Special Events Around Ventura

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!

Olivas Adobe Public Tours

Tour the Olivas Adobe every Saturday & Sunday Grounds open daily.

Theatre Sports ~ Ongoing

Award-winning competitive improvisational comedy on the Livery stage.

Don't miss the madness, music and mayhem -- every weekend! Check our schedule for formats and special events. Improv Workshops for Adults at the Livery (ages 18+) Saturdays from 10:30am - 12:30pm Mondays from 7:00 - 9:00pm $10.00 per session or $50.00 for 6 sessions.

First session is FREE! General improvisational theory and technique, TheatreSports™ games, and other formats and aspects of improv theatre are covered.

The workshops are ongoing -- just drop in on a Monday or Saturday workshop. Improv Workshops for Youth and Young Adults (Ages 15-25) Thursdays 6 - 7:30pm (ongoing) FREE! These fun Thursday evening workshops teach basic comedy improv skill development. Workshop participants will have opportunities to perform in local improv events. Presented by Straight Up (a project of Ventura County Limits) and Ventura Area TheatreSports™.

George Stuart Monologue

One of China's most beautiful and enduring landmarks is the focus of artist George Stuart's newest monologue. If These Walls Could Talk: China's Imperial Gardens is scheduled at the Museum of Ventura County at 1:30 p.m. on Mondays January 5 and Feb 2, as well as at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6. The illustrated talk describes the remarkable history of the ancient gardens and those involved in its rebirths. Six accompanying George Stuart Historical Figures® from Chinese history are on view at the museum from December 14 until March 22.

Seating is limited. For reservations call (805) 641-1876 ext. 305. Members of the George Stuart Historical Figures® Guild may attend at no charge; admission for Museum members is $10; for non-members $15.

Grilled Cheese and Jazz Nights @ The 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

Annie F. Dransfeldt Dog Park

This park is fenced with an area for large and small dogs.

The Murals of Santa Paula Walking Tour

Eight outdoor murals, all within Santa Paula's downtown Historic District, tell the history of the city. Each mural was created by a known artist. Pick up a free brochure with maps at the California Oil Museum.

Ojai Farmers' Market

Open-air market with European flair, with approximately 45 vendors.

Ride the Woody!

Ride the Gold Coast Transit, a 13 passenger bus painted with vintage woody-style sideboards reflecting the beach community image.

It will operate every 20 minutes during the Summer until Labor Day, and every 40 minutes after Labor Day, 7 days per week, between 7 am and 9 pm to serve Ventura Harbor, the Pierpont area, the Fairgrounds, Main Street and California Street in Downtown Ventura.

Fare is $1.25 one way. For specific route or schedule info, contact Customer Service at 487-4222 or 643-3158 or visit the website at www.goldcoasttransit.org  

Happy Hour @ The Greek

Drink & Appetizer Specials. Great Harbor Views! Belly Dance Shows & Greek Dancing. Lunch & Dinner served daily. Full Breakfast Menu. Sat & Sun 8-11am

Take a Hike with the Sierra Club

This Sierra Club event is a friendly weekly evening hike that meets every Wednesday evening between 6:45 and 7pm.

The hike is approximately 4.5 miles long and starts in front of the San Buenaventura Mission at the fountain promptly at 7pm. The trail will vary, but we always use surface streets and well-marked walking paths. We start up the hill and go into Grant Park and make our first stop at Father Serra's Cross. Here one has a cnace to see magnificent views of Ventura. Next stop is the Ventura Pier. The Ventura Pier is California's longest wooden pier and at one time was the county's only life line to the outside world for shipping its produce and other goods. From the pier, we wind our way along the seaside promenade and hike up the Ventura River Trail. At our break we discuss other hikes for the week.

The hike finishes up where we started, and lasts just under 2 hours.

Harbor Village Gallery Opens its “ARTISAN STORE”

The Buenaventura Art Association’s popular exhibit space, the Harbor Village Gallery, is expanding to include a select collection of artisan-crafted items in its new Artisan Store.

All items are individually crafted by local artists and artisans and include ceramics, art glass, exceptional jewelry, one-of-a-kind apparel and accessories, home décor and limited edition digital art prints. Our artists often enjoy creating functional art, useful things that can truly enhance your dining table, decor or wardrobe.”

History is Now - Focus on the Masters Portrait Series by Donna Granata

Portraits by Donna Granata features photographs from the Focus on the Masters Portrait Series. FOTM is  a non-profit art appreciation program that documents artists working in Ventura County or who have had an influence here.  The exhibition will include many new works never seen before and artwork from the artists documented.

 Reception: September 21, 4-6pm

An Evening with Donna Granata: October 12, 7-9pm

With the Grain: Catherine Day Barroca

Catherine Day Barroca's new direction in bas-relief paintings on wood, as well as her recent etchings, lithographs and woodblock prints, will be featured in the artist's solo exhibition opening at the Museum of Ventura County on December 14.

Coastal Waters

See the unique light that fills images of 19th century schooners calling at sawmills in dog-hole ports along the rugged California coast painted by David Thimgan (1955-2003).

