Ojai, CA - The city of Ojai, just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, is filled with action-packed signature events throughout the year to celebrate all that is uniquely Ojai. From the nation's oldest amateur Tennis Tournament in April and the folksy Storytelling Festival in May, to the sweet-smelling Lavender Festival in June and the sensational Ojai Studio Artists Tour in October, Ojai's special events capture the community's spirit, talent, energy and natural surrounds that make this artsy town of less than 8,000 a favorite Southern California destination.

Ojai's numerous events also create a great reason to escape and enjoy a fun weekend getaway. Many of the inns and hotels partner with event organizers to create an Ojai experience, offering special rates and packages. While in Ojai, visitors can also take in all that the city has to offer from its unique village shopping and cultural attractions to olive oil tasting tours and regional wine tasting trail. For the adventurous, perhaps a jeep tour through the back country is in order, or maybe a rigorous walk or ride along Ojai's many biking and hiking trails. Or, one can always opt for a well-deserved spa treatment, a signature pastime in Ojai!

The following information summarizes the major events taking place in Ojai in 2012. For details on all Ojai events and activities, and more information about Ojai as a destination, visit www.ojaivisitors.com

2nd Annual Ojai WordFest
March 24-31, 2012
A festival of words, ideas and stories, WordFest brings together the best-selling authors, screenwriters, playwrights, poets, songwriters, novelists and many more. Highlights include a writer's conference, book fair, community events, open mic venues, pottery readings and more held at many of Ojai's landmark and historic sites. Times and locations of events vary throughout the week.

112th Annual Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament April 24-29, 2012 The oldest, amateur tennis tournament in the country, this annual event is designed to promote amateur tennis in California. The tournament has launched the careers of several tennis greats including Billy Jean King, Bobby Riggs, Jimmy Connors and many more. The action takes place at the historic Libbey Park and at numerous venues throughout the city. The tournament is home of the annual Pac-10's men's, women's and doubles individual championship matches. Part of the annual tradition is the "Tea Tent" where formally dressed women serve tea and cookies to spectators!
Matches start at 8:00 am each day.

13th Annual Ojai Storytelling Festival
May 3-6, 2012
Libbey Bowl
Celebrating the story-telling tradition with some of the nation's best-known purveyors of the craft, the Ojai Storytelling Festival, one of the leading storytelling festivals on the West Coast, offers performances for adults, children, and families as well as workshops for those who want to learn more about the art of storytelling. The Festival offers 20 different events presented by skilled storytellers who are able to make an emotional connection with the audience as they deliver their inspiring tales. Tickets required. Presented by Performances to Grow On.

18th Annual Ojai Valley Garden Tour
May 12, 2012
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lush gardens in bloom are the star of the show during the annual Ojai Valley Garden Tour featuring five private gardens located around scenic Ojai Valley. Ojai is home to many colorful varieties including the mariposa lily, lavender, poppies, lupine, phacelia, and more. The annual event is presented by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and benefits local programs. Tickets required.

35th Annual Art in the Park
May 26-27, 2012
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Libbey Park
Some of the finest artists in Ojai and from around California showcase their works of art at downtown's Libbey Park. Artists demonstrate their mediums including oil, acrylic, glass, pastel, watercolors, mixed media, graphics, wood, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fine jewelry and more. Presented by the Ojai Art Center.

66th Ojai Music Festival
June 7-10, 2012
Libbey Bowl
With a reputation for attracting exceptional artists performing pieces of contemporary and classical music, the Ojai Music Festival has presented some of the world's finest conductors, composers and performers during its 60 plus years history. In 2012 it will celebrate the artistic collaborations of Music Director, Leif Ove Andsnes, one of today's foremost pianists, making his debut at the annual festival. He will be joined by other top collaborators to create a spectacular musical extravaganza. Set in the outdoor setting of historic Libbey Bowl, the Ojai Music Festival stands out with its unique symbiosis between the high-level music performed by the world's greatest artists surrounded by the incredible, natural beauty.
Tickets required.

26th Annual Ojai Wine Festival
June 10, 2012
Noon to 5 p.m.
Lake Casitas
One of the region's best culinary events, the Ojai Wine Festival provides a chance to taste a variety of select wines and beers in a spectacular outdoor setting. Held on the shores of Lake Casitas, the festival also includes samplings from area restaurants in addition to arts & crafts vendors, silent wine auction, free boat rides and entertainment. Presented by the Ojai Rotary Club-West. Tickets required.

9th Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival June 23, 2012 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Libbey Park
The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival celebrates the fragrant, purple-flowered plant, the lavender, which is very abundant in the Ojai Valley in the summer season. Festival-goers will find a large variety of lavender products from plants and herbs to scented candles and essential oils. Taking place at Libbey Park, the festival also includes cooking demonstrations and lectures on other ways to utilize lavender in hand-made crafts. A wide variety of artwork is available for purchase, and musical entertainment rounds out the festivities. Free admission.

50th Annual Fourth of July Parade & Celebration July 4, 2012
Parade: 10 a.m.
Fireworks: 9 p.m.
The charm of a small town community comes to life during the old-fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. Starting with a traditional parade, lining the main street of the small town, the celebration continues in Libbey Park, where visitors can enjoy numerous exhibits, food, music, face painting and games for the entire family. Later in the afternoon, the fun continues at the Ojai Valley Community Stadium at Nordhoff High School featuring live music, food, games and an incredible evening fireworks display.

15th Annual Ojai Playwrights Conference Summer New Works Festival August 7- 12, 2012 Emerging and established playwrights from across the country gather to participate in the development of new plays for the American theater. The public is able to get a first-hand look at these up-and-coming plays that have been known to go onto national stages, with many becoming award-winning productions. Public performances take place in town at Matilija Auditorium and at Zalk Theatre at Besant Hill. Tickets required.

29th Annual Ojai Studio Artists Tour
October 13-14, 2012
Once a year, Ojai's acclaimed artists' colony opens its studio doors for the public to view works in progress while enjoying a weekend of fine art and conversation. More than 50 Ojai Valley artists participate in the annual event where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at artists' creative environments, purchase art and attend a reception & gala. Tickets required.

21st Annual Ojai Day
October 20, 2012
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The annual Ojai Day community celebration and street fair takes place in downtown Ojai. The free, family event kicks off with a children's parade followed by activities in Libbey Park. Unique arts & crafts such as jewelry, clothing, art glass, pottery and other market items are available for purchase along Ojai Avenue in addition to a variety of tasty food from local restaurants and vendors. Free admission.

10th Annual Yoga Crib
October 22-28, 2012
Yoga sessions, meditations and evening events take place in some of the most historically significant and sacred spots in the Ojai Valley.

13th Annual Ojai Film Festival
October 25-28, 2012
The Ojai Film Festival offers continuous screenings of new and independent films submitted by filmmakers throughout the world at numerous venues in Ojai. The festival also includes seminars, film classic screenings, and opportunities for visitors to mingle with filmmakers, directors and production staff. Tickets required.

16th Annual Ojai Holiday Home Look In
November 17-18, 2012
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A tour of several distinctive homes located within the Ojai Valley, all dressed in holiday themes. The event also includes a Holiday Marketplace where visitors can find holiday gift and Ojai treasurers from local artisans and vendors. Proceeds benefit the Ojai Music Festival and music education program. Tour tickets required. Marketplace admission is free.