Ventura Events Calendar

Artist Reception and Party

Join us at Red Brick Gallery for a fun FREE evening of art, snacks and artist demonstrations. Help us welcome the many new artists to the gallery including Tim Laski, Marylyn English, new work from Marco Aguilar, Joe Cibere, Phyllis Gubins, Jen Livia and Gerald Zwers.

Garden Festival at Grant Park

VENTURA BOTANICAL GARDENS  PRESENTS SECOND ANNUAL GARDEN FESTIVAL

The Ventura Botanical Gardens is holding its second annual Garden Festival on Saturday, May 18th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. behind Ventura City Hall at Grant Park. There will be gardening workshops, children's gardening activities, raffles, good food, music, and an array of local vendors specializing in plants, garden-related arts, personal items and unique fun things with an emphasis on natural and renewable materials.

Kids will love hands-on projects and a puppeteer and Tinker Bell who will be there at noon to sing and tell stories.

The schedule for the gardening workshops is:
11:15 am - Succulents, Carol Haverty, Camarillo Park & Recreation educator
12:15 pm - Attracting Birds & Butterflies, Lisa Burton, Nature by Design
1:15 pm - Urban Organic Food Production, Randy Ritchie, Malibu Compost, the creator of Bu's Biodynamic Compost ("fairy dust" for the garden)
2:15 pm - Ocean Friendly Gardens, Renee Roth, Ventura Water
3:15 pm - Biological Pest Control, Kyra Rude, Rincon-Vitova Insectaries

Artist Patricia Kochel, who paints under the name Patricia Harrington, will be there to sign prints of her watercolor, which was commissioned for this event.

Tickets are $15 and children 12 and under are free with adults. Tickets may be purchased online at VenturaBotanicalGardens.com or from a friendly volunteer once you arrive. Park in the lot behind Ventura City Hall at 501 Poli Street and come join the party!

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.

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

Tashia Erickson Art Exhibit @ Buenaventura Gallery

Tasia Erickson -Exotic Places and Faces

Reception: Saturday, April 27, 4 - 7 pm

First Fridays Ventura Gallery Crawl: Friday, May 3, 5 - 8pm

Come travel with me to exotic places. See the never ending creativity of mankind: How he adapts to his surroundings to make places to live and work and play. Whether the landscape is harsh or moderate, hot or cold, man adjusts and cultures are born and traditions are created.

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.

Live Music @ The Wine Rack

1st  Friday: Steve Williams

2nd Friday: Frank Barajas

3rd Friday: Dan Grimm

4th Friday: Hutch (Ian Hutchinson)