OXNARD — With the California Strawberry Festival about to take center stage on May 18-19, the summer season is also right around the corner and Oxnard is ready to welcome visitors with its many special events taking place throughout the city.
Strawberry fans will find all types of creative strawberry creations at the 36thAnnual California Strawberry Festival in addition to eating contests, strawberry relays, and strawberry tart tosses. The two-day event also features a vendor marketplace, live music on two outdoor stages, carnival, cooking demonstrations and kids’ rides and entertainment at their own Strawberryland. The Festival, held at Strawberry Meadows of College Park, runs from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day and general admission is $12, seniors 62+ are $8, and children 5-12 are $5. Kids 4 and under are free.
Here is a rundown of other fun festivals & concerts:
Inaugural Insect Festival – Downtown Oxnard Plaza Park
June 1 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The City of Oxnard joins in the celebration of Earth’s tiniest creatures – insects! Visitors can experience the world of these miniscule bugs through educational exhibits and enriching experiences. The event also features arts & crafts, a kid’s zone, music, food booths and even edible insects. Free admission.
Fireworks by the Sea & Festival – Channel Islands Harbor
July 4 – All-day Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Celebrate America’s independence with a full day of family fun and entertainment followed by a sensational, seaside fireworks show. Daytime events include children’s ride and games, an artist’s market, exhibits, and more. The fireworks display blasts off from the Naval Base in Port Hueneme at 9 p.m. with perfect viewing locations throughout the harbor. Free admission.
Oxnard Salsa Festival – Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
July 27-28 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Two full days of salsa dancing, salsa eating, salsa entertainment and family fun. Highlights include the Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge recipe contest, main stage entertainment with top salsa bands, vendor marketplace, salsa tasting tent, kids korner attractions and more. Free admission with a $5 entry fee to the concert venue area and $5 fee to the Salsa Tasting Tent.
Chowderfest – Channel Islands Maritime Museum – Channel Islands Harbor
August 4 – 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Chow(der) down as a bevy of restaurants compete for the best seafood chowder in Ventura County. Presented by the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Chowderfest also hosts local wineries and breweries for visitors to enjoy tastings paired with delicious locally made desserts.
Summer Concerts
Oxnard is tailor-made for summer concerts with its many unique venues, ocean breezes and waterfront seating:
Rock the Collection Summer Concerts – The Collection at RiverPark
Every other Thursday, starting June 27-August 22 – 6:30 p.m.
Visitors can sit back, relax and enjoy a free summer concert series at the Collection at RiverPark while reveling in the sounds of timeless classics with a line-up of family-friendly performances from top rock and roll cover bands. Free admission.
27thAnnual Summer Concerts at Heritage Square – Downtown Oxnard
Friday evenings, beginning June 21
Explore eclectic music genres during Heritage Square Summer Concert Series. Music lovers of all ages will find an assortment of live entertainment ranging from old school to classic rock to Latin jazz to rhythm and blues and more.
Concerts by the Sea Summer Concert Series – Peninsula Park
Saturdays, July 6-August 31 – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Breathe in the fresh air in Channel Islands Harbor while listening to an eclectic line-up of musical entertainment with one-of-a-kind views. A fun family, event for all ages. Free admission.
For more information on Oxnard’s summer festivals and concerts, visit www.visitoxnard.com.
About Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures through transient occupancy tax, and tourism revenue opportunities through the promotion of Oxnard as a premier travel destination. Oxnard is an easy drive up the coast from Los Angeles or from the northern portions of California. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Oxnard’s uncrowded beaches, explore the many diverse attractions and outdoor adventures that are unique to the area. A wide variety of hotel accommodations are available ranging from mid-priced rooms to oceanfront and seaside settings. For more information, call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 805-385-7545 or visit the website at www.visitoxnard.com.