If you are planning to explore the California coastline, then there is no better place to explore than Ventura. It offers sun-kissed beaches and gorgeous weather, minus the crowds and pollution. There are all kinds of fun things to do in this city, such as surfing in the wind and biking around the city, that travelers can explore at their own pace. Foodies can indulge in some local delicacies or explore upscale cafes, tapas bars, and wine shops. In your free time, don’t forget to explore its numerous galleries and art installations. While you are at it, don’t forget to experience the town’s local cultural events. To do so, read below for some of the most popular festivals in Ventura, California.
1. Ventura Music Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Ventura Music Festival features classical and jazz concerts as well as outreach programs for locals and tourists. The musical event attracts reputed orchestras, instrumentalists, and ensembles that will perform in exciting locations in downtown Ventura. This family-friendly event gets a footfall of thousands of concert-goers from all parts of the country. If you want a sneak peek into the city’s cultural and vibrant heritage, then this event should be on your list.
Ventura Music Festival
Address: 472 E Santa Clara St, Ventura, California, United States
Website: Ventura Music Festival
Takes Place: July
Price: Free
2. Oxnard Jazz Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Oxnard Jazz Festival, organized by the local community, is a cultural music event that offers performances of a wide range of genres such as jazz, Latin, and r&b among others. Since the celebration is accompanied by a scenic beach locale, cultural food, and booths that offer various trinkets, it is one of the most sought-after events for locals and tourists alike. When you attend this festival, not only will you enjoy music performed by local talent, but you will also get to engage with the community.
Oxnard Jazz Festival
Address: Oxnard Beach Park, California, United States
Website: Oxnard Jazz Festival
Takes Place: September
Price: 65 USD
3. Surf 'n' Suds Beer Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There is no better way to enjoy a holiday than a well-organized beer festival on the beaches of Southern California. Surf ‘N’ Suds Beer Festival is an event that will introduce you to over 60 local craft breweries. There are also other drinks that can be enjoyed during the celebration such as cider, kombucha, and seltzer. It is the perfect place for all the beer lovers, where they will enjoy the best-crafted beer while watching live entertainment by homegrown artists, playing lawn games and beer pong, and trying out a large variety of food trucks that offer the best choices of local food
Surf 'n' Suds Beer Festival
Address: San Buenaventura State Beach , Ventura, CA
Website: Surf ‘n’ Suds Beer Festival
Takes Place: May
Price: 50 USD
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4. Ventura Harvest Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show is the perfect opportunity to explore the local arts and crafts of the city. This festival, which is the city’s fall tradition, is considered to be the most prestigious indoor event on the West Coast. The festival organizers work with local non-profits in order to help the community. You can buy unique souvenirs from here or check out the multiple works displayed by local artists such as art pieces, jewelry, and even clothing. You will find an expansive collection of more than 24,000 handmade goods such as oils, seasonal decoration, blown glass items, and more, made by multi-talented crafters.
Ventura Harvest Festival
Address: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
Website: Ventura Harvest Festival
Takes Place: October
Price: 4 - 9 USD
5. Tequila and Taco Music Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tequila and Taco Music Festival is one of the largest events in California hosted at Downtown Ventura. This two-day event will give you an opportunity to spend an afternoon sipping the finest collection of margaritas accompanied by delicious tacos while enjoying an exciting line-up of live music performances from local musicians. On both days, there are sample tequilas and gourmet tacos for your taking. Spend your vacation with good booze and good food.
Tequila and Taco Music Festival
Address: Park Plaza, Downtown Ventura, Ventura, California
Website: Tequila and Taco Music Festival
Takes Place: July
Price: 10 USD
6. Boots and Brews Country Music Festival [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Boots and Brews Country Music Festival is a fun concert organized in the month of September to celebrate friendships, cold beer, and great music. You can watch performances or participate in Ventura’s best country music line-up composed of the hottest music stars in the state’s most iconic locations. Don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine and cold beer available at the venue. If you are planning to visit Ventura in California, don’t miss out on this legendary event.
Boots and Brews Country Music Festival
Address: San Buenaventura State Beach, 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura, CA 93001 United States
Website: Boots and Brews Country Music Festival
Takes Place: September
Price: 15 USD
7. Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival is a celebration where 35 artists come together to showcase their work near the harbor. Come and visit an exhibition of some of the finest artworks from various artists. Here, you will also find colorful paintings, meaningful photographs, beautiful ceramics, detailed sculptures, exquisite pottery, and bewitching jewelry. This is an event where street artists join forces to create large murals made from pastel chalks on the sidewalks. You can see these murals for yourself during the weekend. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch these multi-talented artists at work.
Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival
Address: Ventura Harbor Village Shopping Center, 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA, United States
Website: Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival
Takes Place: September
Price: Free
8. Ventura Winter Wine Walk
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Ventura Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair is a single-day event that happens in the month of December. Guests must definitely participate in the Wine Walk, which showcases world-class breweries and wineries in downtown Ventura. Here, you will be moving from one site to another while trying out some of the best wines and beers there is. Once the walk is over, you can stroll around the main street and immerse yourself in a holiday ambiance with live entertainment and a festive setting.
Ventura Winter Wine Walk
Address: Downtown Ventura, Ventura, California
Website: Ventura Winter Wine Walk
Takes Place: December
Price: 50 USD
9. ArtWalk Ventura [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
ArtWalk Ventura is one of the best and most comprehensive art walks you can have in the city. When you sign up for this event, you will get to visit studios and other venues around town that will give you an intimate look into the cultural and aesthetic scene of Ventura. If you are tired of all the walking, you can ride in one of the ArtWalk free shuttles through downtown and Westside, which is the art and cultural district of Ventura. This part of the city comes alive with a range of artists, public art installations, live art demonstrations, and kids’ activities among other things.
ArtWalk Ventura
Address: Ventura, California, United States
Website: ArtWalk Ventura
Takes Place: September
Price: Free
10. Ventura brew fest
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Ventura Marathon on Monday, July 29, 2019
Ventura Brew Fest is part of Ventura Marathon, an event that attracts thousands of runners to the city. This marathon includes a post-run fest for the finishers as an extra incentive. The visitors can choose from a selection of nine craft breweries. Sip on your favorite beer while trying out different kinds of food and watching exciting performances. If you are looking for a fun way to engage with the community, then this event is the perfect opportunity for you.
Ventura Brew Fest
Address: 185 E Santa Clara st, Ventura, CA 93001 United States
Website: Ventura Brew Fest
Takes Place: Usually held in October
Price: 49 USD
Celebrate Ventura’s sun and festivals all year round
Ventura is a southern Californian city that is known for its vintage charm and modern vibe. Pulsating with raw energy, the city is also famous for its festivals that attract people from all over the country and beyond. If you want to explore the true spirit of the Californian culture, then don’t forget to time your visit around these popular festivals in Ventura, California.
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