OXNARD — Making its post-COVID debut is OPAC’s annual arts festival scheduled for Sunday, October 1 from 11 am to 6 pm at picturesque Heritage Square, but with a twist. Once known as “PACC the Arts Festival,” the event has been rebranded as “CHELITA: Arts, Music, and Miches Festival” and will continue to showcase local culture and creativity.
“COVID provided arts organizations an opportunity to reevaluate what we do and how we can best serve our community. PACC the Arts no longer felt on-brand for us, but CHELITA certainly does,” reflects OPAC’s Executive Director Carolyn Merino Mullin. “The concept: If Coachella and a Michelada Festival had a baby in Oxnard, it’d be CHELITA.”
CHELITA is set to transform Heritage Square into a dynamic hub of creativity, fostering an environment where art, music, and gastronomy collide to create an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
Highlights of the Chelita Festival include:
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Visual Arts Showcase: Wander through an open-air gallery featuring the works of local artisans, painters, and sculptors.
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Performing Arts: Two stages of live entertainment will present an eclectic lineup of musical and performing arts.
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Immersive Experiences: OPAC will commission a handful of local artists to create one-of-a-kind installations and interactive exhibits
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Micheladas: Attendees can elevate their festival experience by partaking in the VIP Michelada Contest, which involves taste-testing a variety of local miche mixes from local establishments and relaxing in the VIP Lounge. Guests select their favorite and receive a full-size drink, which also constitutes a vote in the contest. At the end of the day, OPAC will award the winner of the contest.
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Family-Friendly Activities: The Chelita Festival is designed for families, providing a dedicated area with interactive activities, games, and workshops to engage children and parents alike.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Chelita Festival to the community,” said Christian Ramirez, Festival Director. “This event is not only a celebration of our cultural heritage but also an opportunity to highlight the immense talent and creativity that our city possesses.”
For more information about the Chelita: Arts, Music, and Miches Festival, including sponsorship opportunities and vendor inquiries, please visit: theopac.org/chelita.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the City of Oxnard’s Festival Comeback Grant and the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association.
Sunday, October 1, 2023 – CHELITA: Arts, Music and Miches Festival
$15-$40 | 11 am to 6 pm | Heritage Square, 715 S A St, Oxnard, CA 93030
Tickets available through Eventbrite
More information can be found at
theopac.org/chelita