16 Top Events in Ventura

by Visit Ventura

Sixty miles north of Los Angeles, Ventura prides itself on being home to everyone. Foodies, surfers, artists, brewers, and wine lovers (and lovers of brewers and wine lovers), all come together in the sunshine to rejoice in events that are the kaleidoscopic embodiment of Ventura’s culture. Check out our events page for more regularly scheduled events.

February

1. Tall Ships Visit Ventura Harbor

The past, and the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, sail into Ventura Harbor in February (weather depending) and stay for three weeks, offering ship tours and sails.

March

2. Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Lovers of fun, and all things Irish (pretty much one-in-the-same), line Main Street to enjoy floats, dancers, and bagpipes. The parade, hosted by Ventura’s Elks Lodge, starts at 10am.

April

3. Spring Wine Walk

First, the free Street Fair (11 am until 6:30 pm) on Main Street, with vendors and live entertainment. Then the afternoon/ evening wine walk: champagne, wine, and craft beer sampling downtown businesses.

May

4. Ventura Surf ‘N’ Suds Beer Festival

Over 200 different beers, wines, and ciders to sample, alongside live music; all on San Buenaventura State Beach.

June

5. Ventura Harbor Pirate Day

Pirate shows, treasure hunts, a pirate costume contest, even sword fights (don’t worry, staged). Be inclined to acquiesce.

July

6.  4th of July Street Fair

Hundreds of visitors and residents cheer a happy Push-em Pull-em Parade that welcomes everyone to participate. Plus, over 200 artisans displaying along Main Street.

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A post shared by Downtown Ventura (@downtownventura) on Jul 4, 2018 at 7:48pm PDT

July

 7. Music Under the Stars

This popular concert series is held Saturday nights through the summer at picturesque Olivas Adobe under, yes, the stars. Salsa, rock, country, Cajun. Bring your own picnic dinner, and dancing shoes.

August

8. Ventura County Fair

The granddaddy of fun. Carnival rides, corn dogs, 4H competitions, hundreds of exhibits from art to floriculture, and Big Name bands (free with paid admission). All beside the sea.

9. The Throw Down Cornhole Tournament

Hosted by local restaurant favorite Spencer Makenzies, this end-of-the-summer block party and three-day tournament has become the largest cash cornhole tournament in the world.

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A post shared by Spencer Makenzie’s (@spencermakenzies) on Aug 23, 2018 at 9:33pm PDT

September

10. Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival

The Louvre comes to the sidewalks of Ventura Harbor. Seriously. The chalk art is beautiful and stirring. Some 45 artists also sell original art.

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11. Rock on the Dock

Precisely what it says: on Saturdays, from 3-6pm, bands perform on a dock at Ventura Harbor. Have some fun: rent a kayak, and listen from the water, too.

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A post shared by Ventura Harbor Village (@venturaharbor) on Sep 28, 2018 at 11:21am PDT

October

12. Ventura Harvest Festival

Hundreds of artisans descend on the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Photography, fine jewelry, blown glass, wood art, metalwork; you name it, it’s probably here.

November

13. Ventura County Farm Day

Learn about what’s on your plate and Ventura County’s rich agricultural offerings in a simple, effective way; by hopping in your car and touring 20-some local farms that open their doors to the public on this special day.

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December

14. Holiday Tree Lighting

Wander through a sparkling candy cane forest in Plaza Park, enjoy the magic (and a visit from Santa) at the Christmas tree lighting at the Mission, and maybe bring a coat. Or maybe not.

15. Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair

The free Street Fair starts at noon and ends with a real live snowfall (6:30-8pm). Regarding the Wine Walk, your mission is simple; enjoy wines (and beers) at some 70 tasting stations located in downtown businesses.

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A post shared by Ventura Wine Walk (@venturawinewalk) on Aug 21, 2018 at 11:25am PDT

16. Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks

There’s magic in lights (and fireworks) mirrored in the water. Boaters deck their boats to the nines, then parade their shimmering creations on Friday and Saturday night, the visual extravaganza capped by fireworks.

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A post shared by Ventura Harbor Village (@venturaharbor) on Dec 4, 2018 at 9:51am PST