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Category: Calendar
Nov. 20 through Jan. 5, 2025 — Miracle, the whimsical global holiday pop-up, partners with Rocks & Drams for the second year in Ventura
VENTURA — Rocks & Drams, a celebrated downtown Ventura cocktail bar renowned for its exceptional dining and craft cocktails, is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved holiday pop-up, Miracle at Rocks & Drams, for the second consecutive year. This seasonal event, running from November 20th to January 5th, continues its partnership with Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, bringing back the internationally renowned holiday-themed experience with an even more festive twist for 2024.
Nov. 20 through Dec. 24 — This Holiday Season There’s Something for Everyone at The Collection in Oxnard
OXNARD — The first crisp days of fall bring the air of anticipation about the upcoming holiday season, and The Collection at RiverPark has plenty of festive activities to look forward to. From The Annual Tree Lighting Celebration and Photos with Santa to the Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, Merry Vibes Market, and of course Black Friday shopping there’s plenty of fun for everyone.
Nov. 20 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents ER physician and health equity advocate Dr. Uché Blackstock at UCSB Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dr. Uché Blackstock in a talk titled Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons With Racism in Medicine on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. FREE copies of Blackstock’s new book, Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons With Racism in Medicine, will be available while supplies last (pick up at event; one per household).
Nov. 22, 30; Dec. 4, 6 — Museum of Ventura County announces upcoming Sip ‘n Shop and Small Business Saturday events
Sip ‘n Shop Friday, November 22 3 pm – 6 pm MVC members receive a 10% discount @Agriculture Museum Holiday Storytime and Excerpts – Join us for an interactive holiday preview of “The Nutcracker” by Ventura County Balletfrom 4 pm –…
Through Nov. 23 — CSUCI Performing Arts presents the Tony Award-winning musical fairytale ‘Into the Woods’
CAMARILLO — Fairytale favorites like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel come together with a witch and two princes in composer Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) through Nov. 23.
The curtain opens at 8 p.m. in the Malibu Hall Theater for the Tony Award-winning musical, which is a favorite of Theater Lecturer Laura Covault. Covault is co-directing the show with CSUCI 2023 Performing Arts alumnus Griffin Giboney.
“I thought it would be really great to challenge us to do a Sondheim musical because it’s so nuanced,” Covault said. “The melodies are unique and difficult. If I could expose each one of my theater students to a Sondheim musical, I would.”
Nov. 23 — Allan Hancock College student choir to host holiday concert
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s talented student choir will kick off the holiday season with a festive all-ages concert.
The choir will perform a selection of popular holiday songs on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
“The students are very excited about the concert and the choir has never sounded better,” said Hancock music professor and choir director Nichole Dechaine. “We can’t wait to bring some holiday cheer to our community.”
Nov. 24 — Three Santa Barbara Sopranos to perform Broadway hits and more
SANTA BARBARA — Three operatically trained singers, each with successful individual careers, will join forces for a performance of Broadway music, operetta and more on Nov. 24 at the SOhO Restaurant and Music Club in downtown Santa Barbara.
This will be the second collaborative performance by Anikka Abbott, Deborah Bertling, Vivian Vega-Rangel, who together call themselves The Three Santa Barbara Sopranos. The group’s first performance was at the Old Spanish Days Fiesta in August.
Nov. 26 — Interfaith Thanksgiving Service to be held in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Tuesday, November 26th, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic, downtown First United Methodist Church. This year’s theme is“Transforming Trauma into Hope.”
The Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association includes clergy and religious leaders from over 100 local faith communities. We come together for an evening of song, prayer, and praise to celebrate and reflect upon unity, peace, hope, and blessings from our diverse religious traditions.
Dec. 3 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Medal of Freedom recipient and Homeboy Industries founder Father Gregory Boyle at UCSB Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Father Gregory Boyle speaking on the topic of Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall.Over the past 30 years, Father Gregory Boyle has transformed thousands of lives through his work as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program in the world.
Dec. 4 — Renowned Economist to Present at WVCBA’s Business & Economic Outlook in Camarillo
CAMARILLO — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA), the chamber of commerce advocating for businesses in Camarillo and Oxnard, is proud to present renowned economist and public speaker Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founder of Beacon Economics, at the Business & Economic Outlook on Wednesday, December 4.
Dec. 4 — Ventura County Taxpayers Association next Breakfast Club meeting — Spotlight on Fillmore
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Taxpayers Association next Breakfast Club meeting — “Spotlight on Fillmore” will be held at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Marie Callender’s, 185 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo.
