Free Things to Do in Ventura, CA

4^th Annual Pirate Days

Sat & Sun, July 18-19, 2009, 1pm - 4pm
More information: (805) 477-0470

Meet look-alike pirates Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook, and Captain Morgan. Enter daily costume contests and win Disneyland tickets. Join in the singing with strolling pirate bands or get a free pirate tattoo or face painting. A children's Treasure Hunt will be taking place throughout the Harbor Village. X Marks the Spot!

Solo Steel Drum Artist on the Harbor Village Promenade

Saturdays from July 11 - Aug. 29, 2009, 1pm - 4pm

Enjoy the unique sounds and beat of steel drums while you stroll the promenade or shop.

Buckaroo Pony and Train Rides

Every Sunday until August 2, 2009, 12 noon - 4 pm

Ponies and trains will keep the young ones entertained on the Harbor Village Main Lawn.

Sunday Summer Concert Series

Every Sunday until Sept. 6, 2009, 1pm - 4pm
Harbor Village, Carousel Stage

Enjoy live music every Sunday afternoon while you relax, dine, shop, or visit with friends and family.

July 12 - Pentasonics
July 19 - Steve Stafford's Strolling Pirate Musicians
July 26 - Unkle Monkey - Tropical, Reggae & Rock
Aug 2 - Chris Murphy Band - Violin music from around the world
Aug 9 - Aubrey & Elan - Pop & Soft Rock
Aug 16 - TBA
Aug 23 - Beach Bums (Beach Tunes)
Aug 30 - TBA
Sept 6 - Upstream - Caribbean Trio

Buick Oldsmobile Pontiac Car Show

Sun, Aug. 23, 2009, 8am - 5pm
Harbor Village, Main Lawn

Enjoy a closer look at some classic cars.

Rock on the Docks

Saturdays in September
4pm - dusk

Enjoy the live music being played on a floating dock in Ventura Harbor. Bring along a chair to sit on the promenade.

Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center

Open 7 days, 8:30 am - 5 pm
Located at the very end of Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor
1901 Spinnaker Drive
(805) 658-5702

Learn about the Channel Islands and the creatures that live on land and in the ocean. The visitor center features a tide pool, museum, lectures, observation tower, and helpful park volunteers. The garden has markers with names of the shrubs and flowers which grow in the area. The center is kid friendly with lots of things to touch and explore. There is a gift shop with souvenirs and educational materials. All areas are wheelchair accessible.

Ventura County Fair

Weds, Aug 5 - Sun, Aug 16, 2009
Ventura County Fairgrounds
Opens 11 am daily except weekends when the gates open at 10 am

Almost free: $1 Admission Days
Weds, Aug 5 & Weds, Aug 12
$1 admission until 3pm

Youth Day - Fri, Aug 7
All visitors 12 and under admitted free

Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Day
Tues, Aug 11 - Gates open at 10 am
All Seniors and handicapped persons admitted free.

Military Appreciation Day - Thurs, Aug 13
All military personnel holding a current, valid military ID admitted free.

San Buenaventura State Beach Park

Take a Hike!

The Buenaventura Trail from Marina Park to the Ventura Pier is 4 miles round trip. To get to the trailhead, take Hwy 101 and exit on Seaward Ave. Head briefly coastward and turn left (south) on Pierpoint Blvd. Drive to the end of the street and Marina Park.

Start your hike by walking from Marina Park to the end of the jetty and heading up coast. The first mile is fairly narrow with houses lining the shore. The second mile is wider and ends up at the Ventura Pier, where there are stairs from the sand to the pier's boardwalk.

Ventura Pier

The original pier was built in 1872 and now has a restaurant, gift shop, and snack bar. Friendly fishermen will show you their catch, or you can watch the surfers or simply enjoy the view of the Channel Islands, the coast, and the mountains. The north side of the pier has swings and a childrens' play area, as well as Lifeguard service on the weekends during the summer.

Mission San Buenaventura

211 E. Main Street
(805) 643-4318

Hours:
Mon-Fri - 10am - 5pm
Sat - 9am - 5pm
Sun - 10am - 4pm
Closed major holidays

The was the last Mission to be founded by Father Junipero Serra and was completed in 1809. This is still a very active Catholic Church with Mass celebrated regularly. The Mission has a gift shop, small museum, and a beautiful patio area filled with flowers, trees, and sculptures.