CABARET
March 14-30 | Thousand Oaks
A thrilling and up-to-date production of a classic show that is now more relevant than ever. Sexy, melodic and unforgettable. The seedy glamour of the Kit Kat Club with its bawdy Emcee provide an unsettling but fitting backdrop to the story of the hard-living entertainer Sally Bowles in the decadent nightlife of Germany in the early ’30s. Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Beautifully presented by 5-Star Theatricals. $75-$108. Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of the America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
COUNTY VENTURA ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
March 15 | Ventura
County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade is brought to you by Downtown Ventura. Since 1984, the parade has been a showcase of Ventura County’s finest. It features amazing costumes, dancers, horses, high school bands and more. The parade is always held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) at 10 a.m., so mark your calendar, and get ready for one of Ventura’s most endearing traditions. The Parade route is on Main Street in Downtown Ventura, starting at Lincoln Drive and continuing to Fir Street. For more information, visit www.venturastpatricksdayparade.com.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY THEMED TEA
March 15 | Oxnard
Grab a friend and join the annual St. Patrick’s Day themed tea at Heritage Square. Enjoy fine teas, delicious treats and enchanting stories from our costumed docents. Dress in your best St. Pat’s attire for a chance to win exciting prizes! Served at your table by costumed docents: Two types of tea, fresh baked scones with Devonshire cream and jam, three types of tea sandwiches, two types of dessert and assorted fruit. There will also be raffle prizes and table games. $50 per person; includes a tour of Heritage Square. Refunds not available. 731 South A Street, Oxnard, visitoxnard.com/events/st-patricks-day-tea-party-2/.
PAINTED SEASONS
March 15 – July 6 | Santa Paula
Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum for the premiere of “Painted Seasons,” a solo exhibition by Ojai artist Anne Ward. Anne Ward is obsessed with light and pattern and color. “Painted Seasons” represents various seasons of life from old family photos, to the greens of early spring and the energy of summer. The premiere party takes place on Saturday, March 15, 4-6 p.m. Also on exhibit: “A Brush With Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives” with works by Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio and Charlotte Mullich. 117 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
BALLET HISPÁNICO CARMEN.MAQUIA
March 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Ballet Hispánico is the nation’s most renowned Latino dance organization and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. For its Thousand Oaks premiere, Ballet Hispánico will perform CARMEN.maquia by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano — a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet’s beloved classic. The physically charged and sensual choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble and flamenco. $19-$60. Performance at 7:30 p.m. Fred Kavli Theatre at the Bank of the America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
BOB EUBANKS’ BACKSTAGE WITH THE BEATLES
March 22 | Ventura
Famed host of “The Newlywed Game,” Bob Eubanks is the only person alive to have produced The Beatles’ concerts during their U.S. tours. His show, “Backstage with the Beatles,” thrills audiences with untold stories, rare photos and live performances of iconic hits from live cover band Ticket To Ride. A must-see for any Beatles fan! Concert-only tickets are available! Then, join us for an evening of fine dining and fun while we honor Bob’s legacy in a special award ceremony and hear from Ivor Davis, author of the widely acclaimed book “The Beatles and Me on Tour,” his personal account of the 1964 Beatles’ North American tour. This fundraiser event will kick off the Ventura Music Festival’s 30th season! The program takes place at 5 p.m.; gala banquet starts at 7:30 p.m. $49-$250. Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, 450 East Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, www.venturamusicfestival.org/events/backstagewiththebeatles.
SPRINGTIME EASTER FESTIVAL
March 22 – April 21 | Moorpark
Come celebrate with Underwood Family Farms at our Springtime Easter Festival! With acres to visit and numerous activities, there is plenty of space to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine with family and friends. Highlights include the giant Easter basket, visits from the Easter Bunny, weekend animal shows, tractor-drawn wagon rides, and lots of photo opportunities. And of course, the Animal Center and all other farm attractions will be available. You might even have an opportunity to feed baby ducks! Weekday Admission: $14 (at gate only). Weekend Admission: $20 (online tickets required on weekends including Friday, April 18). Children under 2 are free and do not need a ticket. 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, underwoodfamilyfarms.com/springtime-easter-festival/.
CRAZY MAMA
March 26 – April 6 | Ventura
Linda Purl plays 16 characters in this tour-de-force about a young girl’s decades-long dream of saving her mother from the soul-crushing grip of mental illness. Laced with humor and pathos, “Crazy Mama” is a true story inspired by Ojai resident Sharon Scott Williams’ award-winning memoir, directed by veteran stage and television director and producer Anson Williams. This exquisitely crafted, emotionally riveting tale begins with young Sharon (Purl) racing home a few days after her 8th birthday for the last piece of cake. But when she enters the kitchen, she finds her mother wielding a knife and lost in a frenzy. For 46 years, Sharon lives shackled to her Mama’s pain and her own suffering. Previews March 26-28; opening night gala on Saturday, March 29. $20-$150. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, 805.667.2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
CRIMES OF THE HEART
March 28 – April 20 | Ojai
“Crimes of the Heart” is set in a small Mississippi town where family secrets are never sacred and bad news travels fast. At the heart of the story are the three McGrath sisters, Meg, Lenny and Babe, who never can seem to catch a break. The sisters meet when the youngest of the bunch shoots her husband. She is quite naive to the gravity of her situation. Their narcissistic cousin, who can’t seem to step ahead without stepping on them, lives right next door. Just to complicate matters, the cast is rounded out by a love-sick lawyer and an abandoned lover. Together, these characters unravel a tale of humor, heartbreak and the unexpected bonds that hold them together when life falls apart. $20. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, ojaiact.org.
