Summertime in Ventura? It’s a blast! But the fun lasts all year long here. Whether you’re looking for a reason to come visit or are lucky to already live in Ventura, you’ll love these fall events and activities. Here are some great things to do in Ventura this season.
Numerous fun things to do in Ventura in the fall highlight the city’s hotspots.
First Fridays Ventura—Downtown Ventura, First Friday of every month
If you haven’t yet explored Ventura’s thriving art scene, this is the perfect chance. One of the most popular things to do in Ventura, this monthly event features special demos, lectures, music, and live performances, and the opportunity to choose the perfect collectible artwork to take home.
Fall Harvest Festival—Ventura County Fairgrounds, October 5–7
The 29th annual Fall Harvest Festival comes to Seaside Park at the Ventura County Fairgrounds with its “Original Art & Craft Show” featuring hundreds of artisans showcasing jewelry, specialty foods, blown glass, photography, and metalwork, plus a KidZone area, a pumpkin patch, an outdoor stage with live entertainment, and specialty foods.
Pier Under the Stars—October 6, The Ventura Pier
The 25th Annual Benefit for the Historic Ventura Pier is a 21+ event offering live music and dancing and a silent auction with proceeds benefitting the Ventura Pier. One of the most fun things to do in Ventura, it’s also a foodie’s dream, with tastings from Ventura County’s finest establishments and cafes as well wine, beer, and spirits.
Seafood Taste 2018 – National Seafood Month!—Harbor Village, October 6
Enjoy tastes from seven of the Harbor Village’s seafood restaurants, plus live entertainment along the Promenade.
Artwalk Ventura—Downtown Ventura, October 6–7
The 25th annual ArtWalk Ventura will feature dozens of galleries and studios, as well as transformed PODS® containers showcasing more than 700 artists and live performances, and a “special Light+Music performance Saturday night at Mission Park by DJ Majestic and theLightRiders.”
The Ventura Paddle Surfing Championship—The ‘Point’ at C St., October 13
See some of the best paddle surfers in the world at this annual event. The competition features four categories: Open Waveski, Open SUP, Open Surf Kayak, and the High Fives Adaptive Surf waveski division, plus an SUP Foil Class being added this year.
Seaside Highland Games—Seaside Park, October 13–14
If you missed this raucous event last year, make sure you carve time out of your calendar for the “premier Scottish event on the Central California Coast,” this time around. The games, “a Scottish tradition dating back into the mists of the past,” last all day Saturday and Sunday. If you’re really feeling festive, show up at the Whisky Tasting & Scottish evening at the Four Points on Friday, Oct. 12 between 5–10pm.
HOWL-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest—Harbor Village, October 20
If you need another reason to head for the harbor for the afternoon, how do costumed pets sound?! The HOWL-O-WEEN Pet Costume Contest offers prizes including “Spookiest, Sea-Worthy, Creative/Original, Best in Show, and more,” and every pet gets a treat.
Walks, Runs, and Marathons
Fall brings several great things to do in Ventura, including numerous opportunities to participate in area runs and walks:
Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk—Harbor Cove Beach, October 6
The annual 3-5k Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk honors breast cancer survivors.
Lexus LaceUp Ventura Marathon—Ventura Promenade
This two-day event offers multiple opportunities to run:
- October 20—5K, Downtown Mile, Kids Race
- October 21—Marathon, Half Marathon
2017 Walk to Defeat ALS—Plaza Park in Oxnard, October 7
This two-mile walk raises money for a cure for ALS and is The ALS Association’s biggest annual event.
The Color Run Ventura—Downtown Ventura, November 17
The Color Run, “also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality,” they said. The run is followed by music and dancing.
Kids Seaside Trick or Treat—Ventura Harbor, October 27
Trick or treat along the Harbor’s shops and restaurants, get your face painted, and be sure to stick around to see Zombies roaming the promenade and coming together “for a world record breaking dance to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson at 3pm.”
Classes at A Smart Garden—October 13, A Smart Garden
A Smart Garden offers different classes throughout the year, and their newest offering is “Inviting Bees & Other Pollinators into Your Garden.” Entomologist Anna D. Howell from the University of California will “cover the ‘all about bees’ portion of the class, and then Cari Vega of A Smart Garden will show you the best plants for inviting bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators into your garden,” they said. “Enjoy light refreshments, a raffle & savings.
The Mission—Ventura
The San Buenaventura Mission is an important part of California history, and it’s right here in Ventura. You can take a self-guided tour seven days a week, or come on one of their special Family Tours (the day after Thanksgiving this season), when “expert docents provide a thorough opportunity to learn about Mission life, art and architecture and answer your questions.”
For more information about things to do in Ventura, visit The Farm. The Farm is the hottest new community in all of Ventura County, located in a family-friendly enclave just 10 minutes from the beach and surrounded by all the best of Ventura, including great area schools and nearby entertainment, recreation, culture, and employment. The masterplan features two on-site parks and four exciting communities of single-family and attached new homes, including:
The Farm’s new-home offerings include:
Traditional single-family homes in Ventura with one- and two-story residences, classic architecture, chef’s kitchens, and California rooms; Three to four bedrooms and two to three baths; 1,914–2,753 square feet of living space
Luxurious single-family homes with open flow, downstairs bedrooms, great outdoor space, and alley-loaded garages; Four to six bedrooms and three to four and one-half baths; Separate apartment units over the two-car garages in two plans; 2,781–3,343 square feet of living space
Light-filled single-family homes with open floorplans, island kitchens, first-floor en-suite bedrooms, and alley-loaded garages; Four bedrooms and three to three and one-half baths; 2,223–2,702 square feet of living space
Unique townhome designs that live like single-family detached homes, with open plans, upstairs bonus rooms, and private yards; Three to four bedrooms and two and one-half to three baths; 1,744–2,287 square feet of living space
You can also register your name on the VIP interest list to make sure you are kept up to date on important community news and phase releases.
