Courtesy photos.
VENTURA — Ventura Charter School’s 14th Annual EcoFest brought the campus to life on Sunday, April 27th, as more than 2,500 attendees came together for a vibrant, eco-conscious celebration of Earth Day.
The free community event, held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., brought together families, educators, local businesses, and sustainability advocates for a fun-filled day focused on protecting the planet and empowering the next generation of changemakers.
“We’re grateful to our incredible community for showing up and showing heart,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director, Ventura Charter School. “EcoFest is more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of how small actions, taken together, can shape a more sustainable future.” Guests of all ages enjoyed a rich array of experiences, including:
• Live performances by local musicians and dancers
• A bustling eco-marketplace of vendors showcasing sustainable products and services
• Hands-on activities for kids, including eco-crafts, scavenger hunts, and science exhibits
• A wide selection of local food trucks and refreshments
• The silent auction and raffle, culminating in a grand prize of $1,000 in Disney Cash
In keeping with the school’s environmental mission, attendees were encouraged to bike or use public transit. Dozens took advantage of the free bike valet service provided by Bike Ventura County & Ventura Bike Depot, and some attendees rode free through Gold Coast Transit District’s Youth Ride Free Program.
EcoFest 2025 was proudly sponsored by local organizations including Bamieh & De Smeth, Amigo Party Rentals, Wick’s Roofing and Solar, Bodhi Salt Yoga, and Bella Luna Gardens. Media sponsors included Edible Ojai & Ventura County and Cumulus Media. Proceeds from Ventura EcoFest will directly support Ventura Charter School. Students engage in project-based curriculum centered upon empowerment through critical thinking, empathy, research, and action to benefit the spaces they occupy throughout their lives with inclusion and equity. This curriculum encourages students to examine their environmental impact and take meaningful action—such as student-led sustainability initiatives like reducing disposable utensil use on campus.
Ventura Charter School – Starting as Open Classroom in the 1970’s, Ventura Charter School of Global Arts & Education launched in 2006 as a tuition-free public charter school within the Ventura County Office of Education. The school currently serves over 400 K- 8th grade students on its campus located within the larger DATA middle school property. Ventura Charter School is an expeditionary learning school in partnership with EL Education. It is guided by 10 founding principles and its mission to, “engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences to grow resilient, educated, and socially intelligent human beings.”