2024 "Wild Lights" at The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Nov 22 to Dec 23

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College shines bright this holiday season during the “Wild Lights” holiday glow event. Take a self-guided 45 minute stroll throughout the zoo that will be filled with dynamic lights, immersive interactive experiences, photo opps and seasonal enchantment.

Dates: November 22, 23, 27, 29, 30 and December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23

Times: 6pm to 8:30pm - Last entry is at 7:45pm

This is a rain or shine event. This is not an animal-centered event; some animals will enjoy the lights, while others will be asleep.

Pricing: Adult (13+) $15, Children (3-12) $12, Seniors $12 Members $10. Children 2 and under are free.

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is located at 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark.

Learn more and purchase tickets at zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/holiday-lights.

"Boo at the Zoo" Event at The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, October 19-20, 26-27

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, turns wildly spooktacular the weekends of October 19-20 and 26-27, 2024 from 11am to 4:30pm for “Boo at the Zoo,” the annual Halloween-themed event that features animal shows, trick or treating, kids’ scavenger hunt, food trucks, free kids’ crafts and more.

For the family-fun event, the Zoo will be draped in decorations, and people of all ages can closely view the more than 100 animals cared for at the Zoo.

Admission is $12 for ages 12-16, $10 for ages 2-12 and $10 for seniors (65+). Kids ages 2 and under are admitted free. Tickets available at zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/boo-at-the-zoo.

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is the only zoo in Ventura County and is the home of the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program, which started in 1971. The program offers preparation for those interested in entering the expanding animal care industry. The students study zoo keeping, basic medical care, wildlife education and training using positive reinforcement methods.

2024 Movies in the Park in Moorpark - June to October

The City of Moorpark presents Movies in the Park at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Movies begin at dusk. Gates open an hour prior. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and enjoy the movie. Vendors available, or bring your own snacks. No animals allowed (except service animals). Free admission.

The Saturday night lineup:

• June 8: The Wedding Singer

• July 13: Shrek

• August 10: Trolls

• September 14: School of Rock

• October 19: Five Nights at Freddy’s (PG-13) - 6:30PM

• October 26: Addams Family (PG) - 6:30PM

More information at www.moorparkca.gov/movies

11th Annual Moorpark Mammoth Run 5K/10K on Sunday, October 6, 2024

The Rotary Club of Moorpark presents the Moorpark Mammoth Run 5K/10K and Family 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Runners can enjoy the beauty of Moorpark's unique landscape and compete in a fast, mostly flat 5k/10k race. There's also a 1 mile fun run/walk planned. Everyone gets a T-shirt (1 per family in the fun/run walk), goody bag, free raffle ticket and participation ribbon. Winners get medals. Registration and check-in begin at 7:00am.

All proceeds will benefit local charities through the Moorpark Rotary Foundation and this year a portion of the proceeds will go toward the eradication of polio. All donations to polio will be matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The event will take place at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Races start at 8:30am. Learn more at www.moorparkmammothrun.com.

2024 Summer Concerts in the Park in Moorpark - June to September

The City of Moorpark is hosting Summer Concerts in the Park at Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Free admission! Concerts start at 6 p.m. (except the 9/28 show, which begins at 5pm). Gates open an hour prior.

The Lineup:

• June 22: The Smokin’ Cobras (Rockin’ Oldies)

• July 27: Smith (Country/Pop/Rock)

• Aug 24: The Kings of 88 (Classic Piano Rock)

• Sept 28: Moorpark Symphony Orchestra (5PM)

Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit in the grass and enjoy the music.  Food vendors will be onsite, but you are welcome to bring outside food and beverages (beer and wine okay, no hard alcohol). No canopies or umbrellas will be allowed within 100 feet of the stage. No animals allowed in the event space except service animals.

