Category: Youth

Oct. 9 — Allan Hancock College hosts Chicano art exhibit, free community arts event

“Nuestra Vida en Arte” is a remarkable collection curated by renowned collector Tomas Sánchez and highlights the pivotal role of Chicano art in shaping both cultural identity and popular culture. The collection features work from several iconic artists who have been a quintessential part of the Chicano art movement including Frank Romero, Diane Gamboa, Roberto “Tito” Delgado, and more. 

Oct. 12 — Bilingual report — Latinx Voters Forum to be held at Santa Barbara City College

SANTA BARBARA — Stop by Santa Barbara City College and join us for an important discussion on upcoming issues in the November ballot affecting the Latinx community. Santa Barbara City Council members and candidates will be on hand to answer questions and share their perspectives on key issues. This non-partisan, informational forum will feature a moderated panel discussion. Spanish translation services will be provided. Stay after the forum to enjoy lunch and connect with your community! This event is sponsored by the Latinx Mental Health Students at Antioch University Santa Barbara and Antioch Works for Democracy.

Oct. 12 — Pipiripau to present 2nd annual Panteón Fest

OXNARD — Pipiripau is proud to announce the 2nd annual Panteón Fest, taking place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in the heart of Downtown Oxnard. This vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos brings together community, culture, and tradition for a day filled with live performances, art, and festivities.

Panteón Fest will run from 12:00pm to 9:00pm, offering a unique 9-hour experience that highlights the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. The event will feature a procession, Aztec dancers, live music, dances from different regions of Mexico, a theatrical play, face painting, craft vendors, a Catrin and Catrina contest, altars, and much more.

Oct. 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi at The Granada Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi on Monday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Spend a delicious evening with world-renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi as he discusses his new book, Comfort, and prepares one of his dishes live on stage.

Oct. 17 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery is hosting a reception for its ‘Nuestra Vida en Arte’ Chicano art exhibit

“Nuestra Vida en Arte” is a remarkable collection curated by Sánchez and highlights the pivotal role of Chicano art in shaping both cultural identity and popular culture. The collection features work from several iconic artists who have played quintessential roles in the Chicano art movement, including Frank Romero, Diane Gamboa, Roberto “Tito” Delgado, and more.  

Oct. 18 — Aviation Career Day for Ventura County High School and Middle School Students

VENTURA COUNTY — For the first time since the pandemic, we are excited to announce the much-awaited return of Aviation Career Day for Ventura County High School and Middle School Students on Friday, Oct. 18, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Camarillo Airport.

This event aims to introduce students to the world of aviation and aerospace and provide them with a glimpse of the exciting STEM-related careers available in this field.

Oct. 19 — CLU School of Management to preset Management Masterclasses: Refresh, Revitalize, Reconnect

Homecoming is the perfect time to reconnect with old friends and reignite your professional spark. The School of Management is proud to invite you to “Management Masterclasses: Refresh, Revitalize, Reconnect”. Split into three short sessions, join one or join them all to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in AI, Marketing, and Talent Management.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19th to expect a morning packed with engaging Management Masterclasses led by industry professionals.

This interactive format offers the chance to learn from the best, ask questions, and network with professors and fellow alumni. Don’t miss this Homecoming activity – register at the link above today and take your career to the next level!

Oct. 19 — Halloween Fun At Simi Valley YMCA’s Fall Festival & Trunk-Or-Treat

SIMI VALLEY — The Simi Valley Family YMCA is hosting its annual Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 19 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The Simi YMCA is at 3200 Cochran St.

The festival features over 20 fall and Halloween-themed decorated car trunks where YMCA childcare staff pass out candy. A pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, carnival games and crafts, inflatables, glitter tattoos and a petting zoo are also part of the fun. A haunted hallway is from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (kid-friendly version) and 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (spookier version). Visitors are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes.

