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.
2008 Kids Swap MeetThis popular annual event returns to Barranca Vista Park 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura, Saturday May 10th,2008 from 12-3 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 5th 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. Cowboys, Heroes & OutlawsJune 7, 2008 - A unique cultural event for the entire family designed to stimulate interest in and to preserve American Cowboy Western heritage. Presented at the historic mission and rancho era Olivas Adobe in Ventura the event has five components: cultural workshops and demonstrations; period entertainment; interpreters as historic figures; a children's "cowboy college" and a Native American Village. All workshops are hands-on, and are designed to educate in a fun, stimulating and vibrant atmosphere.
Downtown ArtWalksThree 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.
Street FestivalsThe 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) 654-7830.
Olivas Adobe Music Under the StarsA 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.
Discover Ventura ToursThe 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.
Mayor's Arts AwardsIn 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.
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