With the ocean as a backdrop, how can artists not be inspired to create? Encourage a love of the arts within your child by bringing them to the Ventura Art and Chalk Festival 2024. Show them how art can be both fun and interactive right at the beach.What: Ventura Art and Chalk Festival 2024Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Dr)When: September 14th & 15th, from 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: FREEVentura Art and Chalk Festival 2024Come see the beautiful creations of more than 50 talented local artists at the Ventura Harbor Village. What makes this festival different from others? While paint, metal work, glass, and photographs line the sidewalks, this festival features artistic masterpieces created solely using chalk. And some of those masterpieces are created right before your very ey... 09/02/2024

Ventura Unified School District students went back to school last week. But the calendar still says "summer". And what do we do here in Ventura during the summer? We head to the beach. Thankfully, organizers of the Aloha Beach Festival 2024 think it's still to early to say good-bye to summer. That's why their festival takes place later this month.What: Aloha Beach Festival 2024Where: Surfers Point Promenade Park (Figueroa & Shoreline, Ventura)When: August 31st & September 1st from 10 am to 8 pm dailyAdmission: FREEContact: Call (805) 200-8674 or via emailAloha Beach Festival 2024Founder Chip Bell, aka "Chipper Bro", wanted to bring a bit of Hawaii to Southern California while giving back to the local community. This festival brings music, food, information, and a sense of community to V... 08/19/2024

Summertime means one thing. The Ventura County Fair 2024 is in town. That's right. The fair is happening now and ends this Sunday, August 11th. You only have a few more days to enjoy one of the biggest events of the year!What: Ventura County Fair 2024Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: Now through August 11thAdmission: $15.50 to $45.50 Contact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-3376Ventura County Fair 2024When I say "county fair", what comes to mind first? Food? Music? Rodeos? Live entertainment? The Ventura County Fair has this and so much more! Every day from 12 pm to 12 am, the fairgrounds welcome people from all over the Southern California area and beyond. Dozens of vendors sell their special fair-only merchandise each day. Enjoy magic shows, live dancers, ... 08/05/2024

Temperatures aren't the only things getting hot out here. Summertime fun heats up this time of year as well. Come enjoy some family fun with Ventura movies under the stars and a music festival for all ages in July.Ventura Movies Under the StarsVentura Harbor Village hosts a movie night under the stars one Saturday a month during the summer. This month's selection? "Barbie". The movie begins at sunset (around 8 pm). However, organizers strongly suggest showing up early. But no one just hangs around waiting for the movie to start. DJ Pepper starts the night off right with some hoppin' tunes at 6:15 pm. Then, the Barbie & Ken costume contest takes place. (Expect to see a sea of pink throughout the event space.) Visit one of the great eateries located at the Village for a delicious dinner t... 07/15/2024

It's a buyer's market in Ventura right now. Any home seller tips that may give you an edge sounds good for anyone thinking about putting their property on the market. Here are a few smaller things that may hinder your home sale. Plus, we included what you need to do to change them into positives.Home Seller Tips: Small Things That May Hinder Your SaleEliminate/Reduce ClutterWe talked about decluttering your Ventura home before placing it on the market before. However, we don't want you to limit that to just the areas you see right away (such as countertops, shelves, etc.). You also need to address your bedroom closets. Pare down your wardrobe to eight or nine days worth of clothes. Limit your shoe collection to just two or three pairs per person. Accessories also need to be extremely li... 06/17/2024

With Memorial Day firmly in our rearview mirror, we need to focus on the summer months ahead. Our Ventura County beaches usually fill up pretty quickly every day. And there is usually something happening each weekend here. For example, this weekend brings the Ventura Outrigger Challenge 2024 to our shores.What: Ventura Outrigger Challenge 2024Where: Harbor Cove Beach (872 E Front St #200, Ventura)When: Saturday, June 8th, 7:15 am to 1:00 pmAdmission: FREEVentura Outrigger Challenge 2024The Outrigger Challenge consists of six-man teams who race in these long canoes with stabilizing supports (known as "outriggers") on the open ocean. Various age groups compete against each other, including novice, junior, women, and men. Novices and juniors run the short course while men and women compete... 06/03/2024

May 20th is National Pick Strawberries Day. We learned a few interesting facts about the strawberry that we would love to share. For example, did you know that the strawberry is actually part of the rose family? (The Rosacaeae family to be precise.) A cup of strawberries contains more Vitamin C than a medium orange. California grows approximately 80% of all strawberries produced in the entire United States. So, it makes sense that the Ventura Strawberry Festival takes place later this month.What: Ventura Strawberry Festival 2024Where: Ventura Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: May 18th (10 am to 7:30 pm) & May 19th (10 am to 6:30 pm)Admission: $8 to $15 per person per dayContact: Strawberry Festival contact formVentura Strawberry Festival 2024This festival is one of the most popular fe... 05/06/2024