Oct. 20 — 35th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration at SBMA and MCASB

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) presents a free family day in celebration of Día de los Muertos on Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 am – 4 pm, in the Museum’s Front Terrace, Family Resource Center, and galleries. For the 35th year, the Museum honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a variety of family festivities include altar displays, art activities, live music, and dance performances. For the second year, a Day of the Dead Calenda, or procession, will travel from SBMA to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB).Admission to the family event and to both museums is free.

Oct. 22 — Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department to host second e-bike safety workshop

“E-bike safety, reckless riding, and enforcement have become significant concerns in Ventura, and we are committed to addressing these issues head-on through education and enforcement,” said Chief Darin Schindler. “This workshop is an opportunity for residents to learn about safe and legal e-bike use and to engage directly with our officers. Our goal is to ensure the safety of all road users and foster a culture of responsible e-bike use in our community.”

Oct. 23 — Spooky Fun Awaits at The Collection: Join Us for a Family-Friendly Halloween Extravaganza!

OXNARD — Prepare for a bewitching experience at The Collection at RiverPark’s annual Trick-or-Treat event! On Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5-7 p.m., children of all ages are invited to join in the Halloween festivities, sponsored once again by Dignity Health Medical Group — Ventura County and Dignity Health Medical Network.

This year, The Collection will be more magical than ever as our merchants and storefronts transform into a haunted wonderland. With dazzling decorations and ghoulishly delightful costumes, our shopping center will offer a thrilling experience as trick-or-treaters make their way from store to store, collecting candy and enjoying the Halloween spirit. Bring your little monsters, witches, and superheroes to enjoy a night of trick-or-treating fun and spooky surprises!

Oct. 24 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents ‘An Evening with Lil Buck and Jon Boogz’ at Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Lil Buck and Jon Boogz on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. An award-winning performing artist and advocate for the arts, Charles “Lil Buck” Riley defies gravity with a repertoire that spans Memphis Jookin’, hip hop, ballet and contemporary dance, to name just a few.

Oct. 25 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Boyd Concert Hall hosing four concerts in September/October

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s Boyd Concert Hall will be filled with music over the coming weeks as the college hosts multiple concerts in September and October.  

All scheduled concerts will be open to the public and include talented students from the college’s music program. 

Oct. 26 — Tall Ship Mystic Whaler Celebrates Halloween and the Parade of Frights

OXNARD — The 110’ schooner Mystic Whaler will be celebrating Halloween and the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights event on Saturday, October 26.
The community is invited to bring their little ghosts, goblins, and witches to trick-or-treat at Mystic Whaler’s dock from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Then at 6:30 p.m., Mystic Whaler will begin boarding for the Viewing Party for the Parade of Frights. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at https://www.centralcoastoceanadventures.org/special-events. (All proceeds from ticket sales go towards Mystic Whaler’s educational programs for local youth). Guests will view the Parade of Frights from Mystic Whaler’s deck while they enjoy hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages. This is a non-sailing event.

Oct. 29 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Yung Pueblo in Conversation with Pico Iyer at Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Yung Pueblo in Conversation with Pico Iyer on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Yung Pueblo – pen name of Diego Perez – is an author and poet whose focus on self-knowledge and radical self-acceptance has made him a source of inspiration and wisdom to millions. He is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Lighter as well as the Inward Trilogy, a collection of three bestselling books of poetry including Inward, Clarity & Connection and the final installment, 2023’s The Way Forward.

Oct. 30 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Malian guitar sensation Habib Koité with Aly Keïta and Lamine Cissokho performing Mandé Sila at UCSB Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mandé Sila: Habib Koité, Aly Keïta and Lamine Cissokho on Wednesday, October 30 at 8 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Named the biggest pop star of the West African nation of Mali by Rolling Stone, Habib Koité’s sophisticated acoustic guitar technique brings the pentatonic tuning of the griot’s traditional kora to the slashing solos of classic rock. Koité’s soulful voice and magnetic personality have made him an international star of contemporary world music and inspired collaborations with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Eric Bibb. In this all-star ensemble, two other standard bearers of West African musical traditions join Koité: kora player Lamine Cissokho and balafon master Aly Keïta.