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
March 29 | Camarillo
A decadent evening of apéritifs and elegant pastries served in the gallery, surrounded by fine art and live entertainment. This fundraising spectacular includes fun games and a chance to win artwork from the exhibition. Guests will be transported back to the dazzling lights and high kicking dancers of the Moulin Rouge. You are invited to dress as your favorite artists from the cafe society of the Belle Époque. $150. Studio Channel Islands, 2222 E. Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo, 805.383.1368, studiochannelislands.org/midnight-in-paris/.
CAMARILLO WEDDING EXPO
March 29-30 | Camarillo
At the Camarillo Wedding Expo, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make your celebration truly special. Nearlyweds, along with friends and family, are all invited to attend. This very special event will feature a wide range of vendors, plus music, tastings and gift giveaways. Start on Saturday night, with a tour of lighting and sound at eight different venues. Then, on Sunday morning, begin on a drive in the country to experience the unique peacefulness and beauty found in eight of Ventura County’s outdoor venues. General Admission Tickets: $20 per person. Tickets will be available for purchase online and at the door for $25 per person on March 30 at The Wedding Expo. $5 from each ticket will be donated to The Mountain Fire Emergency Fund through the Ventura County Wildlife Relief and Recovery Fund. For more information, visit www.camarilloweddingexpo.com.
MERMAID MONTH 2025
Through March 31 | Ventura
Make waves this March with Mermaid Month at Ventura Harbor Village. The seaside destination is bringing back two fun-filled special event days on March 8 and 22, perfect for mermaid fans of all ages. Enjoy ocean-inspired festivities, ocean inpired art, and mermaid treats all month long. From lively entertainment to hands-on activities, there’s something for every mermaid, pirate, and ocean lover. Join us for two magical Saturday afternoons (March 8 and 22 from 1 to 4pm) in Ventura Harbor Village! Parking and admission are complimentary. Most experiences are free, with a few activations available for a fee. Steel drum performers, bubble shows, mermaid meet and greets and more. 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. For schedule and more information, visit www.venturaharborvillage.com/mermaid-month-2025/?2025-03-03/.
WINTER WHALE WATCHING WITH ISLAND PACKERS
Through April 30 | Ventura
Hop on board for an Island Packer’s Winter Whale Watch excursion, with trips departing from Ventura Harbor through April. This three to three-and-a-half hour cruise takes you to the Southern California waters of the Santa Barbara Channel, with views of Channel Islands National Park. These waters off the coast of Ventura Harbor are known for their marine mammal diversity, and you may get to see a wide variety of species along with the migrating gray whales. Fun for all ages! The fare is $47 per adult, $43 per senior (55+), and $34 per child. Island Packers’ Ventura location is at 1691 Spinnaker Drive, #105B in Ventura Harbor. Be sure to check out offerings leaving from Channel Islands Harbor as well: 3600 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard. For more info and booking, contact Island Packers directly: 805.642.1393 or Islandpackers.com/trips/whales-and-wildlife-cruises/winter-whale-watching/.
ON THE HORIZON
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY AND CARMEN
April 5-6 | Camarillo, Thousand Oaks
The year 2025 marks many significant musical milestones (including New West Symphony’s 30th anniversary). Bizet’s “Carmen” is one of the most popular operas ever written. This spurred our Music Director to search out other notable anniversaries, and they’re fun! J.S. Bach was flourishing during his illustrious tenure in Leipzig (1725), Smetana led us through the picturesque Czech countryside with his “Moldau” (1875), and some of the most popular rock songs of all time were released in 1975! Contemporary selections include Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” ABBA’s “Mamma Mia” and Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Saturday, April 5, at 7 p.m. at Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo. Tickets start at $40. More information at newwestsymphony.org.
MYSTIC WHALER PUBLIC DAY SAIL
April 6 | Oxnard
Educational schooner Mystic Whaler invites you aboard for a public day sail on Sunday April 6. The three-hour adventure sails in the beautiful Santa Barbara Channel. Spot the Channel’s amazing wildlife, learn about traditional sailing, experience a ship’s cannon demonstration, or just relax as Mystic Whaler carries you across the waves. The sail takes place 12:30-3:30 p.m. Tickets for the day sails are $50 for ages 5-12, $100 for ages 13+. All proceeds from public day sails go towards Mystic Whaler’s educational programming so Mystic Whaler can provide amazing at-sea experiential education at subsidized or no cost to the youth in our community. Tickets and more information available at www.centralcoastoceanadventures.org/public-day-sails.
