Ventura Events Calendar

Heritage Valley Tour

Enjoy lunch during the trip to downtown Santa Paula. Docents will meet the train and guide the passengers on a brief tour of the beautiful California Oil Museum, Santa Paula Art Museum and Ventura County Agriculture Museum. Reboard the train with a short ride to Loose Caboose Garden Center for a 30 minute stop to browse and shop the fresh produce stand, varieties of honey and jerky and unique gift items. This weekday train tour was created specifically for senior groups looking for a unique, nostalgic experience aboard a vintage train. Individuals are welcome to join the groups already booked. Individual rate per person $53 per person, group rates are for groups of 25 people or more and are available by calling Fillmore & Western Railway Co. 805-524-2546

Foodie Fridays @ Four Brix Winery

Four Brix will continue the series of Foodie Friday nights, held at Four Brix Winery & Tasting Room, featuring the very talented local Chef Stroh. Chef Stroh's Pestos makes gourmet artisanal pestos for the food enthusiast. They specialize in creating products with bold unique flavors, using the best locally sourced ingredients and never any artificial preservatives.

Foodie Friday will be held once a month during our regular business hours Fri. 4-8pm.  RSVP for priority seating but not required.  $15 for three pairings.

29th Annual Ventura County Law Day 5K Run-Walk

The "flattest, fastest 5K in the West" takes off from the Ventura County Government Center. There will be $2,000 total in prizes for raffle winners, along with t-shirts and food for all.

Proceeds benefit the Ventura County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Services Program.

Antique Auction

Antique auction

Bald Eagle Festival

Come enjoy a free, family event featuring "Hitch" a live Bald Eagle at 1pm. Event features a Chumash Storyteller, 11:30am and 2pm, crafts for the kids including shell jewelry, fish and kelp prints, and educational wildlife exhibits. Two films will be shown throughout the day (also free). Learn about efforts to restore the local Bald Eagle population on the Channel Islands.

Ghost Bus Adventure - Haunted Roads

Take ride down those roads and streets where ghosts are said to wander. We'll travel Bell Way, Stanley Street and the infamous Creek Road on the way to Ojai rumored to be haunted by no less than 12 ghosts! Tour will include a haunted cemetery. Bring your camera for you never know what you might experience on the Ghost Bus!

Photo by Stephen Schaefer

Green Jobs Summit

Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) is partnering with the City of Ventura, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and the Ventura County Community College District to convene the second annual Green Jobs Summit.     The summit, which will feature networking opportunities and discussion on the economics, education and employment needs of the emerging green industries, will take place on Saturday, May 19 at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St. from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Assemblymember Williams will present opening remarks along with Ventura Councilmember Brian Brennan and Ventura Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Jim Duran and Mike Cheiky, President of Cool Planet Energy Systems, the event's title sponsor.     Three panel discussions will focus on the following topics, "What are Green Jobs?" "Where are the Green Opportunities?" and "Economic Outlook for Green Economics." Each panel will feature experts in various industries sharing best green practices, from agriculture and green waste recycling to sustainability consulting and a regional green business incubator.  

Murder Mystery Express Luncheon - Train Ride

All aboard the Saturday Scenic Excursion for a hilarious, outrageous afternoon murder mystery performed by the P. Maxwell Production troupe while enjoying our signature "Orange Blossom chicken" 3-course lunch. Join in the fun and guess "who-done-it". Shop and browse at the Loose Caboose Garden Center & gift Emporium during the intermission. Adults: $61 Youth 6-13): $32.

Island Wildlife Cruises

This non landing tour will take you around either Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island, while searching for any wildlife that may be in the Channel

Photo by Elaine Edwards

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/calender.aspx

Spring Fling, Art Exhibit @ Red Brick Gallery

Step into a vibrant colorful world in "Spring Fling" our newest exhibit at Red Brick Gallery

Bright colors, floral inspired works and the rebirth of Spring have influenced intensity of the pieces in that our artists have created. We are featuring new abstract and realistic works in mosaics, linocut, colored pencil, pastels, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, photography and more. Three of our featured artists were part of the Music Festival's "Visions on Screens" artists including Illona Aguayo, Tasia Erickson and Jennifer Livia.

Illona Aguayo creates her acrylics with a 3-dimensional canvas, pieces are stuffed creating a rich layering of textures called Trumpunta. Another of our newest artists, Diana Stweart who has been painting since the age of 5 and captures flowers of all shapes and sizes with the details only a botanist would see.

Our new show runs from April 17th through June 5th, with our opening reception including several artists demonstrations as part of Paint Ventura on April 28th from 10am-5pm. Plus don't miss our new Spring classes in Mosaics, Linocut, Photography, Acrylics, Watercolors, Clay and Youth Painting every week.

