Short List: July/August 2024

VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 25 – Aug. 4 | Ventura

Two weekends devoted to the sights and sounds that have made VMF a local favorite, year after year. World-class musical artists from every genre will provide audiences with spectacular performances that range from bluegrass to Baroque. Returning with much anticipation for the 29th season: The dynamic piano duo of Anderson and Roe, the tap and piano sensation of Caleb Teicher and Conrad Tao, and Ojai’s own multi-talented vocalist Perla Batalla. They are joined by Grammy-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland, accordionist Julien Labro, classical guitarist Jason Vieaux, pianist Greg Anderson and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Immerse yourself in music with the 2024 VMF! $15-$99. For schedule, venues, tickets and more information, visit www.venturamusicfestival.org.

RUBICON’S SUMMER MUSICAL THEATRE

July 26 – Aug. 11 | Ventura

Every summer, the Rubicon Theatre Company hosts the Jack Oakie 2024 Summer Youth Programs designed to give young actors the chance to improve their skills and partake in the magic and excitement of live theater. After extensive rehearsals, the productions are then performed live at the beautiful Karyn Jackson Theatre for audiences to enjoy. This year’s offerings include the Kids Musical Theatre Camp’s (ages 12-14) “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” and “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” presented by actors aged 15-25 who participated in the Rubicon’s Musical Theatre Workshop. See the stars of tomorrow on stage today! $15-20. 1006 East Main Street, Ventura, 805.667.2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Through July 28 | Thousand Oaks

5-Star Theatricals, the resident theater company of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, brings to the stage this beloved musical classic from Rodgers and Hammerstein. A young would-be nun arrives at the home of a widowed nobleman to serve as a governess for his several children. Their lives, romances, trials and tribulations are told through song and dance, with unforgettable favorites like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and the beautiful “Edelweiss.” Based on the true story of the Von Trapp family, who escaped Austria after its annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938. $50-$90. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

A TASTE OF CAMARILLO

July 28 | Camarillo

Sample from old favorites and boutique wineries, a medley of beer varietals, fine spirits and Ventura County’s finest restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment and boutique shopping. There will be dancing and live music from Bad Habit, a high-energy SoCal cover band that plays fun, upbeat, classic hits from the ’80s, ’90s and more! Kristal Lynn Dance will be teaching line dancing during the band breaks. This year’s theme is “Margaritaville: Looking for the Lost Shaker of Salt…”. Guests will be able to wet their whistles at the Beers and Cheers Pub pouring tasty cold craft brews and the Proud Mary Saloon sipping tantalizing spirits, both open for all to enjoy. New this year will be a special Bourbon Row to try premier spirits. Come experience the magic and join in a great afternoon as you support Ventura County charities. Sunday, July 28, 12-4:30 p.m. $145. Camarillo Ranch House, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, tasteofcamarillo.com.

OUR OJAI ART CENTER

July 28 | Ojai

An original play by Peter Fox (“Disappearing Act”) developed in honor of the Ojai Art Center’s 85th anniversary. Inspired by the theater classic “Our Town,” Fox brings to life Dr. Charles Butler, an area physician and philanthropist who was the driving force behind the creation of the Ojai Art Center as it exists today. Every branch of the center will have its moment to shine, with dancers, vocalists performing songs, musicians playing for the audience, storytelling, photography and even the screening of a short film. This serves as the kick-off event for the Ojai Art Center’s 85th anniversary celebrations. $10-$25. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.8797, ojaiact.org

VENTURA COUNTY FAIR

July 31 – Aug. 11 | Ventura

It’s our 150th birthday and you’re invited! Join us for the 2024 Ventura County Fair, where we promise an unforgettable celebration filled with exciting rides, live entertainment and delicious food. This year’s theme is Fair-ever Young. A variety of live acts will be featured on multiple stages, and the newly remodeled Grandstand Arena will host Tone Loc, Sugarhill Gang, C+C Music Factory, Sublime with Rome, Ludacris, Gabriel Iglesias and many, many more. Carnival rides, farm animals, pig races and more can be enjoyed by one and all, with plenty of corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes and other fair treats for hungry appetites. Plus vendors, exhibits, games and more. Come enjoy the “county fair with ocean air!” Tickets $15-20; $45 for season passes; free for ages 5 and under. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, venturacountyfair.org

PACIFIC FESTIVAL BALLET: THE WIZARD OF OZ

Aug. 3 | Thousand Oaks

Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion as they journey to the Emerald City. Be a part of the adventure as they confront the Wicked Witch and discover there is no place like home! Here the children’s classic has been adapted for the stage as a family-friendly music and dance spectacle, with lavish costumes, spellbinding sets and a sweeping score. Presented by the talented cast of the Pacific Festival Ballet, the resident company of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. Saturday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. $36.75. Scherr Forum Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, www.pacfestballet.org or bapacthousandoaks.com.