Oct. 30 — Santa Barbara City College hosts College Fair Night at Santa Barbara High School

SANTA BARBARA — On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) College Fair Night will connect local high school students with admission representatives from more than 70 postsecondary institutions, including in-state and out-of-state colleges as well as public and private universities. This is a great opportunity for students to engage in discussions about majors, course offerings, admission requirements, and college life while also receiving valuable information to guide their future educational paths.

Oct. 31 — Moorpark College Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony for New Athletics Facilities

MOORPARK — Moorpark College will celebrate the grand opening of its Beach Volleyball Stadium and Outdoor Training Facility on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 1 p.m. The ceremony will feature live demonstrations by student-athletes and distinguished speeches by Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College; Adam Black, women’s volleyball coach; and Jeff Kreil, Kinesiology faculty.

The first of its kind in Ventura County, the Beach Volleyball Stadium has eight NCAA-regulation courts complete with officiating stands, stadium lighting, and an outdoor shower. 

Oct. 31 — Bilingual report — ‘Frightmare Forest’ returned to Allan Hancock College

SANTA MARIA — After a successful campaign with the event last fall, the Allan Hancock College men’s basketball program is preparing once again to scare and delight the community with the return of the “Frightmare Forest” haunted maze.

The three-acre haunted maze is located at Hancock’s basketball and softball complex and is adjacent to the college’s vineyard at 800 South College Drive in Santa Maria.

Maze runners brave enough to enter the eerie labyrinth will navigate their way through an entanglement of tricks and spooky surprises. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the men’s basketball program.

Nov. 2 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County Hosts ‘Big Little Adventure’ at The Turtle and Tortoise Rescue

ARROYO GRANDE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County (BBBS SLO) is excited to announce a special event, the “Big Little Adventure,” taking place on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at The Turtle and Tortoise Rescue in Arroyo Grande at 11am. This unique outing invites “Bigs” (mentors) with their “Littles” (mentees) out for a day of adventure, learning, and connection in support of mentorship. School-based program participants are also invited to participate with their families. 

The event will offer an engaging experience where children can explore the fascinating world of turtles and tortoises, participate in fun educational activities, and enjoy the beauty of nature. With a dedicated team of volunteers and staff, participants will learn about the importance of wildlife conservation while building lasting relationships through mentorship. 

Nov. 2 — 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day – ‘Meet The Hands That Feed You,’ to be held countywide

VENTURA — More than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 3 — Studio Spotlight: InnoVision Workshop — Nicho-making with Elisa Torres

Explore the art of nicho-making with Elisa Torres, a featured artist in our InnoVision exhibition. In this workshop, you’ll create a nicho, a decorative shadow box rooted in Mexican/Latinx culture, often used to honor loved ones, particularly during Día de los Muertos.

Nov. 7 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s dance program hosts 2024 ‘Dimensions in Dance’ performances

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s dance program is inviting the community to its annual Dimensions in Dance performances on November 7-9 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) at the college’s Santa Maria campus.

The 2024 program will include a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, hip-hop, salsa and musical theatre, all inspired by the theme “Discovery.”

“The students were encouraged to interpret the theme in their own way, including drawing on their personal experiences and their journeys of self-discovery,” said Hancock Dance Program Professor Sydney Sorenson.

Nov. 7 — CLU to present ‘The Doctor in Spite of Himself’ Prescribes Laughter

THOUSAND OAKS —The French playwright Molière mocked bourgeois pretentiousness and the medical profession over 350 years ago in “The Doctor in Spite of Himself.” These timeless themes shine through in California Lutheran University’s Theatre and Dance Department student production. Premiering Nov. 7, the play runs through Nov. 17, with performances Thursday through Saturday evenings and a Sunday matinee. Performances are in the Black Box Studio Theatreon the Cal Lutheran campus.

Nov. 9-10 — ‘Art Comes Alive’ to be held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

Art Comes Alive is one of our most popular and fun annual events, transforming our galleries into an interactive experience where actors and volunteers portray characters both real and imagined right from our art collection, bringing the art quite literally to life. This event provides an engaging way for visitors of all ages to explore maritime history in a unique and exciting way not replicable through an ordinary tour. Be sure to bring the whole family for photo stations, games, prizes and so much more!

