We all know that Northern California's Napa Valley offers some of the country's best award-winning wine. But did you know that great wine is grown right here in Ventura County as well? Come celebrate the best that California's Central Coast has to offer at the 2018 Ojai Wine Festival.What: 2018 Ojai Wine Festival Where: Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Wadleigh Arm (11093 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura) When: Sunday, June 10th, 12 pm to 4 pm Admission: $25 to $120 per person Contact: The Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation (800) 648-4881 or via email2018 Ojai Wine Festival Thirty breweries and sixty wineries promise to showcase their best craft beer and wine at the 2018 Ojai Wine Festival. And several local restaurants offer up tasty dishes for sale created by their talented chefs. After all, you c... 06/04/2018

When you hear the word "art", what's the first thing to come to your mind? Paintings? Pottery? Photos? "Art" encompasses a variety of mediums. Yes, paintings, pottery, and art offer wonderful examples of art. But, so do music, mosaics, dance, jewelry, and others. During First Fridays Ventura events, celebrate the arts in all their forms throughout downtown, the westside, and midtown Ventura.What: First Fridays Ventura Where: Various Locations Around Westside, Downtown & Midtown Ventura When: 1st Friday of every month, 6 pm to 9 pm Contact: Arts Ventura email firstfridaysventura@gmail.comFirst Fridays Ventura Celebrate the Arts You can guess when First Fridays Ventura takes place simply by looking at the name. Since 2009, the Office of Cultural Affairs partnered up with the local art com... 04/23/2018

Since 1970, April 22nd has become the one day of the year to officially focus on how our actions impact the environment. The hope is that people take these eco-friendly lifestyle tips and incorporate them into their everyday lives for the other 364 days of the year. While April 22nd falls on Sunday this year, the Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest 2018 celebrates a day early (Saturday, April 21st). It's touted as one of the most popular celebrations of its kind in the area.  What: Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest 2018 Where: Ventura Plaza Park (off Thompson St), Downtown Ventura When: Saturday, April 21st, 10 am to 4 pm Admission: FREE Contact: Tony Guy, Festival Chair (805) 570-0265 or via emailVentura Earth Day Eco Fest 2018 Thousands of people attend this festival each year. Officials expect the s... 04/09/2018

This Sunday, April 1st, is Easter. So, it seems appropriate that the Ventura Spring Fair 2018 hops into town this weekend. You'll find everything you could ever want in a county fair with a definite spring flare added for good measure.What: Ventura Spring Fair 2018 Where: Ventura Fairgrounds When: March 30th 5 pm to 9 pm, March 31st 12 pm to 9 pm, April 1st 12 pm to 6 pm Admission: $6 per person, Presale Ride Tickets - $20 for 40 tix, On-Site Ride Tickets - $30 for 40 tix Contact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-3376What You'll See at the Ventura Spring Fair 2018 All the regular fair events take place over this three-day event: carnival rides, games, fair food, face painting, a petting zoo, vendors, etc. But, for the Ventura Spring Fair 2018, you can expect much more. Learn how to ... 03/26/2018

Where has this year gone? New Year's Day. President's Day. Valentine's Day. They've all come and gone already. The next holiday on the docket? St Patrick's Day. And this year, it takes place on a Saturday. So, you know there'll be some celebrating taking place around Ventura County. For a more family-friendly celebration, however, come to the 2018 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Ventura.What: 2018 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade Where: Main St, Downtown Ventura When: Saturday, March 17th, 10 am to 12 pm Admission: FREE Contact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-33762018 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade: Shamrocks & Good Luck The 2018 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade starts off right outside the San Buenaventura Mission. All entries in the parade march straight up Main St to... 03/12/2018

Over the past two decades, beekeepers the world over noticed a serious decline in the world's bee population. Since 2006, the commercial bee population decreased 40% in the United States alone. In the UK, they've dwindled by 45% since 2010. Why should we care? Not only do they produce honey, but they help pollinate flowers and crops. Considering that roughly one-third of our food production depends on bees' pollination efforts, this serious of a reduction in force severely hinders what eventually makes it to our dinner plates. You can help raise awareness by joining the 2018 Ventura Public Art Project "Bee Cause". What is it and how can you help? Read on to find out.What: "Bee Cause" Public Art Project Where: Museum of Ventura County (100 E Main St) When: Saturday, March 3rd, 12 pm to 3... 02/26/2018

