Category: Youth

April 12-13 — Lumina Alliance Shines Bright with ‘Dancing with Our Stars’ Fundraiser

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is thrilled to announce its upcoming fundraising event, Lumina Nights featuring Dancing with Our Stars, set to captivate audiences on Friday, April 12th, and Saturday, April 13th, at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach. The event, presented by BHE Renewables, promises to be a dazzling night of entertainment, all while supporting a noble cause.

Lumina Nights featuring Dancing with Our Stars is a unique and exciting showcase that brings together local celebrities, community leaders, and prominent figures who will pair up with professional dancers to compete for the coveted title. The evening will be filled with sensational dance performances, laughter, and camaraderie, all in the spirit of raising funds for Lumina Alliance’s critical services that are facing significant government funding cuts in the coming year.

April 12, 13 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s dance program presents Dance Spectrum performances

SANTA MARIA — Students in Allan Hancock College’s dance program are ready to entertain audiences of all ages during their annual Dance Spectrum performances this April. 

The 2024 Dance Spectrum is a dynamic, high-energy showcase of the college’s talented dance program students, who are both performing and choreographing many of the show’s performances. The show will feature a wide range of music and dance styles, as well as cameo performances from Hancock’s full-time and part-time dance program faculty. 

April 13 — Southeast Ventura County YMCA Hosts Free Healthy Kids’ Day

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The two branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are holding “Healthy Kids’ Day,” a free community event to inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies active during the summer. The Simi Valley Family YMCA Healthy Kids’ Day is Saturday, April 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the Yarrow Family YMCA Healthy Kids’ Day in Westlake Village is Saturday, April 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

April 13 — Spring 2024 Local Authors Showcase at the Oxnard Main Library

OXNARD — The Oxnard Public Library announces the return of their Annual Local Authors Showcase on April 13th, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Downtown Main Branch (251 S. A St., Oxnard).

This year’s event will fill the Main Library’s second floor with authors selling and signing their books. Aspiring authors of all ages can also participate in the Library’s new panel discussions with authors who write within the three major age demographics (Adult, Young Adult, and Children). Engage with published authors and learn about the writing process and how one gets published.

April 17 — CLU School of Management to present ‘The Business of Sports.’ Other event on May 1

Join us for an in-depth discussion about the business of sports with executives from Angel City Football Club of the National Women’s Soccer League and Cal Lutheran’s Sports Management Program Director Mark Orlando.

Angel City FC players will participate in a question-and-answer session. After the event, they will be on-hand for photos and an autograph signing.

April 18 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Emmy Award-winning pop culture icon and international drag superstar RuPaul at The Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents RuPaul on Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. If we’re all born naked and the rest is drag, this is RuPaul stripped bare. Pop culture icon and international drag superstar RuPaul invites you to a spiritual awakening to celebrate the release of his new memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings. Allow your mind, body and soul to be enveloped in RuPaul’s lyrically poignant stories on life, love and finding your voice. During this special event, RuPaul offers fans a manual for living – a personal philosophy that testifies to the value of chosen family, the importance of harnessing what makes you different and the transformational power of facing yourself fearlessly. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear RuPaul’s extraordinary story as told by RuPaul.

April 19 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts Tim Burton film retrospective

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s film and television program is celebrating the work of acclaimed director Tim Burton by hosting a retrospective of his work through the end of April. 

The film and television program is partnering with the Friends of the AHC Library to host a screening of “Beetlejuice” on April 19 at 6 p.m., followed by a screening of “Big Fish” on April 26 at 6 p.m. Both movies will be shown in the screening room of the college’s Fine Arts Complex (Bldg. F, Room 257).  

April 19 — CSUCI annual State of the University address will review enrollment, new construction, the Santa Barbara Zoo partnership, and more

CAMARILLO — Plans for a new conservation center at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) – to be built in partnership with the Santa Barbara Zoo — are progressing quickly with the conceptual design already complete.

Construction progress also continues for Gateway Hall, along with several other new initiatives, programs, and partnerships that CSUCI President Richard Yao will review on Friday, April 19 during the annual State of the University address, sponsored by the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA).