Update, Event postponed due to Mountain Fire. Nov. 9 through Dec. 13 — CSUCI’s All-Alumni Exhibition proves you can do plenty with an Art major

CAMARILLO — Fresh off the University’s first-ever Homecoming Week, CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI’s) Department of Art History will continue the celebration of school spirit with “Chasing Echoes: 21 Years of Creative Chaos,” the second-ever all-alumni art exhibition, which will be on display from Nov. 9 through Dec. 13 in the Napa Hall Art Gallery. A public reception will be held on Nov. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Featuring a variety of artwork and a diverse range of media, the exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, photography, animations, comics, installations, video and film production, and professional and commercial design-work. Community members, aspiring artists, and anyone with an interest in art are encouraged to attend.

Nov. 13 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents bestselling author and essayist Anne Lamott in a talk titled ‘Somehow: Thoughts on Love’ at the Arlington, Theatre

SANTA BARBARA – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Anne Lamott in a talk titled Somehow: Thoughts on Love on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. An enchanting, lyrical writer, Anne Lamott takes on the most complex, intimate parts of life with grace and precision. Her novels and memoirs have won the most sought-after literary prizes and her latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, explores the struggles of love and the transformative power of intimacy. Lamott’s trademark honesty and humor will be on full display as she discusses finding love late in life, the changing ways we love our children and the ways love can keep us going in a painful world.

Nov. 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Disney’s Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert at the Arlington Theater

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Disney’s Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Sing along with Disney’s Academy Award-winning film Encanto as the magical tale of the extraordinary Madrigal family unfolds on the big screen.

Nov. 16 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present free Holiday Market Showcasing Lynda Weinman and other Women Artisans of Santa Barbara

Kick off your holiday shopping with a curated shopping event featuring one-of-a-kind items with an emphasis on art, design and style by local creative women who have taken their art to the next level. Featured are 3D printed designs by Lynda Weinman, leather handbags from Barbara Flanagan, puzzles and notecards by the collage artist Athena Philippides, and edible delights from Marley Confections. 

Nov. 17 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art presents Parallel Stories: Breaking the Cycle/Rewriting the Story With Alex Espinoza and Narsiso Martinez

Artist Narsiso Martinez and writer Alex Espinoza share their intersecting stories of family, place, identity, escape, and witness. In equally powerful narrative drawings and narrated words, these two artists create connections in situations and generations where disconnections often speak louder than truth or tenderness.

Book signing to follow.

Parallel Stories is a literary and performing arts series that pairs art and artists with award-winning authors and performers of regional, national, and international acclaim. This series functions as a multidisciplinary lens through which to view the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions.

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. 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. 5 — LEAP to hold ribbon cutting ceremony for Lompoc’s Children’s Center

LOMPOC — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for Lompoc Children’s Center at 11:30 .m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at 500 E. North Ave, Lompoc.

Program

11:30am: Speeches and Ribbon Cutting. Speakers include LEAP’s Executive Director Lori Goodman, Trinity Church of the Nazarene’s Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira, and elected officials.

12:00pm: BBQ Lunch and Children’s Center Tours

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 — Museum of Ventura County announces upcoming Sip ‘n Shop and Small Business Saturday events

Sip ‘ n Shop

Everyone welcome to attend

Friday, December 6

5 – 7 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

Join us at the Museum to sip champagne and browse a curated collection of unique gifts. You’ll also have the chance to gift a Museum membership for 2025, sharing the experience all year long! MVC members receive a 10% discount.

Dec. 7 — 3rd Annual Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace to be held in Thousand Oaks

Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts from 60 vendors in a festive, family atmosphere. The Marketplace features traditional European foods and beverages including bratwurst, soft pretzels, Aebleskiver and other pastries, warm mulled wine, apple cider and hot cocoa.

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.