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 1, 7-9pm

June Carey-Thimgan Talk: Saturday, October 25, 3-5pm

Small Image / Holiday Bazaar

Small Image Show Holiday Bazaar

From the Collections of Ventura County’s Art Instructors

From the Collections of Ventura County’s Art Instructors Reception: Thursday, December 11, 2008 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Among Friends

Artist Reception with Several Painting Demos and Holiday Treats on December 13th from 6-9pm.

Our biggest show of the year, featuring 30 of our favorite artists, who work in almost every medium and a variety of sizes.  The work includes a variety of themes from nature to abstraction with a strong emphasis on things associated with Ventura nature and the ocean.  Most of the show is priced at $100 or less, there will be 100's of pieces of art under $100.

All of the artists exhibiting in this show are artists who have been featured in the gallery in one or more shows during 2008.  This group of artists have been selected to be a part of this show because their work is unique, thoughtful, approachable and as a whole represents the heart of what the gallery has become.  "Among Friends" celebrates the symbiotic relationship that the gallery and the artists have, we become greater with one another's work.

 Image: "Bing" Lino-cut by Mary Scott

2009 Musical Chair Art Project

For the past four years, the Ventura Music Festival has partnered with our superb local art community to help raise funds for the Festival.  These artists graciously donate their time and talent to create a unique piece of art for the Annual Spring Fundraiser, the Festival's biggest fundraising event of the year. The funds raised by these works of art provide an integral part of the Festival's operating revenue.

2009 Participating Festival artists:

Renee' Allem, Oxnard, Rob Edwards, Ventura, Stephanie Elise, Ventura, Barbara Fitzgerald, Ventura, Norman Kirk, Santa Paula, Hilda Kilpatrick, Ventura, Rex Kochel, Ojai, Susan Krieg, Ventura, Elana Kundell, Newbury Park, Christina Leong, Pasadena, John Parker, Ventura, Len Poteshman, Ventura, Hayley Strauss, Ventura, Pamela Vladyka-Venegas, Ventura, Kay Zetlmaier, Ventura

December 10-January 11th:   Half of the Chairs will be showing at the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, 10 S. California St., Ventura  and the other half at the  Museum of Ventura County, 89 S. California St., Ventura.

The chairs will be separated and move to the following locations:

January 12th-February 15th:   Affinity Bank & Trust (January 1 to February 1), 101 S. Chestnut St., Ventura

                                                        First California Bank of Oxnard, 300 E. Esplanade Dr., #102, Oxnard

                                                        Santa Barbara Bank, 250 S. Mills Rd., Ventura

                                                        Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura

                                                        Fox Fine Jewelry, 210 E. Main St., Ventura

 February 16th-March 6th :       Rabobank, 300 S. Mills Rd., Ventura

                                                        Weaver Wines, 14 S. California St., Ventura

                                                        Red Brick Gallery, 328 E. Main St., Ventura

                                                        Primavera Art Gallery, 214 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai

                                                        Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Dr., #1455, Oxnard

March 6-March 13th :                Discovery Gallery, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, 

                                                        101 S. California Street, Ventura(All Chairs)

Bid on a Musical Chair!

White Russian Nights - Saturday, March 14th - Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor

Tickets on sale January, 2009

Image: "Sunset Impression"  Painted Chair by Hilda Kilpatrick, Oil On Wood.  www.hildakilpatrick.com

Leo Politi - Capturing the Heart

An exhibit of the early 1930's and 1940's works by distinguished Los Angeles artist and illustrator, Leo Politi, celebrating his year-long Centennial. 

Opening Reception: Saturday, December 13, 4-6pm sponsored by Carnegie Art Museum Cornerstones.

$3 suggested donation. Members free.

"Beyond Toys" Opening Reception and Toy Drive

Opening Receptions:  Saturday, December 13, 3-5pm

Ventura First Friday, December 5, 5-7PM

This year as the holiday season is tainted with gloom and doom of economic news, it is important to remember the purpose of art.  Art can lift spirits!  Join us for the opening reception of "Beyond Toys"  a group exhibition featuring 25 artists from across the US that use the common theme of toys in their work.  We are also proud to be a host for the Ventura County "Sparks for Love" toy drive.  If you are able, please bring a new unwrapped toy, sports equipment or educational materials to the gallery and we will make sure that it makes it's way to a needy child in time for the holidays.

This exhibition will run through January 17, 2009.  The gallery will be closed between Christmas and New Year's. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday Noon-5pm and by appointment.

Winter Exhibition of Contemporary Prints & Vintage Prints

Sunday, December 14 though Sunday, March 22, 2009 Winter Exhibition of Contemporary Prints and Bas Relief Paintings by Catherine Day Barroca & Vintage Prints by Cornelis and Jessie Arms Botke

Sunday Brunch @ Watermark & W2O

Casual Sundays at Watermark!

Pete Gerard, Art Show

Reception: December 19

Butterfish Surf Series

Volcom Lot D

Gun Show

Gun show.

Walk Back Through Time

Preservationist Tracy Long shares colorful stories about early city residents in a stroll past architectural styles, from Mission to 1960s.