Free Things to Do in Oxnard, CA

Oxnard has a bumper crop of free things to do this summer in the Channel Islands Harbor and in Historic Downtown Oxnard, where an entire city block of charming homes have been restored and converted into businesses. More than 25 businesses now thrive there, including a restaurant, wine tasting room, live theater, and a Visitor Center and Gift Shop at 715 South A Street. The general area is West 7th Street and South A Street.

Oxnard Historical Home Tours

Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm
Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm

Every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) charming volunteer Docents in costume will take you on a 45 minute guided tour of some of these beautiful historic homes. The tour starts at the Heritage Square Visitor Center at 715 South A Street, next to the water tower. Tours are free, but donations are appreciated.

Heritage Square Summer Concerts

Fridays, 6 pm - 8 pm
June 12 - August 14

Oxnard's Heritage Square
715 South A Street
(805) 483-7960

For 17 years, Oxnard's summer concerts have been a favorite summertime tradition. Although there are paid tickets available to sit at tables, there is free lawn seating for those who wish to bring blankets or low lawn/beach chairs. You can set up your spot after 12 noon on the day of the concert. Have a picnic, enjoy the family atmosphere in the park, and cool off in the evening to the sounds of your favorite music. Refreshments are available.

Upcoming concerts:

July 17 - Rock 'n' Roll
July 24 - Big Band Jazz
July 31 - 80's Dance Band
Aug 7 - Latin Jazz
Aug 14 - Latin, Oldies, Rock

The Murphy Auto Museum
and Vintage Clothing Display

Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am - 4 pm

2230 Statham Blvd.
(805) 487-4333

This non-profit museum houses a collection of over 50 cars, from classic to milestone and special interest vehicles, to a large collection of Packards from 1927 - 1958. There is also a vintage clothing display including all decades from 1890 to 1970. Entrance is free, but donations are tax-deductible and appreciated.

The museum has an ongoing model train display and until June 28 there is an Italian Superbike Exhibit centered on Ducati and Bimota motorcycles. Something for just about everyone!

Ventura County Maritime Museum

Open Daily from 11 am - 5 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day

2731 Victoria Ave.
Corner of Channel Islands Blvd. & Victoria Ave.
(805) 984-6260

With changing exhibitions, there is always something new to see and learn from maritime art, unique ship models, exhibits, artifacts and a nautical research library. The Museum also hosts permanent collections of marine art by Dutch and Flemish painters. Among the other permanent exhibits are one of the largest collections of Napoleonic prisoner of war sailing ship models in the US. Exhibits on whaling, sailors' arts and history of the Channel Islands Harbor and the Port of Hueneme are also permanently on display. The Maritime Museum is currently renovating the Port Royal Restaurant to make their location even more exciting with the ability to include visiting tall ships in their exhibitions.

Concerts by the Sea

Saturdays at Peninsula Park, 4 pm - 6pm

Located next to Casa Sirena Hotel and the Hampton Inn
Channel Islands Harbor
Visitor Information Line (805) 985-4852

Bring blankets, picnic baskets and lawn chairs and enjoy a wide array of musical entertainment every Saturday afternoon. Concert and parking are both free.

July 18 - 60's Folk Era Music
July 25 - Jazz, Blues, and Swing
Aug 1 - R&B
Aug 8 - Cajun/Zydeco
Aug 15 - Boomer Rock
Aug 22 - Rockabilly/50's Surf Music
Aug 29 - Country Rock

Channel Islands Certified Farmer's Market

Every Sunday, 10 am - 2 pm

Waterside at 3600 S. Harbor Blvd.
Next to Marine Emporium Landing Shopping Center
Channel Islands Harbor
(805) 985-4852

Rain or shine, stroll through the farmer's market to enjoy the beauty of the locally grown fruits, veggies, flowers, and more.

Gypsies in a Trunk
Fairy Tales in the Park

August 2 - The Pied Piper
September 6 - Little Red Riding Hood Meets Goldilocks

Performances take place at 2 pm at the north end of Harbor View Park next to the Marine Emporium Landing and Farmer's Market. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for the live performance.

8th Annual Channel Islands Harbor Fine Arts & Crafts Show

August 15 - 16, 10 am - 5 pm

Located in Channel Islands Harbor
Visitor's Information Line (805) 985-4852

Outdoor festival with original works of art: acrylics, etchings, photography, oils, watercolors, ceramics, stained glass, woodcrafts, jewelry and sculptures will be on display for viewing and purchase. The show is put on by West Coast Artists.

Beaches and Parks

Hollywood Beach, located on the west side of Channel Islands Harbor, has one mile of beach and recreation areas, as well as a great view of the Channel Islands. Lifeguard services are provided on the weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Free parking and public restrooms.

Silver Strand Beach, located on the east side of Channel Island Harbor, has one mile of beach and is a popular surfing, boogie boarding, and body surfing spot. Lifeguard services are provided on the weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Free parking is available in two parking lots. Public restrooms.

Peninsula Park, located next to the Casa Sirena Hotel and Hampton Inn, has picnic tables, a playground, a recreation building, restrooms, showers, tennis courts, concrete walks and a turf area.

Harbor View Park has picnic tables, restrooms, concrete walks and a turf area.

Channel View Park has picnic tables and concrete walks.

14th Annual Ventura County Boat Show

July 16 - 19, 2009
Channel Islands Harbor

FREE admission on opening day, July 16, noon to 7 pm.

This is so nearly free that I had to include it:
Celebrate $1 Friday on July 17, noon to 7pm.
$1 Admission plus $1 hot dogs, beer, soda, and popcorn.
Children 12 and under are free with paid adult.

Boats of all sizes, shapes, colors, and designs will be on display and purchase. There will also be state of the art marine accessories, electronics, fishing equipment, apparel, personal watercraft, marine services and much more.

Car Shows at Channel Islands Harbor
Visitor Information Line (805) 985-4852

Central Coast British Car Club Car Show
Sunday, July 26, 2009, 9 am - 3 pm
Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Morgan, Triumph, MG, Austin-Healey and many more.

11th Annual Vintage VW Car Show
Saturday, August 8, 2009, 8 am - 3 pm
Waterside at Harbor View Park
VW Beetles, Busses, Karmann Ghias, Type 3's, Things, Buggies, Kustoms, Rods, Trikes, aircooled VW's and Vanagons.

Ventura Vintage Rods Harbor Run 19
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Over 250 classic vehicles of Pre-1975 will be on display.

Ventura County Fair

Weds., August 5 - Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009
Ventura County Fairgrounds & Seaside Park

Opens 11 am daily
except Saturdays, Sundays, and Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Day, when it will open at 10 am.
Children under 5 and Super Seniors (over 100) admitted free

Special $1 Admission Days:
Weds. Aug 5 & Weds. Aug 12
Entry to the fair is $1 until 3 pm.

Youth Day
Friday, August 7
All Fair Visitors 12 and under will be admitted free all day.

Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Day
Tuesday, August 11 - open 10 am this special day
All Senior Citizens age 62 and older and all handicapped persons will be admitted free in celebration of their vigor and vitality. Special exhibits, displays and entertainment all day long.

Military Appreciation Day
Thursday, August 13
All military personnel holding a current, valid military ID will be admitted free. Make the day special and wear your uniform!