CAMARILLO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Through Aug. 10 | Camarillo

From the end of June until mid-August, Camarillo offers a series of live bands performing at Constitution Park. Umbrellas and canopies are not allowed, but not to worry — shows start at 7 p.m., well after the heat of the day has passed. You can bring chairs, blankets, a picnic and the whole family. What you don’t need to bring? Money…unless you choose to purchase dinner from one of the onsite food trucks. This year’s talent lineup includes Smith, Dark Desert Highway, Savor and 805 Social Club. Fun for the whole family, and a wonderful way to enjoy the balmy evenings of summer! Free. Constitution Park, 601 Carmen Drive, Camarillo, www.pvrpd.org/summer-concert-series.

VENTURA COUNTY PRIDE

Aug. 17 | Ventura

June is Pride Month, but in Ventura County, the biggest Pride celebration takes place in Downtown Ventura the third weekend in August. This weekend-long event welcomes over 5,000 attendees and honors the LGBTQ+ community and allies with live music, great food and drinks, family-friendly activities, special performances and lots of community spirit, fun and fabulousness. This year’s theme is Ventura Dreamin’, an invitation for everyone to be themselves and dream big. Pride Weekend is a time for Ventura County’s LGBTQ+ community to celebrate, stand out and stand proud. General admission is free; some activities may have a fee. $50 VIP Access includes drink tickets, small bites tasting, swag bag and covered lounge area. 11 a.m. at Plaza Park, Santa Clara Street between Chestnut and Fir, Ventura, www.diversitycollectivevc.org/dcvc-events/#ventura-county-pride.

THE THROW DOWN CORNHOLE FESTIVAL

Aug. 23-25 | Ventura

Spencer Makenzie’s invites all players of all skill levels to enter the World’s Largest Cornhole Tournament “The Throw Down,” taking place on Friday, Aug. 23, through Sunday Aug. 25. That’s three days of cornhole fun, live music and more, held in the beautiful beach town of Ventura. Come enjoy the tournament as a cornhole player or spectator. There will be plenty of food, drinks, cold beer, live music (including Bad Habit, Whiskey Business, Rey Fresco and other top bands), a truck show, axe throwing, vendors and wonderful beach weather. All players will be competing for over $300,000 in guaranteed payouts. Plus all teams with Ventura County residency will be competing for additional payouts. So mark your calendars now; only 1,088 teams will be playing. This cornhole tournament sells out every year! Tickets start at $20. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, thethrowdowncornholetournament.com.

CHUCK GRAHAM: SCENES FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

Through Aug. 24 | Oxnard

Chuck Graham is a freelance writer and photographer in Carpinteria, California. He’s also been a beach lifeguard for over 20 years, works as a guide for Channel Islands Adventure Company leading kayak tours and backpacking trips at the Channel Islands National Park, and is the editor of DEEP Surf Magazine. This stunning collection of photographers provides an intimate glimpse of the Channel Islands, as seen through the lens of a true lover of nature. Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805.984.6260, www.cimmvc.org.

WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL

Aug. 24 | Ventura

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival inspires environmental activism and a love for nature through film. Wild and Scenic shares an urgent call to action, encouraging festival-goers to learn more about what they can do to save our threatened planet. The Film Festival is Ventura Land Trust’s largest annual event to raise funds to protect and conserve Ventura County’s open spaces. Protecting and preserving our open spaces is more important than ever. This year’s theme is Reel Action; the aim is to select artworks that are a call to action, inviting audiences to learn about the most pressing environmental problems and initiatives anyone can take to improve the natural world and lives around the globe. Join us for inspiring films, live music, food trucks, drinks, raffle, auction, kids activities and amazing community partners. This is an annual event not to be missed. The film festival takes place 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24. General admission: $43.56. Ventura County Credit Union, 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, Ventura, www.venturalandtrust.org/wild-scenic-film-festival.

DOUGLAS SHIVELY AND FRIENDS

Through Nov. 3 | Santa Paula

Born in Santa Paula in 1896, Douglas Shively was a banker by trade. He took up painting as a hobby in 1923, and asked his neighbor, the painter Robert Clunie, to introduce him to a group of Glendale artists (including Cornelis and Jessie Arms Botke, John Cotton, Nell Walker Warner and others) who regularly made weekend trips to Santa Paula to paint en plein air (outdoors). For decades, the group painted, traveled and exhibited together in Santa Paula, the Eastern Sierra, the High Desert, the Monterey Peninsula and New Mexico. Drawn from the private collections of the Shively Family, this exhibit features 55 never-before-exhibited works by this group of friends and painters who have come to epitomize the Southern California fine art scene of the 1920s and ’30s, when an influx of artists to art centers like Los Angeles ushered in a uniquely California style of landscape painting. Also on exhibit will be “Greenbelt,” paintings by Ojai author-turned-artist Christopher Noxon, viewable through Sept. 8. Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

ON THE HORIZON

LABOR DAY TRACTOR FAIR

Sept. 2 | Santa Paula

Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s Ninth Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on Sept. 2, immediately following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade, from around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s rich agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by Whole Hog, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture. The fair offers a fresh perspective on bridging farming’s past, present and future through engaging exhibits and interactive activities. It aims to unite our community, promote sustainable farming practices, and inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in agriculture. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the heart of Santa Paula’s agricultural legacy at the Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair. 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, venturamuseum.org/event/9th-annual-labor-day-tractor-fair/.