Are There Live Events in Ventura this Summer? You Bet.

By Visit Ventura

Yes, live events are back in Ventura, and in a big way. Though Ventura continues to monitor the coronavirus situation, California — and Ventura — are now fully open, and that means live events.

The events listed below are the biggies, but it’s important to note that there are lots of fun small events packing Ventura’s summer too, from ukulele jams beside the water, to “Mindfulness at the Museum,” to a summer-long lineup of live music around town, including Sunday reggae at Cafe Fiore, pretty much every kind of music at Winchester’s Grill & Saloon, and a weekly lineup of free waterside performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Ventura Harbor Village, through the summer. And looking into Fall, the Majestic Ventura Theater has already scheduled a lineup that runs from Drakeo The Ruler to Pennywise.

You can check out upcoming Ventura events (and add in your Ventura event) here.

So much Ventura fun.

Have at it.

For life is short, and there can never be enough fun in any season.

Ventura Music Festival
July 23, 24, 25
Pacifica High School Performing Arts Center, Oxnard

Live music returns in a big, and globally talented, way, thanks to the Ventura Music Festival, which has a long history of bringing internationally recognized talent to Ventura and its surroundings. On Friday, July 23 (8 pm), Aubrey Logan, one of today’s most brilliant contemporary jazz artists, plays the trombone and sings, deftly moving between jazz, funk, tender love songs, and traditionally inspired fusions. On Saturday, July 24 (8 pm), Time for Three – Charles Yang, Nicolas Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer – blend their instruments and voices in an exciting genre- hopscotching repertoire that blends Americana, modern pop, and classical music, and brings audiences to their feet. On Sunday, July 25 ( 3 pm), the brilliant Andrea Roberto, one of the world’s best young guitarists, works classical guitar magic.

All three shows will be held at the Pacifica High School Performing Arts Center (600 East Gonzales Road, Oxnard). For tickets and information, please click here or call 805-648-3146 (the shows are “all-vaccinated” events with ticket-buyer documentation required).

Tequila and Taco Music Festival
July 24 and 25
Ventura County Fairgrounds

California’s largest traveling Tequila & Taco Music Festival returns to Ventura, courtesy of Surfer’s Point LIVE. Top shelf tequila sampling, gourmet street tacos, craft beer, award-winning margaritas, arts & crafts vendors, and live music all day, including headliners Vanilla Ice and Tag Team. Pretty hard to think of anything more summertime happy. Added happy, proceeds from the event will benefit Food Share and Ventura County’s food banks.

Want to win free tickets? Take a shot (sorry) here.

Summerfest Carnival
August 4-15
Ventura County Fairgrounds

No, there will be no Ventura County Fair this year, but there will still be good, old school Midway summertime fun beside the sea. Put on by Kastl Amusements, the carnival features plenty of twisty, turny, soaring, sweeping, upside down rides and food booths. Maybe eat the corn dog after the rides.

Spencer Makenzies Throw Down
August 27, 28, 29
Ventura County Fairgrounds

It’s the largest cash cornhole tournament in the world and it’s as big as this year’s slogan – “Go Big or Go Home.” Over a thousand cornhole teams will battle for over $230,000.00 in prize money. Spectators don’t lose out either; food, drink and, yes, live music. When the sun goes down, Spencer Makenzies will again throw their annual end of summer block party. The live music begins on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 7:00pm; Saturday the music starts at 5pm. Cover bands feature the music of AC/DC, Journey, and Guns & Roses. Always a chance of a surprise performer too. Surf guitar legend Dick Dale has played, and Chuck D. of Public Enemy fame dropped by a couple of years back for an impromptu jam of “Bring the Noise.” Everything you need to know here.

Ventura Land Trust Wild & Scenic Film Festival
August 28 (5-10 pm)
On the campus of the Ventura County Credit Union.

One of Ventura’s signature community events, this 12th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival will again feature everything Venturans (and canny visitors) love. Community, craft beer and wine, great food, the chance to win cool stuff (raffles) from Ventura businesses, and, yes, some of the finest, most thought-provoking wild and scenic films you’ll ever see (outdoors under the stars). By buying a ticket, you’re also doing a very good deed. The Festival raises essential funds, making it possible for the Ventura Land Trust to conserve and protect Ventura’s local open spaces. Two words for starters. Harmon Canyon.

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