January
Oxnard’s Restaurant Week
Various locations
Experience a culinary adventure with special menus and restaurant discounts throughout the city. For more information, visit www.visitoxnard.com or contact the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 805-385-7545.
Whale Watching
Channel Islands Harbor
The coast of Oxnard is a whale watcher’s paradise with more than 100 species of sea life that migrate throughout the coastline. Channel Islands Sportfishing offers tours from December through April. For more information, visit www.channelislandssportfishing.com or contact 805-382-1612.
February
The Tall Ships
Channel Islands Harbor
Every year, the Channel Islands Harbor welcomes the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington. Climb aboard the authentic replicas and catch a glimpse of what life was like for sailors during the 1700s and 1800s. Dockside tours and adventure sails are offered to the public. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-973-5950.
March
Celebration of the Whales Festival
Channel Islands Harbor
Channel Islands Harbor celebrates the migration of the whale with entertainment, educational exhibits, whale watching excursions, arts and crafts, and more. For more information, visit www. channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-973-5950.
April
Earth Day
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Oxnard. Activities include live music, community displays, children’s activities, food and fun. For more information, visit www.oxnard.org or contact 805-385-7995.
May
California Strawberry Festival
College Park
Ranking among the top festivals in the entire nation, the fruitful fete boasts strawberries every way imaginable, featuring all day fun for the entire family with concerts, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, fun for kids featuring rides and attractions. For more information, visit www.castrawberryfestival.org or contact 888-288-9242.
June
Heritage Square Summer Concert Series
Heritage Square
Starting in June, pack a picnic, put on your dancing shoes and head downtown for 10 Fridays of great music at the city’s most popular summer concert series. Each week offers a different sound sensation. For more information, visit www.heritagesquareoxnard.com or contact 805-483-7960.
Father’s Day Car Show
Channel Islands Harbor
Dads can celebrate their special day by enjoying an eclectic mix of custom cars, hot rods and classics, all on display in the Channel Islands Harbor. The waterfront venue will also offer vendor booths, musical entertainment, 50/50 prize raffle and delicious food. For more information, visit www. channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-985-4852.
July
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks by the Sea
Channel Islands Harbor
The 4th of July Celebration at Channel Islands Harbor offers a full day of activities, entertainment and good food. Come and enjoy exhibits, an artist’s market, children’s rides and games, and finish the day with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor. org or contact 805-985-4852.
Annual Channel Islands Harbor Fine Arts and Craft Show
Channel Islands Harbor
A fine arts and crafts show produced by West Coast Artists, offering oil paintings, watercolors, photography, sculpture, pottery, woodcrafts, blown glass, metal, unique gift items and more. Free event. For more information, visit www. channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-985-4852.
Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
Spicy food, hot music and Oxnard’s cool ocean breezes are on the menu for Salsa Festival in Oxnard. Plaza Park is the place for a two-day celebration of everything salsa – the food, the music, and the dance. You can taste it, you can dance it, and you can even take it home! Free admission and parking... it’s Southern California’s HOTTEST Summer Event! For more information, visit www. oxnardsalsafestival.com or contact 805-247-0197.
August
Dallas Cowboys Training Camp
River Ridge Playing Fields
Join us for the Dallas Cowboys practice, which usually take place in late July and August. Admission is free. Other fun activities include a kids’ zone and live performances by team mascot Rowdy! For more information, visit www.visitoxnard.com/cowboys.
Ventura County Fair
Ventura County Fairgrounds
From carnival rides to corn dogs…there’s something for everyone! There is so much to do at the Fair you won’t know where to start. Listen to live music, win a contest, go on rides, eats lots of delicious food and so much more down-home county fair fun. For more information, visit www.venturacountyfair.org or contact 805-648-3376.
Concerts by the Sea
Channel Islands Harbor
Set against a summer sky with the sparkling water as a backdrop, visitors can enjoy a multitude of musical selections with the “Concerts by the Sea” Summer Concert Series. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy this fun family event. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-985-4852.
September
Oxnard Jazz Festival
Oxnard Beach Park
Oxnard Jazz Festival is a cultural music celebration offering a diverse mix of Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues and R&B. For more information, visit www.oxnardjazzfestival.com.
Ventura Vintage Rods Harbor Run
Channel Islands Harbor
Gear heads, grease monkeys and wrench turners from throughout Southern California gather for a car show featuring more than 300 classic cars and hotrods. For more information, visit www.venturavintagerods.org or contact 805-479-1102.
