LOMPOC — Ready to make this summer unforgettablke? Lompoc is calling! From flower fields to fine wine, skydives to sunsets, this Central Coast gem is full of sunny advenfures. Whether your’re planning a weekend escape or a season-long staycation, this summer bucket list will help you squeeze every drop of fun of your Lompoc days.
Let’s dive in!
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly hosted its first independent State of the City event on June 12, 2025, marking a departure from previous joint events traditionally held with the Chamber of Commerce. With more than 176 guests in attendance, the evening was a vibrant celebration of community, progress, and civic engagement, and by all accounts, a resounding success.
Held at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum, the evening began with a festive outdoor reception featuring live folklórico dancing by Proyecto Esperanza, musical performances by local group Chucumite, and hors d’oeuvres provided by local favorites including Flight 126, El Capricho, Mr. Shrimp, and Parque 1055. The community came together to enjoy food, music, and connection before moving indoors for formal remarks and presentations.
SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West is thrilled to announce that Min Joo Yi has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Solo Piano Concerto Competition, held on June 20 at Hahn Hall as part of the Music Academy’s 2025 Summer Music Festival & School.
Min Joo Yi captivated the audience and a panel of judges with a commanding interpretation of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37, earning the opportunity to perform as part of the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon on Saturday, January 17, 2026 — the first concert in a two-concert weekend showcasing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos, each performed by a winner of an international piano competition. In addition to this prestigious performance opportunity, the winner receives a $2,500 award from the Music Academy.
VENTURA — The Ventura Improv Company (VIC), making audiences laugh with made-up-on-the-spot comedy since 1989, is happily at home at NAMBA Performing Arts Space these days.
Closing the theater space in 2017 and losing long-time Artistic Director Gary Best in 2023 were two challenges that almost silenced the group permanently. But then, not wanting to end the run just yet, Judy Gottlieb stepped in.
“We already had a new home at NAMBA,” says Gottlieb, a long-time performer and current Artistic Director of the VIC. “Our monthly shows continue to draw audiences, and our drop-in improv workshops started to grow. I felt like it wasn’t time to quit.”
Saturday, August 16
3 – 8 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Diego Huerta, the resident photographer behind the Enfoque exhibition and internationally acclaimed for documenting Indigenous communities throughout the Americas, leads this outdoor portrait workshop at Surfer’s Point. Designed for intermediate to advanced photographers ages 16 and up, the 60–90 minute session focuses on using natural light, flash, and strobe to create compelling portraiture.
?Participants must bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, tripod, filters, lenses, and lighting gear. Be prepared to navigate uneven terrain and embrace changing weather conditions—this workshop runs rain or shine. Dinner is included after the session. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from a master in the field. Cost: $250 non-members, 15% off members. Register HERE.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is thrilled to officially open Marina Park’s new playground, delivering a modern and thoughtfully designed play space for the Pierpont Bay community and surrounding areas.
Local dignitaries, City staff, project partners, and community members gathered on Tuesday, June 24, for a celebratory ribbon-cutting to commemorate this exciting milestone.
Arte Del Pueblo is now on view until July 27th!
Thank you to everyone that came to the opening reception. We really enjoyed spending time with you all and celebrating these amazing artists together.
Make sure to come visit us before the exhibition is over… And keep an eye out for upcoming events surrounding Arte Del Pueblo!
See what’s up next, join the VMF volunteer party, and get your Summer tickets! OTTMAR LIEBERT Friday, June 27 at 7:00 PM The Majestic Ventura Theater Information & Tickets Prepare for an unforgettable evening as 5-time GRAMMYnominee Ottmar Liebert brings…
On Monday, June 16, we present NYTimes Crirtics’ Pick, SANTOSH screening at 3:30pm and 6:30pm. “As well as working rivetingly as a procedural thriller and a psychological study, Santosh has a hard, documentary-like edge, exploring Indian social phenomena with intense analytical focus.”
Mehrabian, who served as the fourth engineering dean at UCSB from 1983-1990, was responsible for major growth and advancement of the relatively young college during his tenure.