www.moorparkca.gov/849/Concert-in-the-Park

Haunted High Street Event in Moorpark on Thursday, October 31, 2024

Join the City of Moorpark on Halloween night for some spooky family fun on historic High Street! Admission is free, and there is a nominal fee for games and some attractions. Activities will include a trunk-or-treat, Halloween carnival (suitable for ages 3-10) and attractions (carnival tickets $5 advance purchase until October 30th online); $10 at the gate, cash only), a costume contest, haunted house, DJ music, food trucks and more! Event hours are 4-7pm and will e held in the north Metrolink parking lot. Event parking will be at the south Metrolink parking lot.

www.moorparkca.gov/765/Haunted-High-Street

2024 Moorpark Country Days Parade on Saturday, October 5th

The Moorpark Country Days Parade will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 on Historic High Street between Moorpark Ave. and Spring Rd. in Moorpark. The parade, with the theme “Homegrown Happiness,” will begin at 10 a.m.

Due to resource and attendance issues in recent years, there will not be a street fair after this year’s parade.

Visit www.moorparkcountrydays.com for more information.

27th Annual Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Family Farms September 28 to October 31, 2024

The 27th Annual Fall Harvest Festival returns at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Road in Moorpark, starting Saturday, September 28 to Thursday, October 31, 2024. The farm will transform into a giant Pumpkin Patch, Pick Your Own & Fall Harvest experience filled with games, rides, photo opps, live entertainment, themed weekends, bands and more. Festival hours are 9am to 6pm.

Admission: Weekday admission is $14.00 and sold at the gate only.

Weekend admission tickets are sold online only. (Walk-ins subject to availability.) Pricing for themed weekends as follows:

• $22 Pre-sale online from 8/28-9/25 for the weekend of 9/28-9/29 only ($28 after 9/25)

• $22 Pre-sale online from 8/28-9/25 for the weekend of 10/5-10/6 only ($28 after 9/25)

• $28 Online admission fee for other weekends

• $30 Day of admission (only if spots are available)

Children UNDER 2 and parking are FREE. Seniors (65+), Military, Veterans, & Emergency First Responders receive $2 discount daily (w/ valid ID) at the gate.

Included with Admission: Wagon rides, corn maze, chicken show, pumpkin patch, pumpkin house, corn stalk labyrinth (Oct 5th), giant tractor display, giant spiders, misting tunnel, hay pyramids, animal center, play equipment, cotton harvester and combine slides, wooden train and school bus and more, Plus on weekends, there will be animal shows, pig races, live music, demonstrations, roaming entertainment and more.

Themed weekends are as follows:

Sept 28-29 - Friends of the Farm Weekend (Public Safety Weekend)

October 5-6 - Farm Country Weekend

October 12-13 - Antique Tractor Weekend

October 19-20 - Wild West Weekend

October 26-27 - All About Pumpkins Weekend

Visit underwoodfamilyfarms.com/fall-harvest for all the details and to purchase tickets.

3rd Annual Nathaniel's Hope MAKE 'm SMILE Party for Kids with Special Needs in Moorpark on Saturday, September 28, 2024

The 3rd Annual Nathaniel’s Hope Make ‘m Smile event will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 11am to 3pm at America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College. It is a celebration for kids and adults with all types of disabilities of all ages! This FREE event is filled with family entertainment, games, characters, animals, food, helpful resources from the community, and tons of smiles.

VIPs are individuals of all ages with any type of disability who have Value and Incredible Purpose. This is a day to celebrate life and the unique abilities of every VIP!

If you have a VIP or you know families who have kids or adults with special needs, invite them to join the fun!

Learn more and register at nathanielshope.org/our-programs/make-m-smile/socal

2024 City of Moorpark 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza

The City of Moorpark presents its 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark. Gates open and festivities start at 4:00 p.m.

Admission: $8 advance purchase or $10 cash at the gate.

Onsite parking $5 - must be purchased in advance.

Visit moorparkca.gov/578/3rd-of-July-Fireworks-Extravaganza for more information.