Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — There is a “fin-tastic” tale to be told this Spring at Ventura Harbor Village, a seaside attraction, where visitors across all oceans come together to “shell-abrate” good times at the 9th Annual March is Mermaid Month. Lovers of the sea and landlubbers alike are invited to celebrate mystical sirens of the sea with free ocean-inspired festivities for the entire family all month long, as well as on select dates on Saturdays, March 16 and 23, 2024 from noon – 3 PM. Complimentary parking is available.
Whether you’re a seasoned sea enthusiast or just dipping your toes into mermaid lore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with the return of this month-long event. Here’s a glistening lineup of what’s on tap:
Delve Into A Myriad of Activities: Experience sea-themed, family-friendly activities such as mermaid craft stations, interactive booths, chalk art displays, a Mermaid Dance Party (March 16 only), live entertainment, a free kids mermaid coloring activity table at Mermaid Gallery (March 16, 23, 2024), and more! Vendors will also showcase their talents with face painting, glitter tattoos, hair braiding, tropical bird photo ops, sea-themed mermaid/man retail merchandise, and original artwork. Don’t forget to dress in your finest mermaid attire!
Uncover Hidden Treasures: Charter a course for adventure and engage in a MUST SEA kids scavenger hunt presented throughout the month. Families can pick up their scavenger hunt sheets at
the Mermaid Gallery and return their completed sheets for a chance to win seashells and other special prizes.
Witness Salty Air & Mermaid Hair: Partake in enchanting encounters with two live Mermaid “Meet & Greets at Ventura Harbor Village (March 16 and 23, 2024) and other Mermaid “Meet & Greets” (March 16 and 23, 2024) at the Mermaid Gallery, home to original mermaid art and a treasure trove of mermaid merchandise. For those mermaids and mermen that say, “Mermaids Have More Fun,” during March at the Mermaid Gallery, they will receive a free mermaid tote bag (while supplies last). Both Mermaid “Meet & Greets” will be held from noon – 3 PM (weather permitting.)
Revel in A Seafaring Adventure: Step into a realm of wonder on Saturday, March 23 from noon – 3 PM and experience the NEW Bubble Dome – a magical inflatable sphere, filled with color and movement. As families cross the threshold, they are greeted by a gentle rush of air, carrying with it a myriad of brightly colored balloons that dance and twirl around – mimicking a bubbly underwater adventure.
Discover Tails of The Sea: Dive into the depths of the sea and learn about ocean preservation with the Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter, offering tips and information on keeping our oceans clean. Kids can unleash their inner mermaid creativity at the complimentary community craft stations presented by Lakeshore Learning Center and Las Posas Children’s Center (LPCC) Inc.
Witness Chalk Art Of The Underworld: Marvel at the mesmerizing mermaid talent of artist Lysa Ashley as she creates captivating mermaid chalk art.
Sway Your Fins To Live Music: Dance the day away and spin your tail to live music that includes tropical tunes of Anacapa Ukulele and steel drums performers, who will serenade visitors along the Seaside Promenade. Visit Ventura Harbor Village calendar of events for a March line-up of dates and times: https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Jump Aboard a Pirate Ship Fun: Lil’ mermaids and mermen of all ages discover a swashbuckling adventure of endless fun aboard a pirate ship. Kids of all ages can go search for pirates, as well as mermaids and mermen of the sea, before sliding down to climb up again (March 16 only).
Shell-A Brate A Selfie Seaside: Get up and personal with a “shell-fie,” and capture memories with friends and family at Ventura Harbor’s seaside selfie stations, showcasing large mermaid shells and a 20-foot-long sign that reads “I (Love) the SEA” all of March.
Embrace Alluring Sea Life: “Sea” life our way and venture into the depths of the ocean to see creatures great and small aboard an Island Packers whale watching or wild life cruise. When back on land, visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, before heading out to sea for some aquatic exploration on kayaks, SUP paddle boards, or colorful character pedal boats rented from Ventura Boat Rentals.
Go On A Shopping Spree: Find seaside treasures from a dazzling array of 100+ mermaid-themed items, including artwork, soaps, jewelry, pottery, nautical finds, coastal décor, ocean-inspired apparel, and mermaid-themed accessories from a variety of Ventura Harbor Village’s one-of-a-kind boutiques, including Lost In Socks, Mermaid Gallery, Lemon & Lei, Treasure Cove, and Ventura Swimwear, to name only a few.
Enjoy Seafood Eats & Sweet Treats: “Seas” the day and indulge in “tide-to-table” freshly caught seafood dishes, salmon, halibut, lobster, oysters , Fish N’ Chips, fish tacos, clam chowder, wines at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, delicious mermaid cocktails at Boatyard Pub, and delectable mermaid sweets from Ventura Harbor Village’s Coastal Cone and Top This Chocolate.
Dive Like The Mermaids: Learn the fundamentals of scuba diving at Ventura Dive & Sport, where families receive on-site dive training lessons, featuring classes and a heated swimming pool.
Once certified by a staff of fully trained instructors, diver enthusiasts can jump aboard The Raptor for dives to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Channel Islands. The retail shop also sells and rents a wide selection of the latest in name brand dive equipment and dive essentials.
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Nestled along the scenic California Central Coast, Ventura Harbor offers breathtaking views and a vibrant maritime atmosphere. Home to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, Ventura Harbor is the perfect waterfront destination.
For more information, contact Ventura Harbor Village at 805-477-0470 or visit VenturaHarborVillage.com. Join the conversation on social media with #VenturaHarbor.
Don’t miss out on the fun and whimsical happenings during “March Is Mermaid Month” at Ventura Harbor Village. Let the magic of the sea enchant you!