On view now through July 6, 2025
Anne Ward grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, wanting to be an artist. She was always painting and drawing and was given her first set of oil paints by her Aunt Peg at age 13. After completing a degree in history at UCLA, Ward went to work as an assistant to the director on films like “Wyatt Earp” and “French Kiss.” While working in France, Anne discovered the thrill of painting outdoors and returned home fully devoted to the pursuit of painting.
VMF’s Songcraft Summer Camp
July 14-18, 2025
Ages 12-19
Ojai Underground
This five-day immersive summer camp introduces students to the creative and professional world of the music business. Each day focuses on a different aspect of being an artist—from songwriting and performance to branding and production. Students will collaborate, create original music, explore recording techniques, build stage presence, and leave with real-world tools to share their voice with the world. The week culminates in a live performance.
Learn More
NOW OPEN – Picturing the Past: How Photography Tells Our Stories
How do we truly know what happened in the past? History is a collection of stories—interwoven, evolving, and shaped by the evidence left behind. Photographs are one of the many tools that help us understand the past, capturing faces, places, and moments frozen in time. But do they always tell the full story?
This engaging exhibition explores the power of photography to record our history. Through images, artifacts, and interactive displays, visitors will discover how historians use photographs to uncover hidden narratives, challenge assumptions, and bring history to life. Join us in exploring the early history of photography in Ventura County, how photos shape our understanding of the past, and how the photos we take today tell tomorrow’s story. More information HERE!
The COSMOS project, with data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope, consists of all the imaging and a catalog of nearly 800,000 galaxies spanning nearly all of cosmic time.
THOUSAND OAKS — The 69th Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD) will offer nine days of family fun from June 19 through June 29 (dark, June 23 and 24) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks. Festival goers can enjoy carnival rides, country music, line dancing, kids’ crafts and artisan booths.
Kastl Amusements will operate over 15 rides plus midway games for all ages. A longtime fixture at CVD, the Thousand Oaks Elks Club will serve tri-tip sandwiches and other favorites. Specialty Italian, Mexican and Asian fusion foods will also be available.
Community events return with family fun, live music and special guests OXNARD — Long days, warm nights and community vibes are back at The Collection at RiverPark! The summer event lineup is packed with exciting experiences for all ages, from…
Picturing the Past, How Photography Tells Our Stories invites you to reflect on how we come to understand history. Photographs are among the many tools we use to piece together the past—capturing faces, places, and fleeting moments. But do they tell the whole story? This exhibition explores the evolving, interwoven nature of historical narratives and the role of photography in shaping what we remember.
VENTURA — A decade of healing, hope, and resilience was celebrated under the stars on May 29th, as the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) set a new fundraising record at its annual Voices of Hope celebration. This year’s theme, Celebrating a Decade of Camp Hope, raised $305,827 to support Camp HOPE along with a generous surprise $75,000 from Ventura County Credit Union to celebrate their 75th anniversary. VCFJC Foundation was one of 10 organizations selected to receive this generous donation. During the celebration three community leaders were honored for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Greg Totten, Dr.Graal Diaz and Reins of H.O.P.E. The event brought together over 230 community members, leaders, and supporters for an evening filled with purpose, celebration, and camp-themed fun.
First Thursday Food Trucks at Plaza Park — Over a dozen trucks, Electronic Dance Music, shopping — and food starts at 5PM! Lineup:
New downtown Music Education Center will expand access to music education, foster year-round artistic innovation, and serve as a cultural anchor in Santa Barbara—strengthening community connection and shaping the future of the performing arts.
La Marcha Sound
This past Friday, we wrapped up the 4th Annual Palomazo Music Series with an unforgettable performance by La Marcha. It was truly epic—filled with incredible conversations, heartfelt stories, and even a little dancing! Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped make this final Palomazo so special.
Juneteenth in Santa Barbara County: Gather, Reflect, Celebrate
Discover local Juneteenth events that commemorate history and celebrate Black culture.
Click to find events happening near you and be part of the celebration.
OXNARD — The educational tall ship Mystic Whaler was honored to have welcomed graduating seniors from the Oxnard Union High School District to Mystic Whaler for a Class of 2025 portrait. The students arrived in their graduation finery and posed for a variety of photos to celebrate the graduates of 2025. Accompanying them, and proudly standing beside them, was OUHSD Superintendent Dr. Tom McCoy.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Opening Act: The Barrelhouse Wailers
Friday, July 25th at 6:00 PM
The Ventura College Sportsplex Stadium
West Campus Way, Ventura, CA
New research shows that, globally, men and women tend to use the ocean in different ways, with implications for how marine spaces are used and valued.
