SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Rhiannon Giddens on Tuesday, April 23 at 8 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Singer and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens’ iconic brand of folk music spotlights people whose contributions to American musical history have been overlooked or erased, and advocates for a more accurate understanding of the country’s musical origins through art. A two-time Grammy Award winner, MacArthur fellow and composer, she was awarded the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Music for her debut opera Omar. Her highly-anticipated new solo album, You’re the One, was released in August. For this show, Giddens will be joined by opening act Charly Lowry.
Category: Events
April 24 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents National Book Award Winner Evan Osnos at Campbell Hall
April 25 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) to present ‘Born-Porcelain or Flowers: Yassi Mazandi and James Glisson in Conversation’
In conjunction with the exhibition Made by Hand/Born Digital (on view through August 25), this free flowing conversation between artist Yassi Mazandi and SBMA Curator of Contemporary Art James Glisson will cover her explorations with new technology, including NFTs, and her tendency to work with traditional mediums, like painting and ceramics, against the grain.
April 26 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Alonzo King LINES Ballet at the Arlington Theatre
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Alonzo King LINES Ballet on Friday, April 26 at 8 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Blurring the lines between classical and contemporary, San Francisco-based Alonzo King LINES Ballet is renowned for its impeccable technique, captivating dancers and rich visual works. Alonzo King’s newest creation, Deep River, uses spiritual music from Black and Jewish traditions alongside original compositions by Jason Moran to assert the power of hope in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
April 27 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Grammy Award-winning Kronos Quartet at Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA – – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Kronos Quartet | Five Decades on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. For 50 years, San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet has challenged and reimagined what a string quartet can be, centering its work around the key issues of our time. Kronos has commissioned, performed and recorded works that engage with topics such as war and destruction, the climate crisis, social injustice and spirituality. Now, the multi-Grammy Award-winning quartet marks its anniversary with a program of new commissions, signature works from its vast repertoire and pieces from its Fifty for the Future project.
April 27 — Santa Paula to hold Union Oil Building Dedication and City 122th Anniversary Celebration
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula will host a public celebration to thank Chevron for donating the historic former headquarters of Union Oil Company of California to the City at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at 1003 E. Main St., Santa Paula.
The City is celebrating the donation in conjunction with the 122nd anniversary of the City’s founding.
Union Oil Company of California was founded in a second floor office in 1890. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historical Landmark and Ventura County Historical Landmark. The building has also been home to the California Oil Museum. In 2023 the City held workshops to solicit community input for how the building will be used for the community’s benefit.
April 27-28 — Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Announces This Year’s Highlights & Schedules
SANTA BARBARA —The Community Environmental Council and its long-time festival partner, CarpEvents, are thrilled to bring the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival back to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 2024. Now in its 54th year, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country, and is one of the largest on the West Coast. Spanish-speaking staff will be on-hand (identified with “Hablo Español” name badges) to provide information and resources on electric vehicles, home energy eciency upgrades, how to become a climate activist, and more.
CEC’s Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is FREE for attendees. Detailed information including maps and stage schedules are available online at www.SBEarthDay.org or in the Santa Barbara Independent Earth Day Festival Guide to be published on Thursday, April 25.
April 28 — Bilingual report — Oxnard College to Host Third Annual Family Festival
“We’re excited to welcome the community to our third annual OC Family Festival,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. “This yearly tradition invites friends of Oxnard College to visit our beautiful campus for a day of fun and to learn about our award-winning programs. We are also looking forward to helping attendees consider their plans for attending college.”
April 28 — Ventura Charter School hosts 13th annual EcoFest!
In support of Earth-friendly practices Ventura Charter School’s EcoFest welcomes the community to head to the campus utilizing a variety of transportation options. Bicycle to event and receive bike valet services sponsored by Bike Ventura County. Through Gold Coast Transit District’s Youth Ride Free Program, students and children 18 and under ride free with no identification required. There will be a variety of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including a kid zone, an EV car exhibit, live music and dance and plenty more.
May 1 — District 216 presents Erica Siegal ‘Psychedelics Stewardship: How to Care for Each Other in the Psychedelic Renaissance’
May 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents renowned forest ecologist Suzanne Simard at UCSB Campbell Hall
As the world’s foremost forest ecologist, Suzanne Simard has reshaped the way we understand the life and growth of plants. In her groundbreaking work Finding the Mother Tree, Simard explained how trees interact and communicate using below-ground fungal networks. Her research established the existence of “mother trees” that play an important role in the flow of information and resources in a forest. The concepts she developed have influenced everyone from earth scientists to artists – think James Cameron’s Avatarand Richard Powers’ The Overstory. Join Simard for a dazzling journey through the unseen world going on above our heads and under our feet.
