By Visit Ventura

Posted: Thursday, Apr 11th, 2024

Updated: Thursday, Jun 6th, 2024

What’s New in Ventura, CA? New Events and Businesses You Have to Check Out in April 2024

In Ventura, there seems to always be something new going on. Whether it is a new event coming to town or a new store, Ventura is the perfect place for adventurers looking for an unexpected and new path to follow. And to no one’s surprise, we love to keep you up to date on what’s new in Ventura. To start the new year off right, we welcome four new businesses in town. And we’ve added some events and new happenings to look forward to as well. 

Read on to learn more about new businesses and events this April. 

Kalorama Coffee Cart

Step into the heart of Midtown Ventura and discover Kalorama Coffee Cart‘s vibrant new venture – a cozy café that’s quickly become the talk of the town. You might have seen them around town serving their special organic espressos at local farmers’ markets and events — owner James Markas has now transformed their beloved cart into a haven for coffee lovers. Embracing an eclectic blend of games, vinyl records, and captivating art, you can settle in and relax. With a devoted following already in tow, Kalorama Coffee invites customers to savor their specialty brews daily, all while enjoying the nostalgic hum of vinyl tunes from the walk-up window. Swing by Kalorama Coffee to start your morning right or for a little afternoon pick me up.

ArtHouse and Company

ArtHouse and Company

Sometimes stumbling and finding hidden treasures is part of the fun of shopping in Ventura. Cue ArtHouse and Company: a new artist-led gallery and curated market in Downtown Ventura. Bright colors everywhere you look, you’ll find gifts you never thought you needed. Books on how to draw *anything*? Tons of cute greeting cards? Blankets that are so soft you’ll be tempted to snuggle with them right then and there? Each piece of art, book, and pen has a story to tell at ArtHouse and Company. Head over ASAP and get ready to fill your bag with goodies. 

Best Western at Ventura Pier

Best Western at Ventura Pier

Long-awaited, the Best Western has reopened to the public! And it’s not just the name that has changed. Formerly the Best Western Plus, the hotel property has reopened as the Best Western and Ventura Pier, and the changes don’t stop there. Step into their newly renovated lobby where you can hang out and grab breakfast at their beautiful hot breakfast bar. Sit indoors or out on the patio for prime people-watching. A new guest laundry room will ensure your swimsuits will be ready to go day after day at the beach and you can grab some snacks on the go at their new mini-market. All of the guest rooms (ocean and pier view available) have been renovated with new bedding, fridges, showers, and furniture — you name it. 

Book your stay at the newly renovated Best Western at Ventura Pier. Call the hotel directly and mention this blog for 10% off your stay! *Promotion ends May 11, 2024*

Carnitas El Rey

Carnitas El Rey

Five years in the making and owners Gricelda and Juan Zavala have finally opened their third location right here in Ventura. Walk into their new location right on East Main Street, and you’ll notice a beautiful mural that pays homage to Michoacán, where Juan learned how to cook the carnitas that Carnitas El Rey is so famous for — mainly because the food at Carnitas El Rey tastes like homemade, authentic Mexican food. After a huge demand from their customers who would often drive all the way to Oxnard for their tacos and carnitas, Gricelda and Juan had their eyes set on finding the right location in Ventura to open up shop. 

Ventura Earth Day Festival

April 20

Plaza Park drone

Ventura is one of the best places to appreciate everything that nature has to offer. Why not celebrate Earth Day here in town then? The MERITO Foundation is hosting in collaboration with the City of Ventura Sustainability Division the Ventura Earth Day Festival 2024 at Plaza Park in Downtown Ventura. Get ready for this free event, full of awesome learning opportunities, delicious food from local vendors, booths with sustainably sourced and produced goods, interactive games, live music and performances, and an electric vehicle showcase. 

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon

April 28

Run an Unforgettable Race: 5 Reasons to Take Part in the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon
Courtesy of Mountains 2 Beach

In its 12th year, cheer on the runners during this year’s Mountains 2 Beach Marathon right along the Ventura coast. Not only is the marathon a USATF certified Boston Marathon Qualifier, but it’s also an awesome time with a ton going on; runners will be participating in the marathon and half marathon, the beachfront 5k, and kids 1k fun run. You can learn more about this epic race here.

West Coast Outdoors and Sportfishing Expo

May 3 – May 4

Get ready for the West Coast Outdoors and Sportfishing Expo coming to the Ventura County Fairgrounds next month! Celebrate all things outdoors, learn from vendors and peers, and get inspired for your next outdoor adventure. There will be dozens of vendors to check out both indoors and outdoors across the fairgrounds. Don’t miss out!

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