Spring 2026 Events
April 18 & 19
Spirit of Japan Ventura
Fans of all things Japanese: Mark your calendars for April 18 and 19! The Ventura County Fairgrounds transforms into the Land of the Rising Sun the third weekend in April, with culture, food, spirits, music, and more. Sample traditional sakes and sushi as well as more experimental Asian-fusion treats like red bean ice cream sundaes, all while shopping a variety of vendors and taking in the rich culture of Japan.
Tickets & more: spirit-jpn.com/ventura
April 18 & 19
Conejo Gem & Mineral Show
The Borchard Community Center in Thousand Oaks will host the 49th Annual Conejo Gem & Mineral Show. Organized by the Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, this is a great place to explore all things geological! Check out rare and unusual gems and minerals, chat with experts, shop handmade jewelry and art, and participate in hands-on displays and activities. Admission and parking are free!
For more: cgamc.org/annual-gem-show
April 23 – 26 and May 1 – 3
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo returns to the Earl Warren Showgrounds just in time to take advantage of peak spring weather. Enjoy plenty of fair rides and games, as well as farm animal exhibits, dozens of exhibits and kids’ activities, all the classic fair foods and drinks, and a wide array of entertainment — from magic to pig races to live music.
For tickets and more: earlwarren.com
April 25
Natural Coast Wine Festival
The 4th Annual Natural Coast Wine Festival celebrates the Central Coast wineries and growers that use environmentally friendly practices. Sample some excellent wines while learning about beneficial viticulture, low-impact winemaking, and socially-conscious business practices, all in the heart of Santa Barbara. These amazing, organic wines prove you can produce top-notch wines and still do right by Mother Earth and your fellow man.
For tickets and more: naturalcoastwinefest.com
April 25 & 26
Santa Barbara Earth Day
All things eco-friendly will converge on Santa Barbara’s Alameda Park on the last weekend in April. Since 1970, this event has celebrated the Earth and provided locals and visitors alike with information on how they can make a difference — and have a good time doing it. Check out the largest green car show on the West Coast, along with activities for the kids, a plant-forward food court and beer garden, and sustainably-focused vendors and educators.
For more: sbearthday.org
April 25 & 26
Santa Lucia Rockhounds Rock & Gem Show
Let’s rock out! For the 32nd year, the Santa Lucia Rockhounds will be hosting its Rock & Gem Show, this year at the Atascadero Colony Park Community Center. Crack open a geode, peruse competitive exhibits, participate in demonstrations and activities, listen to guest speakers, and talk to experts at this fun and educational event.
Tickets & more: slrockhounds.or
May 1 & 2
Atascadero Tamale Festival
Good tamales are one of those things us Californians take for granted — but they’re a lot of work to make! At the Atascadero Tamale Festival May 1 and 2, sample a wide variety of these Mexican delicacies without having to make them yourself. Come fill up while enjoying folkloric dancers, live music, contests, vendors, and more.
Tickets & more:
atascaderotamalefest.com
May 1 – 3
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo returns to the Earl Warren Showgrounds just in time to take advantage of peak spring weather. Enjoy plenty of fair rides and games, as well as farm animal exhibits, dozens of exhibits and kids’ activities, all the classic fair foods and drinks, and a wide array of entertainment — from magic to pig races to live music.
For tickets and more: earlwarren.com
May 1 – 3
West Coast Outdoors & Sportfishing Expo
You get a line and I’ll get a pole, honey! The Ventura County Fairgrounds are set to host a weekend of all things outdoorsy for the West Coast Outdoors & Sportfishing Expo the first weekend in May. Get ready for demonstrations and Q&As with the experts, as well as chances to purchase a vast array of gear and services. Whether you’re already an outdoorsman or just want to look like one, this is a can’t-miss event!
Tickets & more: sportfishingexpo.com
May 15 – 17
Paso Wine Fest
If you’re looking for a good wine festival, it’s hard to beat the Paso Wine Fest. Four days of endless tastings, dinners, music, and art combine at locations around the Paso AVA. The main event features more than 120 Paso Robles wineries, including a handful that will offer an immersive tasting experience (think artistic bar installations and creative details that bring out the full character of their brand).
For tickets and more:
pasowine.com/winefest
May 16 & 17
California Strawberry Festival
Love strawberries? Of course you do — and there’s no better place to indulge than at the California Strawberry Festival. Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, dozens of vendors will be offering everything from strawberry beer and hot sauce to strawberry-inspired purses and wind chimes. Enjoy live entertainment, interactive projects, carnival rides, and games at this super sweet celebration for all ages!
Tickets & more: castrawberryfestival.org
Tickets & more: castrawberryfestival.org
June 5 – 7
Seaside Tattoo Show
Whether you want to score some new ink or just appreciate the artistry of tat culture, the 8th Annual Seaside Tattoo Show has tons to offer. Get a new tattoo or piercing from one or 100-plus artists, show off your existing artwork in the tattoo contests, shop unique vendors, and let the kids explore the kids’ art zone.
Tickets & more: seasidetattooshow.com
June 9
Senior Expo Ventura County
Whether you’re a senior or just care about one, the Senior Expo is a wealth of helpful information. Connect with experts, companies, and organizations dedicated to assisting senior citizens. Get free health screenings, and get help with things like insurance, hospice care, assisted living options, products, and tons more. Admission and parking are free!
For more: seniorexpousa.com
June 11 – 14
Ojai Music Festival
Back for its 80th year, the Ojai Music Festival will take over Libbey Bowl (and numerous other locations across the valley) from June 11 to 14. This festival pushes the boundaries of classical and contemporary music and has seen the likes of Pierre Boulez, Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky, and dozens of others play both traditional and experimental pieces. Headliners include Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, Artistic and Executive Director Ara Guzelimian, clarinetist Anthony McGill, Attacca Quartet, Colburn Orchestra, and L.A. Phil New Music Group. Along with performances throughout each day, there will also be discussions, film screenings, dinners, and more.
Tickets & more: ojaifestival.org
June 13
Boots & Brews Country Music Festival
Country tunes and an ocean breeze? Count us in! June 13, the Boots & Brews Country Music Festival returns to Downtown Ventura June 13. Along with headliners Cole Swindell (She Had Me at Heads Carolina), Gretchen Wilson (Redneck Woman) and Jayden Secor (a Ventura local and rising star), you’ll also enjoy a huge selection of beers, wines and spirits, great food, and a large vendor fair.
Tickets & more: bootsandbrews.com
June 20
Ojai Wine Festival
Get your wine on June 20 at the Ojai Wine Festival. Sip dozens of wines, beers, ciders, and spirits, shop tons of vendors, and groove to live music at beautiful Lake Casitas. The Rotary Club of Ojai-West has been hosting this event for 38 years now, with proceeds going toward local, regional, and international causes.
Tickets & more: ojaiwinefestival.com