May 1 — CLU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship presenting variety of upcoming events
May 2 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Port of Hueneme 11th Annual World Trade Week Event
Join us for a celebration of global trade at the Port of Hueneme’s 11th Annual World Trade Week Event, celebrating its pivotal role in international trade. Ranked as California’s #4 seaport and excelling in handling fresh produce and automobiles, the Port stands as a cornerstone of global connectivity. Join us for enlightening discussions on logistics, technology and the profound impact of strategic partnerships on regional, state and national economies, as we unite importers, exporters, logistics providers and government agencies in fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.
May 2 — Save the Date — World Trade Week at the Port of Hueneme
May 4-5 — Santa Barbara Fair & Expo continues at the Earl Warren Fairgrounds
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is an annual celebration of fun, entertainment, and cultural experiences that unites the community for a memorable event. Committed to providing a diverse array of attractions and activities, the fair strives to create lasting memories and traditions for attendees of all ages.
May 4 — “Project CI” springs onto the stage with dance, theater, art, multimedia and more
“This will be a multimedia spectacle using animation, art, dance and theater,” Castillo said. “With the technological tools we have in our hands, students are learning to collaborate and create pieces with various media, video backdrops, dancers, actors, animation and writers who are coming up with scripts to integrate everything,” Castillo said.
Through May 5 — Ventura Harbor Village hosting variety of seaside events and live entertainment
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village welcomes locals and visitors alike to partake in an array of events and activities set against the picturesque backdrop of the California coast. Along with a variety of dining options and great spring finds at coastal shops, Ventura Harbor Village has on the water rentals, wine tasting, pampering services, and more to explore on the waterfront.
May 7 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents marine biologist and policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson at UCSB Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson in conversation with K. Corley Kenna on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Marine biologist, policy advisor and writer Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet. Her forthcoming book, What if We Get It Right? offers answers to the crucial question: What would the future look like if we forged ahead with all the solutions to actually address the climate crisis? With grace and humanity, Johnson encourages us to step away from hopelessness and envision possibility.
May 8 — UCSB Reads presents a FREE event with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross authors of the 2024 selection, ‘Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us’
Can visiting a museum help someone conquer feelings of loneliness, or even stave off the advent of dementia? In Your Brain on Art, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross explore the wide variety of connections that contemporary neuroscience has established between artistic practice, aesthetic experience and optimal cognitive functioning. Susan Magsamen is the founder and director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University. Ivy Ross is the vice president of hardware design at Google.
May 10 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents award-winning conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier at Campbell Hall
May 11 — Santa Paula Art Museum Presents Christopher Noxon’s ‘Greenbelt: Interplay and Imagination on the Edge of Wildness’
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Art Museum is pleased to present “Greenbelt: Interplay and Imagination on the Edge of Wildness,” a solo exhibition by Ojai artist Christopher Noxon, opening Saturday, May 11, 2024, with a premiere party from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the premiere event is $5.00 for SPAM members and $10.00 for non-members. “Greenbelt” will be on view from May 11, 2024, to September 8, 2024.
May 15 — Luis A. Miranda Jr., father of ‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, will sign his latest book ‘Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit that is Transforming America’ at Barnes & Noble in Ventura
The book is essential reading from an expert voice: Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s personal and political memoir reveals a deep understanding of Latino culture and how to build community to change our world for the better.
A veteran of New York and national politics, Luis Miranda embodies the relentless spirit of progress of American immigrants.
May 16 — Tickets on sale for Gipsy Kings Generation Tour at Oxnard Performing Arts Center
May 16 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents acclaimed pianist Bruce Liu at Hahn Hall, Music Academy
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Bruce Liu on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Hahn Hall, Music Academy. Following his win at the Chopin International Piano Competition in 2021, Bruce Liu experienced a star-is-born moment at London’s Royal Festival Hall in March of 2022. Summoned at the last moment to join the Philharmonia Orchestra for an all-Tchaikovsky program, Liu called for the notoriously difficult Concerto No. 2 as a substitute for the more commonly played Concerto No. 1. After an astounding performance and glowing reviews, Liu found himself shifted to an even higher level of demand.
