Five Fun Things To Do In Ventura This Weekend

Why just five fun things in Ventura, a town that swims in fun? It’s called a teaser. And really, it’s more fun to keep coming back for more. And we’ll offer you more.

Later.

On a serious note, when you opt to do any — or all — of these things, you are, in one way or another, kindly Supporting Ventura Local, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

So here’s a taste of Ventura fun for this weekend. And — with a national cornhole tournament (that’s right, cornhole is serious business) and a film festival — this is a BIG weekend in Ventura.

Drive here and stay, so you can get it all in; from cool, wide-open beaches, to cold craft beer, to a walkable small-town downtown with unique shops and restaurants, most of them locally owned.

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

Spencer Makenzies Throw Down

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 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (August 27, 28, 29). Spectators don’t lose out either; food, drink and, yes, live music. 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

This Saturday (from 5 pm to 10 pm on the campus of the Ventura County Credit Union), the 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. Prefer to watch the films at home? The films will also be available for on-demand viewing for 5 days (August 28–September 1).

Pier Clean Up

Doing something good for others can be as much fun as doing something good for you. Here’s your (recurring) chance. This Saturday, August 28th, Pier into the Future is hosting a clean-up from 8:30am to 10am (Pier into the Future hosts monthly Pier clean-up days on the 4th Saturday of every month at 8:30am). Volunteers do light tasks such as graffiti removal, trash pick up, and cleaning the granite donor panels. Email pierintothefuture@gmail.com or all 805-804-7735 for more information or to sign up. Supplies are provided. Meet on the Pier near the gate. Great chance to give back to a place you love.

See a Play

Namba Theater (47 South Oak Street, downtown Ventura) is showing a new romantic comedy play, “Breaking the Code,” written by Claudia Hoag McGarry and directed by Jordana Lawrence (Ventura resident). Showtime 3 pm. Added enticement, the premise of the play was inspired by a Leonard Cohen poem, “I Can’t Break the Code.”

Enjoy Live Music — Pretty Much Everywhere

Yes, there’s now a summer-long lineup of live music around town. No more extensive listing of local music offerings than the amazing Ventura Rocks. Quite the lineup this weekend — and every summer weekend — at Ventura Harbor Village too. And, looking into Fall (why not, if it’s fun stuff?), Surfer’s Point LIVE brings live music to the Ventura County Fairgrounds yet again. This time it’s Sublime with Rome, the Dirty Heads and Hirie. A full day of electricity, 2 pm to 10 pm, on Saturday, October 9th. Also coming in the Fall, the Majestic Ventura Theater has a lineup that runs from Drakeo The Ruler to Pennywise..

Annnnnnnnd just Around the Corner…

The Ventura Nationals Hot Rod, Custom & Motorcycle Show is September 4th at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Avenue Taco Week is coming in September too (September 16th – September 19th); a celebration of the taco that will see taquerias along Ventura Avenue serving up innovative tacos you could only dream of. Until now. (More to come!)

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