library to color a pair of paper mittens. For grades K-5.

Winter Scavenger Hunt

Monday, December 23 – Friday, January 3 • Both Libraries

Visit the Library and participate in a scavenger hunt! Locate all the correct items and enter to win a Mo Willems Gift Bag filled with goodies featuring beloved characters from Mo Willem’s books. One submission per person.

TWEENS & TEENS

Holiday Cards and Gifts

December • Both Libraries

Visit the Library to create your own custom holiday cards and craft gifts for friends. For grades 6-12. While supplies last.

Coding Lab

Mondays, December 2 & 9 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Wednesdays, December 4 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Learn how to code by exploring your own interests at your own pace through Fiero Code. Register for sessions you can attend. Bring your own laptop and headphones. For grades 6-12. Led by Teen Volunteers. Registration required.

Craft Gifts with CReATE STUDIO

Tuesday, December 3 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Teen Space

Make some craft gifts for the holidays like a pompom bookmark and picture holders. For grades 6-12. Registration required.

Reading Rocks Book Club

Tuesday, December 10 • GRB Children’s Program Room

Rocks (Grades 4-5): 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Boulders (Grades 6-8): 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Join us monthly to discuss books with strong female characters. This month’s books are The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages for the Rocks and The Pear Affair by Judith Eagle for the Boulders. Registration required.

Comics and Manga Club

Tuesday, December 17 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Dive into any comic, manga, or graphic novel! Share your favorites, chat about epic storylines and awesome artwork, and make new friends every third Thursday of the month. This month’s suggested reading theme is “fantasy books.” For grades 6-12. Registration required.

Books for Buttons and Boba

Come to the Library and pick-up a “Books for Buttons and Boba” form. Finish a book with more than 200 pages, get a button and enter for a chance for a Boba gift card. For grades 6-12.

Teen Volunteers Needed

Sign up to help with Homework Help, Thousand Oaks Teen Advisory League, and other programs and activities at the Library. Go to www.tolibrary.org/teens, setup your CERVIS account, and apply to volunteer for various opportunities.

ADULTS

Conversations with Mom 

Tuesdays, December 3, 10, & 17 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • GRB Community Room

This free support group is for moms and their newborns to get together, express their joys and concerns, and meet other new moms in the community.

Virtual Author Talk - Unearthed: Exploring the Smithsonian National Gem Collection with Dr. Jeffrey Post

Wednesday, December 4 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Virtual

Join us for an absolutely dazzling presentation with the emeritus curator of the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection, Dr. Jeffrey E. Post as he talks about The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels.

Many Voices Book Club

Wednesday, December 4 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Join us in reading and discussing books in a wide variety of genres by authors from a wide variety of cultures. This month’s book is Hola Papi: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons by John Paul Brammer. Walk-ins welcome.

Free Movie Matinées

Friday, December 6 • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Mondays, December 9 & 23 • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Catch free movie matinées at the Library! Explore our online schedule to see what's showing and join us for a fun film outing.

Exploring Family Oral Histories with Dr. Mary Gordon

Saturday December 7 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Dr. Mary Contini Gordon will share examples from worldwide interviews she conducted for Family Oral History Across the World (FOH, Routledge 2024).

Spanish at Your Library 

Beginner: Monday, December 9 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Advanced: Wednesday, December 11 • 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Enhance your Spanish fluency through guided conversations led by facilitators. Registration required.

Happily Ever After Book Club

Monday, December 9 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Join us as we chat about our favorite romance novels, where a Happily Ever After (HEA)—or a Happily For Now (HFN)—is always guaranteed. This month’s book is We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian. Walk-ins welcome.

Board Game Club

Tuesday, December 10 • 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Adults are invited to join us monthly to play strategy board games like Forbidden Island, Dungeon Mayhem, and Wingspan. Walk-ins welcome.

Virtual Author Talk - On Pulse-Pounding, Family Driven Mysteries: A Conversation with Laura Dave

Wednesday, December 11 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Virtual

Join us for a captivating conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave, as she chats with us online about her newest book The Night We Lost Him.

Open Mic Poetry Nights

Wednesday, December 11 • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Come listen to local poets and share your own work every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, in collaboration with The Ventura County Poetry Project. No Open Mic Poetry Night on December 25.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group 

Thursday, December 12 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Practice speaking English in an informal and friendly group setting. Open to all non-native English language speakers.

Crafternoon

Friday, December 13 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Friday, December 20 • 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Adults are invited to join us at the Library to socialize and make a different craft each month! Materials provided. Registration required. 

Night in Bethlehem Event in Thousand Oaks on December 13 to 15, 2024

Night in Bethlehem is a live nativity event to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at 1600 Erbes Road, Thousand Oaks on Friday, December 13th through Sunday, December 15th, 2024. Shows every 30 minutes from 5:45 PM to 8 PM.

The town is an outdoor interactive Town of Bethlehem. The show is an outdoor live musical nativity. The reception is in an indoor area with live music and refreshments. Please bring canned food donations for Manna and Pantry Plus.

To learn more and reserve free tickets, visit nightinbethlehem.org