October
Multicultural Festival
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
The festival offers a variety of performing groups, live music, food vendors, exhibitors, demonstrations, and hands on activities for the entire family. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.oxnard.org or contact 805-385-7995.
November
Galaxy of Gems Show
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Activities include demonstrations of lapidary techniques, glass-bead making, wire wrapping and rock polishing. A silent auction offers rock and mineral treasures. A select group of dealers will display gems, minerals, fossils, stone beads, Idaho opals, silver craft, finished jewelry, tools, lapidary supplies, books about earth science and more. For more information, visit www.oxnardgem.com.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Collection at RiverPark
Kick off the holiday season at The Collection’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration. This free event includes live entertainment and fireworks.
December
Downtown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
Join community leaders, downtown merchants, and friends in a festive tradition going back six decades to light up the county’s tallest Christmas tree – 110 feet high! Entertainment, complimentary refreshments and Santa’s arrival ring in the season. For more information, visit www.downtownoxnard.org or call 805-247-0197.
Victorian House Christmas Tour
Heritage Square
Take a tour of the historic houses in Heritage Square decorated for the holidays! Docents, dressed in period clothing, guide visitors through the 1800’s-style Victorian houses that are filled with history and storybook tales. For more information, visit www.visitoxnard.com or contact 805-483-7960.
Oxnard Tamale Festival
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
All day event features arts and crafts, community exhibits, pictures with Santa Claus, kids’ corner and, of course, mouth-watering tamales! For more information, visit www.oxnardtamalefest.com or call 805-766-4906.
Santa to the Sea Half Marathon
Course starts at Historic Santa Claus off the 101 Freeway
This half-marathon is great for veteran runners and first-timers, and has become a seasonal favorite. The course goes through strawberry fields, downtown Oxnard, historic Candy Cane Lane and, finally, along the beach. At the end is a festival with health and fitness exhibitors, holiday merchandise and a kids’ zone. For more information, visit www.santatothesea.com.
Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights
Channel Islands Harbor
This time-honored holiday tradition is a full day and evening of family fun, boats decked out in thousands of sparkling lights and Santa and his reindeer flying across the sky to mark the beginning of the parade. Children’s activities and artists market take place at Marine Emporium Landing beginning at noon; the parade begins at 7:00 p.m. and can be viewed throughout the harbor. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-973-5950.
Oxnard’s Restaurant Week
Various locations
Experience a culinary adventure with special menus and restaurant discounts throughout the city. For more information, visit www.visitoxnard.com or contact the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 805-385-7545.
Whale Watching
Channel Islands Harbor
The coast of Oxnard is a whale watcher’s paradise with more than 100 species of sea life that migrate throughout the coastline. Channel Islands Sportfishing offers tours from December through April. For more information, visit www.channelislandssportfishing.com or contact 805-382-1612.
February
The Tall Ships
Channel Islands Harbor
Every year, the Channel Islands Harbor welcomes the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington. Climb aboard the authentic replicas and catch a glimpse of what life was like for sailors during the 1700s and 1800s. Dockside tours and adventure sails are offered to the public. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-973-5950.
March
Celebration of the Whales Festival
Channel Islands Harbor
Channel Islands Harbor celebrates the migration of the whale with entertainment, educational exhibits, whale watching excursions, arts and crafts, and more. For more information, visit www. channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-973-5950.
April
Earth Day
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Oxnard. Activities include live music, community displays, children’s activities, food and fun. For more information, visit www.oxnard.org or contact 805-385-7995.
May
California Strawberry Festival
College Park
Ranking among the top festivals in the entire nation, the fruitful fete boasts strawberries every way imaginable, featuring all day fun for the entire family with concerts, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, fun for kids featuring rides and attractions. For more information, visit www.castrawberryfestival.org or contact 888-288-9242.
June
Heritage Square Summer Concert Series
Heritage Square
Starting in June, pack a picnic, put on your dancing shoes and head downtown for 10 Fridays of great music at the city’s most popular summer concert series. Each week offers a different sound sensation. For more information, visit www.heritagesquareoxnard.com or contact 805-483-7960.
Father’s Day Car Show
Channel Islands Harbor
Dads can celebrate their special day by enjoying an eclectic mix of custom cars, hot rods and classics, all on display in the Channel Islands Harbor. The waterfront venue will also offer vendor booths, musical entertainment, 50/50 prize raffle and delicious food. For more information, visit www. channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-985-4852.
July
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks by the Sea
Channel Islands Harbor
The 4th of July Celebration at Channel Islands Harbor offers a full day of activities, entertainment and good food. Come and enjoy exhibits, an artist’s market, children’s rides and games, and finish the day with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor. org or contact 805-985-4852.