April 20 — Santa Paula Art Museum’s Fourteenth Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser

Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Fourteenth Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser this Saturday, April 20, 2024! In honor of the Museum’s Limoneira Building turning 100 this year, we’re going to party like it’s 1924! Join us inside the Museum for a Roaring ’20s evening of art, live music by Sophie Holt and Studio C, dancing, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a special painting demonstration, and more.

April 20 — Bilingual report — CSU Channel Islands to present Children’s Day/Día de los Niños

This free event is for all families, guardians, children, educators, and community members to join us for a day of activities, games, reading. Our special guest is children’s book author James Luna. James will be reading his The Runaway Piggy/El Cochinito Fugitivo book. The first 150 guests will receive a free copy of the book as well!

April 20 — The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula to present ‘3rd Annual Ventura County Wildflower and Weed Show’

Don’t miss this celebration of California’s diverse flora! At 12 pm, Antonio Sanchez will deliver a lecture, “Inviting California to Dinner: Bringing California Native Plant Foods into Your Life and the Future of Native Plant Agriculture.”

April 23 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents luminary folk musician Rhiannon Giddens at The Arlington Theatre

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.

April 26 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosting 25th anniversary celebration for Lompoc Valley Center

“The Lompoc Valley Center was built to respond to the critical need to serve students in the Lompoc Valley, and 25 years later it continues that important mission,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G Walthers, Ph.D. “This celebration is an opportunity to honor the LVC’s past and look forward to its future.” 

April 27 — SEEAG Hosts Earth Day Plantopia ‘U-Pick Your Garden’ Fundraiser

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will host its 2nd annual Plantopia “U-Pick Your Garden” fundraiser to celebrate Earth Day. The event, held on Saturday, April 27, will raise funds to support SEEAG’s agricultural education programs where students learn about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

April 27 — Empowering creativity: ReFrame Ventura County Arts and Culture Summit to be held in Camarillo

VENTURA COUNTY — TOArts and County of Ventura Arts and Culture proudly announce the inaugural ReFrame Ventura County (ReFrame VC) Arts Summit 2024; a first in the county event that centers arts and culture as creative and economic drivers for our region. Scheduled on April 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., ReFrame VC will inform, inspire, and empower attendees from across the creative and cultural arts.

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 29 — Free, online ‘Fearless Femme Summit’ aims to help women in STEM boost their careers

SANTA BARBARA — For women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, the world can be a lonely place. Only 30 percent of STEM professionals in this vital, high-paying field are women, and many report facing discrimination, unconscious bias and a general lack of role models and support.

A free, online summit organized by Santa Barbara-based leadership coach Mary Jean Vignone, Ph.D., aims to change that. The virtual “Fearless Femme Summit: Propel Your Career in STEM” is designed to help women in STEM reach new heights in their careers and become authentic leaders. The summit will be held online daily from April 29 to May 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is open to STEM professionals, students and the public at no cost by signing up at www.fearlessfemmesummit.com

May 1 — CLU School of Management to present New Venture Fair

The New Venture Fair (NVF) is a valuable part of Cal Lutheran’s entrepreneurial education experience, in which student teams share their innovative startup projects in a competitive environment. The NVF is a dynamic and exciting event where the community gets its first look at Cal Lutheran’s exceptional student entrepreneurs and vote for their favorites. 

May 1 — CLU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship presenting variety of upcoming events

New Venture Fair (NVF)
Wednesday, May 1 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM (PT) on Cal Lutheran’s Thousand Oaks Campus
You’re invited to the NVF in-person Expo and Awards Presentation! Join us to learn about these students’ startup ideas, and vote for your favorites. Open to everyone! Register here.

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.

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

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Cristina Mittermeier on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. National Geographic photographer Cristina Mittermeier has dedicated her life to safeguarding the world’s oceans and inspiring millions to do the same.

May 15 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Ephrat Asherie Dance at Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Ephrat Asherie Dance on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie, a New York-based b-girl with extensive training in ballet and modern dance, returns to reveal and explore the complexities of street and social dance forms. ODEON brings together and remixes street and club dances including breaking, hip hop, house and vogue, set to a mix of early 20th century romantic music and popular Afro-Brazilian rhythms.

