In just a couple of days, millions of families get together to give thanks for their blessings. So many people lost their homes in the wildfires consuming California land up and down our state recently. This really puts the holidays and what we should be thankful for into perspective this year. On Friday, November 30th, the San Buenaventura Mission welcomes everyone to the Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting, signifying the beginning of the season.What: Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting 2018 Where: Mission Park & San Buenaventura Mission When: Friday, November 30th, 6 pm to 8 pm Admission: FREE Contact: San Buenaventura Mission (805) 643-4318Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting 2018 Almost 140 years ago, two Norfolk pine trees were planted at the San Buenaventura Mission. Some say that these trees were ... 11/19/2018

Halloween officially takes place in 16 days. That means trick-or-treating happens on a school night (Wednesday, this year). Ventura officials believe it's slightly inhumane to make kids or parents wait that long. Celebrate Halloween with more treats and fewer tricks at the Ventura Harvest Moon Spooktacular 2018. And it takes place on the Saturday before Halloween. So, you'll have a day to recover from your candy hangover before the kids head back to school and you go back to work.What: Ventura Harvest Moon Spooktacular 2018 Where: Mission Park & 200 Block of Main St When: Saturday, October 27th, 11 am to 9 pm Admission: FREEVentura Harvest Moon Spooktacular 2018 Not interested in going door-to-door, begging for treats? Want a safe alternative to celebrate the Halloween holiday? Or are y... 10/15/2018

We've now entered the latter third of the year. This tends to be the most exciting time of year with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas coming up in rapid succession. But first, let's celebrate the fall season with the Ventura Harvest Festival 2018.What: Ventura Harvest Festival 2018 Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura) When: October 5th (10 am to 5 pm), 6th (10 am to 6 pm) & 7th (10 am to 5 pm) Admission: $4-$9 Contact: Ventura Harvest Festival (925) 392-7300 or via emailVentura Harvest Festival 2018This weekend, the Ventura Harvest Festival 2018 takes over the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Guests enjoy live music both on-stage and strolling around the grounds. Hundreds of local artists and artisans showcase their best handmade arts and crafts in three huge b... 10/01/2018

Pablo Picasso once said "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Art enhances so much of our lives. Unfortunately, art programs at school have all but disappeared due to budget cuts. Turn a spark of interest into a lifelong passion. Bring your kids to the Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival 2018.What: Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival 2018 Where: Ventura Harbor Village, Next to Fisherman's Memorial When: Sept 8th & 9th, 10 am to 5 pm Admission: FREE Contact: Barbara Hinton, Festival Coordinator (805) 302-4371Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival 2018 Ventura Harbor Village provides a wonderful backdrop to the two-day event known as Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival 2018. All along the waterfront, 45 artists use the sidewalk as the... 09/04/2018

Ventura County Buyers: Fixer Upper being sold AS IS, for only $475,000 CASH Estimated cost to rehab $50k-$75k, Approx Value after Remodel between $610K-650K Contact Local Realtor Carmela Jacobs for more details 805-258-7160 ***UPDATE***SOLD in 2 days in 2018 @ $496,500 Mulitple Offers. Sold for over asking Price!!! 08/24/2018

Typically, Labor Day weekend signifies the end of summer. With Ventura school children beginning their new academic year this week, it might seem that summer is already over. Luckily, Ventura Rock on the Dock 2018 makes it feel like summer all the way through September.What: Ventura Rock on the Dock 2018 Where: Ventura Harbor Village When: Every Saturday in September 2018, 3 pm to 6 pm Admission: FREE Contact: Ventura Port District (805) 642-8538Ventura Rock on the Dock 2018 Every Saturday in September, Ventura Harbor Village turns into an outdoor concert venue. Ventura Rock on the Dock 2018 hosts a different musical act every week. The band plays on its own floating stage located directly in the harbor. Seating operates on a first-come-first-served basis. No actual seats will be provid... 08/20/2018

Looking for a reason to visit the water in the middle of the week? Until the end of August, Ventura Harbor Village Waterfront Wednesdays 2018 makes a great escape. And it's absolutely free to attend.What: Ventura Harbor Village Waterfront Wednesdays 2018 Where: Ventura Harbor Village When: Noon to 3 pm every Wednesday through August 29th Contact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470Ventura Harbor Village Waterfront Wednesdays 2018 During Ventura Harbor Village Waterfront Wednesdays 2018, visit the information booth between 12 pm and 3 pm to find out all that the harbor has to offer. Receive special discounts on local activities as well. Pick up a postcard to send a friend a "wish you were here" message. Grab yourself a scavenger hunt list to find hidden treasures and clues around the v... 08/06/2018