Dec. 5 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the West Coast Premiere of Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite at the Arlington Theatre
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Tap and jazz take on Tchaikovsky in Dorrance Dance’s vibrant version of this beloved holiday classic. The renowned tap company boogies, slides, struts and dives through the magical story of a young girl and her fantastical Christmas adventure. Taking their cue from Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s extraordinary reinterpretation of The Nutcracker Suite, Michelle Dorrance and co-choreographers Hannah Heller and Josette Wiggan transform the Sugar Plum Fairy into a slinky Sugar Rum Cherry, while the “March of the Toy Soldiers” becomes a swinging “Peanut Brittle Brigade,” featuring live music.
Dec. 6 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents bluegrass guitar phenomenon Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway at UCSB Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on Friday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. A multi-talented songwriter and vocalist, Molly Tuttle’s spellbinding lyrics and exquisitely-crafted sound have garnered her a Best New Artist Grammy nomination and unprecedented back-to-back wins for Best Bluegrass Album in 2023 and 2024. She is lauded as “one of the world’s best guitar players” by American Songwriter and is the first woman ever named Guitar Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Together with her band Golden Highway, Tuttle weaves modern folk, bluegrass and Americana into an eclectic yet seamless musical fabric that stretches from Del McCoury to Jefferson Airplane and beyond.
Dec. 6 — Farm Bureau of Ventura County shares information on Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Series
As the Mountain Fire continues to affect parts of Ventura County, we want to make sure you have the latest resources and support available to protect your operations, workers, and property. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted, and we’re here to assist however we can.
Partnering with local organizations like VC CoLAB, the Ag Commissioner, UCCE, VCRCD, USDA-FSA, and Thomas Fire victims, and more we have initiated a series of webinars for the ag community to get updates, ask questions, and support eachother in a speedy recovery.
Dec. 7 — Tickets now on sale for Ventura Winter Wine Walk
Dec. 7 — Have Breakfast with Santa And Shop For Christmas Trees At Simi Valley Family YMCA
SIMI VALLEY — The Simi Valley Family YMCA will host its annual Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, December 7, featuring a fresh-cooked breakfast, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, a snow play area and holiday crafts. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Families can then select a newly-arrived Christmas tree at the YMCA’s Christmas tree lot operated by the Simi Valley Y’s Men’s Club.
The breakfast costs $20 for YMCA members and $25 for nonmembers, with children 3 and under admitted free. Advance registration is required at www.sevymca.org/breakfast-santa.
Dec. 7 — Music Academy of the West’s Mariposa Concert Series Continues with JACK Quartet, other upcoming events
SANTA BARBARA —The Music Academy of the West’s 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series, a collection of concerts and experiences held in the intimate Hahn Hall, on the Music Academy’s lush Miraflores campus kicked off on October 5 with “African Queens,” celebrating the legacy of seven revered African Queens, featuring soprano Karen Slack and pianist Kevin Miller. The series continues on December 7, with one of contemporary music’s indispensable ensembles, JACK Quartet.
Dec. 7 — European-Style Holiday Marketplace Returns to Thousand Oaks for Third Year
Sixty vendors will offer unique gifts ranging from handcrafted candy and crepe paper flowers to organic seasonings, glass art, ornaments and curated gift baskets.
“Holidays in the Village is where to find that perfect gift for a special family member or friend,” said Matt Midura, event co-chair.
Dec. 7 — Bilingual report — SBCC Extended Learning presenting 2024 Arts & Crafts Fair
SANTA BARBARA — Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, more than 50 arts and crafts faculty and students from the SBCC School of Extended Learning will be selling their wares at Wake Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 9 — Ventura County Heritage Board to present Speaker Session and Q&A with Dr. Frank P. Barajas — ‘A Shared History: Diverse Voices Across Ventura County’
The topic is Cesar Chavez’s life and legacy in Ventura County. Parts of my talk will cover material from my next book project on the Chicano Movement in Ventura County after 1975, specifically farmworker struggles against camp evictions at Cabrillo Village in Saticoy and Rancho Sespe between Santa Paula and Fillmore, Barajas said.
Dec. 11 — 2024 Ventura County Civic Alliance Holiday Reception to be held in Ventura
Please join us for our annual holiday reception!
Visit with friends and colleagues while enjoying appetizers, snacks, wine and cold drinks.
New Location This Year!
Dec. 13 — British Actor Duane Henry Joins KEYT-TV Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth to Host Unity Shoppe’s Annual Holiday Telethon
SANTA BARBARA — The Unity Shoppe’s 38th Annual Holiday Celebration and Telethon, held on December 13, 5-8 p.m. and will be aired on KEY-TV. The telethon will feature appearances by Kenny Loggins, Brad Paisley, and Michael McDonald, along with other celebrity surprises.
