2024 Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival on Saturday, October 19th

When it comes to fresh seafood, you can’t get it any fresher than right off the boat. On October 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival lures seafood lovers of all ages to Santa Barbara’s thriving harbor for one of the community’s most beloved and flavorful events. 

This signature event coincides with lobster season and features local commercial fishermen offering the Santa Barbara Channel’s freshest seafood. Fishermen and seafood vendors will provide thousands of festival-goers with an abundance of live lobster, crab, prawns, BBQ albacore, clam chowder, fish tacos, seafood gumbo and other prepared dishes. Arts and crafts vendors will offer jewelry, clothing, art, photography and other hand-crafted items.

Admission is FREE. Since 2002, the annual Harbor and Seafood Festival has become Santa Barbara’s signature autumn event. It brings people together for a day full of fun and good memories.

For more information, visit harborfestival.org. Location: Harbor Way.

24th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering in Malibu on April 6-7, 2024

24th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering in Malibu on Saturday/Sunday, April 6-7, 2024.

The Chumash Day Powwow celebrates Native Americans from all over the country, representing hundreds of tribes who will gather at Malibu Bluffs Park. This is a non-competitive powwow. Food trucks, craft vendors, tribal ceremonies and dances will be a part of the event on both days. Admission is free. Hours 10am to 6pm.

Offsite parking only at 23575 Civic Center Way and for ADA, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. Free shuttle rides to Malibu Bluffs Park.

Event is located at Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway.

For more event information call (310) 317-1364 or visit www.malibucity.org/chumashday.

Calabasas Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 13, 2024

The City of Calabasas Earth Day Celebration/Green Expo will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Las Virgenes Creek site, south of Agoura Rd. in Calabasas. Over 50 exhibitors from all over Los Angeles County and Ventura County will be participating in the event to help participants take actions that will save them money through efficiency while protecting our planet. The festival is free of charge and the Calabasas Earth Day event will have something of interest for everyone. The festival will also feature numerous children’s activities to teach kids about the environment while they have fun.

Calabasas Earth Day/Green Expo was created to be a day of education, celebration, and action for the natural world in which we live. On April 22, 1970, Earth Day marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Calabasas Earth Day/Green Expo sets a clear example for people and businesses how simple lifestyle changes can make a difference.

The City of Calabasas invites public agencies, non-profit organization and private companies that provide green services or products to participate in this event. Each exhibitor will be provided with one 6-foot long table to set up educational and promotional materials.

Learn more at www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/public-works/environmental-igr-division/earth-day-celebration-green-expo..

Celebration of the Whales Festival at Channel Islands Harbor on Sunday, April 7, 2024

The 25th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival is planned for Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 10am to 3pm at the Channel Islands Harbor, 3350 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard.

The event will feature family fun, chalk art, shopping, kids’ fun zone and more.

Activities will be held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market and a “Gray Whale Migration Trail” that runs through Harbor View Park that connects the two activity centers.

Learn more at www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/2024-celebration-of-the-whales-festival

30th Annual Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival in Camarillo on Sunday, June 2, 2024

One of Ventura County’s premier celebrations of gastronomy, fine wines and community spirit will mark its 30th anniversary as Casa Pacifica presents the annual Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at California State University Channel Islands. General admission tickets are now available at www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

This year’s milestone event is hosted by Bank of America; Conico and MacValley Oil; Mission Produce; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; and the Van Huisen family.

Voted the Best Food & Drink Festival and Best Charity Event for the past 12 years, the Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival brings together the pinnacle of talent of Ventura County’s food and wine scene, including renowned restauranteurs, chefs, vinters and breweries. Owners, chefs and artisans will be on hand to pour, serve and interact with attendees, making the Festival one of the most personal and convenient ways to discover the region’s delicious bounty. Admission includes access to a diverse selection of delicious food, premium wines and tasty craft brews from more than 100 exhibitors, along with live musical entertainment from the VIP Lounge and main stage.

Attendees can also take in the popular Yummie Culinary Competition, which pits top chefs against one another in a blind tasting competition judged by media personalities, food and wine editors and chefs. Judges crown winners for the best of two categories – Savory and Sweet – based on flavor, presentation, innovation and quality.

The Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival is Casa Pacifica’s largest annual fundraiser and supports the agency’s life-changing mental health programs for children, young adults and families.

More info and tickets at www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in both counties and along with its campus-based programs administers a number of community-based programs which are designed with the intent to strengthen families and keep children in their homes. For more information about Casa Pacifica, visit www.casapacifica.org.

Ventura Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Earth Day Festival will return to downtown Ventura on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at Park Plaza on East Thomson Street. This year, hosted by the MERITO Foundation in collaboration with the City of Ventura Sustainability Division and over 40 environmentally minded not-for-profit organizations, governmental agencies, transportation and utilities industries, outdoor recreation businesses, and sustainable food and goods vendors. The Ventura Earth Day Festival 2024 theme is "A celebration of our Blue Planet, Earth!"

