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VenturaA View from House Seats – Conejo Players Present Steel Magnolias
Get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe call your best friend on the way home — Conejo Players is bringing the beloved classic 'Steel Magnolias' to the stage, right here in Thousand Oaks. It’s 1987 in Chinquapin, Louisiana, and six Southern women are trading barbs and secrets under the dryers at Truvy’s salon. But beneath the hairspray and one-liners lies a story that hits close to home for anyone who’s ever leaned on a friend through the hard stuff. This is the kind of community theater the 805 does best — intimate, heartfelt, and performed by neighbors who pour their hearts into every scene. The play, written by Robert Harling after his sister’s passing, is a tribute to the women who hold us up. If you haven’t been to the Conejo Players Theatre yet, this is the perfect excuse. Grab a friend, grab a tissue, and support local arts. A big thanks to the Ventura Breeze for spotlighting this gem — see you at the show!
VenturaFlying U Rodeo Closes Out Ventura County Fair
What a way to close out the fair! The Flying U Rodeo brought the dust, the thunder, and the hometown pride to Seaside Park this weekend, wrapping up Ventura County Fair's 12-day run with two nights of professional PRCA action. From the heart-pounding bull rides to the lightning-fast barrel racing and the adorable chaos of Mutton Bustin', the Grandstand Arena was the place to be. It's the kind of classic, all-American entertainment that reminds us why we love living here on the Central Coast. For those of us who grew up going to the fair every summer, the rodeo is more than just an event—it's a tradition. It ties us to our agricultural roots and brings the whole community together, from the youngest kids in the stands to the seasoned cowboys in the chutes. We caught the recap in the Ventura Breeze, and it sounds like announcer Steve Goedert kept the energy high all weekend. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for next August—this is one closing act you won't want to skip.
VenturaEvent Calendar
Good news, Ventura! Our local ocean conservation community is getting a fresh home base, and you're invited to the party. The MERITO Foundation is hosting an open house and ribbon-cutting at their new offices on Market Street this Friday, August 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. It's a chance to tour the space, meet the team, and see firsthand the tailored programs and services they offer to protect and educate about our beloved coastline. This is more than just a new office—it's a sign that Ventura's dedication to marine stewardship is growing. Whether you're a longtime volunteer, a curious neighbor, or someone who just loves our beaches, this is a perfect opportunity to connect with a group that works hard to keep our waters healthy. Stop by for refreshments, good company, and a behind-the-scenes look at their work. For more details, check out the Ventura Breeze's event calendar at venturabreeze.com/events. See you there!
VenturaCity Invites Public to Coastal Planning Workshop on Aug. 29
Hey Ventura, mark your calendars for Saturday, Aug. 29. The city is hosting a community workshop to talk about the Local Coastal Program update — and they want to hear from you. It's a free, open-house-style gathering from 10 a.m. to noon at the Museum of Ventura County on Main Street, so you can drop by anytime, grab some info, and share your thoughts on how our coastline should be managed. This is about more than just paperwork — it's about protecting the places we love, from our beaches to our neighborhoods. Whether you're a homeowner, a business owner, or just someone who enjoys a sunset at the pier, your input shapes the rules for future development and conservation. The Ventura Breeze shared the details, and we think this is a great chance to get involved without sitting through a stuffy meeting. Come chat with city planners, ask questions, and help guide the future of our coastal community. See you there!
Ventura2026 Ventura City Council Voter Guide
Ventura neighbors, mark your calendars — the ballot for the November 3, 2026, City Council election is officially set. The nomination period closed on August 7, and now we know who will be vying for seats in Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6. Whether you’re in Midtown, the Avenue, or near the harbor, this is your chance to have a say in how our city grows, from housing to local business support. While the Ventura Breeze’s voter guide (published August 22) will have the full candidate list and details, now’s the time to start thinking about what matters to you. City Council decisions touch everything — potholes, parks, public safety, and the character of our neighborhoods. So grab a coffee, read up, and get ready to vote. Your voice matters, and this November, it’s your turn to shape Ventura’s future.
VenturaLive Music Calendar Aug 19 – Sept 1
If you're looking to catch some live tunes over the next couple of weeks, the Boatyard Pub in Ventura has you covered. From Katie Shorey's Monday sets to the weekly Bluegrass Jam on Thursdays, there's something for every ear. This weekend, don't miss Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer on Friday and Big Ben on Saturday—perfect for soaking up those last summer evenings by the harbor. Next week, Mack and D and 805 Crosscut keep the rhythm going. It's always a treat to see our local musicians doing their thing, and the Boatyard's lineup is a great reminder of why Ventura's music scene is so special. For the full scoop on times and genres, head over to VenturaRocks.com, and thanks to the Ventura Breeze for keeping us in the loop. Grab a friend, enjoy the ocean breeze, and let the music carry you through the end of August!
