Ventura Events Calendar

Rock of Vintages

Rock of VintAges, starring the Ventura County Winery Association, is a one-of-a-kind four-day celebration of music and wine this Memorial Day Weekend! Enjoy great wine from eight local wineries while listening to some of your favorite music. Buy your Passport to enjoy wine tastings from the wineries during the day; and buy concert tickets for live performances in the cellars of your choice at night. DON'T NEED NOTHIN' BUT SOME GOOD WINES, AND IT DON'T GET BETTER THAN THIS!

Cemetery Park Full Moon Tour

As the full moon rises tour the historic Cemetery, now named Memorial Park, and learn the stories of the many people who still rest here. The tour will also focus on the stories of ghosts who walk here late at night. Be sure to bring your camera because one might appear! Meet at parking lot off Poli Street. Cancel by 5/15

Jay Nash Live at Zoey's Cafe!

Come see Jay Nash who will be joined by longtime drummer Josh Day (who has toured with Sara Bareilles for years). Indie-Folk-Rock artist, Jay Nash, has shared the stage with numerous acclaimed artists such as the Counting Crows, Maroon 5, Ingrid Michaelson, Zack Brown, Lucinda Williams and Katy Perry. Letters from the Lost has been described at "the most compelling album that Nash has released to date" (Popdose). This event will take place on Saturday, May 25th at Zoey's Cafe in Ventura, CA. Also headlining will be Austin resident, David Ramirez!

The Artist Collection Gala at Jewelry Couture

Join us for The Marriage of Fine Jewelry & Fine Art Gala event on Saturday, May 25th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Jewelry Couture. An exclusive showing of Ventura County sculpture, JoAnne Duby & artist, Kay Zetlmaier. Hors d’ oeuvres, Music, Art & Jewelry Drawing. 10% of sales and drawing to benefit The Rubicon Theatre Company!

Live Music @ Zoey's

Ventura's Premiere Music Venue!   Come see for yourself!

Find out what's coming up at Zoey's Cafe using the online calendar http://www.zoeyscafe.com/

Sunday Brunch @ Rhumb Line - The Sunset Restaurant

Enjoy Harbor Views and delicious Brunch!

Eggs Benedict, Grandmother's Sandwich, Cre'me Brule'e French Toast, Egg Breakfast Your Way, Super Fluffy Pancakes, Meat Lovers Omelet, Veggie Omelet, N.Y. Strip Steak and Eggs, Mimosa and Bloody Marys.

Happy Hour @ Aloha Steakhouse

Happy Hour 7 days a week! 3-6pm

1st Year Anniversary of Peirano's Restaurant

Celebrate Peirano's Restaurant, 204 E. Main St., 1st birthday with live music and a special menu all weekend long! Music and entertainment will be Thursday through Sunday.  Reservations are encouraged. 

The Upscale Ventura Kids Consignment Event

Will sell only the best in new and gently used children's and teens clothing, shoes, equipment, household and juvenile furniture, maternity clothing and toys! The more consignors we have, the more successful the sale!

The 30th Annual California Strawberry Festival

Taste bud alert! Jam-packed with all your favorite strawberry indulgences, the 30th Annual California Strawberry Festival serves up homegrown goodness and good times with proceeds benefiting charities. Amid 15 acres, enjoy yummy berry delights like strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos, and even strawberry beer from 50+ food booths, as well as concerts on two stages, Strawberryland For Kids with free rides and attractions, 250+ Arts & Crafts booths, gooey contests, celebrity chef demonstrations, attractions like the new Berry Zipline, Navy Seals Underwater Dive Tank, and more.