Reflections of the Chumash Spirit

Reception Date: Saturday, May 19

The Ventura County Potters' Guild Gallery is pleased to present Larry Carnes as May 2012 Featured Artist. Carnes.  Carnes was mentored by the late Otto Heino who was a good friend and potter of world renown. Carnes also tutored the late Beatrice Woods in the 1960s; the two shared many memorable moments together leaving Larry with many fond stories from his time spent with Otto and Beatrice.    Carnes will be showcasing his beautiful sculptures including shamans, crow ponies,kiln gods and his very popular Chumash Stones. Carnes has a spiritual tie to the Chumash Tribes through his Native American Heritage.

California Strawberry Festival

The Annual California Strawberry Festival is one of the nation's most popular weekend celebrations. "The Perfect Summer Kickoff" benefiting the community and honoring our agricultural heritage.

Delicious strawberries served every way imaginable are only a taste of the fun available at the weekend celebration along California's Strawberry Coast.

Live concerts, award-winning Fine Arts & Crafts Show, one-of-a kind originals from over 300 celebrated artists specializing in paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, furniture and children's toys. Strawberries and fun for the entire family!

Ventura County Wine Trail Tours

Exhibit of New Zapotec Textiles Using Ancient Techniques@ Museum of Ventura County

Brent Hanson Art Exhibit @ Harbor Village Gallery

Artist Reception: Friday, May 4, 5-8pm

In both the bold colors of his acrylic paintings and his immersion in the creative process, saturation is the key to Brent Hanson's art, so that's what he's calling his solo show next month at the Harbor Village Gallery in Ventura.

"The works in this show range from surrealism to expressionist to nonrepresentational abstraction. One commonality about my work is the intensity of color - ‘Saturation,' if you will," he says.

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

Artists' Union Gallery, Every Tuesday at 7:30pm

Host: Phil Taggart  

Future featured poets:

 March 13 Carol V Davis March 27 Joyce LaMers April 3 Razor Babes April 10 Mary Kay Rummel April 17 Roe Estep May 8 Gwendolyn Alley May 15 Howard Smith May 22 Enid Osborn May 29 Sandra Knapp

Directions to the reading:

Farmers' Market

EVERY WEDNESDAY Fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods.

Open rain or shine.

Downtown 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.

Sunday Brunch @ Alexander's

Award Winning Brunch featuring a succulent seafood station, incredible omelette bar and a to die for dessert room... 

Comedy Improv @ Ventura Harbor Comedy Club

We are Ventura's hometown comedy club. Nestledin 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!

Arts & Crafts by the Sea

A variety of fine arts and handcrafted gifts sold by the artists who made them.   Different artists & crafters every week!

Sample of items sold include: Jewelry, Native American Art, Photography, Recycled ARt, Ptaintings, Glass Art, Ceramics, Bark Art and more...

Ventura Food Tours

During the Ventura Food Tours, guests will stop at seven 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.

Partnering restaurants include Spencer Makenzie's, Paradise Pantry, Trufflehounds, Watermark on Main, Savory Cafe, We Olive, Jonathan's and Sugar Bears Cupcake Shack. 

Gift Certificates available. Tours run every Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11am.   24 Hour Reservation Required

Live Music @ Bombay Bar & Grill

The Harvest Gathering, Certified Farmers' Market

EVERY THURSDAY.  Certified local farm produce, flowers & plants, artisan breads & bakery goods, fresh ground coffee & tea, raw honey, oils, dried fruits & raw nuts.  Free Range Chicken, Grass Fed Beef and Farm Fresh Eggs. Also available will be handcrafted soaps, candles, incense, jewelry and recycled products.  We will have live music, face painting, cooked food, and kettle corn. 

Live Music @ Watermark Restaurant

Live Music @ Watermark Restaurant

Live Music @ Tree House Lounge

Welcome to an all new night at the "Tree House Lounge" A new vibe, new feel, new sounds.  "Stray" Saturday Nights 10pm-2am.

Two Areas of Entertainment, Cabana and Table Service, Plush Indoor/Outdoor Patio.  A world like no other!!

Early arrival suggested.  Dress code enforced.

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 "panninis" will range from your classic grilled cheese to ones that contain Prosciuto, 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.          

Sunday Brunch @ The Side Car Restaurant

Sidecar Sunday Brunch Menu Specially prepared by Executive Chef Tim Kilcoyne

The SideCar Restaurant supports local and organic producers whenever possible. Split plate charge $5 20% gratuity added to parties of 6 or more. 

Wednesday Night's @ SideCar Restaurant

Wednesday Nights's Giant Stuffed Potatoes.  Reservations are highly recommended.  Regular menu available.          

