Cultural Services & Special Events
Overview
The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division produces several special events annually. Enjoy all eight blocks of crafters, artisans, food and entertainment at the Fourth of July Street Fair. Or, if you like art, stroll through downtown businesses and galleries during the Spring or Fall ArtWalk.
Ventura Kids Swap Meet
Saturday, May 8, 2010 | 9am - 12pm
Barranca Vista Park
7050 Ralston Street, Ventura
Download the Early Bird Application for the 5th Annual Ventura Kids Swap Meet
Kids--Clean out your garage and closets of old toys, bikes, games, stuffed animals, books, clothes, and more to swap, sell or fundraise!
Cowboys & Heroes Rancho Jamboree
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Olivas Adobe
4200 Olivas Park Drive
"Cowboys & Heroes” are back offering up California’s best annual family celebration of Western heritage with gunfighters, performances and workshops in rancho, cowboy and Chumash cultures at the Olivas Adobe’s Rancho San Miguel starting at 10 am.
California’s only remaining Monterey Style adobe from the Gold Rush era built by a Mexican family – newly retrofitted – comes alive with a Rancho Courtyard of period entertainment, interpreters as historic figures, a Chumash Village and “Cowboy College” for kids.
Come for educational fun; stay to decorate and celebrate at the new Fiesta Finale (4-6 pm) with food, Mariachis, folkloric & Western dancing!
Tickets: 658.4726 or www.cityofventura.net/eRecreation
For information, special needs or to share an Old West talent or business: 658.4728 or greyes@cityofventura.net
Downtown ArtWalks
Twice per year – Spring and Fall – galleries, businesses and sidewalks come to life with art exhibits that highlight Ventura's unique visual and performing arts community. With over 60 participating sites and 150 or more artists at each event, the ArtWalk attracts up to 30,000 annually. Activities abound for children and adults, including art and architectural tours, children's murals, educational talks and an opportunity to meet local artists. Live music and performances at various locations in the Downtown Cultural District will have you dancing down the sidewalk while you are looking at art. For information call (805) 658-4760.
- View More information at: www.venturaartwalk.org
Street Fair
The popular Downtown Ventura Street Fair on July 4th attracts 30,000 to 50,000 people. The Street Fair encompasses nine blocks of Main Street and several side streets and are filled with approximately 250 artisans, food booths, nonprofit organization displays and three stages of continuous live entertainment. For information call (805) 654-7749.
- View More information on Street Festivals
Olivas Adobe Music Under the Stars
A twilight music series presented in the historic Olivas Adobe Courtyard every Saturday from July thu mid September, which showcases top recording artists performing a worldwide range of music. Top quality musicians, a dance floor and hot catered meals have made the “Music Under the Stars” concert series a popular summer destination. This has become a cultural summer highlight.
For information call (805) 658-4726.
- Go to Olivias Adobe Website
Discover Ventura Tours
Join expert guides on bus or walking tours of city history, architecture, gardens and mystery--perfect weekend daytripper activities for residents and tourists, at Ventura's historic sites, including the downtown, Olivas and Albinger Adobes, and more.
- Read More about Discover Ventura Tours
Mayor's Arts Awards
In 2005 the Cultural Affairs Division of the City of Ventura, on behalf of former Mayor Brian Brennan, established the Mayor’s Arts Awards to recognize the contributions to the cultural community by City residents, artists, educators, organizations and business leaders.
- Read More
- Download the Mayor's Arts Awards Nomination form (pdf)