Concerts in the Cellar @ Four Brix Winery

Rock of Vintages, Memorial Weekend, Friday-Monday. 8 wineries of tastings; 8 bands to enjoy over 4 days of fun. Wine Passport and Concert Visas purchased separately. You can pick and choose what genre and time you want to attend! Four Brix is hosting 80's tribute band, Mandex

Artist George Stuart Scrutinizes Hollywood’s Portrayal of History

What can we learn about history from the movies and television? How much of their cinematographic splendor is based on fact and how much is embellished make-believe? The new summer exhibition Fact or Fiction? Stuart Critiques Hollywood features historical personalities who have become the focus of the moving pictures, including Marie Antoinette, Henry VIII, the Borgia family and China’s Last Emperor Pu-Yi. It opens Tuesday, May 14, 2013. In his accompanying monologues, artist George Stuart will critique Hollywood’s attempts to portray history and share how he avoids the pitfalls of historical inaccuracy when creating his one-quarter life-size Historical Figures®. Known for his theatrical energy and irreverent humor, Stuart will lend commentary to movie classics The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933), Marie Antoinette (1938), more recent productions like Bernando Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor (1987) and Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (2006), as well as prime time television series The Tudors (2007-10) and The Borgias (2011). Part I, focusing on Henry VIII and the Borgia family, will be held in the Museum’s Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Event Pavilion on Tuesday, June 25, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) as well as on Wednesday, June 26, 2 - 4 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.). Part II, focusing on Marie Antoinette and the Xuantong Emperor, will be held on Tuesday, August 13, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) as well as on Wednesday, August 14, 2 - 4 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.). Admission to the monologues is $15 for the general public and $10 for museum members, and includes light refreshments during intermission. For reservations call (805) 653-0323 (x 7). Stuart’s Historical Figures® have gained recognition for their exquisite detail and historical accuracy. The Museum of Ventura County presents rotating exhibits of more than 200 George Stuart Historical Figures® in their permanent collection. The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. For more museum information visit us at www.venturamuseum.org or call (805) 653-0323.

Fishermen's Market

Fresh catch-of-the-day is offered by local fishermen selling to the general public directly off the boat at Andria's pier with on-site fillet services available. Andria’s Seafood has operated a retail fish market since 1976. We emphasize quality and locally caught “identified” California seafood. Andria’s Retail Fish Market is located next to Andria’s Seafood Restaurant in Ventura Harbor Village. Most of the fish in the retail case is also on the Andria’s menu, so you can actually see the fish you’ve just eaten. And, you can take some home! Cooking suggestions and recipes are available.

Market Place

The Market Place hosts over 300 vendors every Saturday and Sunday of the year. Products range from fresh produce and crafts, to used tools and new clothing. Arts & Crafts, Tools, Antiques & Collectibles, Fresh Flowers, Produce, New and used clothing, School and Office supplies, plus much much more!

The Tuesday Night Poets

The Tuesday Night reading at the Artists Union Gallery are starting at a new temporary location, 89 S. California Street.

Farmers' Market

EVERY WEDNESDAY Fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods.

Open rain or shine.

Comedy Improv @ Ventura Harbor Comedy Club

We are Ventura's hometown comedy club. Nestled in the beautiful Ventura Harbor, we bring you some of the best comedy shows touring the country every week.  The perfect night out for couples, or for large celebrations. Come and see what all the laughing is about!

Ventura Food Tours

During the Downtown Ventura Tasting Tour, guests will stop at six shops and restaurants for tastings and conversations with the chefs, owners, and entrepreneurs behind some of the county's best eats. The tours are informal and intimate, giving a behind the scenes look into the local food scene and insight into the history and architecture of Ventura.

Partnering businesses include Spencer Makenzie's, Paradise Pantry, Trufflehounds, Watermark on Main, Palermo Coffee, We Olive, Marie Shannon Confections, and Spice-Topia.

Private tours are available upon request for groups of 8 or more. Tours run most Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 11am. 24 Hour Reservation Required.

Happy Hour @ Brophy's Brothers

Happy Hour Monday - Friday, 3-7pm at the bar.

Live Music @ Watermark Restaurant

Grilled Cheese and Jazz Nights @ SideCar Restaurant

"Grilled Cheese and Jazz Nights" Join Chef Tim Kilcoyne and The SideCar Restaurant every Tuesday night.

The grilled cheeses or "paninis" will range from your classic grilled cheese to ones that contain Prosciutto, Salamis and various artisan cheeses and of course vegetarian selections. Along with the sandwich menu will be a few choices of appetizers and desserts.