The very first Earth Day took place back in April of 1970. It has been officially recognized on April 22nd of every year since. What began as a simple way to bring awareness to our role in the health of our planet has grown into a nationwide campaign. Each year's festivities get bigger and bigger. Since April 22nd falls on a Monday this year, organizers of Ventura Earth Day 2024 decided to hold this year's event on the Saturday before.What: Ventura Earth Day Celebration 2024Where: Plaza Park on Thompson Blvd.When: Saturday, April 20th, 11 am to 4 pmAdmission: FREEVentura Earth Day Celebration 2024The City of Ventura partnered with the Merito Foundation to host this year's Earth Day event here in Ventura. The Multicultural Education for Resources Issues Threatening Oceans Foundation (aka... 04/15/2024

Can you believe that it's already April 1st? It feels like we just welcomed in the new year. But it's already spring (not that you could tell by all of the rain we had over the weekend). Thankfully, the weatherman predicts sunny days ahead. Good thing, too, because the VC Art Market is now in full effect.What: VC Art Market 2024Where: California & Main, Downtown VenturaWhen: From 11 am to 5 pm on the 2nd Saturday of the Month through DecemberAdmission: FREEVC Art Market 2024Since 2016, artists from all over the area gathered at the corner of California Street and Main Street in Downtown Ventura. The art market hosts more than 20 local artists and makers on the second Saturday of the month. Here, you'll find various artwork in a wide variety of mediums: paintings, ceramics, metalworks, l... 04/01/2024

Easter Sunday falls on March 31st this year. But the Easter Bunny himself promised to come to Plaza Park a week early. He wants to offer Ventura children a chance to practice for the official big day. How? By participating in the Ventura Easter Egg Hunt.What: Ventura Easter Egg Hunt 2024Where: Plaza Park, Downtown VenturaWhen: Saturday, March 23rd from 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: Free (pre-registration required)Ventura Easter Egg Hunt 2024Organizers divided the official hunt up into four different age groups. First up? Kids of all ages who happen to have a disability start things off with their hunt at 10 am. Next, kids ages 0 to two search for eggs at 10:45 am. After that, kids ages three to five get their crack at the hunt starting at 11:30 am. At 12:15 pm, kids ages six to eight get to r... 03/18/2024

Mermaids have tickled our imaginations for decades. From the Syrian Goddess Atargatis (the first official "mermaid" circa 1000 BC) to Arial in Disney's "The Little Mermaid", millions of people worldwide celebrate these magical creatures. You, too, can bring your inner mermaid out at throughout March when you participate in Ventura Mermaid Month 2024 at the Ventura Harbor Village.Ventura Mermaid Month 2024Meet a Real Live MermaidCome to the Village on from 12 pm to 3 pm on March 16th and 23rd to see a real mermaid live and in person. Make sure you bring your camera with you. These lovely ladies would love to take a picture with you.Dance, Dance, DanceYou might ask "how does a mermaid dance if she doesn't have any legs?" Well, the only way to find out is to come to the Mermaid dance party... 03/04/2024

With all of the rain we've had lately here in Southern California, it's hard to believe that spring is just around the corner. But it's never too early to start planning your next remodel or upgrade. Fortunately, the Ventura Home Improvement Expo 2024 wants to help you with all your remodeling plans in one convenient location.What: Ventura Home Improvement Expo 2024Where: Ventura County FairgroundsWhen: February 23rd to 25thAdmission: Free with couponContact: Paul Smith, On the Edge Promotions (714-931-3600) or via emailVentura Home Improvement Expo 2024For three whole days, hundreds of vendors fill the Ventura County Fairgrounds. They offer ideas, tips, and great deals for all budgets and personal styles. Whether you want to make a few updates to prepare your home to sell or simply fee... 02/19/2024

Was working on your fitness one of your New Year's resolutions? Have you ever had your eyes set on running in the Boston Marathon? A good way to get there is by signing up for the Ventura Marathon 2024.What: Ventura Marathon 2024Where: Ojai Valley to Surfer's Point in VenturaWhen: Sunday February 24th, 2024Contact: Ventura Marathon emailVentura Marathon 2024The Ventura Marathon acts as a Boston Marathon qualifier. To qualify for the ultra-competitive Boston Marathon in April, runners must be at least 18 years old and complete one marathon in the previous year within specific time frames. For ages 18-34, you must finish in 3 hours for men and 3 hours 30 minutes for women. Ages 35 to 39 get an additional five minutes from that time. For runners ages 40 to 44, add another five minutes to t... 02/05/2024