Kids’ Art Fest
?
Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM
Free for all ages
We’re kicking off a summer of creative fun with Kids’ Art Fest on Sunday, June 1! This free, outdoor celebration is packed with hands-on art activities for all ages, plus face painting, giant bubbles, live art demos, yummy food vendors*, community performances, and more.
Don’t miss folklórico and mariachi performances by young artists from Oxnard’s Inlakech Cultural Arts Center from 12 PM to 1 PM. Kids’ Art Fest 2025 is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Brianne McGrath, and Rotary Club of Santa Paula.
*The cost of food is not included, but everything else is!
The dance company has represented the college throughout the community performing for civic and school events as a way of celebrating the cultural and artistic traditions of México. The group takes pride in educating audiences about the music, dances, and traditions that have existed for generations and offers programs that demonstrate discipline and dedication, combined with a love of performing before appreciative audiences. As a unit, the Mestizo Folklórico Dance Com[any aims to transmit the elegance, joyfulness, and vibrancy of Mexico’s culture to their audiences.
VENTURA COUNTY — The last day of the WE REMEMBER exhibit is May 30 when at 2 pm we will present a 8 minute work-in-progress documentary on Deported Veterans followed by We Remember: End of Innocence a 47 minute doc on Ventura County veterans on their Vietnam experience. A Q/A with veterans and director George J. Sandoval will follow.
The John Spoor Broome Library at CSU, Channel Islands is open from 9am to 4pm Tuesday – Friday and unfortunately is closed on Memorial Day.
Meiya Sidney ???, a fourth-year College of Creative Studies and art honors student, shares her ceramic practice shaped by summers in Taiwan.
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art has announced the wildly popular and critically acclaimed exhibition “Arte de Pueblo” returns for another year! with an opening Party & Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara.
The Juror-free All-Are-Welcome Group Show is currently seeking artists.
There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday, May 24, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.
Our LA adventure begins with a studio visit with artist Luz Carabaño. From there, we will experience an exhibition preview of Tony Cokes at Hannah Hoffman. Then we will end the day at The Brick where we will see Elizabeth Paige Smith Unshade me of You.
We hope you join us on a very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!
THOUSAND OAKS — On Tuesday, May 6, Senior Concerns hosted 150 family caregivers at Caregiver Recognition Day at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks.
This at-capacity event, themed “Invigorating Your Caregiver Power,” offered a restorative and empowering experience for attendees, who are often the silent heroes behind the health and well-being of aging loved ones. Caregivers enjoyed a complimentary lunch, motivating presentations, and thoughtful gifts.
“So many family caregivers noted that they arrived feeling overwhelmed and fatigued,” said Martha Shapiro, director of programs at Senior Concerns. “At the end of the event, most attendees reported feeling inspired and appreciated. This event is our way of wrapping them with care and giving them tools and encouragement to keep going.”
With support from a new NSF CAREER Award, Jennifer Jacobs is developing more intuitive, human-centered digital fabrication tools.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES – Stories of Hearst Castle
Tuesday, June 3
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Join MClub & Museum of Ventura County for an informative Lunch & Learn with Architectural historian Victoria Kastner. Kastner will share many behind-the-scenes stories about Hearst Castle at San Simeon— examining its buildings, gardens, swimming pools, and glamorous guests. She will also reveal new information about Julia Morgan—its talented architect—and Julia’s unique collaboration with her influential client, William Randolph Hearst.
Victoria Kastner was the official historian at Hearst Castle for nearly three decades. In addition to her new biography about its talented architect (Julia Morgan: An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect), she has also written three volumes chronicling its fascinating history: Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House; Hearst’s San Simeon: The Gardens and the Land; and Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacy. Ms. Kastner has a Master’s Degree in Public History with a specialty in architectural history from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree in Museum Management from George Washington University. She has also published works on the Beverly Hills Hotel, Bernard Maybeck’s Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and the novels of Charles Dickens. Purchase your tickets HERE.