Ephrat Asherie Dance | Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2018 (Jacob’s Pillow)

May 18, 19 — California Lutheran University to celebrate 50th anniversary of Scandinavian Fest

THOUSAND OAKS — What began as a golf game conversation in the early 1970s, has become the largest Nordic festival in Southern California. The Scandinavian Festival — the legacy of the late Professor Armour Nelson and the late John Nordberg — will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 18 and 19. Held at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, the family-fun festival honors the founding of the university and the history of the Conejo Valley, which Norwegians settled in the 1890s.

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 — The Greater Contribution Celebrates Hope For Women in Uganda

THOUSAND OAKS — The Greater Contribution, a non-profit that provides micro loans for women in remote villages in Uganda, hosts a “A Woman’s Worth” celebration Sunday, May 19th from 3:00pm to 5:30pm in Thousand Oaks. 

In a beautiful outdoor garden, guests will enjoy live entertainment with Ugandan dancers, African drumming, storytelling, and international foods and refreshments. Dedicated to empowering Ugandan women to reach higher, this exclusive fundraising event gives guests an immersive cultural experience while enabling brighter futures and stronger communities beyond our borders.

Tickets are $40 per person, or $30 each with a friend; available at www.greatercontribution.org/a-womans-worth

EVENT POSTPONED — May 22 — Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing announces Pismo Terrace Grand Opening

EVENT POSTPONED —

Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents will have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will be designated for No Place Like Home households. 

Through May 23 — New Grief Support Groups at Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center

CAMARILLO — Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. These close-ended support groups are Adult Loss of Sibling (March 26th through May 7th), Healing Grief Through Art (April 4th through April 25th), and Anticipatory Loss (March 4th through May 23rd). For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited. 

May 23 — City of Ventura invites community members to attend workshops for the Santa Paula Branch Line “Rails with Trails” project

VENTURA — The Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL), a historic railway tracing back to 1887, is transforming to include a modern multi-use trail, enriching Ventura County’s transportation landscape and connecting communities in new ways.

Public meetings and workshops will be conducted throughout the project phases to ensure community involvement and gather valuable input. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Jose Flores Community Center, Spanish interpretation will be offered. 

“We are excited to witness the Santa Paula Branch Line’s transformation into a multi-use trail. This project clearly signifies our dedication to fostering community connections and strengthening partnerships with the agricultural sector, including the Farm Bureau and CoLAB,” said Ventura Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “It also fits well with our newly adopted active transportation plan, which focuses on projects that improve walking, bicycling, and other transportation methods for our community’s benefit.”

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/

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 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 14 — Yarrow YMCA in Westlake Village presents ‘Parents’ Night Out’

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Parents can have an evening out or spend a quiet evening at home while their kids have fun under supervised care at the Yarrow Family YMCA, Friday, June 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Y’s Parents’ Night Out is open to YMCA members and nonmembers.

The evening will have a Hawaiian theme. Kids will take part in a Hawaiian Luau Party featuring games, arts & crafts, a themed game room and free play.  All activities are monitored/led by YMCA staff. Kids must be age 4 through 11 and be able to use the restroom on their own.

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.

Through June 30 — 68th Annual Conejo Valley Days

THOUSAND OAKS — The 68th Annual Conejo Valley Days is set hrough June 30 (dark, June 24 and 25) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks.

Festival goers can enjoy carnival rides from Kastl Amusements plus midway games for all ages along with traditional fair foods. CVD features live rock and country bands including the Colette Lovejoy Band, 805 Social Club, The Tin Drum Family Band and Double Wide.

June 22 — Bilingual update — Experience Traditional Chumash Cooking in Oxnard

Join us for an afternoon of cultural enrichment and culinary exploration as we delve into traditional and modern fusion Chumash recipes using native plant ingredients. This hands-on class will be a unique opportunity to learn from Chumash chefs hi ho stoqos?lo?q hi xus about the rich heritage and sustainable practices of the Chumash people. The event is free and open to all ages. A Spanish Interpreter will be present to interpret live.

