What’s New in Ventura, CA? New Events and Businesses You Have to Check out in March 2026

In Ventura, there’s always something new going on. Whether it’s a new business or fun events slated on the calendar, 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.

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

Punchboard Cathedral

Game night just got more interesting in Ventura. Welcome to Punchboard Cathedral, a completely one of a kind tabletop gaming space right in the heart of Downtown Ventura.

Gather your friends to learn a completely new game you’ve never heard of before (don’t worry, owners Kenan and Esther will be happy to teach you) or enjoy the comfort of playing classic board games that you know and love.

With over over 300 games of all shapes and sizes and for all ages, Punchboard Cathedral brings back that sense of community you’ve been craving for. Put down your phone, pick a board game, and enjoy a cozy night together.

Pay to play for the day ($12/person) or come on Wednesday nights for a pay-what-you-wish game night. Snacks and drinks are available to nibble and sip on while you game.

Friends gather at a table playing a board game at Punchboard Cathedral in Ventura, California

Buena Bodega

Located in Midtown Ventura, Buena Bodega is your one-stop shop for elevated food essentials, delicious bites, coffee, and even a bowl of soft-serve ice cream!

Owners Tessa and Rich dreamed of creating a community-serving space where families, visitors, and everyone in between can find a home away from home. Buena Bodega emerged as an answer to that dream.

Pick up a bottle of wine for your next dinner party, unique black salt potato chips that you never knew you needed, or a bacon cheese bagel to go after school drop off. Every item and product inside Buena Bodega has a story, whether it’s a woman-owned business, good for the planet, or for a good cause, rest assured that your purchase is much more than a fun snack.

Cozy, family-friendly, and community-oriented, you have to check out Buena Bodega next time you’re in town. ⁠

Luke’s on Main

This new sandwich spot is doing something almost nobody else around town is. ⁠

Lukes on Main is serving up sandwiches with housemade bread, high-quality, hand-selected ingredients, and local charm inspired by the Venturans running the shop!⁠

Sandwiches made from scratch (people line up for their homemade focaccia bread), Luke’s on Main is a much-needed specialty sandwich spot for your lunchtime cravings, or a delicious quality bite as you’re on the go.

two halves of a meaty sandwich outside of Luke's on Main in Ventura, California

Ventura Hills Nature Preserve

The much-anticipated new Ventura nature preserve is now open and ready to be explored!

The Ventura Hills Nature Preserve, managed by the Ventura Land Trust, protects 1,645 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat and provides visitors with breathtaking views of Ventura and beyond. The preserve currently offers about 5 miles of multi – use trail for human-powered recreation and is pet-friendly (please bring them on a leash!).

The preserve stretches across our beach town and adds to the list of incredible outdoor recreation and open public space visitors can enjoy while they’re in town.

Old Town BBQ

Nothing beats slow-cooked tri-tip served with classic comfort side dishes. What you see is what you get at Old Town BBQ, and what you get is a hearty, delicious, and flavorful BBQ plate.

At Old Town BBQ, barbecue is done right and with the kind of local Ventura charm that will keep you coming back. Plus, it’s a bit of a hidden and underrated gem that you get to tell your friends you discovered first.

A top down view of a plate of tri-tip, corn, and coleslaw at Old Town BBQ in Ventura, California

La Avenida

Take a moment to explore La Avenida, a new event space tucked away between the hills and the beach, in Ventura’s westside neighborhood.

Completely unassuming on the outside, La Avenida transports you to a little paradise inside the doors. From a gorgeous outdoor space to a small meeting room inside, the creativity here is endless. Available to comfortably host groups of around 200 people, you can really transform the space into your own.

Rooted in Ventura’s industrial heritage and creative spirit, La Avenida blooms with magic, fit for your next special event or celebration.

Palomino

Nestled in Downtown Ventura, Palomino’s building dates back to 1907, when it first served as a livery where it welcomed travelers making their way along a growing Main Street and invited them to pause and connect with fellow travelers. That legacy of connection continues on in its newest iteration.

Palomino pays homage to its history while reimagining the space as a modern, warm, artful venue. Ventura’s timeless charm is found in every corner of the space.

Make your dream wedding or event come true at Palomino.

Beautifully decorated table inside Palomina event venue in Ventura, California — Photo by Palomino

Pizza Station

Welcome to Pizza Station, serving up familiar plates that are a complete Ventura neighborhood staple.

Located in the old and familiar Santino’s pizza spot, Pizza Station, upholds the legacy but puts a new twist on the classics. Order your favorite pizza along with pasta, wings, and even dessert!

Catch the big game on TV, grab a beer, or even host your special events and celebrations at Pizza Station.

The next time you’re craving a classic slice, stop by and hang out for a bit!

DeNai

Step inside the creative world of DeNai in Downtown Ventura, where handcrafted ceramics, thoughtful design, and community come together. ⁠

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From wheel-thrown vessels to sculptural pieces inspired by nature, every detail reflects DeNai’s passion for clay and craft.⁠

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Beyond the gallery, this is also a place to learn. DeNai offers ceramics classes and hands-on workshops in Ventura, inviting beginners and experienced makers alike to get their hands dirty, slow down, and experience the art of working with clay.⁠

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If you’re exploring things to do in Ventura, looking for Ventura art galleries, or searching for creative classes in Ventura, California, this is a must-visit stop on your list.⁠