The Port of Hueneme proudly acknowledges April as Autism Acceptance Month. The Board of Harbor Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing this important month, which was received by the Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC).
We were also honored to sponsor the 13th Annual Aut2Run on April 27th — a meaningful event hosted by ASVC and attended by over 3,000 people. Aut2Run promotes awareness and acceptance for autistic individuals and their families.
“We’re grateful to our incredible community for showing up and showing heart,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director, Ventura Charter School. “EcoFest is more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of how small actions, taken together, can shape a more sustainable future.” Guests of all ages enjoyed a rich array of experiences, including:
Immerse yourself in an evening of Wild Hope.
Through captivating storytelling, the PBS series Wild Hope
explores bold climate solutions, showcases nature’s resilience, and sparks renewed hope for the future of our planet. We invite you to join us for special screenings and an evening of inspiration, emceed by local author and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Humes.
Thursday, May 15, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles will cap off their 2024/25 season with a pair of FREE community concerts. The community is invited to witness the talent and dedication of more than 100 student musicians across three orchestra levels, ranging in age from 9 – 18.
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
10:00am PST // 1:00pm EST
COLOR, LIGHT, MOTION, EPISODE 28
Co-presenters Frederick Janka and Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin will be discussing four objects from the David Bermant Foundation Collection: Nam June Paik, Participation TV, 1969; Otto Piene, Light Ballet I; Marcel Duchamp, Rotorelief (optical discs) 1935-1953, edition c. 1965, and Alejandro & Moira Sina, Spinning Shaft 1978, 1983.
Premiere Party: California Art Club’s “Plein Air Visions”
?
Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members
We didn’t quite plan for the entire Museum to be filled with art by members of the California Art Club, but we’re not mad now that it has happened! On Saturday, May 10, join us for the premiere of “Plein Air Visions,” featuring two dozen current CAC members. You’ll also enjoy CAC Signature Artist Anne Ward’s solo exhibition, “Painted Seasons,” and a mini-exhibit of works by historic CAC members Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke.
Building future careers in STEM, students in the FUERTE program travel to the Eastern Sierra to explore nature, gain field experience and learn from top scientists.
Read more about FUERTE in this special multimedia feature.
The Music Academy of the West is proud to welcome Untitled, Head, a monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jun Kaneko, now installed on the Academy’s Fé Bland Plaza. Standing 13 feet tall and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, the cast bronze work rests atop a stainless-steel base, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Kaneko’s artistry up close before it takes center stage in two major Music Academy performances at The Granada Theatre.
Media Arts and Technology doctoral students are helping to pioneer AI tools supporting mental health in Antarctica and other extreme environments.
Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Honors the Lessons of History and Urges the Nation to Stand Against Injustice in All Its Forms
Washington, D.C. – On this Cinco de Mayo, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) commemorates the historic victory of the outnumbered and outgunned Mexican forces who, against all odds, defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Their triumph was not merely military. It stood for national dignity, justice, and self-determination despite overwhelming power. Today, LULAC calls upon every American to reflect on that legacy and its enduring meaning for our nation at this pivotal moment.
LAST CHANCE to visit … Closing May 11!
Exhibitions
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY
What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art
What is Beauty? invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection. Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society.
Artists featured in the exhibition: Carlisle Cooper / Hiroko Yoshimoto / Johanna Spinks / John Nava / John Nichols – featured in exhibition logo / Kitty Botke / Lis Schwitters / Michael Ward / Neal Barr / Omar d’León / Robert Clunie.
Stay connected—sign up for alerts now to be prepared ahead of the upcoming emergency alert system test.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars has already raised over $122,000 for Lumina Alliance—and the competition is just heating up. As the three-night event kicks off tonight at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero, guests will continue “voting” for their favorite dancers by donating—each dollar a vote of support for local survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
Local stars have been hard at work fundraising, with County Supervisor Heather Moreno leading at nearly $35,000, followed by Rob Garcia of Corvus Wealth Advisors with $32,000, and Mary Verdin of Verdin Marketing at $24,000. Fellow dancers Eric Yun (Community West Bank), LeBren Harris (Downtown SLO), and Jennifer Idler (Idler’s Home) are also lighting up the stage with passion and purpose.
