New festival brings together local artists, performers, and community organizations for an afternoon of art, music, creativity, and connection
THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts will host its inaugural Spotlight Arts Festival on Sunday, September 13, from 2-5 p.m. at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. Free and open to the public, the festival will bring together local artists, performing groups, cultural organizations, and community partners for an afternoon of live performances, hands-on activities, and opportunities to connect with the region’s creative community
“The Spotlight Arts Festival is about bringing our community together and celebrating the people
who make the arts thrive in Thousand Oaks,” said Niki Chopra Richardson, Executive Director of TOArts.
“Whether you’re discovering a new artist, trying a creative activity, or cheering on a local performance, we hope everyone leaves feeling more connected to the incredible creativity happening throughout our region.”
Visitors can explore artist booths, participate in hands-on activities, meet local arts organizations, and enjoy 15-minute showcase performances from groups including SciArtsRUs, India Friends Association, Pacific Pearl Music Association, Los Robles Children’s Choir, Gold Coast Theatre Co., and Kingsmen Shakespeare Company.
Guests can also watch live painting, create artwork at the Art Trek Creation Station, take backstage theatre tours, and enjoy music from DJ Uncle Alex in the Fred Kavli Theatre lobby.
Artist Incubator alumni and other local artists will host booths where visitors can explore their work, discuss commissions and upcoming projects, and connect directly with the artists shaping the region’s cultural landscape.
The festival also reflects TOArts’ investment in the next generation of creative professionals. Production is being led by Isaac Richardson and Chris Kolde, both alumni of TOArts workforce development programs, including the Youth Arts Leadership Academy and Creators Conservatory. Kolde was also part of the inaugural Artist Incubator cohort.
“It’s exciting to go from participating in TOArts programs to helping produce an event that creates opportunities for other artists and young creatives,” said Kolde.
“Those programs gave me opportunities to learn, create and grow professionally, and it’s meaningful to now help bring Spotlight to the community.”
Community partners will also be on hand, including an on-site outpost from the Thousand Oaks Library and complimentary bites from Fogo de Chão.
Admission is free thanks to the generosity of TOArts supporters. Optional donations madeduring registration support year-round arts education, free community events, and workforce development programs that help emerging artists build skills and pursue careers in the arts.
Event Details
- TOArts Spotlight Arts Festival
- Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Time: 2-5 p.m.
- Location: Bank of America Performing Arts Center
- 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard
- Thousand Oaks, California
Registration is free but RSVP is required to attend. Please RSVP at givebutter.com/SpotlightFestival
For more information about TOArts and its initiatives, please visit www.toarts.org
About TOArts
TOArts is the nonprofit fundraising and presenting partner of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks with a vision to support our community to be a place Where the Arts Thrive for All. TOArts delivers high-quality arts exposure and education to youth and world-class performances to the region, and provides vital support for local artists and nonprofit performing arts groups. For more information, For more information, please visit www.toarts.org, and follow TOArts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn