Short List: October 2024

GHOSTWALK

Oct. 11-27 | Santa Paula

Ghostwalk 2024 follows its 30-year tradition with historically based stories, real or imagined, told by ghost citizens that lived or might have lived in the Santa Clara River Valley. This year’s theme will be “The Spirits of the Old Sycamore Tree,” and feature six tales of fact and fiction by Corrine Carson. Guests will be led by a ghostly companion for a one-hour tour through this year’s chosen magical and mysterious environment, the Santa Paula Train Depot and the Santa Paula Agricultural Museum. This location will provide the backdrop for each story, with each location transformed into a ghostly stage for each of our featured ghosts. Guests will enjoy hearing the stories of the dearly departed as they are accompanied by their ghostly host throughout the walk. Tours will leave every 15 minutes from the waiting area. Ticket prices are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children 12 and under ($12 and $10, repsectively, during opening weekend, Oct. 11-13). All walking tours run approximately an hour and are not wheelchair accessible. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a flashlight. Tours depart promptly and pre-purchasing tickets are strongly recommended. Guests should check in 15 minutes prior to tour reservation. Tickets and more information at www.ghostwalk.com.

VOICES OF OLD CONEJO: I DREAM OF GENIE

Through Oct. 13 | Newbury Park

Join us for an evening of magical time travel as two people from 2024, browsing unwittingly through antiques of the Stagecoach Inn Museum, come across a classic western lantern. As they wipe the dust off it, voila, a genie appears and grants them their wish to visit the Conejo Valley of the Past! What ensues is a whimsical, magical evening that only a genie-lead experience can provide. Join us under the stars as you are led along to visit the ancient Chumash, the Hispanic settlers of our region, the creation of the Grand Union Hotel (now the Stagecoach Inn) and life under the presidency of Rutherford B. Hays. You will also pay visits to the Newbury, Haighs, and Janss families. Along the way you will meet colorful characters like Frank Crowley, Mike Hagopian, Guy Runnion and the incomparable Mabel Stark. Join us October 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 5 and 7:30 p.m. for an incomparable theatrical experience. $17 CVHS members, $22 General. 51 South Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park, 805.498.9441. Tickets at stagecoachinnmuseum.com.

AFTER DARK AT STAGECOACH INN MUSEUM

Through Oct. 18 | Newbury Park

Bring a blanket or chair, your own food and beverage(or purchase drinks, on site, from Tarantula Hill Brewing Co.) and enjoy the spectacular live music outside! The After Dark concert series brings phenomenal artists from across the United States to to the lawn of the Stagecoach Inn Museum. Featured this month will be soulful Sierra Green and the Giants (Oct. 4), Calling Cadence’s swampy blues rock (Oct. 11) and “bluegrass with a little punch” courtesy of Damn Tall Buildings (Oct. 18). All performances take place on Fridays at 7 p.m. $36.75 per show; bundle all four shows for $90. 51 South Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park, bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/afterdark.

PLAYWRIGHTS’ SPLASH FESTIVAL

Oct. 18-20 | Ventura

Namba’s annual Splash Festival brings the best of the Hollywood Fringe Festival to Ventura County audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to see new and emerging playwrights, directors and actors and groundbreaking work in an intimate setting. Coming to Namba Performing Arts Space in October: “The Funny Thing About a Panic Attack” by Ben Kassoy (Oct. 18), a humorous exploration of mental health; “Resilient AF” by Kamakshi Hart (Oct. 19), about a woman’s journey from shame and betrayal to finding her value and her voice; and “Mictlan” by Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola (Oct. 20), told in ​​Náhuatl, Spanish and English and focusing on a young poet’s adventures in the Aztec underworld. $20-$50. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 South Oak Street, Ventura, 805.628.9250, www.nambaarts.com.

THE CRUCIBLE

Through Oct. 20 | Ojai

Join the Ojai Art Center Theater as we step back in time to a small Puritan town in our upcoming production of Arthur Miller’s classic, “The Crucible.” Set during the Salem witch trials, this drama exposes the overwhelming effects of superstition and mass hysteria. As whispers of witchcraft spread across a once-tight community, neighbor turns against neighbor, and accusations run wild. Based on true events where witch hunts proved deadly, who will resist the rumors, and who will be caught in the chaos? Witness this gripping tale that takes you through the consequences of unchecked power. Our talented cast brings to life the complex characters and intense emotions that have made “The Crucible” a timeless piece of American theater. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.8797, ojaiact.org.

MEINERS OAKS COMMUNITY GARDEN GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Oct. 20 | Meiners Oaks

Bring your friends and family! We are officially welcoming the community into the garden to celebrate the official opening to the public! We anticipate having 50-75+ attendees from the Ojai community at this event. Over the past year, we have been preparing the soil and planting the metaphorical “seeds” to open the first community garden in Meiners Oaks — and now it’s time to celebrate! This event is open to families and friends. We will have fun activities and vendors for you to enjoy. Be sure to RSVP. We will be sharing more details soon! Celebration takes place 12-3 p.m. at 307 South Padre Juan Avenue, Ojai. More information at www.meinersoakscommunitygarden.com/events/grand-opening.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Through Oct. 20 | Thousand Oaks

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a delectable sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Seymour Krelborn is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names “Audrey II” after his crush at the shop. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for human blood. Presented by 5-Star Theatricals. $38-$83. Scherr Forum Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

