Six Fun Things to Do in Ventura This Weekend

By Visit Ventura

Why just six 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 kindly Supporting Local, and, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for continuing to help our Ventura businesses — our friends and neighbors — survive this pandemic and see their way to the coming light. So here’s a taste of Ventura fun. Have at it. For life is short, and there can never be enough fun…

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Channel Islands Native Garden plant sale

Safe to say you won’t find many of these plants anywhere else; precisely why this annual event is so popular. Featuring California native plants, including species from the Channel Islands, the Channel Islands Native Garden plant sale takes place this Saturday, April 24th from 9 am to 1 pm in front of the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center (1901 Spinnaker Drive). Get there early.

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Bell Arts Factory outdoor Artisan Market

This Saturday (10 am to 2 pm) Bell Arts Factory hosts its first outdoor Artisan Market of the year. Shop locally-made fine art pieces, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, home decor, and small-batch-crafted skincare (remember, Mother’s Day looms). The event takes place in the parking lot. Address, 432 North Ventura Avenue.

Celebrate Aloha Friday

Jill Martini celebrates aloha and Fridays (both worthy causes), playing a special blend of fun mid-century cocktail tiki and Hawaiian traditional music with the Shrunken Heads. On the banks of Ventura Harbor at Harbor Cove Cafe from 4 pm to 6 pm.

See behind the curtain

Courtesy of Rubicon Theatre Company’s “Plays-in-Progress” program, you can hear songs from a new show being developed by a team of Broadway professionals. Have a listen to the songs from this original musical — Poseidon: The Musical — and hear a plot summary for free. April 24th, 25th, and 26th. Just click here to order.

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Enjoy an Open Air Seaside Market

Held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 25th, the free Seaside Market, from 11 am to 5 pm, features craft vendors of all kinds, live music and sea breezes. There’s onsite parking ($10).

See, well, possibly thousands of dolphins

Island Packers’ Wildlife Cruises have been spotting a whole lot of dolphins. On a single trip In mid-April, they spotted 10,000 Common Dolphins. Sure, that’s an estimate. But you get the goose-pimpling picture. It’s a day trip you’ll never forget.