Tacos and tequila go together like peanut butter and jelly...but even better! Beat the heat at the Ventura Tequila and Taco Music Festival 2018 this weekend. Great food, delicious tequila, and awesome live music. Who could want anything more?What: Ventura Tequila and Taco Music Festival 2018 Where: Plaza Park, Downtown Ventura When: July 21st & 22nd, 11:30 am to 6 pm Admission: $10 to $60 Contact: California Beer Festival (805) 628-9588 or via emailVentura Tequila and Taco Music Festival 2018 Day 1 of the Ventura Tequila and Taco Music Festival 2018 is Tequila Day! If you want to sample some of the finest tequilas available, you need to make plans to join the festival on Saturday, July 21st. Sampling takes place from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday only. However, guests still enjoy marg... 07/16/2018

In two days, we celebrate the United States' 242nd birthday. Fireworks are just one part of the day. Other Ventura July 4th events for 2018 include a parade and a street fair. Which of these will you be attending?Ventura July 4th Events for 2018Ventura July 4th Parade The Ventura July 4th events for 2018 starts off with a pushem-pullem parade hosted by the Rotary Club of Ventura East. A local favorite, the Rotary Club's parade has become a cherished tradition. Kids and adults alike hop aboard their bikes or pull wagons decorated in patriotic finery. Participants start out at Main and Crimea at 9:30 am. If you'd like to be a part of it, all you have to do is show up with your decorated bike and/or wagon at 9 am. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact Jeff Hata with the... 07/02/2018

With a deep, rich history like Greece has, it's easy to see why Grecians celebrate their culture. At the Ventura County Greek Festival 2018, you can celebrate it as well. How? With delicious food, great vendors, live music, and lots of dancing.What: Ventura County Greek Festival 2018 Where: Freedom Park, Camarillo Airport When: June 22nd (5 pm to 10 pm), June 23rd (11 am to 10 pm) & June 24th (11 am to 9 pm) Admission: $5 per person per day Contact: Ventura County Greek Festival emailVentura County Greek Festival 2018This weekend's Ventura County Greek Festival 2018 marks its 40th year in Ventura County. St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church hosts this fun community event each year to honor the Greek history of its patrons. In its ongoing effort to evolve into as all-inclusive of an event ... 06/18/2018

Fishermen's Memorial in Ventura CA  We spent a long weekend in Ventura at a resort on the marina back in August 2017 with our daughter, her husband, and granddaughter Ella who was a little over 2 at the time. With a young child around one keeps busy exploring, and the marina was a great place to visit, virtually right outsite our door. The harbor seals were a big hit, as was the Fishermen's Memorial in the Ventura Harbor Village Shopping Center area surrounded by shops and restaurants (although Ella lost interest in this pretty quickly). While it was quite beautiful, it was a sobering reminder of the many individuals who lost their lives in the fishing industry in Ventura over the years. 06/13/2018

We all know that Northern California's Napa Valley offers some of the country's best award-winning wine. But did you know that great wine is grown right here in Ventura County as well? Come celebrate the best that California's Central Coast has to offer at the 2018 Ojai Wine Festival.What: 2018 Ojai Wine Festival Where: Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Wadleigh Arm (11093 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura) When: Sunday, June 10th, 12 pm to 4 pm Admission: $25 to $120 per person Contact: The Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation (800) 648-4881 or via email2018 Ojai Wine Festival Thirty breweries and sixty wineries promise to showcase their best craft beer and wine at the 2018 Ojai Wine Festival. And several local restaurants offer up tasty dishes for sale created by their talented chefs. After all, you c... 06/04/2018

When you hear the word "art", what's the first thing to come to your mind? Paintings? Pottery? Photos? "Art" encompasses a variety of mediums. Yes, paintings, pottery, and art offer wonderful examples of art. But, so do music, mosaics, dance, jewelry, and others. During First Fridays Ventura events, celebrate the arts in all their forms throughout downtown, the westside, and midtown Ventura.What: First Fridays Ventura Where: Various Locations Around Westside, Downtown & Midtown Ventura When: 1st Friday of every month, 6 pm to 9 pm Contact: Arts Ventura email firstfridaysventura@gmail.comFirst Fridays Ventura Celebrate the Arts You can guess when First Fridays Ventura takes place simply by looking at the name. Since 2009, the Office of Cultural Affairs partnered up with the local art com... 04/23/2018