"This night should be all about the friends you are with" says Chef Tim Kilcoyne. Various local artists and bands will be performing at the Grilled Cheese and Jazz Nights

Reservations are highly recommended. Grilled cheese menu starts at $6 and changes weekly.      Regular menu available.          

Zumba Classes

Learn Zumba with Ionia!  Just drop by to join the fun!

Zumba Fitness® is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party."  Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become the world's largest-and most successful-dance-fitness program.   http://venturazumba.com/schedule/

Happy Hour @ Peirano's Restaurant

Happy hour 7 days a week! Come on by and enjoy one of our Peirano's specialty house drinks and something off of Chef Grenner's amazing Happy Hour menu!

Monday - Friday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Saturday - Sunday 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Champagne Breakfast @ Watermark on Main

Happiest Hour @ Watermark Restaurant

Happy Hour @ The Greek at the Harbor

Happy Hour at Patio Bar !

The Greek is family owned and we have been in the Ventura Harbor since 1994. We feature LIVE Greek Music, Greek Dancing and Bellydancing, along with amazing Greek Food! Ventura's only waterfront restaurant featuring authentic Greek dishes and lively entertainment.

Happy Hour @ Aqua Lounge

The AQUA Beachfront Bar is Ventura, California's hottest contemporary lounge. Enjoy the pure Gold Coast atmosphere with your favorite beverage while overlooking the crashing waves of Ventura's Pacific coast. Enjoy Happy Hour, Sunday-Thursday, 4-7 pm.

Happy Hour @ Rhumb Line - The Sunset Restaurant

Live entertainment every weekend!

Happy Hour @ Eric Ericsson's

Enjoy Food Specials, Happy Hour Drink Prices!

Swap Meet

Swap Meet Every Wednesday.

Happy Hour @ Lure Fish House

Small Plates, Oyster Bar, Appetizers, Shooters.

Swing Dance Night

Get Socially Fit - Swing Dancing in Ventura - Drop In - only $10 - Every Thursday Let's Lindy Hop , Swing Dance, Jive, Rock and Roll, Jitterbug or Boogie Woogie what ever you call it. If you enjoy the music join us for some organic FUN! Connect with real people! What: Social - Swing Dance Party with Swing Lesson When:

Every Thursday 7 Beginning Swing Lesson- 8-10:15 PM Swing DJ Dance (or live band) Open for all ages, no experience or partner necessary. Fun and friendly atmosphere, come any week! Bring your friends! The night is based on great music and having fun! Where: YEAH MAN "Home of Happy Feet" Golden China Restaurant on 760 S. Seaward in Ventura. 

Farmers' Market

EVERY SATURDAY Visit Ventura County's oldest certified non-profit farmers' market. It offers country music, vegetables, flowers and baked goods.

Open rain or shine.

Free parking in the city parking lot.

East Ventura Certified Farmer's Market

griculture Certified local Farm produce, flowers & plants, artisan breads & bakery goods, local raw honey, oils, salsa, hummus, fudge, dried fruits & raw nuts. Free Range Chicken, Grass Fed Beef and Farm Fresh Eggs. Fresh, Organic Cheese and Butters.Also available will be handcrafted soaps, candles, incense, jewelry and recycled products. Kettle corn, Tamales, BBQ and Hot Dogs.

Wine Tasting Panaro Brothers Winery

Take abreak from weekend shopping!  Taste some wines - Nibble on some cheese!  Find that Special Gift!

Join our Wine Club and Enjoy Discounts on Any Purchsase!  Fun bottling sessions and Special events, Private or Corporate Room rentals.

Visit our intimate Tasting Room & Climate-controlled Barrel Room. Celebrate any occasion with our light food appetizers, or let us help plan your own event.  

Book your next evening out at Panaro Brothers Winery Concert Series today!  www.concertartshows.org

Lonesome Traveler - Play @ Rubicon Theatre Co.

