Short List: May 2025

OJAI WORLD DANCE FESTIVAL
May 3 | Ojai
Celebrate the richness of culture, music, and dance in the heart of Ojai, California! Join us for a vibrant, free daytime festival at the historic Libbey Park, where you’ll enjoy an exciting lineup of multi-cultural dance performances, world music, and a variety of talented vendors. Browse handcrafted gifts from skilled artisans, savor delicious ethnic cuisine, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to dance along to the rhythms or participate in fun activities for the whole family—there’s something for everyone! As the sun sets, the evening transforms with our ticketed professional showcase at the Libbey Bowl — an outdoor amphitheater nestled under the oaks. Prepare to be amazed by vibrant dance performances from some of Southern California’s most dedicated artists. This festival celebrates the power of the performing arts to bring us together and honor our world traditions. Join us as we support local dance organizations and elevate our shared cultural heritage. The festival takes place on Saturday, May 3, with daytime and evening programming. Festivities 10 a.m.-5 p.m. are free and open to the public. The evening production starts at 7:30 p.m. with tickets ranging from $15 to $45. Both take place at Libbey Bowl, 210 South Signal Street, Ojai. More information at www.danceojai.org.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
May 8-11 | Thousand Oaks
A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, “The Addams Family” is the magnificently macabre hit musical featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before-keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. $53-$123. Bank of the America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

DONNY MOST AND HIS BIG BAND
May 9 | Ventura
Join Don Most and his 17-piece band for a spectacular night of swing, jazz, and big band classics! Best known as Ralph Malph from “Happy Days,” Donny brings the timeless music of legends like Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Dean Martin to life with his smooth vocals and captivating stage presence. Backed by a stellar band, he delivers an evening filled with high-energy swing, romantic ballads, and toe-tapping rhythms that transport audiences to the golden age of music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the classics, this is a show you won’t want to miss! Ticket pricing includes light bites, table seating, and the right to bring your best dance moves to the floor. See you there! $99. Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, 450 East Harbor Boulevard Ventura, www.venturamusicfestival.org.

IN BLOOM PHOTO CONTEST
May 9-30 | Ventura
The Ventura Botanical Gardens’ Photo Contest is back! In past years the photo contest has focused on the colorful beauty of our blooms and the wildlife visitors enjoy in the spring. This year, the theme of the contest will be “Garden Stories.” Submissions should highlight events and people engaged in activities in the Gardens. With the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” in mind, the goal of the photo contest this year is to expand the stories of the Gardens. The contest entry period will be May 9–30. Entrants will be limited to two submissions. People’s Choice winners will be judged on social media. Judges’ Choice winners are selected by a panel of photography professionals. Winners will be notified in mid-June. The photos will published in News from the Gardens and, with the permission of the publisher, The Ventura Breeze. Ventura Botanical Gardens, 567 Poli Street, Ventura. For contest rules, regulations and more information, visit venturabotanicalgardens.com/in-bloom/.

MOTHER’S DAY MARIACHI FESTIVAL
May 10 | Oxnard
An annual tradition that honors the moms, grandmothers, aunts and other special women in our lives. Performances by Mariachi Reyes Del Aserradero and Mariachi Reynas de Los Angeles (de Jose Hernandez) will have the whole family filled with elation and the joy of mariachi music. Come early for our pre-concert social in the Oxnard PACC Courtyard beginning at 11 a.m. and enjoy some great live music! Followed by our big concert in the Main Auditorium at 2 p.m. An exciting way to celebrate Mother’s Day! $40+. Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/events/annual-mothers-day-mariachi-festival/.

PLAYZAPALOOZA!
May 16 – June 1 | Santa Paula
Santa Paula Theater Center’s own festival of one-act plays is a fantastic opportunity to see local talent! Playwrights from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are invited to share their completely original works, each 10-15 minutes in length. The show is presented Backstage@SPTC, the venue’s black box theater. Comedy, drama, suspense, romance…it’s all game for Playzapalooza! Theater lovers won’t want to miss this endlessly engaging and always surprising showcase. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. South Seventh Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.

CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
May 17-18 | Ventura
The California Strawberry Festival is back at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 17-18, 2025! Located beachside with stunning views, Ventura’s lively downtown is blocks away, offering dining, hotels, and nightlife. Conveniently situated off the 101 freeway, parking, free shuttles, and nearby Amtrak access make getting here a breeze. Join us for the ultimate summer kickoff while supporting the community in a BIG way. Indulge in your favorite strawberry treats like build-your-own shortcakes, chocolate-covered delights, and refreshing strawberry beer. With over 40 food vendors, live music, and a plethora of arts and crafts booths, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience in 2025! $8-$15; free for children under 4. 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, castrawberryfestival.org.

BONNIE & CLYDE
Through May 18 | Ventura
Experience an exhilarating tale of love, crime, and passion reimagined in the Rubicon’s thrilling new musical production of “Bonnie & Clyde.” With an unforgettable score by Frank Wildhorn that combines rockabilly, blues and gospel music, this new adaptation brings the gripping story of America’s most notorious outlaws to life in a fresh and dynamic way. Join Bonnie and Clyde on their infamous journey through the heartland, as they defy authority, chase their dreams, and ultimately meet their tragic destiny. Don’t miss this riveting theatrical event that will leave you on the edge of your seat! $20-$150. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, 805.667.2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

ART IN THE PARK
May 24-25 | Ojai
Art in the Park is an annual tradition started in 1977 by local artists at the Ojai Art Center to give artists a place to sell their work during Memorial Day weekend. Nestled amongst the oaks in beautiful Libbey Park (Ojai, California), a natural setting is created to showcase the rich mixture of works in a variety of mediums. Art in the Park has enjoyed a long tradition of displaying quality art. Presented by the Ojai Art Center, the oldest non-profit art center in California, the festival attracts artists from near and far. The relaxed atmosphere and approachable artists draws crowds (between 3,000 and 5,000) from Ojai and neighboring communities. Art in the Park takes place Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Weekend, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Ojai’s Libbey Park. Seventy-five exhibit spaces fill the park with some of the finest artists near and far. First, second and third place awards are given as well as three honorable mentions.​ There are awards for high school entries as well.This show is free to the public; all are welcome. 210 South Signal Street, Ojai, www.ojaiartcenter.org/artinthepark.html.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT
May 30 – June 29 | Moorpark
Outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining, “Monty Python’s Spamalot” retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, featuring show girls, flying cows, killer rabbits and French people. This Tony Award-winning musical will have you always looking, “On the bright side of life.” $28-$34. High Street Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark, highstreetartscenter.com.

PALOMAZO MUSIC SERIES
Through June 14 | Oxnard
Welcome to the Palomazo Music Series at Pipiripau! A springtime concert series in an intimate setting every other Friday, 7-9 p.m., to experience incredible live performances by amazing bands. The series offers a unique opportunity to connect with musicians and immerse yourself in their music. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable nights of rhythm, melody and community! Grupo Bella (May 16) and La Marcha (May30) will delight audiences with their infectious grooves in Downtown Oxnard’s Heritage Square. The series concludes on June 14 with the Palomazo Music Festival, taking place 3-9 p.m. $15-$26.50. 721 South A Street, Oxnard, pipiripau.com/collections/palomazo.

PAINTED SEASONS
Through 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. 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.

ON THE HORIZON

CASA PACIFICA ANGELS WINE, FOOD AND BREW FESTIVAL
June 1 | Camarillo
Get ready to indulge your taste buds with an array of delectable dishes, exquisite wines and refreshing brews. Prepare to be amazed by the picturesque surroundings and the lively atmosphere that will make this day truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out, this festival has something for everyone. Tickets: $160.35. California State University, Channel Islands, 1 University Drive, Camarillo, winefoodandbrewfestival.com

OJAI MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 6-9 | Ojai
The Ojai Music Festival welcomes as Music Director one of today’s most vital artists, Claire Chase. The 79th edition celebrates collaboration and dialogue across multiple generations of composers and performers, including four World Premieres of works by Susie Ibarra, Tania León, Terry Riley and Bahar Royaee; the U.S. Premiere of Liza Lim’s “Cardamom,” eight West Coast Premieres; residencies by Tania León, Annea Lockwood, Liza Lim, Craig Taborn, Susie Ibarra, Leilehua Lanzilotti, and Marcos Balter; and seminal works by John Coltrane, Julius Eastman, Sofia Gubaidulina, Pauline Oliveros, Terry Riley, and more. For tickets, schedule and more information, visit www.ojaifestival.org.