WINTER 2012

Pacific Gray Whale Watching

January – March 2012

Whale Watching Season is here and it’s a great time to catch a glimpse of nature up close and personal! Island Packers, Ventura County’s official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is now offering ½-day and all-day whale watching excursions to view these magnificent mammals. www.IslandPackers.com

Channel Islands National Park Spring Wildlife Excursions
February – April 2012

California’s Channel Islands National Park has been nicknamed “The North America Galapagos” as diversity abounds on the Islands and in the giant kelp beds in the Marine Sanctuary. The uninhabited Islands are accessed via boat or plane ride and remain pristine for hiking and kayaking. Visit Anacapa Island for spectacular wildflower blooms and bird watching, and be able to boast to have been to the least visited National Park in North America! www.IslandPackers.com

SPRING 2012

Cottontail Day

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 10 am – 3 pm

Ventura Harbor Village is filled with the sights and sounds of family on the Village Main Lawn. The Cottontail Bunny can be spotted hopping around giving children a chance to shake hands or grab a hug. Other activities include face painting, petting zoo, hands-on arts & crafts, pony rides and so much more. $2 Easter egg hunts are held every 30 minutes for ages 1-7 (weather pending). www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Harbor is Hopping

Sunday, April 8, 2012, Noon – 3 pm

Hop on over for Springtime celebration and Easter brunch at Harbor restaurants. Kids can take photos with the Easter Bunny, or enjoy live music at the Ventura Harbor Village Carousel Stage. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Memorial Day Weekend Happenings

Saturday and Sunday, May 26 - 27, 2012, 1 – 4 pm

Kick off summer with Memorial Day Weekend live music performances by local band favorites throughout the holiday weekend. Admission is free. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Ventura Harbor Water Taxi

Memorial Day Saturday, May 26 – Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2012

Ride the Ventura Harbor Water Taxi to the Ventura Harbor Village for shopping, dining, and family fun! “Toot-C” the yellow water taxi runs on Saturdays and Sundays from Marina Park to Ventura Harbor Village. Fee to ride. www.VenturaBoatRentals.com

Blue & Humpback Whale Watching

June – September 2012

Seasonal feeding patters offers views of these extraordinary mammals during summer in the Santa Barbara Channel. Island Packers, Ventura County’s official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has special all day whale watching excursions to Santa Rosa Island with a visit to Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Islands north Shore. www.IslandPackers.com

National Marina Day

Saturday, June 9, 2012 11 am – 2 pm

Learn through interactive activities about marina resources, boating safety, fishing industry, and more. Experience the marina lifestyle through family fun and meet local stewards of the Ventura Harbor. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

SUMMER 2012

Summer Sounds Concert Series

Sundays, June 24 - Labor Day Sunday, September 2, 2012, 1 - 4 pm

Soak up the sun while listening to an array of music ranging from Jazz & Soul to Pop & Rock to a blend of Caribbean & Reggae during the Summer Sounds Concert Series every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Ventura Harbor Village Carousel Stage. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

7th Annual Pirate Days Festival

Saturday and Sunday, July 21 - 22, 2012, 1 - 4pm

Return to the mystical times when the pirates roamed the seas during the 7th Annual Pirate Days Festival. The event features professional pirate live-action shows, pirate themed activities, treasure hunts, pirate costume contests, pirate vendors and much more. Admission and parking are free. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Steel Drum at Carousel Stage

Saturdays in July 2012, 1 – 4 pm

Fun beachy sounds surround while shopping, dining, or relaxing in the Village. Steel drums kick off the good times July 7. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K

Saturday, August 18, 2012, 8:30 am start

Join in the campaign to support more birthdays at the third annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k fund raiser and pancake breakfast for Ventura County. Making Strides is a non-competitive 5k scenic morning walk, beginning early Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Ventura Harbor. http://MakingStrides.acsevents.org/ventura

Arts in the Park

Saturday and Sunday, August 18 – 19, 2012, 10 am – 6 pm Sat. / 10 am -5 pm Sun.

