This weekend in Ventura, CA

Experience the largest arts festival in the area with a free, family-friendly celebration that brings together more than 200 artists across dozens of venues. Artwork by local creators will fill galleries, businesses, restaurants, and the grounds of Mission Park, with maps and signs to guide you along a route that begins on Main Street Downtown and continues up Ventura Avenue. Featured stops include the Museum of Ventura County, the Vita Arts campus at Garden and Main, Working Artists Ventura, and the Bell Arts Factory, while many other spaces along the way showcase visual art and live music. Two stages energize the event, one at the Albinger Archeological Museum across from Mission Park and another at California and Main, presenting local bands, theater groups, and dancers. A cinema festival unfolds at the Downtown Century 10 theaters, poets gather at the Museum of Ventura County Pavilion, and the streets come alive with chalk art, a children’s area, large-scale installations, and live demonstrations in painting and pottery. Organized by an all-volunteer team, this two-day celebration connects neighborhoods, businesses, and the arts community in a shared showcase of creativity.

Harvest of Colors showcases quilts by members in a dedicated quilt show at Earl Warren Show Grounds Santa Barbara.

Now in its fifth year, the Seaside Oddities Expo transforms Ventura County Fairgrounds into a sprawling showcase of the weird and wonderful. Browse 150 vendors offering dark art and photography, vintage Halloween decor, taxidermy, antiques and curiosities, occult oddities, rare sideshow props, and natural wonders. The marketplace fills San Miguel Hall with even more spooky sellers set up on the lawn. To ease lines and manage crowds, tickets use staggered arrival windows. Entry is valid only for the window selected at purchase and cannot be changed. Pre-sale tickets are $10 online, with prices increasing to $20 during the event weekend. Kids 10 and under receive free admission with a paid adult and do not need a timed ticket. Expect hourly sideshow performances in the Main Hall, multiple themed photo ops including a retired casket, roaming special guests, live spooky tattoos, and a free arts and crafts booth for children hosted by local artist Casie Art. A costume contest invites adults, teens, and kids to compete in separate categories. Food vendors and a full bar offer savory bites, sweet treats, and specialty drinks. The fairgrounds are fully handicap accessible. Pets are not allowed, and only service animals are permitted. The halls can be crowded and the main hall remains dimly lit. All ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded or transferred.

Unwind with a calming open-air painting class at Port Hueneme Beach, guided by California-based abstract figurative painter Ane Howard. Adults of all experience levels, including complete beginners, will explore expressive techniques outside while learning how to transform emotions and the surrounding scenery into vibrant artwork using confident strokes and striking color contrasts. All essentials are provided, including painting surfaces, brushes, and paints, along with step-by-step instruction in a welcoming, community-minded setting. For this session, plan to meet at the Port Hueneme Pier entrance. A recommended contribution of $35 covers materials and instruction, and advance registration and a contribution are required so supplies can be prepared. Comfortable clothes that can handle a bit of paint, sunglasses, and a bottle of water are suggested. Space is limited to allow for individualized attention. Ane Howard paints full time, with work in private collections across the United States, Canada, and Germany, and her background includes exhibitions with the de Young Museum in San Francisco, the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco, and the Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance in San Diego. She is a member of American Women Artists and is active with regional groups including the Buenaventura Art Association, Studio Channel Islands, and the Ojai Ivy Gallery. These outdoor classes take place at thoughtfully chosen locations around Ventura County, and the series runs weekly with changing spots. Beginners are always welcome.

Try improv in a friendly class at The Bunker Theater in Ventura. You choose how much to participate, whether stepping into scenes or taking it slower from the audience. Masks and distancing are welcome while you watch. If you perform a scene, please plan to remove your mask. Class begins with quick introductions where people can share names, optional pronouns, and a recent positive update. If pronouns are not part of how you identify or you cannot think of something to share, offering anything you feel comfortable with is fine. The atmosphere centers on respect and positivity, and participants are asked to honor others’ pronouns and beliefs. This Jest Improv session is intended for adults, since scenes may include mature themes. A minimum of four participants is required for the class to take place.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars make their debut at Ventura Raceway in California, a first appearance anticipated to be thrilling.

Fresh fish pairs with live acoustic performances for a straightforward blend of food and music. A relaxed atmosphere highlights simple flavors and acoustic sound.

Ventura Music Hall hosts an appearance by Brian Posehn.

At the Oxnard Car Show, the Cousins Maine Lobster truck serves fresh made favorites like lobster rolls, crispy tots, tacos, and more alongside a backdrop of classic cars. Place your order at the truck, or order ahead with the Cousins Maine Lobster app to avoid the line. The app opens one hour before the event and lets you collect points with each purchase for rewards. If mobile ordering is limited, walk up service will still be available. This stop is cashless and accepts debit, credit, and Apple Pay.

The Harvest of Colors Quilt Show celebrates quilts and the craft of quiltmaking. View quilts that highlight color, pattern, and careful craftsmanship.

Ventura Music Hall hosts a concert headlined by The Green, featuring Johnny Suites. This live show brings both artists to the stage for a shared bill at the venue.