May 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures to present ‘Xochitl Gonzalez — Latinx Voices Are American Voices’ at Campbell Hall
Pulitzer Prize finalist, cultural critic, producer and screenwriter Xochitl Gonzalez is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Brooklyn, Everywhere, about class, gentrification and the American Dream. Her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, was named a Best of 2022 by The New York Times, Timemagazine, The Washington Post and NPR. Her highly-anticipated new book, Anita de Monte Laughs Last, was released in March 2024.
May 18-19 — 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held at Ventura County Fairgrounds
VENTURA — Strawberry nachos, chocolate dipped strawberries and strawberry kabobs are just some of the tasty treats offered at the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival also features over 150 artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, a “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake and more.
May 19 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Jacob Collier and Band at the Arlington Theatre
May 19 — One805 to host its annual One805Live! Sunstone Winery event in support of Santa Barbara County First Responders
SANTA BARBARA — One805 will host its annual Sunstone Winery One805Live! Concert with headliner Steve Postell & The Night Train Music Club on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 2 – 7 pm at Sunstone Winery, 125 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460.
Experience an amazing afternoon of music, food and fun as groove to the best session and touring musicians in the world. And as always, be prepared for surprises.
The lineup also includes: Tariqh Akoni, Josh Groban’s Music Director, and multi-talented artist who has played with Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Weezer and LeAnn Rimes and John Mayer; Steve Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty and the heartbreakers, Average White Band, and played with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Mick Jagger and many more; Leland Sklar, Bassist for “The Immediate Family”, has performed with Phil Collins, James Taylor, Toto, and Billy Cobham; Russ Irwin, vocalist who has performed with Aerosmith, Sting, Jeff Beck and John Fogerty; Elliot Easton from The Cars, and surprise guests.
May 19 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present FREE Talk and Book Signing of ‘The Butterfly Wood House’ by Architect Robert Ooley
Join us for a presentation and signing of the book The Butterfly Wood House by Robert Ooley, FAIA. Robert has been an architect for the private and public sector on the Central Coast for over 25 years. He is an author, playwright, and the Director of Facilities for SBMA.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Butterfly Wood house opens the door into one of the architect’s last commissions of his Prairie Style and is the only example of that time in his career on the west coast of the United States. Located in the secluded enclave of Montecito, California, at the corner of Hot Springs and Summit Roads is this 4,500-square-foot redwood treasure. This story weaves together the family that wanted a coastal retreat, a world-renowned embattled architect, and the house they made together.
May 20 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘The Monk and the Gun’
The Monk And The Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy.
May 20 — Free LightGabler LLP Employment Law Webinar: ‘Protect My Job, I Might Come Back! A Map Through the Maze of Leave of Absence Laws in California’
CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler LLP is presenting a free employment law webinar for employers, “Protect My Job, I Might Come Back! A Map Through the Maze of Leave of Absence Laws in California.” The webinar is Monday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
California has the most leave of absence laws of any state. To avoid costly litigation while maintaining functional business operations, employers must understand what leaves are available, know when a leave is appropriate for a particular employee, correctly apply available rights for covered employees, and manage what employee obligations can or cannot be enforced.
May 23 — Event rescheduled to May— UCSB Arts & Lectures to present ‘José Andrés — Changing the World Through the Power of Food’
SANTA BARBARA — Due to unforeseen and extenuating circumstances, José Andrés is unable to join the UCSB Arts & Lectures series this Sunday. Mr. Andrés’ ongoing commitments to World Central Kitchen as they mourn the loss of their team members have made his attendance at the event impossible at this time.
We have worked closely with his team to reschedule his appearance for Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 PM at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara. We offer our sympathies to José Andrés and the entire World Central Kitchen organization during this incredibly challenging time.
Through May 26 — ‘Serenity and Revolution’ at SBMA
Artists today struggle with the question of what kind of art to make in light of contemporary issues. A century ago, artists faced similar questions. This exhibition looks at how artists negotiated the extraordinary changes and tragedies of the early 20th century: the mass casualties in the First World War, economic despair because of worldwide depressions, colonized people struggling for freedom, and the rise of communism, fascism, and totalitarian dictatorships.
May 27 — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 will Pay Tribute to Those Who Died Serving at Free Memorial Day Ceremony
SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 will remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice for their country on Memorial Day. This free event is open to the public. Join PCVF on Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:00 am sharp at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive.