Since 1970, April 22nd has become the one day of the year to officially focus on how our actions impact the environment. The hope is that people take these eco-friendly lifestyle tips and incorporate them into their everyday lives for the other 364 days of the year. While April 22nd falls on Sunday this year, the Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest 2018 celebrates a day early (Saturday, April 21st). It's touted as one of the most popular celebrations of its kind in the area.  What: Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest 2018 Where: Ventura Plaza Park (off Thompson St), Downtown Ventura When: Saturday, April 21st, 10 am to 4 pm Admission: FREE Contact: Tony Guy, Festival Chair (805) 570-0265 or via emailVentura Earth Day Eco Fest 2018 Thousands of people attend this festival each year. Officials expect the s... 04/09/2018

This Sunday, April 1st, is Easter. So, it seems appropriate that the Ventura Spring Fair 2018 hops into town this weekend. You'll find everything you could ever want in a county fair with a definite spring flare added for good measure.What: Ventura Spring Fair 2018 Where: Ventura Fairgrounds When: March 30th 5 pm to 9 pm, March 31st 12 pm to 9 pm, April 1st 12 pm to 6 pm Admission: $6 per person, Presale Ride Tickets - $20 for 40 tix, On-Site Ride Tickets - $30 for 40 tix Contact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-3376What You'll See at the Ventura Spring Fair 2018 All the regular fair events take place over this three-day event: carnival rides, games, fair food, face painting, a petting zoo, vendors, etc. But, for the Ventura Spring Fair 2018, you can expect much more. Learn how to ... 03/26/2018

Where has this year gone? New Year's Day. President's Day. Valentine's Day. They've all come and gone already. The next holiday on the docket? St Patrick's Day. And this year, it takes place on a Saturday. So, you know there'll be some celebrating taking place around Ventura County. For a more family-friendly celebration, however, come to the 2018 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Ventura.What: 2018 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade Where: Main St, Downtown Ventura When: Saturday, March 17th, 10 am to 12 pm Admission: FREE Contact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-33762018 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade: Shamrocks & Good Luck The 2018 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade starts off right outside the San Buenaventura Mission. All entries in the parade march straight up Main St to... 03/12/2018

Over the past two decades, beekeepers the world over noticed a serious decline in the world's bee population. Since 2006, the commercial bee population decreased 40% in the United States alone. In the UK, they've dwindled by 45% since 2010. Why should we care? Not only do they produce honey, but they help pollinate flowers and crops. Considering that roughly one-third of our food production depends on bees' pollination efforts, this serious of a reduction in force severely hinders what eventually makes it to our dinner plates. You can help raise awareness by joining the 2018 Ventura Public Art Project "Bee Cause". What is it and how can you help? Read on to find out.What: "Bee Cause" Public Art Project Where: Museum of Ventura County (100 E Main St) When: Saturday, March 3rd, 12 pm to 3... 02/26/2018

Did you know that National Clam Chowder Day takes place on February 25th? It doesn't matter whether you're a fan of the traditional New England clam chowder (white) or prefer the tomatoey goodness of Manhattan clam chowder (red). At the Ventura Chowder Taste 2018 event, everyone gets to celebrate both.What: Ventura Chowder Taste 2018 Where: Ventura Harbor Village When: Sunday, February 25th, 11 am to 2 pm Admission: $5 Contact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470 or via emailVentura Chowder Taste 2018Chefs from seven different local restaurants prepare their favorite versions of this classic seafood dish at Ventura Chowder Taste 2018. Now, each tasting takes place inside their respective restaurants. Guests simply take a walk along Spinnaker Drive. First, pop inside one of the partici... 02/05/2018

Selfie Spot at Ventura Harbor  For some reason today I found myself thnking about a wonderful weekend we spend at a resort at Ventura Harbor with our daughter, her husband and our 2 year-old granddaughter last August. We had a great time exploring the area around the harbor - to the delight of the little one - as well as other areas of this seaside community. Social media has invaded our lives in many ways, and there were several Selfie Spots painted in the walkway which, not surprisingly, attracted a number of takers. We did not partake - I'm not a selfie fan - but the view of the harbor was quite nice as you can see.  I can't help but think about what that beautiful area might be like now, after the horrific fires that tore through Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties back in December. ... 01/18/2018

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sail the seven seas like they did back in the 1700s? No need to wonder anymore. The Ventura Harbor Tall Ships 2018 sail into town next month for a three week educational stop. Take advantage of this opportunity to step back in time aboard the sailing vessels Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington.What: Ventura Harbor Tall Ships 2018 Where: Ventura Harbor Village When: February 13th, 12 pm, Ships leave Ventura on March 5th Contact: Grays Harbor Historical Seaport (800) 200-5239Ventura Harbor Tall Ships 2018 Sail into TownWatching these majestic tall ships sail in and out of the harbor is quite a sight to behold. If you can't make it to one of the locations listed below for their noon arrival on Tuesday, February 13th, come back over any of ... 01/15/2018