The best book, hobby & craft shops in Ventura County

“Ventura’s vinyl mothership, Salzer's Records has fresh Indie Exclusive drops, preorders, and recent restocks lined up this week... think The Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues, The Beatles Rubber Soul Special Edition, and a Bob Marley live pressing.”

From the Ventura newsletter, October 7, 2026

“If your weekend practice session needs fresh mojo, Lovies Guitars has a rotating stash of vintage and collectible beauties from Gibson, Fender, PRS, Taylor, Collings, and Rickenbacker, all carefully curated and ready to sing.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Music store selling guitars, drums, DJ equipment, and amps, as well as offering instrument repair services.”

“Marty’s Hobbies is the local go-to for a seriously deep selection of hobby supplies, with aisles of remote-controlled cars, airplanes, and model trains ready to fuel your next project. Skip the online guessing, swing by and actually compare parts, kits, and upgrades in person.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“From full drum kits to congas that spark the groove, Delilah's Music Store is where you find solid gear and friendly guidance to dial in your sound, then get back to playing with the band, like, this week.”

From the Oxnard newsletter, October 9, 2026

“Zander's Game House is your local hub for tabletop marathons, with a 1,100+ game library, weekly TCG, D&D, and miniatures events, plus monthly miniature painting. This week, post up with friends in the medieval-themed VIP room or rent a favorite to take home, then fuel up at the snack bar.”

From the Camarillo newsletter, October 9, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Whether you sew, knit, crochet, or finally want to learn, Fabric Town USA keeps the creativity flowing with stacks of fabric, yarn for every vibe, and upholstery options for real-life couches, plus classes on the calendar. Stop in this week to plot your next make or prep for the Central Coast Quilt Shop Tour 2026.”

From the Ventura newsletter, October 15, 2026

“If your guitar needs TLC, a last-minute gig crept up, or the kid just picked up clarinet, Hensons Music Center in Oxnard has instruments, accessories, repairs, and a sky-high wall of sheet music and method books, plus they will hunt down the obscure stuff you need.”

From the Oxnard newsletter, October 15, 2026

“Whether you're dusting off a long-ignored guitar or raising a future drum legend, Stage 1 Music is a place to jump in this week, offering private in-studio or live one-on-one online lessons for guitar, piano, drums, voice, strings, brass and woodwinds.”

From the Simi Valley newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Whether it’s a signed jersey, your kid’s masterpiece, or that poster you swear you’ll finally hang, FrameStore - Custom Framing Thousand Oaks nails the museum-quality look with over 1,500 mats and moldings. Family owned for 40+ years, they turn everyday walls into personal galleries.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 19, 2026

“From beginner ukulele to pro guitars, rentals, repairs, and those hard-to-find accessories, Wally World Music is the Conejo/Simi standby with private lessons for almost everything and the largest sheet-music selection in Ventura and Los Angeles County. When you need it now, ask Wally and get playing.”

From the Simi Valley newsletter, October 2, 2026

“Thinking about tightening up your pedalboard or waking up that bass, Dana B. Goods distributes LEHLE signal routing solutions made in Germany and Bartolini pickups with serious tone to music stores. Tell your favorite shop what you’re after and let these pros get it in...”

From the Ventura newsletter, October 3, 2026

“Looking to swap doomscrolling for something shiny, sticky, and actually satisfying? The Makery lines up resin pours, glass fusing, and take-and-make craft kits, plus a subscription box for fresh projects. Rally a friend this week, pick a kit, then claim those bragging rights when it turns out… surprisingly awesome.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 25, 2026

“Ventura Hobbies is the go to for model kits, trains, rockets, slot cars, airbrushes and all the fiddly bits that make a build sing. From Tamiya paints and Woodland Scenics to California Mission kits and pinewood derby gear, you’ll leave stocked, inspired, and ready to tinker.”

From the Ventura newsletter, September 27, 2026

“Need a setup, pickup swap, or a reason to finally trade up that trusty ax, Music Freqs Musical Instrument Store & Repair Shop lines up expert repairs and a curated stash of new, used, and vintage gear from the big names. Also, lessons for all ages if you’re starting fresh this week.”

From the Santa Paula newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Whether you play weekend gigs or just your living room, Instrumental Music is the Thousand Oaks spot run by musicians since 1979 to match you with the right stuff. Guitars by Fender and Gibson, tasty amps, keyboards, effects pedals, even lessons and expert repairs... consider this your shortcut to better tone.”

From the Simi Valley newsletter, September 24, 2026

“Eva's Needlework has been quietly fueling Thousand Oaks projects since 1987, with Finnish-born owner Eva sharing a deep love of needle arts.”

From the Simi Valley newsletter, October 8, 2026

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”