VenturaAn Exclusive Halloween Fundraiser at the Bard Mansion
Halloween is already shaping up to be a spooktacular night in Ventura, and this year there's a chance to celebrate in style at the historic Bard Mansion. Turning Point Foundation is hosting an exclusive fundraiser at the haunted-looking estate on Oct. 31, and with only 30 tickets left, you'll want to act fast. It's not just a party—it's a way to support vital mental health services right here in our community. The Bard Mansion has long been a local landmark, and its reputation for ghostly happenings makes it the perfect backdrop for a supernatural soiree. Whether you're a believer or just love a good costume bash, this event offers a unique evening in a piece of Ventura's history. Plus, you can save 15% on tickets through Sept. 15 using code 'venturabreeze'—a nice perk for early birds. For more details, check out the original story in the Ventura Breeze, and get ready for a Halloween night to remember.
VenturaThe Other Side of the Wall
There's something magical about the Ventura County Fair, and Dave Ramser's piece in the Ventura Breeze captures that perfectly. From the hunt for street parking (a rite of passage for any local) to the sea of glow sticks at Marshmello, it's a reminder of why we brave the crowds every summer. The fair isn't just an event; it's our collective backyard party, where the smell of cotton candy mixes with salt air and the roar of the crowd drowns out the waves. For those of us who call the 805 home, the fair is a marker of the season—a time to reconnect with neighbors, support 4-H kids showing their prized animals, and dance under the stars. Dave's story about 'the other side of the wall'—the side where the music blares and the lights flash—is a testament to the joy that happens when we step out of our routines. It's a gentle nudge to embrace the chaos, pay the 'queen's ransom' for parking, and make memories that outlast the summer. Thanks to the Ventura Breeze for sharing this slice of local life.
VenturaSeniors Celebrate Life at the Ventura County Fair
The Ventura County Fair kicked off its 2026 run on July 29, and among the first through the gates were hundreds of seniors eager to celebrate life and community. The fair has long been a Central Coast tradition, but this year's opening day felt especially meaningful as older residents—many of whom have called Ventura home for decades—gathered to enjoy the rides, food, and live music that make this event so special. It's a reminder that the fair is more than just a summer attraction; it's a place where generations connect and where our local spirit shines. The Ventura Breeze captured the joy of the day, and we're proud to see our community's elders taking center stage. Whether it's the familiar scent of corn dogs or the sound of laughter from the carnival games, the fair offers a chance to make new memories while honoring old ones. Here's to a fantastic fair season, Ventura!
VenturaFuture Filmmakers Recently Wrapped Up 2 Weeks of Youth Storytelling
There's something magical about watching young people discover the power of their own stories. For nearly two decades, CAPS Media has been making that magic happen right here in Ventura County through its Future Filmmakers Summer Digital Storytelling Program. This July, over a dozen local students spent two weeks learning the ropes from working filmmakers — writing, shooting, and editing their own short films and animations. It's more than just a summer camp. It's a chance for our kids to see themselves as creators, not just consumers, of media. Programs like this nurture the next generation of storytellers who will one day capture the unique spirit of our Central Coast. We're lucky to have CAPS Media fostering that creativity, and the Ventura Breeze did a great job spotlighting this year's young talent.
VenturaVentura to Host Sixth Annual First Responders Relay Oct. 11
Ventura, get ready to cheer on some real-life heroes! The Sixth Annual First Responders Relay is rolling into town on Sunday, Oct. 11, bringing teams from across the country and around the world for a 30-mile coastal run. It’s not just a race—it’s a celebration of the teamwork and dedication that keeps our communities safe, all while promoting wellness and camaraderie among those who serve. Starting and ending at the Crowne Plaza, the relay will wind along our beautiful coastline, giving participants and spectators a front-row seat to why we love living here. Whether you’re a runner, a supporter, or just someone who appreciates a good community gathering, this is a chance to show our gratitude and soak in the energy. For more details, check out the original story from the Ventura Breeze—and mark your calendar for a day that’s equal parts inspiring and fun.
VenturaPoint Broadcasting Presents For the Love of Art: A Seat at the Table
This September, our community has a beautiful reason to gather around the table—literally. Focus on the Masters (FOTM) is celebrating its 32nd anniversary with 'For the Love of Art: A Seat at the Table,' a fundraising event presented by Point Broadcasting. It’s more than an evening out; it’s a chance to champion the arts right here in Ventura, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive for generations to come. The event supports FOTM’s award-winning education and cultural preservation programs, including the Learning To See Outreach Program, which brings art into the lives of thousands of local students each year. As the Ventura Breeze reported, proceeds go directly to these initiatives. For anyone who believes that art enriches our collective experience—and knows how vital it is to keep these programs alive—this is a wonderful opportunity to show up, connect, and make a real difference. Mark your calendars and join your neighbors in celebrating the power of art.
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