Did you know that National Clam Chowder Day takes place on February 25th? It doesn't matter whether you're a fan of the traditional New England clam chowder (white) or prefer the tomatoey goodness of Manhattan clam chowder (red). At the Ventura Chowder Taste 2018 event, everyone gets to celebrate both.What: Ventura Chowder Taste 2018 Where: Ventura Harbor Village When: Sunday, February 25th, 11 am to 2 pm Admission: $5 Contact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470 or via emailVentura Chowder Taste 2018Chefs from seven different local restaurants prepare their favorite versions of this classic seafood dish at Ventura Chowder Taste 2018. Now, each tasting takes place inside their respective restaurants. Guests simply take a walk along Spinnaker Drive. First, pop inside one of the partici... 02/05/2018

Selfie Spot at Ventura Harbor  For some reason today I found myself thnking about a wonderful weekend we spend at a resort at Ventura Harbor with our daughter, her husband and our 2 year-old granddaughter last August. We had a great time exploring the area around the harbor - to the delight of the little one - as well as other areas of this seaside community. Social media has invaded our lives in many ways, and there were several Selfie Spots painted in the walkway which, not surprisingly, attracted a number of takers. We did not partake - I'm not a selfie fan - but the view of the harbor was quite nice as you can see.  I can't help but think about what that beautiful area might be like now, after the horrific fires that tore through Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties back in December. ... 01/18/2018

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sail the seven seas like they did back in the 1700s? No need to wonder anymore. The Ventura Harbor Tall Ships 2018 sail into town next month for a three week educational stop. Take advantage of this opportunity to step back in time aboard the sailing vessels Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington.What: Ventura Harbor Tall Ships 2018 Where: Ventura Harbor Village When: February 13th, 12 pm, Ships leave Ventura on March 5th Contact: Grays Harbor Historical Seaport (800) 200-5239Ventura Harbor Tall Ships 2018 Sail into TownWatching these majestic tall ships sail in and out of the harbor is quite a sight to behold. If you can't make it to one of the locations listed below for their noon arrival on Tuesday, February 13th, come back over any of ... 01/15/2018

In the first week of December, several fires broke out throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, including the Thomas Fire. Consequently, it feels as if the entire Southern California area has been set ablaze. As of this morning, the Thomas Fire was 45% contained and headed toward Montecito. As a result, it's managed to take down 750 homes. Due to this tragedy, local businesses want to do something to help those affected. Therefore, they've put together a Downtown Ventura raffle. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit victims of the Thomas Fire. Downtown Ventura Raffle With #downtownventurastrong, several local businesses banded together to create a Downtown Ventura raffle. Between now and December 21st, visit any participating business to pick up your raffle ticket. Your $5 ticket ... 12/18/2017

As if the Marine Corps wasn't cool enough. Since 1947, they've been collecting toys for underprivileged children during the holiday season. You can be a part of their efforts. But you must hurry. The Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017 campaign ends December 10th. This ensures that all toys donated reach local boys and girls in time for Christmas. Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017The Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017 campaign needs toys for boys and girls ages infant to 12. Everything is accepted. If you have children or grandchildren, think about the kinds of things they like. Dolls, action figures, games, art supplies, toy cars...everything is welcome. Just make sure it is new and unwrapped. After December 10th, the local Marine coordinator arranges the pickup of donations from our loca... 12/04/2017

When does the Christmas season start in your home? The day after Thanksgiving? Or when the official City tree gets lit up? If it's the latter, then you'll want to watch the Downtown Ventura Tree Lighting 2017 yourself on Friday, December 1st.What: Downtown Ventura Tree Lighting 2017Where: Mission Park (185 E Santa Clara St)When: Friday, December 1st, 3 pm to 8 pmContact: San Buenaventura Mission (805) 643-4318Downtown Ventura Tree Lighting 2017 Main Street will be shut down in front of the San Buenaventura Mission specifically for the Downtown Ventura Tree Lighting 2017 ceremony. While the tree lighting won't take place until after dark (around 6:45 pm), there will be plenty to keep you busy beforehand. Visit Santa's Village for holiday-themed fun. You can also start checking off the it... 11/20/2017

Since our very first days as a nation, more than 40 million people have served in the military. These amazing men and women made incredible sacrifices to defend our country. They deserve our respect. To honor every person who played their part, the City hosts a Ventura Veterans Day Ceremony 2017 this Saturday.What: Ventura Veterans Day Ceremony 2017 Where: Ventura County Govt Center (800 Victoria Ave) When: Saturday, November 11th, 11 am Admission: FREEOrigin of Veterans DayVeterans Day actually began as "Armistice Day" in 1919 to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the "great war" (World War I). In 1926, Congress sought to make this a date of observance. In 1938, November 11th became an official national holiday. After World War II and the Korean War, President Eisenhower changed... 11/06/2017