Joining KEYT-TV News Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth as a host this year is British actor and Santa Barbara local Duane Henry. Duane is best known for his roles in “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), “Captain Marvel” (2019), and “NCIS” (2016-2018).
Dec. 14 — Ventura Music Festival — The King’s Singers “Christmas Time is Here”
The King’s Singers
“Christmas Time is Here”
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Concert at 4:00 PM (Doors 3 PM)
Ventura Center for Spiritual Living
101 South Laurel Street, Ventura
Join us for a holiday concert this Dec 14th! The King’s Singers have set the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over fifty years.
Dec. 14, 15 — Santa Barbara Festival Ballet Presents the 49th Anniversary of The Nutcracker
SANTA BARBARA — Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet proudly presents the 49th anniversary of The Nutcracker at the historic Arlington Theatre! This year’s production of the timeless holiday classic blends the elegance of Tchaikovsky’s cherished score with a fresh, modern energy and visual brilliance.
Audiences will be dazzled by mesmerizing costumes and radiant stage designs that bring to life the enchanting world of The Nutcracker. Our internationally renowned guest artists Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis, both from the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem, will grace the stage, showcasing their breathtaking skill and artistry. The powerful live symphony orchestra, conducted by Elise Unruh, will immerse the audience in the thunderous soundscape that enhances every magical moment.
Dec. 17 — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to discuss Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act Community Forum on immigration
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County residents are invited to participate in a community forum about a California law called the TRUTH Act and the access local governments may provide to federal immigration authorities. The meeting’s original scheduled date has been postponed by one week for the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda management.
The TRUTH Act Forum will take place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the County Administration Building Board Hearing Room at 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. The public may participate virtually, or in person. Information on methods of Participation can be found here.
Dec. 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Pink Martini’s 30th Anniversary Tour Holiday Show featuring China Forbes at the Arlington Theatre
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Portland’s “little orchestra” Pink Martini featuring China Forbes performing a joyful Holiday Show on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Pink Martini brings its signature blend of jazz, classical and pop music. With a dozen musicians and songs in more than a dozen languages, “this multi-denominational, multicultural jubilee overflows with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family” (NPR). Performing classics like “White Christmas” alongside Chinese New Year tunes and a samba-inspired version of “Auld Lang Syne,” as well as fan favorites from the band’s 11 studio albums, this joyous, globetrotting concert is sure to make you merry.
Dec. 20 — First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara to present annual Living Nativity
SANTA BARBARA — As the holiday season reaches its peak, the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara invites the community to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in a tradition that has captivated visitors since its inception in 1990.
Living Nativity takes place on December 20 and 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., offering visitors a recreation of the Holy Night. Set beneath a towering redwood tree adjacent to the historic church, this distinctive display features live animals including camels, sheep, donkeys, and goats, alongside costumed participants portraying the Holy Family, the Three Kings, angels, and shepherds gathered around the Christ child.
Through Jan. 1, 2025 — Celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year With Festive Holiday Events & Sun-kissed Seaside TIde-Ings at Ventura Harbor Village
VENTURA — Immerse in the wonder and spirit of the holiday SEAson at Ventura Harbor Village, a seaside playground along Central California’s scenic Highway 101. With a spectacular line-up of 2024 events, paired to sparkling seasonal décor, come celebrate by the water! Enjoy Small Business Saturday on November 30, the sensational Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on December 13 & 14, Santa Paddle 2024 on December 21, followed by the family-friendly Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2024, December 21. venturaharborvillage.com/events
Jan. 25, 2025 — Trae Crowder – Just Announced! Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25th
Lobero Theatre
Santa Barbara
TICKETS NOW ON SALE.
Lobero.com
For a full list of Trae Crowder’s tour dates and tickets, please visit TraeCrowder.com
Through Jan. 26, 2025 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara’s ‘Húóng Ngô: Core Memory’ now on view
H??ng Ngô: Core Memory is an exhibition that synthesizes the artist’s reflections on her family’s time in refugee camps in Hong Kong and their experiences as new immigrants in the US. Woven throughout the exhibition is a series of cyanotypes created solely from sunlight and water at the edge of a body of water. An image of the weather and waves of the day, they are also stand-ins for the refugee body, battered by the elements and an artifact of their resilience. Read more >
Through Feb. 24— California Nature Art Museum Announces ‘A Deeper Love: New Paintings Inspired by Coral Reefs’ on-view
A Deeper Love will offer an artistic examination into some of the ocean’s most vibrant, ecologically productive, and fragile landscapes throughout the world. In addition to the intrinsic beauty of coral reefs and the equally breathtaking underwater communities that they support, it is
Feb. 28, 2025 — Save the Date for CLU ‘Affording a Dignified Life on the Central Coast of California: Challenges & Opportunities.’ Sponsors available
Through March 10, 2025 — Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series
The Mariposa Concert Series, which debuted in 2022, furthers the Music Academy of the West’s mission to bring exceptional music to the community throughout the year. The series showcases the artistry of world-renowned musicians, including esteemed Music Academy alums, in unique musical experiences and events this fall through spring 2025. Featuring visionary artists, these performances offer fresh context and perspective on music spanning more than 700 years — from 1390 to 2025!