Sunday Night @ SideCar Restaurant

Prime Rib Roast.   Regular menu available.          

Friday & Saturday Evenings @ Tutti's

On Friday and Saturday evenings we offer live music to enhance your dining experience... presenting Fred McFadden on keyboards. He will tickle you and the ivories with his collection of Sinatra and Bennett, throwing in a Beatles or Billy Joel number for good measure.

Come in for a relaxing glass of one of our local wines or our stellar Martinis -- accompanied by Fred -- then stay for Snapper or pasta and finish with one of our delicious "made to order" desserts.

Thursday Evenings @ Tutti's

Thursdays, we have Francine Smith and her light jazzy song interputations on old favorites. Sunday from 11 to 2 for brunch is Rick Reeves playing blues, and then back from 6 p.m to 9 p.m with his jazz trio.

Sunday Brunch @ Tutti's

Sunday brunch in our newly renovated courtyard patio is not to be missed with offerings such as, eggs benedict, florentine and blackstone, waffles with berries, breakfast pizzas and more.

Fresh Fridays @ Ventura Improv Co.

The VIC's Friday night shows are intended to showcase the talents of our improvisers of all experience levels!        To that end, we offer up Fresh Fridays, where we mix it up on stage - newer improvisers rock it out with our veteran VIC members.

All shows will be a competitive comedy improv format, where the improvisers are given challenge's by the show's host or director. You, the audience, can judge the action!      Fun for the whole family! Our shows are a fast-paced mix of scenes, improv games and music. If you like Whose Line Is It, Anyway?, you'll love us!

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.

View the schedule http://venturazumba.com/calendar/

Swap Meet

Swap Meet Every Wednesday.

Sunday Bruch @ The Cave

Enjoy an outstanding selection of small plate items that are brunch inspired and all only $8. Also enjoy champagne cocktails and mimosas.

Brunch is served from 10am to 2pm. The Cave will remain open until 3pm and the Retail store is open 10am to 3pm as well!

Beginning Swing Lessons and Dancing

 Beginning Swing Lesson at  - $10 (includes dance) 8 pm Dance $5! (unless special event)
(no partner or experience needed) Live Band Events $12 all night (7 -11pm includes Swing Dance Lesson)

Come any Thursday (Drop-In Lesson at 7 pm)

Ventura Raceway

Winedown Weekdays

Squashed Grapes and Chef Stroh's Pestos Presents: Winedown Weekdays

Tuesday 6-9pm - Soup, Salad, and Pesto Bar By CHef Steven Stroh. Jazz provided by The Ventura Jazz Collective. Wine by the glass or by the bottle.  Don't need reservations.

Friday 6-10pm - Full dinner, Chef's Special. Never had the same dinner twice! By Chef Steven Stroh.  Music by Dano.  Wine by the glass or by the bottle.  Only $20 for dinner and your first glass of wine.

Gail Faulkner Art Exhibit @ Buenaventura Gallery

Artist Reception: Saturday, March 31, 4-7pm

Her muse is a stickler for accuracy, says Ventura artist Gail Faulkner, which is why her upcoming solo show at the Buenaventura Gallery is titled "Every Little Detail."  Faulkner paints crisp watercolor still life that she composes from the fruits of nature and her own eclectic collection of baskets and other containers. Examples of her meticulous work will be on display March 27-April 21 at the downtown Ventura gallery. .

She took art courses throughout school, Faulkner says, but put art aside for a career in the medical field. In her 30s, she left that to again pursue her love of art at the Philadelphia College of Art and at Sanski Art Center in Haddonfield, N.J. She moved to California, took more art studies at UCLA, and began a successful second career as a graphic designer.

Christine Leong Art Exhibit @ Buenaventura Gallery

Eastern and Western influences intertwine in Christine Leong's artwork, which is the subject of the next exhibition at the Buenaventura Gallery.

"Palette of Nature" is the title of the show, which will be on view April 24 to May 19 in the downtown Ventura gallery operated by the nonprofit Buenaventura Art Association. A reception for the artist will on April 28 from 4-7 p.m. In addition, Leong will be on hand during First Friday Gallery Crawl on Friday, May 4 from 5-8 p.m.

Leong, who immigrated to the Camarillo area from her native China 10 years ago, uses the techniques and materials of her homeland - Chinese watercolors on rice paper - to create colorful glimpses of the natural world. Her specialties are koi and florals, she says.

Visit the Olivas Adobe

Tour the Olivas Adobe Saturdays & Sundays!

Just a few miles from the heart of downtown is the must-see Olivas Adobe - an immaculately restored Spanish rancho estate known for its elegant grounds that often play host to special events.  Built in 1910, this casually elegant inn features extensive grounds and regular special events.