Annual Channel Islands Harbor Fine Arts and Craft Show
Channel Islands Harbor
A fine arts and crafts show produced by West Coast Artists, offering oil paintings, watercolors, photography, sculpture, pottery, woodcrafts, blown glass, metal, unique gift items and more. Free event. For more information, visit www. channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-985-4852.
Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
Spicy food, hot music and Oxnard’s cool ocean breezes are on the menu for Salsa Festival in Oxnard. Plaza Park is the place for a two-day celebration of everything salsa – the food, the music, and the dance. You can taste it, you can dance it, and you can even take it home! Free admission and parking... it’s Southern California’s HOTTEST Summer Event! For more information, visit www. oxnardsalsafestival.com or contact 805-247-0197.
August
Dallas Cowboys Training Camp
River Ridge Playing Fields
Join us for the Dallas Cowboys practice, which usually take place in late July and August. Admission is free. Other fun activities include a kids’ zone and live performances by team mascot Rowdy! For more information, visit www.visitoxnard.com/cowboys.
Ventura County Fair
Ventura County Fairgrounds
From carnival rides to corn dogs…there’s something for everyone! There is so much to do at the Fair you won’t know where to start. Listen to live music, win a contest, go on rides, eats lots of delicious food and so much more down-home county fair fun. For more information, visit www.venturacountyfair.org or contact 805-648-3376.
Concerts by the Sea
Channel Islands Harbor
Set against a summer sky with the sparkling water as a backdrop, visitors can enjoy a multitude of musical selections with the “Concerts by the Sea” Summer Concert Series. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy this fun family event. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-985-4852.
September
Oxnard Jazz Festival
Oxnard Beach Park
Oxnard Jazz Festival is a cultural music celebration offering a diverse mix of Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues and R&B. For more information, visit www.oxnardjazzfestival.com.
Ventura Vintage Rods Harbor Run
Channel Islands Harbor
Gear heads, grease monkeys and wrench turners from throughout Southern California gather for a car show featuring more than 300 classic cars and hotrods. For more information, visit www.venturavintagerods.org or contact 805-479-1102.
October
Multicultural Festival
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
The festival offers a variety of performing groups, live music, food vendors, exhibitors, demonstrations, and hands on activities for the entire family. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.oxnard.org or contact 805-385-7995.
November
Galaxy of Gems Show
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Activities include demonstrations of lapidary techniques, glass-bead making, wire wrapping and rock polishing. A silent auction offers rock and mineral treasures. A select group of dealers will display gems, minerals, fossils, stone beads, Idaho opals, silver craft, finished jewelry, tools, lapidary supplies, books about earth science and more. For more information, visit www.oxnardgem.com.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Collection at RiverPark
Kick off the holiday season at The Collection’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration. This free event includes live entertainment and fireworks.
December
Downtown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
Join community leaders, downtown merchants, and friends in a festive tradition going back six decades to light up the county’s tallest Christmas tree – 110 feet high! Entertainment, complimentary refreshments and Santa’s arrival ring in the season. For more information, visit www.downtownoxnard.org or call 805-247-0197.
Victorian House Christmas Tour
Heritage Square
Take a tour of the historic houses in Heritage Square decorated for the holidays! Docents, dressed in period clothing, guide visitors through the 1800’s-style Victorian houses that are filled with history and storybook tales. For more information, visit www.visitoxnard.com or contact 805-483-7960.
Oxnard Tamale Festival
Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
All day event features arts and crafts, community exhibits, pictures with Santa Claus, kids’ corner and, of course, mouth-watering tamales! For more information, visit www.oxnardtamalefest.com or call 805-766-4906.
Santa to the Sea Half Marathon
Course starts at Historic Santa Claus off the 101 Freeway
This half-marathon is great for veteran runners and first-timers, and has become a seasonal favorite. The course goes through strawberry fields, downtown Oxnard, historic Candy Cane Lane and, finally, along the beach. At the end is a festival with health and fitness exhibitors, holiday merchandise and a kids’ zone. For more information, visit www.santatothesea.com.
Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights
Channel Islands Harbor
This time-honored holiday tradition is a full day and evening of family fun, boats decked out in thousands of sparkling lights and Santa and his reindeer flying across the sky to mark the beginning of the parade. Children’s activities and artists market take place at Marine Emporium Landing beginning at noon; the parade begins at 7:00 p.m. and can be viewed throughout the harbor. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or contact 805-973-5950.