Lenders offer a variety of loans to choose from when purchasing a Ventura home. The three most common loans are conventional, VA, and FHA. For credit-challenged buyers, an FHA loan may be their most viable option.FHA Loan ExplainedGovernment Backed LoanThese loans are insured by the government. However, the government does not, in fact, actually issue any money for loans. What does that mean? Well with conventional loans, the lender assumes all of the risk. But with government-backed loans, the lender receives protection in case the buyer defaults on their loan. That is why their terms tend to favor those home buyers on the lower end of the credit spectrum.Lower Minimum Credit ScoreTypically, lower credit scores mean higher interest rates. An extremely low score may mean an outright rej... 01/15/2024

Happy New Year! We certainly hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. According to Forbes Health, the #1 New Year's resolution people set is to improve their fitness. If that falls at the top of your list, then you might want to join the Ventura Seaside Marathon 2024 later this month.What: Ventura Seaside Marathon 2024Where: Emma Wood Group Campground (800 W Main St., Ventura)When: Sunday, January 28th, 7 amAdmission: $55 to $120Contact: Seaside Marathon (805) 258-3779 or via emailVentura Seaside Marathon 2024Fortunately, organizers of this popular running event wanted as many people to join as possible. So, whether you consider yourself a beginner or a well-seasoned athlete, they offer something for everyone. For example, not quite feeling up to the full 26.2 miles? Try the 13.1 mile half m... 01/02/2024

Can you believe it? In just one week, we celebrate Christmas Day. Where has this year gone?! For many people, this means spending time with your loved ones. But not everyone is that fortunate. They have to fight to find a warm place to stay. Even in sunny Southern California, the winter nights become chilly. The Ventura Foul Weather Shelter helps those less fortunate individuals and families stay out of the cold. But they need your assistance to help these people with a warm place to stay.Ventura Foul Weather Shelter Needs Your HelpThe City of Ventura activates this emergency center when the temperature drops or the weather turns particularly nasty with excess rain and wind. Last year, it opened up over 25 times in just 45 days. Not only does the shelter provide a warm place to stay thr... 12/18/2023

When you think of Southern California architecture, what springs to mind first? Italian villas? Spanish revival? Craftsman? In the historic community of Hobson Heights, you primarily see Spanish and Italian influences. Most homes also feature an incredible ocean and/or city view. But this time of year proves extra special thanks to the Hobson Heights Christmas Lights.What: Hobson Heights Christmas Lights 2023Where: Hobson Heights neighborhood of VenturaWhen: December 9th, 10th, 16th & 23rdAdmission: FREEHobson Heights Christmas Lights 2023For the next few weekends, Hobson Heights becomes even more beautiful thanks to the special Christmas displays throughout the neighborhood. For example, from 2 pm to 4:30 pm on Saturday, December 9th, bring the kiddos and the fur babies to Jay Ross Den... 12/04/2023

Thanksgiving Day takes place in just over two weeks from today. We have so much to be thankful for in our own lives. A warm bed. A roof over our heads. Food in our bellies. A loving family. But some people struggle with these every single day. Please consider helping others in need this holiday season by joining the Ventura Can-Tree 2023 event.What: Ventura Can-Tree 2023Where: Figueroa Plaza, Downtown VenturaWhen: November 30th to December 2ndContact: Food Share of Ventura (805-983-7100 or via email)Ventura Can-Tree 2023While giving food to those less fortunate than ourselves is soul-filling enough, why not add a little bit of fun and a splash of healthy competition into the mix? That's what Can-Tree offers. Food Share of Ventura puts together this fun competition to bring in food donat... 11/07/2023

This year, Halloween night falls on a Tuesday. But you do not have to wait until then to enjoy the holiday. In fact, several places around Ventura offer up some Halloween fun the weekend before. Try one of these family-friendly events for a scary good time.Halloween Fun in Ventura 2023Witches PaddleFirst up for the weekend? The Witches Paddle. Calling all witches and warlocks. Dress up in your witchy best, grab your board or kayak and head to the Ventura Harbor. Everyone gathers for a fun group photo at 3:30 pm on Friday, October 27th, at the Coastal Cone. Then, starting at 4 pm, paddle out around the harbor. If you want to join in but don't own a board or a kayak, Ventura Boat Rentals offers some for rent. Launch from either the Harbor Cove Beach, the public launch ramp in Ventura Harb... 10/16/2023

Most people know about Scotch whiskey and haggis. But did you know that eggnog originated from the Scottish Auld Man's Milk? And butterscotch candy made its way to our shores courtesy of Scottish immigrants. Even Southern Fried Chicken owes its beginnings to both the Scots and West African people settling in the south. In Scotland, one way to celebrate the culture is through sport. Stateside, we celebrate with them through the Seaside Highland Games & Scottish Festival 2023 right here in Ventura.What: Seaside Highland Games & Scottish Festival 2023Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: 9 am to 5 pm on October 14th & 15thAdmission: $5 to $40Seaside Highland Games & Scottish Festival 2023The festivities begin at 9 am on Saturday, October 14th, with a grand parade at hig... 10/02/2023