Through March 10, 2025 — Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series
Through March 10, 2025 — Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series
Continuing — Bilingual report — United Parents provides variety of youth mental health, behavioral and/or emotional disorders programs and services
United Parents’ mission is to provide resources to empower, strengthen and support parents and other caregivers who have youth and/or children with mental health, behavioral, and/or emotional disorders.
Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program to present Children & Teens Grief Support Groups
VENTURA COUNTY — Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one, This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program provides two free support groups, Good Grief Club (ages 6-10) and Young Teen Group (ages 11-15). These groups will run from October 5th through November 9th on Thursdays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.
Continuing — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice presenting Free Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
CAMARILLO — Bereavement counseling can offer the support you need to help you through your grief. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program offers both individual (one-on-one) counseling with trained bereavement counselors/therapists and group counseling.
All support groups are free for the community.
Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program presents Free Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
Bereavement counseling can offer the support you need to help you through your grief. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program offers both individual (one-on-one) counseling with trained bereavement counselors/therapists and group counseling.
All support groups are free for the community.
Continuing — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Bereavement Class – Loss of Loved One
SANTA BARBARA — Continuing — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Bereavement Class – Loss of Loved One. An ongoing support group held each month. Presented by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, Santa Barbara. Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 2:00 –…
Continuing — Camarillo Hospice offers Grief Support in Spanish
CAMARILLO — Camarillo Hospice, a Program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, is now offering individual, couple, and family counseling in Spanish for those grieving the death of a loved one, Camarillo Hospice offers a Spanish General Bereavement Groups for the…
Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program to present Survivors of Suicide Loss Grief Support Group
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join our Survivors of Suicide Loss grief support group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. All free of charge.
Survivors of Suicide Loss meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program to present new Men’s Grief Support Group
Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program announces a new Men’s Grief Support Group. The group is for men grieving the death of a loved one. It will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, via Zoom. If interested, please contact us at 805-389-6870. For more information, visit LMVNA.org
Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program support groups are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. We also offer individual, couple, and family grief counseling in English and Spanish.
Continuing — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offering free monthly classes for those with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes
Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offers free monthly classes for those with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes. Learn about meal planning, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, medication management, and new developments for living with diabetes.
Continuing — Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program to present Free Grief & Bereavement Support for Children
Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program is offering a weekly Good Grief Club to children ages 6 – 11 who have lost a loved one. This session will focus on grief through cinematherapy. The club runs every Tuesday from 5:30 – 7pm through May 30th.
Continuing — Camarillo Hospice Announces Ongoing Support Groups
CAMARILLO — When a death occurs, we experience a variety of emotions and feelings that can make us feel as though we are navigating unfamiliar and challenging territory. We need support and although family and friends are important, they may…
Continuing — Mental Wellness Center Community Wellness Program presents ‘Stronger Together,’ a bipolar & depression support group on Thursdays
SANTA BARBARA — The Mental Wellness Center Community Wellness Program presents Stronger Together, a bipolar & depression support group from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays.
This is a drop-in support group where you can find support in a safe and confidential setting. Family members are welcome!
To join, contact Elizabeth Imperato at wrapofsantabarbara@gmail.com
Upcoming events
Click on links in this posting for upcoming events
• Jan. 25, 2025 — Trae Crowder – Just Announced! Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara
Through Jan. 26, 2025 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara’s ‘Húóng Ngô: Core Memory’ now on view
• Through Feb. 24, 2024— California Nature Art Museum Announces “A Deeper Love: New Paintings Inspired by Coral Reefs”
• Through March 10, 2025 — Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series
• Continuing — Grief Support Groups at Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center
• Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program presents Free Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
• Continuing — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Bereavement Class – Loss of Loved One
• Continuing — Camarillo Hospice offers Grief Support in Spanish
• Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program to present Survivors of Suicide Loss Grief Support Group
• Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program to present new Men’s Grief Support Group
• Continuing — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offering free monthly classes for those with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes
• Continuing — Camarillo Hospice Announces Ongoing Support Groups
• Continuing — Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program to present Free Grief & Bereavement Support for Children
• Continuing — Mental Wellness Center Community Wellness Program presents ‘Stronger Together,’ a bipolar & depression support group on Thursdays