There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday May 3, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.
Our LA adventure begins with a Pace gallery director guided tour of legendary Light and Space artist Robert Irwin In Los Angeles, an exhibition of work produced between 1960 and 1971, marking the first exhibition of Irwin’s work mounted by Pace since the artist’s death in 2023 and his first posthumous presentation in California. We’ll enjoy our boxed lunches in the gallery garden then head to Marciano Foundation for Lightscape: Doug Aitken, and a special screening of Aitken’s FRONTIER followed by a conversation between Ed Ruscha and Aitken. A very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village is thrilled to announce the Seaside Vacay Giveaway for 2025! One lucky winner will receive a coastal getaway experience at Ventura’s seaside playground – Ventura Harbor Village valued at over $1,000, and packed with seaside fun, a two-night harbor stay, waterfront dining, shopping, and on the water adventure.
Hancock will host the 2025 Folklórico Invitational concert and dance performance on May 1-3 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus. Performers include Hancock students, as well as talented dancers from Righetti, Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria high schools, as well as members of the community. Tickets are $10 each and are available at https://www.hancockcollege.edu/pathways/creative-arts/tickets.php.
VENTURA — More than a million and a half strawberries will be eaten over two days during the 39thAnnual California Strawberry Festival, May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds(10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).
Many of the 50 food vendors at the festival will serve strawberry-themed offerings. Festival goers can treat themselves to such treats as chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos and strawberry beer, margaritas and smoothies.
Friday, June 27 at 7:00 PM
The Majestic Ventura Theater
One of the most successful instrumental artists of the past decades, Ottmar Liebert has been entertaining audiences around the world for decades with his unforgettable, signature Nouveau Flamenco sound that blends elegance, passion, and global rhythms. Don’t miss this world-renowned guitarist as he creates a spellbinding atmosphere with every note!
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara Presents
The 2025 Art Awards
Mary Heebner
Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin
Gabriela Ruiz
Manjari Sharma
Diana Thater
Cultural historian Lisa Jacobson’s new book tells the complicated and fascinating story of how alcoholic beverages morphed from disreputable habit to ubiquitous facet of American life.
Premiere Party:
“Plein Air Visions”
Presented by the California Art Club
Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 Members, $10 Non-members
The prestigious California Art Club was established in 1909 by early California Impressionists to promote the practice of traditional fine arts in the fields of painting, drawing, and sculpture. “Plein Air Visions” will feature 35 contemporary plein air paintings by two dozen current CAC members. The group exhibition celebrates the immediacy and spontaneity of the plein air technique in capturing the ever-changing light, colors, and moods of the California landscape. All of the paintings will be available for purchase.
“In 1969, the devastating images of a massive oil spill from an oil platform off Santa Barbara’s coast galvanized California into action and caught the attention of the rest of the nation, including Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, who visited Santa Barbara shortly after the spill. The resulting swell of outrage and concern gave rise to the first Earth Day in 1970” (and our colleagues at the Community Environmental Council).
Slide on down to the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach on Friday, May 9th, where the music is swingin’, the lights are low, and the vibe is oh-so right.
We’re talkin’ about a night with the one and only Donny Most — yeah, that Donny Most, best known as Ralph Malph from Happy Days — but this time, he’s croonin’ with a 17-piece big band that’ll knock your socks off.
THOUSAND OAKS — Vendor slots are now available for the 69th annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD), June 19 through June 29 (dark June 23 and 24) at Conejo Creek Park South (Janss Rd./23 Freeway) in Thousand Oaks. The deadline for vendor application submissions is June 1.
CVD is accepting applications from local businesses and craftspeople wanting to show off their products or services in booths along CVD’s Main Street
This annual fundraising event supports Senior Concerns’ Meals On Wheels Program, which provides over 65,000 meals per year to over 450 homebound seniors in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, and Agoura Hills.
Travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles with our MCASB Team & Supporters like you! Immerse yourself in a curated tour of the LA Arts Scene and make new friends. $250/ person, transportation & box lunch included.
We will depart from Santa Barbara at 9am & return 5pm.
Special Ventura pick-up & drop off for our friends in Ojai/Ventura/Oxnard.