WITCHES PADDLE

Oct. 25 | Ventura

Gather your witches’ attire and join us for the Ventura Harbor Witches Paddle on Friday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m.! Whether you bring your own paddle board or kayak or rent from Ventura Boat Rentals, glide along Ventura Harbor dressed as a witch for a festive Halloween experience! Now in its sixth year, this magical tradition (initiated by two local ladies, Christie Moorehouse and Susan Stuart) has grown into an enchanting event, attracting over 60 witches and warlocks, as well as photographers and spectators. Meet for a group photo at 3:30 p.m. at Coastal Cone Ice Cream or on the water at 4 p.m. for a 60-90 minute group paddle. Launch points are available at Harbor Cove Beach, “C” Dock in the courtesy area of Ventura Harbor Village, or the Ventura Harbor public launch ramp. If renting from Ventura Boat Rentals, check availability in advance and arrive early. Safety is essential, so wear life vests and maintain a safe distance from others during the paddle. Afterward, savor dinner, drinks and live music at Ventura Harbor Village’s restaurants. Embrace the magic of the evening! Ventura Harbor Village, 1575 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/witches-paddle-2024/.

UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Through Oct. 31 | Moorpark

A beloved Ventura County tradition returns this month! Underwood’s Moorpark location is a cornucopia of fun, thanks to festive fall decorations, a wide variety of fresh produce in season (including some you can pick yourself), tractor rides, animal shows, a corn labyrinth, the famous pumpkin patch and more. There will be lots of photo opps, and every weekend will feature a special theme, complete with live music and entertainment. Whether you’re stocking up on veggies, looking for the perfect jack o’lantern or just want some good, old-fashioned family fun, Underwood is the place to be! $14 Monday-Friday; $22-$30 weekends. Children under 2 and parking are FREE. Seniors (65+), Military, Veterans, and Emergency First Responders receive $2 admission discount daily (with valid ID). Must show ID at gate to receive discount if purchasing Military and Senior online tickets. 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, underwoodfamilyfarms.com/fall-harvest.

OJAI FILM FESTIVAL

Oct. 31 – Nov. 4 | Ojai

The Ojai Film Festival showcases the special character and spirit of Ojai, with its rich history from the Chumash Indians to famous gurus. For many years, spiritual teachers and Hollywood celebrities have felt drawn to the beauty of Ojai, making the Ojai Film Festival a perfect setting for bringing filmmakers together to celebrate their talents and inspire creativity. The Festival provides audiences a diverse lineup of titles from around the world. Past entries have represented over 43 countries. The Ojai Film Festival gives filmmakers access to a highly appreciative audience of savvy film fans. That the Ojai Film Society’s Program Director, Steve Grumette, continues to receive invitations to serve as a juror at other festivals reflects the growing importance of the Ojai Festival. This recognition of Ojai’s festival is reflected in the fact that legendary Hollywood producer Peter Guber told the audience at a recent Toronto International Film Festival that “Ojai is the next Telluride.” The allure of the beautiful mountains of the Ojai valley, just a short drive from Los Angeles, draws high profile visitors who enjoy its quiet seclusion and artistic environment. The Festival is understood to be a leading regional event and an unparalleled educational program having gained recognition among an audience drawn from throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties. For screenings, venues, tickets and more information, visit ojaifilmfestival.com.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Through Nov. 2 | Oxnard

OPAC (Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation) is excited to announce its annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a two-part event that will culminate on Saturday, Nov. 2, 4-9 p.m. at the Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center. Admission is free and open to the public. This year, the celebration extends with a month-long Día de los Muertos Community Altar at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, running through Nov. 2. This vibrant display titled “Recuérdame” (Remember Me) is hosted in partnership with The Collection and will be located between Lazy Dog and the Cheesecake Factory. The community is invited to honor their loved ones by participating in a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed. We invite the public to contribute to the Community Altar by sharing photos of loved ones they wish to honor. On Nov. 2, the Día de los Muertos celebration at OPAC will feature a blessing and ceremonial dance by Aztec Dancers, live murals and art installations, music by local DJs, family-friendly activities, a variety of food and retail vendors and more. For schedule and more information, visit www.theopac.org/dia-de-los-muertos.

GAIL PIDDUCK’S “82 + 10”

Through Jan. 12, 2025 | Santa Paula

In 2023, longtime Santa Paula artist Gail Pidduck found herself with a childlike desire to “just make art.” Her adult sensibilities insisted on a focus. Pidduck compromised with the decision to use 8” x 8” panels as the constraint or structure for a series of paintings, while allowing herself to paint anything she wanted with no concern about subject matter. Thus, “8².” The “+ 10”? 8² + 10 = 74, Pidduck’s age when the exhibit hangs, and her goal to produce 74 new paintings from which to choose 40 to exhibit. In this all-new exhibition, you’ll see Pidduck’s visual journal, an unrestricted year in the life of the artist and the things that bring her joy. Also on exhibit will be “Douglas Shively and Friends” through Nov. 3. Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

ON THE HORIZON

VENTURA COUNTY FARM DAY

Nov. 2 | Ventura County

On Saturday, Nov. 2, more than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations will open their doors to invite the public to experience a day of agricultural activities and tours during the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. It is entirely self-guided — you drive yourself at your own pace to any of the locations on our Farm Day Trail Map on the day of the event. Not all locations have registration requirements or set tour times, so check their descriptions on our Trail Map for details! Join us to learn more about the farm origins of your food, the food supply chain, and meet the people responsible for producing the food we eat, and more! For participating farms, tickets and more information, visit venturacountyfarmday.com.