Photo: http://www.schafphoto.com/

Open Mic

Live Jazz every Thursday!

Open Mic

Open Mic every Wednesday!

Live Jazz

Live Jazz every Thursday!

Waterfall Specials @ Watermark on Main

Jill Smith - Shanbrom "Euclid's Garden" New Encaustic Paintings @ Vita Art Center

Vita Art Center Presents Jill Smith - Shanbrom "Euclid's Garden" New Encaustic Paintings

Opening Reception: Friday, May 4 from 6-9 p.m.

Ojai artist, Jill Smith Shanbrom, does not have a head for math, which she will readily admit. She has always had an interest in biology, and botany in particular, having spent 25 years as a landscape designer before devoting all her time to artistic pursuits. Her son Evan, a wildlife biologist, has shared her interests and in turn taught her a great deal. But her other son, Corey, turned out to be a mathematician, and it is this surprise that has inspired Shanbrom in her latest series of encaustic paintings, to be shown at Vita Art Center at the Bell Arts Factory, opening in May.

Brunch @ Peirano's Restaurant

Enjoy Brunch Saturday & Sunday - Executive Chef Robert Grenner.

Cab Rides

MAY 5, 6, 12, 19, 20, 26, 27 - "Cab Rides" On any Weekend Scenic train ride departing at 12:00pm, Cab Rides are available during each direction of the ride in the diesel locomotives. On the first Sunday of each month book a ride in the Baldwin steam engine #14. Ride in the cab of the locomotive with the train engineer. Feel the power of the locomotive under your feet. Adults 18 years or older or children 6 years or older accompanied by a paying adult. Cab rides diesel trains: $50 each direction. Cab rides steam train: $100 each direction.

Panaro Brothers Winery Grand Opening

Taste Wines in a New Location!!  (and check out the Tasting Room Gift Shop too)

Take a break from weekend shopping... stop to taste some wines, nibble on some cheese, or just relax for a few minutes.  Find that special gift (or unique item for your kitchen or bar)!  Save up to 30% off retail costs by joining our wine club- (and get exclusive event invitations too).  Stock up now before limited-run special wines sell out!  Enjoy discounts on case pricing - mix and match available varietals.

Weekend Scenic Excursion Train Rides

MAY 5, 6, 12, 19, 20, 26, 27 Take this daytime train ride between Fillmore & Santa Paula. Have lunch in the diner or sit in the fresh air observation car; 4- hour round trip train ride through the beautiful citrus and avocado groves of the Heritage Valley includes a layover in Santa Paula where you can visit the Oil Museum, Art Museum, the murals or simply shop downtown, with the first stop at Loose Caboose Garden Center and Gift Emporium. Depart Fillmore at 12:00pm, return at approximately4:00 pm (rain or shine).

Gem of the Ocean - Play @ Rubicon Theatre Co.

Rubicon's first play by August Wilson, Gem of the Ocean is a powerful, mystical play set in 1904 in Pennsylvania's Hill District. Against a turbulent backdrop of riots and strikes, a young man arrives at the home of Aunt Ester, a 285-year-old healer who is the keeper of tradition for her people. She sends him on a spiritual journey aboard the slave ship Gem of the Ocean - where he must learn about his ancestors and then face the truth about himself.

“Ocean Above & Below” @ Fox Fine Jewelry

Gerri McMillin, Sarah Kalvin and Pat Richards Dodds will display their art in a show titled "Ocean Above & Below" at Fox Fine Jewelry from May 17 through July 9, 2012. An artists' reception will be Saturday, May 19th, 6 - 9 pm.

Live Music @ The Wine Rack

1st  Friday: Steve Williams

2nd Friday: Frank Barajas

3rd Friday: Dan Grimm

4th Friday: Hutch (Ian Hutchinson)

Ventura Film Society Screenings Presents: Cave of Forgotten Dreams

 "CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS" (CANADA/USA/FRANCE/GERMANY/UK - 2010 - WERNER HERZOG - 90 MINS)

Iconic German director Werner Herzog takes us deep inside the interior of Chauvet Cave in southern France, a breathtaking subterranean world where hundreds of the world's oldest cave paintings, dating back between 30 and 40,000 years, were discovered in 1994. We come face to face with astonishingly realistic drawings of horses, cattle and lions, and in the process are forced to contemplate our own human past and our obsession with images that at once record and express our own interior life. Herzog himself, like the ancient cave painters, becomes a witness of the human psyche enchanted with the spiritual energies of nature and the dark hidden recesses of our "primitive" mind. The documentary film gives us vicarious experience of what anthropologists would call "participation mystique" with another, earlier world.

VIEW TRAILER - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JduzM2_G9Gs