June 22 — ‘All of Us Journey’ traveling education exhibit be held at College Park, 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 8 a.m.  to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard.

Through June 30 — Music, Rides, Food and Fun At 68th Annual Conejo Valley Days

THOUSAND OAKS — The 68th Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD) will feature 10 days of carnival rides, food and live entertainment. Dates are through June 30 (dark, June 24 and 25) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks.

Kastl Amusements will operate over 15 rides plus midway games for all ages at CVD as well as offer traditional fair and specialty foods. The Thousand Oaks Elks Club will be serving tri-tip sandwiches and other favorites.

This year, CVD is bringing back its “Whiskeroo Contest” Sunday, June 23 at 3:00 p.m. on the CVD Carnival Stage. To enter, call or text Steve Comstock, Whiskeroo Contest organizer, at 805-908-2248. Contestants will have an opportunity to show off their beards in one of five categories: Longest Beard, Softest Beard, Best Moustache, Best Goatee and Best Overall Beard.

July 4 — Bilingual report — Downtown Ventura transforms for 4th of July festivities

VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns on Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Ventura’s Downtown District. 

The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continue into the Street Fair in Downtown Ventura. No registration is required. 

This year’s Street Fair features artisan vendors, a car exhibit, live entertainment, a kids’ activity area, a corn hole zone, and more. Attendees can also enjoy Downtown’s local shops and outdoor dining as part of Main Street Moves. 

Through July 8 — California Nature Art Museum Announces George Rose Photo Exhibit

SOLVANG — The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to announce California’s Changing Landscape: The Way of Water, an upcoming solo exhibition by renowned photographer George Rose on view through July 8, 2024 at The Wildling Museum, 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang. Featuring more than 20 large-format documentary inkjet photographs of the Golden State, this timely exhibition showcases Rose’s recent expansive documentation of California’s dramatic water story.

George began this project during the Covid-19 pandemic, just as the effects of drought were becoming increasingly visible. His images capture those dramatic scenes. But then suddenly in early 2023 California was hit with record-setting rain
and snowstorms, which effectively filled

July 14 — ‘California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland’ to open at California Nature Art Museum in Solvang

From butterflies to bullfrogs to bobcats, Oak Woodland habitats support thousands of animal species all over California. Inhabitants might find shelter in the open grasslands between trees, scattered shrubs, fallen logs, streams, and tree canopies. The wonders of this important habitat – its creatures, colors, and lines of the land – all inspire Julia Laraway’s collection of fabric collages and quilts featuring flora and fauna of the coastal oak woodland.

July 20 — MVC’s Members-Only Artists and Amplifiers Fête

VENTURA — In honor of our 2024 Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts award winners (view awardees HERE) , this garden fête and award ceremony will feature live music, specialty mocktails, a silent auction, remarks from MVC’s Chief Curator, private after-hours tours of the galleries, and a chance to meet the artists of InnoVision, MVC’s newest exhibition. 

Registration is free and open to MVC members and invited guests only. This is an all-ages event. Membership will be confirmed for all registrations. To purchase or renew your MVC membership, please visit: www.venturamuseum.org/membership. Dress to impress!

MVC Members Register Here

Made Possible in part by Aera Energy

July 20 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present performance of ‘Carrot Revolution’

The Music Academy of the West’s Arancia Quartet, made up of 2024 String Quartet Seminar fellows Miyabi Henriksen, violin; Steven Song, violin; Sheng-Chieh Jason Lan, viola; Shijie Ma, cello perform Gabriella Smith’s Carrot Revolution. The piece—originally commissioned by an art museum—is a patchwork of Smith’s wildly contrasting influences, unexpected juxtapositions, and intersecting planes of sound, celebrating the spirit of fresh observation.

July 20 — Ventura County Family Justice Center to honor three local heroes at annual Gala

The Gala will honor three local heroes: Dr. Thomas Duncan, the Honorable Brian J. Back, and the Ventura County Community Foundation. The theme, Voices of Hope, shines a light on, and raises money for, victim support to improve the lives of those impacted by family violence and trauma in Ventura County. The evening will be filled with inspiration, education, music, a live auction, dinner, and more. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.vcfjcfoundation.org/