Local artists display amazing glass work, jewelry, sculpture, hand created crafts and more outdoors at Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn during a fun-filled summer weekend. Street chalk artists create “Chalk for Charity” pieces along the Village Promenade to support FOODShare, plus live music, and junior art competitions throughout the weekend. Produced by Ventura Chamber of Commerce. Admission and Parking are free. www.VenturaChamber.com

Chiefs Along the Channel ~ Pontiac, GMC, Buick, Oldsmobile Car Show

Sunday, August 26, 2012, 10 am – 4 pm

Buicks, Oldsmobile, Pontiacs, and GMC Pickups will be on display on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn for car enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy. Presented by The Channel Islands Chapter of the Pontiac Oakland Club International, Chiefs Along the Channel Car Show includes live music, raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and a final award ceremony. Free admission for spectators. Contact Tom Maloney, President, (805) 443-2919 for information & vehicle registration. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Labor Day Weekend

Saturday and Sunday, September 1-2, 2012, 1 – 4 pm

Live music from 1 – 4 pm, Saturday & Sunday at the Village Carousel Stage. Soak in the summer sun in the Village setting. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Responsible Dog Ownership Day

Saturday, September 8, 2012, 10 am – 2 pm

Agility demonstrations, live music, local kennel clubs and rescue groups gather at the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn to celebrate the deep bonds between dogs and humans. Learn the importance of being a responsible owner on National Responsible Dog Ownership Day and have fun with furry friends! Produced by Ventura County Dog Fancier Association and the American Kennel Club. www.VCDFA.com

FALL 2012

Ponies by the Sea ~ Mustang Car Show

Sunday, October 14, 2012, 10 am – 3:30 pm

Mustangs from all eras will sparkle and shine lined up on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn for the Ponies by the Sea Car Show. Free for spectators, registration fees to display vintage and modern vehicles are donated to local non-profits. Award ceremony includes People’s Choice Classes, Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Engine, and many more. Free admission for spectators. www.TriCountyMustangClub.com

Kinetic Sculpture Race – (Benefiting the Turning Point Foundation)

Saturday, October 20, 2012, 10:20 am - 4 pm

Amazing people-powered and hilarious works of art designed to travel over an exciting all-terrain course will race through Ventura Harbor, Saturday, October 20 from 10:20 am to 4 pm. The creative vehicles will trek through such challenges as a harbor water launch, sand mounds, figure eight race track and huge mud pit before making it to the finish line. Free Admission and free parking. www.KineticRace.com

Ventura Restaurant Week

Sunday, November 4 - Friday, November 9, 2012

During Ventura Restaurant Week’s third annual celebration of fine local cuisine, discover new restaurants and enjoy all your favorites at a discounted price! Choose from over 35 local restaurants and get a great multi-course meal for either $20/person or $20 for two people (not including tax and tip). Try Ventura Harbor Village participating restaurants for lunch and return for a different selection at dinner! For complete listing of City-wide participating restaurants visit www.VenturaRestaurantWeek.com

Channukah Festival

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Celebration of the season includes live music, Judaica boutique, hot Latkes, family fun, and lighting of a Grand Menorah. Presented by Chabad of Oxnard and made possible by the Jewish Federation of Ventura County. Free Admission. www.ChabadofOxnard.com

Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks

Friday and Saturday, December 14 - 15, 2012, Boat Parade 7 pm

Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 36th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks on Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15. The theme for the two-day fun filled event is “Jingle Jungle” and includes a carnival, seaside shopping and dining followed by the lighted boat parade & fireworks show in the evening. Free Admission www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Winter Wonderland & Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, December 15, 2012, 1 - 5 pm

Rediscover the joy of holiday shopping while wondering through a festive holiday village at the popular Ventura Harbor’s Winter Wonderland & Sidewalk Sale held Saturday, December 15 from 1- 5 pm.

Highlights include faux snowfall every 15 minutes, a full carnival with rides and games, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, Dickenson Carolers, and more! The 36th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks to follow! www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Ventura Harbor Village is located just minutes off the Historic 101 and Highway 1 along California’s Central Coast. Take the Seaward Ave. exit, left on Harbor Blvd., and right on Spinnaker Drive. 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001

For more information call the Ventura Harbor Event Line: (805) 477–0470, ext. 5 or visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com