Millions of pounds of trash wash up on shorelines around the world each year. An Ocean Conservancy Report stated that 840,000 pounds ends up on California beaches alone. Not only is that excessive, but it's absolutely avoidable. Unfortunately, we cannot control what other people do. What we can do is help keep our beaches clean. To do so, please consider participating in the Channel Islands Beach Cleanup 2025.What: Channel Islands Beach Cleanup 2025Where: Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center (1901 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura)When: Sunday, June 8th, 9 am to 12:30 pmContact: Channel Islands Visitor's Center (805) 658-5730Channel Islands Beach Cleanup 2025Want to help? All you need to do to participate in the beach cleanup is to show up at the Channel Islands Visitor Center by 9 am. A ra... 05/19/2025

You know them. You love them. California produces the majority of strawberries in the United States each year. In fact, experts place this year's crop to come in around 1.8 billion pounds. To celebrate the impact of this berry on California's history, the fairgrounds play host to the annual Ventura Strawberry Festival which just so happens to take place later this month.What: Ventura Strawberry Festival 2025Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: May 17th & 18thAdmission: $8 to $15, Kids ages 4 & under are freeContact: CA Strawberry Festival contact formVentura Strawberry Festival 2025The festival includes tons of strawberry-related activities. These include delicious food such as the usual sweet treats like strawberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and stra... 05/05/2025

Where is the year going? We're already more than midway through April .Summer will be here before you know it. With that comes summertime activities like boating. If you want a new boat or need to update your safety gear, then you definitely need to attend the Ventura Boat Specialists Boat Show.What: Ventura Boat Specialists Boat Show 2025Where: Boat Specialists Showroom (2900 Golf Course Dr, Ventura)When: Saturday, April 26th, from noon to 4 pmAdmission: FREEContact: Boat Specialists (805) 644-6290Ventura Boat Specialists Boat Show 2025Boat Specialists offers the best boats for any surfing or fishing adventure you find yourself planning off the California shoreline. Manufacturers range from Yamaha, Mercury, and Honda to Boston Whaler, Zodiac, and (new this year) Grady-White. To celebra... 04/21/2025

This year, Easter Sunday takes place on April 20th. And just two days later, we celebrate Earth Day. Fortunately, if you live in the area, you can celebrate both Ventura Earth Day and Easter over the same weekend!Ventura Earth Day and Easter Celebrations 2025Ventura Earth Day CelebrationSo, technically, Earth Day takes place on Tuesday, April 22nd. However, since many people work or go to school that day, organizers in Ventura put together a great Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19th. Come to Plaza Park (Santa Clara & Chestnut) between 11 am and 4 pm to learn more about the environment and our impact on it. Don't worry. You will not be bored. Several environmental groups set up informational booths to help educate you on the changes, both big and small, that we can make to prot... 04/20/2025

There are few places around the world where you can start the day in the mountains and end the day at the beach. Even fewer where this can happen in the space of a few hours on foot. Ventura County happens to be one of those place and the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025 is the event that allows this to happen.What: Mountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025Where: Ojai to VenturaWhen: April 12th & 13thContact: M2B Marathon Organizers via emailMountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025This unique marathon begins in the mountainous area of downtown Ojai (around 700 feet ASL) and hits sea level in just 22 miles, ending near the Ventura Pier. It also counts as a Boston Marathon qualifier (if you know, you know). But if a full marathon feels a little out of your league, you might want to opt for the half-marathon ... 03/17/2025

It's officially March. For basketball lovers, this month is full of some phenomenal amazing college games. But in our town, it means something else: Ventura Mermaid Month.What: Ventura Mermaid Month 2025Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Dr)When: March 1st to March 31stContact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470Ventura Mermaid Month 2025The entire month of March is dedicated to mermaids at Ventura Harbor Village. Some activities and specials take place all month long. However, there are two specific weekends you might want to note on your calendar: March 8th and 22nd. Organizers planned some very special events that any mermaid enthusiast needs to attend.March 8th EventsPirates sometimes reported seeing mermaids or sirens as far back as before Christopher Columbus. Nowaday... 03/03/2025

Thinking about updating or renovating your Ventura County home? Looking for ways to make that happen? Then you might want to make plans to attend the Ventura Home Improvement Expo 2025 this weekend!What: Ventura Home Improvement Expo 2025Where: Ventura Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: February 21st to 23rd (10 am to 5 pm Fri/Sat, 10 am to 4 pm Sun)Admission: $10 per person at the gateVentura Home Improvement Expo 2025At this amazing three-day event, you will meet dozens of companies that specialize in all things home improvement and more. Find out about the latest trends in home design. Learn about organic gardening. Turn your outdoor space into extended living space by adding a seating area and BBQ. Or really go upscale and create an entire outdoor kitchen. Interested in tiny house ... 02/17/2025

