Just in time for the 4th of July, here is a small sample of events happening in Ventura County in the month of July. There is so much going on this month that it was hard to pick what to include in this month’s lineup. Hopefully we have picked a nice variety that will have something that appeals to everyone. Whether you are staying in town this weekend or traveling to spend time with family, we want to wish everybody a happy and safe holiday weekend.
Everybody Dance Day! Vamos Todos A Bailar
On Saturday, July 3rd from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, the West Park Community Center will be hosting a free dance event for Ventura County. There will be dance instructors to provide lessons in such styles as Rock, Latin, Hip Hop, and Freestyle. The event is being organized by Library Dances/State Street Ballet and will include a 5:00 PM show by the State Street Dancers showing off their short innovative works. Once again, this event is free and will be held at 450 W Harrison Avenue in Ventura.
FAIRY TALES IN THE PARK
Every May through September, Gypsies in a Trunk performs free fairy tales at various locations throughout Ventura County. Their goal is to bring free entertainment to children and their families and hopefully to help grow love and appreciation for live theater. Performances are always held outdoors and there may not always be shade available, so attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly. Shows run approximately 45 minutes longs and pets are requested to be left at home. This weekend will feature the group performing “Little Red Riding Hood” at the following locations:
Westlake Village: Foxfield Park at 11:30 AM on July 2nd
Simi Valley: Rancho Simi Community Park Amphitheatre at 4:00 PM on July 2nd
Channel Islands Harbor: Harbor View Park at 2:00 pm on July 3rd
Camarillo: Valle Lindo Park at 11:30 AM on July 9th
Ventura: Barranca Vista Park at 11:30 AM on July 9th
Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair
Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair will be held on July 4th from 10 am to 5 pm in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District. The theme of this year’s street fair will be “Celebrating Ventura’s 150 Years.” There will be a showcase of arts and crafts by over 300 artists as well as food booths from local sponsors and several stages of live entertainment. The street fair will also have a kid’s zone with an inflatable jump zone and a “pushem-pullem” parade for both adults and children. Admission to the street fair will be completely free. Below is the lineup of entertainment that will be playing at the fair.
FIR STREET STAGE
10:30 – 11:30 Got Rhythm Dance & Performing Arts Center
12:00 – 12:30 Barranca Vista Dancers
12:30 – 1:00 Channel Aire Chorus
1:30 – 3:00 Rhythm 805
3:30 – 4:30 Tom & Milo Folk n Blues Duo
CALIFORNIA STREET STAGE
11:00 – 1:00 Raised On Vinyl
2:30 – 4:30 Bar B And The Ranch Hands
PALM STREET STAGE
10:30 – 12:30 Unusual Suspects
2:00 – 4:00 Caliente
OAK STREET STAGE
11:00 – 3:00 Iron Mountain Boys
Music Under the Stars
July marks the start of Ventura’s Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe. Every Saturday night from July 9th – September 2nd will feature great party bands, a dance floor, gourmet food trucks and full beverage service. With limited seating, tickets can sell out early, so make sure to make reservations and buy your tickets as soon as possible. The concerts run from approximately 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Below are a list of performers for the month of July.
July 9 – Mirage – Visions of Fleetwood Mac
July 16 – Wayward Sons – 80s Arena Rock
July 23 – Porterhouse Bob – New Orleans Boogie & Blues
July 30 – Queen Nation – Queen tribute rock band.
Obon Festival
The Oxnard Buddhist Temple will be holding their Obon Festival on Saturday, July 9th from 1:00 – 9:00 PM. Obon is an annual event for Buddhists that celebrates remembrance of one’s ancestors. Buddhists believe that the spirits of their ancestors return during Obon to visit their relatives. The Obon Festival will feature food, demonstrations, and exhibits. Admission to the event is free, so make sure to bring the family to check out this unique event.
Surf Rodeo
The Surf Rodeo Music & Surf festival is coming to Ventura on July 16th and 17th. The mission of the Surf Rodeo is to create a relaxed atmosphere for surf competitions, where fun always comes first. Upholding a nine year tradition, the surf rodeo will feature 25 bands, a surf competition, a rodeo, street fair, food trucks, a beer garden, and a bikini cowgirl roundup. Tickets are $35 for a weekend pass or $25 for a single day tickets. Children 10 and under can attend the event for free.
Tacos and Tequila
The 4th annual Tacos and Tequila Music Festival will take place in downtown Ventura on July 23rd and 24th. July 23rd is the Tequila day and will feature tequila and mezcal samples, along with margaritas, craft beer, and gourmet street tacos. Sunday is margarita day and will feature all of the activities from Saturday EXCEPT that there will be no tequila sampling. Both days will run from 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM and will feature live music including Adelaide, Instone, SambaDa, Metalachi Band, and Patron Latin Rhythms. Click here to find out more about the various ticket packages for the event.
Chowderfest 2016
On July 30th from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum will be holding their 2nd annual Chowderfest. Selected local restaurants will be providing their samples for the guests to vote on and choose “Ventura County’s Best Chowder.” Besides chowder tasting, there will also be beer and wine tastings provided by local wineries and Firestone Walker Brewery. Live music will be performed by local Blues bands and will include an appearance by Kelly’s Lot. Tickets go for $25 pre-sale and $30 on the day of the event. Your ticket includes free samples of chowder, side dishes, dessert and wine tasting. Proceeds from this event will help benefit the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.
Understanding the Ventura County Supplemental Tax Bill