The open air ceremony includes presentations and performances by the UCSB ROTC Color Guard; Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band; David Gonzales and the Santa Barbara Choral Society, The Prime Time Band, and a flyover by The Condor Squadron. 150 White doves will be released during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
May 27 — SLO Veterans Museum — Memorial Day Ceremony and BBQ
May 29 — ‘Latina Characters & Women’s Voices’ featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held at Timbre Books in Ventura
Through May 30 — Tall Ship Mystic Whaler To Sail Into Ventura Harbor Village
VENTURA — Make your Memorial Day plans to venture seaside to Ventura Harbor Village as the majestic Tall Ship Mystic Whaler makes its voyage into Ventura.
Made possible by Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation (CCOAF), the 110-foot schooner will make its journey up the Santa Barbara Channel along the California coast.
During its visit to Ventura Harbor Village, the ship will dock at Ventura Harbor Dock-C, (near Ventura Boat Rentals, in front of Brophy Bros and On the Alley restaurants) through May 30, 2024, and coincides with Ventura Harbor Village’s ongoing Spring seaside events/activities throughout May. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/
May 31, June 1 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — You’re Invited to JOIN US this weekend!
Through June — Visitors Discover A Sun-Kissed Seaside Playground At Ventura Harbor Village With A Line Up of June Events & Live Entertainment
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village, California’s sun-kissed seaside playground, celebrates the kick-off to summertime with an engaging lineup of events in June. Paired with relaxing moments to waterfront dine and wine taste, one-of-a-kind coastal boutiques, and boat rental options that glide visitors on the water, this seaside destination specializes in curating events and activities for time well spent with family and friends. Below is a roster of “must-SEA” happenings, accompanied bycomplimentary parking near the seashore. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Here’s a look at what’s trending seaside:
June 1 — Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) to take part in first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day
“We are proud to be joining the first ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day,” said Nicky Gore-Jones, SPARC’s Development Director. “We encourage our community to help us find loving homes for our pets and to raise awareness about the issues of overcrowding in animal shelters. We look forward to this being a very special adoption day for many of our dogs and cats and for our volunteers and staff.”
Through June — County of Ventura Older-Adult Art Show on display at the Hall of Administration Atrium Gallery
June 3 — Oxnard Film Society presents ’La Chimera’
June 5 — District 216 to present ‘MDMA: Bridging the Gap Between Healing and Joy’
June 5 — Bilingual report — Next Dementia Friendly Ventura County event t be held at the Gobble Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks
The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, which may include adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.
June 6 — Ventura Police ignite community spirit for Special Olympics with Torch Run
“The Flame of Hope is more than just a symbol; it embodies the resilience and dedication of Special Olympics athletes who inspire us with their commitment and perseverance,” said Sergeant Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison with the Ventura Police Department. “Being part of Team Ventura PD, we are dedicated to raising funds and fostering awareness and acceptance for these extraordinary athletes.”
June 8 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosting second annual wine festival
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is hosting its second annual wine festival at the college’s Santa Maria campus and is inviting the public to attend.
The college is currently selling tickets to its second West Coast College and University Wine Festival, which will take place on Saturday, June 8, from 1-4 p.m. This year’s festival is sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The festival will include wines from eight community college and university winemaking programs, including Hancock, Cal Poly, Napa Valley College, Fresno State University and colleges from Oregon, Washington State and Arizona. In addition, the festival will also feature wines from 11 California wineries including Flying Goat Cellars, Amplify Wines, El Vinero, and others.
June 8 — Cancer Support Community’s 6th Annual Hope Walk in Westlake Village
CSCVVSB’s Hope Walk is a family-friendly, community event that promotes awareness and education about cancer while raising critical funds in support of CSCVVSB’s mission to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Music, health and wellness booths, refreshments, and kids’ activity tables will also be on-site.
June 8 — Two new exhibits opening at the Museum of Ventura County highlight the county’s rich artistic legacy with a focus on Master Artists and Young Innovators
VENTURA — Two new exhibits opening at the Museum of Ventura County highlight the county’s rich artistic legacy with a focus on Master Artists and Young Innovator.
Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection
(June 8, 2024 -January 5, 2025)
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InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch
(June 8, 2024 – May 11, 2025)
June 19 — District 216 presents Conscious Connections Roundtable ‘Somatic Healing & Psychedelics’
June 19 — All of ‘Us Journey’ traveling education exhibit be held at Southwinds Youth Center, Oxnard
OXNARD — The All of Us Journey is headed your way. Come aboard this traveling educational exhibit to learn how you can help shape the future of health for yourself, your family, your community, and generations to come.
The All of Us Journey traveling education exhibit will be held from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, June 18-19 at the Southwinds Youth Center, 300 W. Clara St., Oxnard.