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Cultural Services & Special Events

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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.

 

 

 

 

THREE free events, ONE big day!

Saturday, May 8, 2010 | 9:30am - 3pm
Barranca Vista Park
7050 Ralston Street, Ventura

Come to Barranca Vista Park on Saturday, May 8th for THREE free events! 

  1. 7th annual Family Festival in the Park
  2. Kids Swap Meet
  3. Fairytales in the Park season opener

There will be train rides, Mad Science, hands on art and community booths, entertainment, and fun for all!
contact Kathryn Dippong Lawson at 805-644-6542

Sponsored by: the City of Ventura Community Services Department, Buena Lanes, and Main Street Dental Group

Ventura Kids Swap Meet

Saturday, May 8, 2010 | 9am - 12pm
Barranca Vista Park
7050 Ralston Street, Ventura

Download the 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.