Back by Popular Demand
Lonesome Traveler: A Journey through the Rivers and Streams of Folk Music

Conceived and Written by James O'Neil
Musical Arrangements and Direction by Dan Wheetman
Directed by James O'Neil

One of the most popular shows in our history, Lonesome Traveler returns to its Rubicon roots, taking audiences on a journey down the rivers and streams of American Folk- from the hills of Appalachia to the nightclubs of NY and SF; from the mid-1920s to the mid-1960s. Nine young singer/ songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, including frequent Ventura performers Justine Bennett and Brendan James, create characters inspired by Leadbelly, Odetta, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, The Carter Family, The Weavers, Peter Paul & Mary and others whose music changed America forever. Songs include "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," "This Land is Your Land" and "Deportee," along with new selections such as "The Wabash Cannonball," "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "I'll Fly Away." See why the premiere of Lonesome Traveler was hailed as a "Critic's Pick" in the L.A Times and described as "a warm, embracing, communal experience."

Wine Down Wednesdays!

1/2 Off Selected Wines during our 3-7pm Happy Hour. Upstairs in our remodeled bar!

Wednesdays only! 

The Tool Room Gallery presents Un]tangible -a video art exhibit-

ARTISTS: Steve Knauff, Jeremi Bialowas, Carlos Valarino, Eli Welbourne

ARTISTS RECEPTION: Friday, May 3 from 6 - 9pm

This exhibition showcases artists that use Video and digital video as their medium. Video has become one of the preferred tools for contemporary artists and with the development of digital video, projections, and audio, artists have embraced this creative tool to express themselves. Since the 1970's California artists have made a huge contribution to the development of the medium and with this exhibit we seek to share where Video is today locally and outside of California. One of the artists showcased is our local artist Steve Knauff known for his installations made with video art. In juxtaposition to Steve's installation there will be projections of contemporary artists that work with video. Some of the artists are: Jeremi Bialowas (Chicago based artist), Carlos Valarino (Spain artist based in Puerto Rico), and Eli Welbourne.

Carol Simson Art Exhibit @ Buenaventura Gallery

Carol Simson - Gardens Above and Below

Reception: Saturday, May 25, 4 - 7 pm

First Fridays Ventura Gallery Crawl:  Friday, June 7, 5 - 8pm

In my show I want to capture a sense of mood, tranquility and intimacy in my transparent watercolor paintings of florals and gardens above and below depicting my love of color, light and shadow and the beauty that I find all around me in nature

Boogie Nights 5K Summer Run Series

Boogie Nights Ventura is an exciting summer 5K run/walk series in Ventura, CA taking place on Wednesday evenings from May 22nd through August 14th. Each night has a theme and provides a great opportunity to get a hard 5K effort in on a weeknight. Happy Hour following the race at Aloha Steakhouse. Every one of the twelve races is timed just like a regular 5K race.The 5K (3.1 miles) will start at 6:15pm.

The McConnells Free Kids 1K (0.62 miles) Run will start at 6:00pm.

The first eight weeks (May 23rd - July 18th) will start on the Ventura Promenade by Aloha Steakhouse. The last 4 weeks (July 25th - 15th) will take place at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura.

Winter Solstice Festival

Live Music @ The Wine Rack

1st  Friday: Steve Williams

2nd Friday: Frank Barajas

3rd Friday: Dan Grimm

4th Friday: Hutch (Ian Hutchinson)

Walk Grant Park

Join the Ventura Botanical Gardens on the first of a series of walks exploring Grant Park. (December excepted)

Enjoy the natural beauty of Grant Park with its spectacular views of the City of Ventura, mountains, rivers, rich agricultural landscape, and wide vista of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. This is an opportunity for the community to come out, get some exercise, connect with nature, and learn more about the plans for the Gardens.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sun protection, and water.  We will be on established roads for the duration of the walk. 

The Ventura Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a botanical garden for the twenty-first century. The Gardens will be located at Grant Park in the City of Ventura, a unique site with spectacular views of the coastal landscape and Channel Islands. Ventura County's Mediterranean climate is rare, found in five relatively small areas around the planet. Celebrating the global Mediterranean Biome, the Gardens will provide education, resources and inspiration guided by the principle of sustainability.