Some event highlights include a blessing by Chumash Elder Alan Salazar, followed by opening remarks by our City of Ventura Mayor, Mr. Joe Schroeder. Then, a series of live performances by Inlakech Art Center’s Mariachi Band & Ballet Folkrórico; local singer and writer Olivia Willhite’s Ukulele Surf Pop; Jazz by Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band "A" & Ventura High School Jazz Combo, with ending performance by ‘Strange,’ an outstanding local Youth Rock Band. In addition, the most current Electric Vehicles (EV) will be displayed; Patagonia's Child Development Center will lead the Kid’s Zone activities; Bike Valet Parking will be available, and all are encouraged to participate in interactive games, the Earthly costume contest, and trivia to win prizes.

In addition, governmental and non-governmental environmental organizations will share information and opportunities with the community, such as events, rebates, programs, and supplies that benefit the planet, regional economies, and human health. We highly encourage all attendees to carpool, use public transportation, or bike to Park Plaza on April 20th. A public parking lot is ½ block from Park Plaza on Santa Clara St.

The Ventura Earth Day Festival 2024 is made possible thanks to the sponsorship of The Port of Hueneme, Toyota Ventura, an Outdoor Equity Grant created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services, and by in-kind contributions of notable people, businesses such as California Solar Electric, Patagonia, Open Water, and some of the best musicians in the region. Thanks to all, the Ventura Earth Day Festival 2024 will be the most diverse and vibrant ever!

Ventura Earth Day 2024 is the first of a series of events the MERITO Foundation will host in 2024 to commemorate our 10th anniversary. The MERITO Foundation is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization based in Ventura dedicated to protecting the ocean by facilitating transformative experiences to 3,500-4,000 4th-12th grade students per year and their communities through science education, outdoor recreation, hands-on scientific research, advocacy, and green entrepreneurship at no cost to the students or their families. For more information for participants, environmental groups, and vendors about the Ventura Earth Festival, visit https://meritostaff.wixsite.com/meritoearthday. More details about the MERITO Foundation at www.meritofoudation.org or email info@meritofoundation.org

Steampunk at Strathearn Festival in Simi Valley on Saturday, June 22, 2024

Steampunk at Strathearn is a whimsical festival event that will celebrate Victorian-era industrialism on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Strathearn Historical Park, 137 Strathearn Place in Simi Valley. Hours are 10am to 6pm. Adults $20. Kids 8-12 $8. Ages 7 and under free.

Event to feature vendors, entertainment, steampunk-themed activities, costumes, inventions, food and more. Learn more at rsrpd.org/recreation/the_great_outdoors.php

Ojai Art Center Presents Its 47th Annual Art in the Park Event on May 25-26, 2024

The Ojai Art Center hosts its 47th annual Art in the Park celebration on Memorial Day weekend, May 25th and 26th, 2024, from 10am to 5pm.

Art in the Park is an annual tradition started in 1977 by local artists at the Ojai Art Center to give artists a place to sell their work during Memorial Day weekend. Nestled amongst the oaks in beautiful Libbey Park, a natural setting is created to showcase the rich mixture of works in a variety of mediums. Art in the Park has enjoyed a long tradition of displaying quality art. Presented by the Ojai Art Center, the oldest non-profit art center in California, the festival attracts artists from near and far. The relaxed atmosphere and approachable artists draws crowds (between 3,000 – 5,000) from Ojai and neighboring communities.

The Ojai Art Center is the oldest multi-purpose nonprofit art center in California, has been providing a place for the arts and art-related activities for more than 80 years. Everyone is invited to browse, meet the artists, grab a bite and enjoy the weekend in Libbey Park. Free admission. For more information, visit www.ojaiartcenter.org/artinthepark.html.

Easter Sunrise Service at Pierce Brothers Westlake Village on Sunday, March 31, 2024

Easter sunrise services are offered to the general public by Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park on March 31, 2024 beginning at 6:00 a.m. The service takes place in the parking lot of the main building at 5600 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village. This is a nondenominational service and is sponsored by the Conejo Valley Interfaith Association.

The event includes worship leaders from the New Hope Lutheran Church of Agoura and the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Westlake Village. There will be live music, light refreshments, and a beautiful dove release.

The Easter Sunrise Service is free and open to the public. For more information and directions, call Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park at (818) 889-0902.

www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/california/westlake-village/pierce-brothers-valley-oaks-griffin-memorial-park-mortuary-crematory/4800

Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival on Sunday, May 19, 2024

The Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, starting at 9 a.m. Contests begin at 9 a.m. Performances begin at noon. Other activities to include music and dance competitions, jamming, workshops, food trucks, artisan booths and much more.

Learn more and purchase tickets at www.topangabanjofiddle.org