Running offers many health benefits. It reduces your risk of cancer. It helps you improve the quality of your sleep. Running even boosts your memory. If you enjoy running and want to push yourself a bit, sign up for the Ventura Marathon. Not only does it offer a gorgeous view of some of the best scenery in Southern California, but it also acts as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.What: Ventura Marathon 2025Where: From the Ojai Valley to Downtown VenturaWhen: Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 7:30 am to 2 pmAdmission: $160 for half-marathon, $180 for full marathonVentura Marathon 2025The race starts in beautiful Ojai Valley. Its primarily downhill course provides a great opportunity for participants to run at a faster pace. In turn, this helps lower your qualifying time for larger races l... 02/04/2025

For the better part of the last two weeks, Southern California has been under siege. So far, fire destroyed thousands of homes, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and their pets. It has been heartbreaking to see so many people affected by this. With more wind expected this week, firefighters will have their hands full trying to contain the wildfires as much as possible. If you want to help the victims of the Southern California wildfires, there are some ways that are more helpful than others. Please read on to find out more.Southern California Wildfires: How You Can HelpMany people donate food and clothing right away when a disaster strikes. While the thought behind that is sound, the reality is that this may not be your best course of action. Unfortunately, it can be difficult ... 01/20/2025

New year. New home? If buying a Ventura home in 2025 made it to your resolution list, you might want to start working on your credit score now. Why? I can take several weeks to a few months to bring a score up. And to net the best interest rates, you need to get your score in tip-top shape.Tips to Improve Your Credit Score in 2025Pull Your Credit ReportFirst things first. It helps to know where you stand at the moment. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain a copy of your current report from all three major credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. They used to only offer one free report a year. However, they currently allow one free report per week from each agency. Thoroughly look over each report.Dispute Erroneous InformationFirst, start with fixing any errors you... 01/06/2025

Only eight more shopping days until Christmas. Can you believe it? And this year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 25th. That gives us double the reason to celebrate. Here are a few of the Ventura Harbor holiday fun events still to come before the year ends.Ventura Harbor Holiday Fun 2024Santa PaddleEven Santa enjoys a bit of paddle-boarding through the harbor. Dress up in your best Santa garb. Grab your paddleboard. Then head to Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, December 21st.. Go for a paddleboard adventure with the jolly old elf himself between 11 am and noon. Don't have a paddleboard? Lack the coordination (or the nerve) to paddle out on a paddleboard? Don't worry. Ventura Boat Rentals offers paddleboard, kayaks, and even pedal boats for rent (Dock C-10). Whomever is dee... 12/16/2024

We hope everyone enjoyed time with their loved ones on Thanksgiving. Now it's time to focus on the next big holiday: Christmas. We ask that you continue the good cheer for those less fortunate in our community by participating in the 13th annual Ventura Can-Tree event.What: Ventura Can-Tree 2024Where: Figueroa Plaza, Downtown VenturaWhen: December 5th to 9thContact: Food Share of Ventura (805) 983-7100Ventura Can-Tree 2024According to the County of Ventura's Human Services Agency, more than 70,000 people in Ventura County experience food insecurity each and every day. Our food pantries have seen an uptick in people who come to their facilities for assistance. Now in it's 13th year, Food Share Ventura's Can-Tree event offers a fun way to help feed people during the holiday season.How You... 12/02/2024

In just ten days, we celebrate Thanksgiving. Since it falls so late this year, that means less than four weeks to get your Christmas shopping done. In fact, just 26 shopping days left after Thanksgiving to be precise. While many people set out early for Black Friday deals or wait for Cyber Monday to get their shopping done, you can help out our local "Mom and Pop" shops by shopping Small Business Saturday Ventura on November 30th.Small Business Saturday VenturaVentura Harbor Village's Small Business SaturdayFirst, make sure you stop at the Village's visitor booth to sign up for their e-newsletter and receive a gift card to one of the shops. Spend $40 at Treasure Cove and receive a free gift. Make a candle, enjoy some refreshments, and shop for someone special at the Barefoot Boutique an... 11/18/2024