National Geographic released their list of the 25 Happiest Cities in the US. Guess what? We made the list. Yes, Ventura residents rank among the happiest in the entire United States. To be more specific, the entire Oxnard/Thousand Oaks/Ventura made the list.Ventura Residents Come in 20th Eight of the 25 Happiest Cities in the US are located right here in California. Ventura residents came in at the #20 spot. The team at National Geographic highlighted our beautiful weather and beaches as well as the closeness of Los Padres and Angeles National Forests as reasons why Ventura residents were so happy.How Were Rankings Determine?The National Geographic team took several factors into consideration 15 separate factors. Some of these included healthy eating habits, lifestyle, activity level, f... 10/23/2017

Do you enjoy sipping a fine glass of wine while eating delicious food prepared by some of today's most talented chefs? Then you're going to want to get your tickets right now for the 2017 Ventura Food and Wine Experience. This year, visitors have the chance to actually meet Martha Stewart live and in person.What: 2017 Ventura Food and Wine Experience Where: Olivas Adobe (4200 Olivas Park Dr) When: Sunday, October 1st, 1 pm to 4 pm Admission: $85 to $325 Contact: Ventura County Star email update sign-up2017 Ventura Food and Wine ExperienceSo many extremely talented chefs live right here in the Ventura area. Luckily for us, they've agreed to come to the 2017 Ventura Food and Wine Experience to showcase their talents for you. Some of the chefs featured at this exclusive event include Alex ... 09/25/2017

Only a few days left to summer, according to the calendar. But in sunny Southern California, we get to enjoy summer a little bit longer. Nothing goes better with summer time weather than a nice cold beer. Choose from some of the finest craft beers at the California Beer Festival Ventura 2017.What: California Beer Festival Ventura 2017 Where: Plaza Park When: Sept 15th 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Sept 16th 12:30pm to 5pm, Sept 17th 11:30am to 7pm Admission: $25 to $75 (3-Day Passes are SOLD OUT) Contact: California Beer Festival (805) 628-9588California Beer Festival Ventura 2017There's so much to see and do at the California Beer Festival Ventura 2017! First, kick things off with a food and beer pairing on Friday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Various local chefs put their talents to work for you. They'v... 09/11/2017

Last week, Ventura students headed back to school. Next Monday is Labor Day. While these events typically signal the end of summer, fun times roll on. Want proof? The Ventura Rock on the Dock 2017 concert series starts up this Saturday.What: Ventura Rock on the Dock 2017 Concert Series Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Dr) When: Every Saturday in September, 3pm to 6pm Admission: FREE Contact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470Ventura Rock on the Dock 2017 Concert SeriesFirst of all, who doesn't love music? In addition to everything Ventura Harbor Village usually provides, now there's even more. Every Saturday in September (beginning this Saturday, the 2nd), a different musical act performs live for three whole hours in Ventura Harbor Village. Well, technically, they'll pe... 08/28/2017

Smooching Harbor Seals in Ventura  We recently spent several days with our daughter, her husband, and our 26-month-old granddaughter in Ventura, a coastal town about 4 hours north of us. The hotel was right on the marina which provided a great place to walk and point out all the sights to our granddaughter. We spent part of one afternoon on the far side of the harbor and spotted these harbor seals that had jumped up on the dock by one of the boats. They were pretty far away  and a little hard to see, but the camera caught them doing what harbor seals do. 08/23/2017

Ventura Farmers Market - A Riot of Colors  It's always fun to go to other farmers markets we aren't familiar with, especially in other parts of California. Today I seemed to be paying more attention to the many colors and snapping a few photos, to the extent I could while keeping watch over an inquisitive and active 26-month-old granddaughter.  08/19/2017

Ventura County Fair Starts on Wednesday 12 days of good old-fashioned fun! The Ventura County Fair starts on Wednesday, August 2nd. Consider this your traditional family-fun fair. All of the old fashioned rides you would expect to find will be here. Although, this year there is a great new addition: Michael Jackson’s Wave Swinger from his personal collection at Neverland Ranch. This is the ride where you sit in a swing and go in a circular motion. It is just really neat that it is from his personal collection.You can expect to find: Deep-fried everything! An old-fashioned flea circus An Olympic Bobsled coaster Chalk Art Daily Discounts Available Concerts every night A weekend Rodeo And so much more! What makes this fair so great is how it is offered to the community. There are budget-fr... 07/30/2017