Cultural Services & Special Events
Overview
The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division produces several special events annually. Enjoy all eight blocks of crafters, artisans, food and entertainment at the Street Festivals. Or, if you like art, stroll through downtown businesses and galleries during one of the three ArtWalks.
Three FREE Family Events
on One Great Day!
Saturday, May 9
Barranca Vista Park
7050 Ralston St. Ventura
2009 Ventura Kids Swap Meet
This popular annual event returns to Barranca Vista Park 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura, Saturday May 9th, 2009 from 10 am-2 pm. Kids 5-18 years are encouraged to clean out their garages of gently used toys, books, games and clothing to swap, sell or fundraise. This event is in conjunction with the 6th annual Family Festival in the park. A full day of entertainment, food booths, artists and community hands on activities. Please call Kathryn Lawson at 644-6542 if you have questions about either event. You can download the Kids Swap Meet application below.
Family Festival in the Park
Saturday, May 9, 12-5 pm
Barranca Vista Park
• Family Community Booths
• Preview Arts summer programs
• All day entertainment on stage
• Hands-on art workshops & demos for the family
• Refreshments, face painting and more
Fairytales in the Park Season Opener
Saturday, May 9, 4-5 pm
Barranca Vista Park
Tales from the Witches of Oz
Free theater performance for families. Bring a blanket, picnic low lawn chairs.
Downtown ArtWalks
Three times a year – Summer, Spring, and Harvest – galleries, businesses and sidewalks come to life with art exhibits that highlight Ventura's unique visual and performing arts community. With over 60 participating sites and 150 or more artists at each event, the ArtWalk attracts up to 30,000 per year. Activities abound for children and adults, including art and architectural tours, children's murals, educational talks and an opportunity to meet local artists. Live music and performances at various locations in the Downtown Cultural District will have you dancing down the sidewalk while you are looking at art. For information call (805) 658-4760.
- View More information at: www.venturaartwalk.org
Street Festivals
The popular Downtown Ventura Street Fairs attract 30,000 to 50,000 people at each event. The Holiday Street Fair is always the first Sunday in December and in the summer there is the Fourth of July Street Fair, always held on the 4th of July. Both Fairs encompass nine blocks of Main Street and several side streets and are filled with 300 artisans, food booths, nonprofit organization displays and seven stages of continuous live entertainment. For information call (805) 654-7749.
- View More information on Street Festivals
Olivas Adobe Music Under the Stars
A twilight music series presented in the historic Olivas Adobe Courtyard every Saturday from July thu mid September, which showcases top recording artists performing a worldwide range of music. A special “Silent Movie Event” ends the concert series, offering a classic silent movie and an original score performed live. Top quality musicians, a dance floor and hot catered meals have made the “Music Under the Stars” concert series a popular summer destination. This has become a cultural summer highlight.
For information call (805) 658-4726.
- View 2009 Flyer
- Download the order form (PDF)
- Go to Olivias Adobe Website
Discover Ventura Tours
The Community Affairs Division has designed extensive programs designed to provide activities for tourists, including scheduled tours of Ventura?s historic sites, including the downtown area, Olivas and Albinger Adobes, and more.
- Read More about Discover Ventura Tours
Mayor's Arts Awards
In 2005 the Cultural Affairs Division of the City of Ventura, on behalf of former Mayor Brian Brennan, established the Mayor’s Arts Awards to recognize the contributions to the cultural community by City residents, artists, educators, organizations and business leaders.
- Read More
- Download the Mayor's Arts Awards Nomination form (pdf)