Halloween takes place this Thursday. After that, 'tis the season to give thanks. That can happen in a variety of ways. Donating to charity is one of them. The Ventura Pottery Market and Bowl of Thanks event provides a fantastic opportunity to do that very thing.What: Ventura Pottery Market & Bowl of Thanks 2024Where: Ventura Pottery Gallery at Ventura Harbor VillageWhen: Sat & Sun, November 9th & 10th from 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: $25 per bowl Contact: Ventura Pottery Gallery (805) 644-6800Ventura Pottery Market & Bowl of Thanks 2024The Ventura Pottery Gallery showcases the talents of local Pottery Guild members each and every day. However, with their annual pottery market, they also spotlight a local charity: Food Share Ventura County. Thanksgiving celebrations tend to focus on the food... 10/28/2024

With the ocean as a backdrop, how can artists not be inspired to create? Encourage a love of the arts within your child by bringing them to the Ventura Art and Chalk Festival 2024. Show them how art can be both fun and interactive right at the beach.What: Ventura Art and Chalk Festival 2024Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Dr)When: September 14th & 15th, from 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: FREEVentura Art and Chalk Festival 2024Come see the beautiful creations of more than 50 talented local artists at the Ventura Harbor Village. What makes this festival different from others? While paint, metal work, glass, and photographs line the sidewalks, this festival features artistic masterpieces created solely using chalk. And some of those masterpieces are created right before your very ey... 09/02/2024

Ventura Unified School District students went back to school last week. But the calendar still says "summer". And what do we do here in Ventura during the summer? We head to the beach. Thankfully, organizers of the Aloha Beach Festival 2024 think it's still to early to say good-bye to summer. That's why their festival takes place later this month.What: Aloha Beach Festival 2024Where: Surfers Point Promenade Park (Figueroa & Shoreline, Ventura)When: August 31st & September 1st from 10 am to 8 pm dailyAdmission: FREEContact: Call (805) 200-8674 or via emailAloha Beach Festival 2024Founder Chip Bell, aka "Chipper Bro", wanted to bring a bit of Hawaii to Southern California while giving back to the local community. This festival brings music, food, information, and a sense of community to V... 08/19/2024

Summertime means one thing. The Ventura County Fair 2024 is in town. That's right. The fair is happening now and ends this Sunday, August 11th. You only have a few more days to enjoy one of the biggest events of the year!What: Ventura County Fair 2024Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: Now through August 11thAdmission: $15.50 to $45.50 Contact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-3376Ventura County Fair 2024When I say "county fair", what comes to mind first? Food? Music? Rodeos? Live entertainment? The Ventura County Fair has this and so much more! Every day from 12 pm to 12 am, the fairgrounds welcome people from all over the Southern California area and beyond. Dozens of vendors sell their special fair-only merchandise each day. Enjoy magic shows, live dancers, ... 08/05/2024

Temperatures aren't the only things getting hot out here. Summertime fun heats up this time of year as well. Come enjoy some family fun with Ventura movies under the stars and a music festival for all ages in July.Ventura Movies Under the StarsVentura Harbor Village hosts a movie night under the stars one Saturday a month during the summer. This month's selection? "Barbie". The movie begins at sunset (around 8 pm). However, organizers strongly suggest showing up early. But no one just hangs around waiting for the movie to start. DJ Pepper starts the night off right with some hoppin' tunes at 6:15 pm. Then, the Barbie & Ken costume contest takes place. (Expect to see a sea of pink throughout the event space.) Visit one of the great eateries located at the Village for a delicious dinner t... 07/15/2024

It's a buyer's market in Ventura right now. Any home seller tips that may give you an edge sounds good for anyone thinking about putting their property on the market. Here are a few smaller things that may hinder your home sale. Plus, we included what you need to do to change them into positives.Home Seller Tips: Small Things That May Hinder Your SaleEliminate/Reduce ClutterWe talked about decluttering your Ventura home before placing it on the market before. However, we don't want you to limit that to just the areas you see right away (such as countertops, shelves, etc.). You also need to address your bedroom closets. Pare down your wardrobe to eight or nine days worth of clothes. Limit your shoe collection to just two or three pairs per person. Accessories also need to be extremely li... 06/17/2024

With Memorial Day firmly in our rearview mirror, we need to focus on the summer months ahead. Our Ventura County beaches usually fill up pretty quickly every day. And there is usually something happening each weekend here. For example, this weekend brings the Ventura Outrigger Challenge 2024 to our shores.What: Ventura Outrigger Challenge 2024Where: Harbor Cove Beach (872 E Front St #200, Ventura)When: Saturday, June 8th, 7:15 am to 1:00 pmAdmission: FREEVentura Outrigger Challenge 2024The Outrigger Challenge consists of six-man teams who race in these long canoes with stabilizing supports (known as "outriggers") on the open ocean. Various age groups compete against each other, including novice, junior, women, and men. Novices and juniors run the short course while men and women compete... 06/03/2024