Yacht Rock Concert Series. Photo courtesy of Ventura Harbor Village.
VENTURA — Embrace the last days of Summer in September with a lineup of waterfront events at Ventura Harbor Village, located on California’s Central Coast. The seaside destination invites locals and visitors to gather for a month-long lineup of free, events, including Yacht Rock Concert Thursdays Ventura Art & Chalk Festival, California Coastal Cleanup Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day, and Seaside Movie Night featuring Shrek. For event information and the latest updates, visit the Ventura Harbor Village events calendar at www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Yacht Rock Concert Series
With California’s best weather days almost gone—extend your the last days of Summer and soak up the weekday sunshine with friends, music, and golden hour tunes with the kick off of Yacht Rock Concert Series every Thursday in September at Ventura Harbor Village. Locals can enjoy an evening of free lively entertainment, spotlighting a local band and feel-good energy, paired to waterfront fun.
Thursday, September 3, 2026 – 4–7 PM – Nautical Thrust
Thursday, September 10, 2026 10 – 4–7 PM – Do No Harm Band
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – 4–7 PM – Hot Yacht
Thursday, September 24, 2026 – 4–7 PM – Nautical Thrust
Put on your captain’s hat, slip into those dock shoes, and rock your best yachty attire for an afternoon of dancing and smooth sailing into the weekend. Dine and sip at waterfront spots, enjoy free weekday parking and admission, fun giveaways + dancing + more! Plus, win Best-Dressed Yacht-Style! Enjoy a perfect backdrop for a nostalgic night by the sea.
Yacht Rock Concert Series
Ventura Art & Chalk Festival
Celebrate creativity by the sea at the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival, a family-friendly weekend filled with art and community spirit. Presented by the Rotary Club of Ventura, this free annual festival transforms the Ventura Harbor Village waterfront into a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring stunning chalk art creations, fine art displays, artisan vendors and interactive experiences for all ages. The Festival will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday, and September 13, 2026 – 10 AM – 5 PM.
Ventura Art & Chalk Festival.
Ventura Art & Chalk Festival
Stroll the harbor promenade and watch talented chalk artists bring large-scale works of art to life, while exploring a curated collection of local artists, makers and craftspeople. Visitors can browse handcrafted goods, discover unique artwork, participate in hands-on creative activities and enjoy a colorful atmosphere inspired by creativity and community.
The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival benefits local Ventura charities through the Rotary Club of Ventura and continues a tradition of supporting community causes through the arts.
Festival Highlights Include:
- Live chalk art demonstrations and sidewalk masterpieces
- Art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists
- Curated art and craft vendors
- Interactive art experiences and creative activities
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Live music from 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on the Promenade by various artists
For more additional information, visit Ventura Art & Chalk Festival
California Coastal Cleanup Day
Show your love for marine life by joining a beach cleanup in celebration of California Coastal Cleanup Day at Harbor Cove Beach and Surfers Knoll Beach, Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9 AM – Noon.
Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate. Pre-registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. All volunteers must sign a volunteer waiver. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Participants are asked to park near the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center in Ventura Harbor.
For more information, visit California Coastal Cleanup Day details
“Talk Like A Pirate Day,” Pirate Story Time & Live Mermaid Fun
Ahoy, mateys! A full day of swashbuckling, waterfront fun to Ventura Harbor Village. Celebrate “Talk Like A Pirate Day” on Saturday, September 19, 2026 throughout the Village, and enjoy pirate-themed activities, entertainment and family fun at Ventura Harbor Village. Families can also join Ventura Dive & Sport for Sheroes Entertainment Pirate Story time and the chance to Swim with a Real Mermaid in Ventura Dive’s heated pool.
Meet the Pirates and Their Feathered Friends
Pirates for Hire will bring two swashbuckling pirates ashore for meet-and-greets and photos opps along the Village promenade. Pirate attire is highly encouraged, so visitors are invited to dress like their favorite buccaneer and come ready to join the crew. 1-4 PM
Adding to the pirate atmosphere, The Bird’s Nest will be on the promenade with real talking parrots available for memorable photos. 1-4 PM
Live Music on the Promenade
The pirate festivities will be accompanied by live music as Unkle Monkey takes over the Promenade Stage. Guests can grab lunch or a refreshing drink by the water, and enjoy a lively afternoon soundtrack while strolling the Village, shopping local boutiques and galleries, and taking in the harbor views. 1-4 PM
Dive Into a Mermaid Adventure
The adventure continues beneath the surface at Ventura Dive & Sport, where Sheroes Entertainment invites young adventurers to enjoy pirate story time, swim with a real mermaid and pose for photos inside Ventura Dive’s heated pool. Pool sessions are offered at Saturday, September 19, 2026 12 PM and 2 PM. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Contact Ventura Dive & Sport directly at 805-650-6500 for pricing, age requirements and participation details. https://venturadive.com
Stay for a Seaside Movie: Shrek
The pirate adventure invites visitors to stay into the evening and enjoy a free seaside screening of Shrek on the Village Main Lawn. Families are encouraged to dress up for the occasion and come as their favorite Shrek, fantasy or Renaissance character. Bring the whole crew, settle in under the stars and enjoy a family-friendly movie by the water. 7:15 – 9 PM.
Shrek Seaside Movie Night
Bring a blanket or low-back chair, grab dinner by the water and settle in on the Main Lawn for this larger-than-life movie favorite on the big screen in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Shrek. Saturday, September 19, 2026 – pre-show Fun – 6:30 PM andShrek Movie Screening – After sunset, approximately 7:15 – 9 PM.
Come early—and come dressed up! Pre-show fun begins at 6:30 p.m. with Rico from KBBY 95.1 hosting, playing tunes, sharing trivia, giveaways and more. Shrek himself may even make an appearance.
Do you think you know your ogres, donkeys and fairy-tale creatures? Visit Ventura Harbor Village’s blue Visitor booth, scan the QR code and play trivia by answering Shrek trivia questions for a chance to win a Shrek Movie Night Prize Pack. Submit your digital entry, and then listen for Rico to call the lucky winner before the movie begins.
Hispanic Heritage Month Live Music With Caliente Band 805
An afternoon of live music is in store Saturday, September 26, 2026, 1 -4 PM, as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring Caliente Band 805 in the scenic Channel Islands Courtyard.
Caliente Band 805 brings a rich local musical history to the stage. Their energetic sound blends classic oldies, funk, and lively cumbias con salsa, creating an irresistible soundtrack for an afternoon by the water.
A September To Remember By The Sea
From live music and colorful street art to community service, pirate adventures, mermaids and movie magic, Ventura Harbor Village offers countless ways to enjoy the final days of summer and welcome the start of fall. Guests are encouraged to come early, enjoy waterfront dining and drinks, browse the Village’s shops and galleries, and make seaside memories during the final days of Summer.
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Ventura Harbor Village is Ventura County’s premier seaside destination, offering waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, specialty retailers, family attractions, harbor cruises, recreational activities, seasonal festivals, and year-round entertainment. Located along California’s beautiful Central Coast, the Village welcomes visitors from around the world to experience the best of coastal California.
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