COLD STEEL CHALLENGE SWORD AND KNIFE COMPETITION
Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m.
Dubbed a “celebration of the warrior lifestyle,” the Cold Steel Challenge pits skilled professionals in one-on-one combat in a controlled, safe environment. A series of throwing events will also be held, where contestants display their skills throwing shovels, tomahawks and knives. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. For more information, visit www.coldsteel.com.
VENTURA COMEDY FESTIVAL
Through Wednesday, Sept. 30, various times.
Highlights of the annual festival include comedians Steve Byrne, the Girls Gone Funny variety show, Latino All Stars with Rico & Mambo, Comedy Soup with headliner Jodi White and more, concluding with the Ventura Comedy Competition Finals that will pit local comedians against each other Saturday, and Comedy Jam with Jeff Urrea on Wednesday. Various locations. For more information, including ticket price, visit www.VenturaComedyFestival.com.
VENTURA COUNTY POTTERS’ GUILD PRESENTS
Monday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Curator Christy Johnson, founding director of the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, will discuss the work of revolutionary ceramic artist Ralph Bacerra as well as the work of his students, many of whom have risen to fame. Johnson curated two Bacerra (1938-2008) exhibitions in Los Angeles that are currently on display at Otis Parsons School of Design and the Vincent Price Art Museum. The public is welcome to attend alongside members. Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura.
VENTURA COUNTY FARM DAY
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. tours; 4-9 p.m.
BBQ dinner. Events throughout the day will be held in celebration of all things agricultural. Twenty farms will open their doors to the public for tours and activities, followed by an after party barbecue hosted at Limoneira Ranch. Tours are free; dinner, $35 adults, $15 kids under 12. For more information, location and times, visit www.venturacountyfarmday.com/.
AUTHOR IVOR DAVIS RECEPTION AND BOOK SIGNING 6-8 p.m. Never-before-seen images of Marlon Brando, Muhammad Ali, Elizabeth Taylor, Bobby Kennedy and more will be on display with a discussion by author Ivor Davis. Ventura College Santa Paula Campus, 957 Faulkner Road, room 106, Santa Paula. For more information, call 289-6585.
CHARLIE’S COUNTRY 7:15 p.m. Charlie’s Country portrays the lived experience of people who are often treated as part of an exotic landscape in rural Australia. $5-10. Century 10 Downtown Ventura, 555 E. Main St., Ventura. For more information, visit www.venturafilmsociety.com.
“HUMPBACK WHALES: GENTLE GIANTS OF THE NORTH PACIFIC” 6-7:30 p.m. Biology Lecturer Rachel Cartwright, Ph.D., will share underwater video, recordings of whale songs and tales of a life spent researching whales. CI Boating Center, 3880 Bluefin Circle, Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. For more information, visit www.csuci.edu.
JULENE JESSEL AND COMPANY 6:30-7:30 p.m. This talented Santa Susana High senior puts together an evening of original music with friends and family. Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley. For more information, visit www.Simivalleylibrary.org.
LATINO THOUGHT MAKERS SERIES: MARCO ANTONIO REGIL AND SCOTT MONTOYA 6:30 p.m. The show will feature Mexico’s most beloved host Marco Antonio Regil and Hollywood stand-up comedy producer Scott Montoya. Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. For more information, email ocilpa@vcccd.edu.
SEMI-ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO: “THAT ’70s EXPO” 4:30-7:30 p.m. The Chamber’s Fall expo will be themed “groovy ’70s” and feature dancing and socializing. Ventura Harbor Resort, 1050 Schooner Drive, Ventura. For more information, visit www.venturachamber.com.
VENTURA COUNTY ROSE SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING 6:30 p.m. Barbara Morse, consulting rosarian and master gardener, will speak about her rose tour of Italy. Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo. For more information, visit www.venturarose.org.
LOS ROBLES CHILDREN’S CHOIR PERFORMANCE 7 p.m. The choir opens its season with this performance alongside the Australian Girls’ Chorus. Emmanuel Church, 588 Camino Manzanas, Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www.singingchildren.org.
SAXOMANIA 7:30 p.m. The saxophone will play selections from the classical “Introduction and Variations on a Popular Ronde” by Gabriel Piernè among more. California Lutheran University’s Samuelson Chapel, 165 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks. For more information, call 493-3306.
VENTURA COUNTY BIRD CLUB AUCTION 7:30-9 p.m. The auction will consist of jewelry, art, sports, bicycle and hiking equipment, in addition to gift baskets, in support of the club. Ventura Moose Lodge #1394, 10267 Telephone Road, Ventura. For more information, call 488-6244.
“A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES” ADULT AERIAL SHOWCASE 5-7 p.m. (and Sunday, Sept. 27). Performers weave themselves into classic movie characters in this acrobatic display. $20-30. The Aerial Studio, 4476 DuPont Court, suite B, Ventura. For more information, call 340-3412.
AG MUSEUM FOURTH ANNIVERSARY HARVEST MOON BARN DANCE 7:30 p.m. An old-fashioned family-friendly barn dance led by a skilled dance caller will be held in celebration of the museum’s anniversary. $5-10. Ventura County Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula. For more information, visit www.venturamuseum.org.
11th ANNUAL ALOHA BEACH FESTIVAL (and Sunday, Sept. 27). Two full days of events including the C-Street Longboard Classic, Frisbee Outrigger, paddleboard races and a beer garden, plus live entertainment from local rock bands. Shoreline Drive, Ventura. For more information and schedule, visit www.alohabeachfestival.us.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB CASINO NIGHT AND POKER TOURNAMENT 6-10 p.m. All manner of card and games and more will be held in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. $100 for two tickets, plus $30 for poker tournament. 1900 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. For more information, visit www.allinforthekidscasinonight.eventbrite.com.
CANINE ADOPTION AND RESCUE LEAGUE CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER 5:30-9:30 p.m. A variety of casino games will be available, including a poker tournament, at this fundraiser. $60. Saticoy Country Club, 4450 Clubhouse Drive, Somis. For more information, visit www.carldogs.org.
COLLECTION AT RIVERPARK PINK BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENT Noon-4 p.m. Giveaways and more will be held in support of Oxnard Firefighters Association and Oxnard Peace Officers Association breast cancer awareness campaign. Collection at RiverPark, 2751 Park View Court, Oxnard. For more information, visit www.oxnardfirefighters.org/pink.
GARDEN OF INNOCENCE MEMORIAL SERVICE 10 a.m. A memorial service for Babies Junior, Alice and Cindy will be held, with a display by the of Knights of Columbus, music and release of doves. Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura. For more information, visit www.gardenofinnocence.org.
KELLOGG PARK MULCH EVENT 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Using the power of community, volunteers will cover Kellogg Park in organic material. Kellogg Park, Ventura Avenue and Kellogg Street, Ventura. For more information, search www.facebook.com for “Kellogg Park Mulching Party!”
NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY POINT MUGU AIR SHOW 8 a.m. (10:45 a.m. start time; and Sunday, Sept. 27). The air show will feature the Navy’s flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, among many other aerial demonstrations. Naval Base Ventura County, 311 Main Road, Point Mugu. For more information, visit www.airshownetwork.com.
RON WHITE: NUTCRACKER 8 p.m. Comedian Ron “tater salad” from the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour” will perform. $46.50-56.50. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www.civicartsplaza.com.
SATICOY LIBRARY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION BLOCK PARTY 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Face painting, live music, carnival games, a blowout book sale and a ceremonial ribbon cutting will mark the opening of Saticoy Library at its new location. Saticoy Library, 1292 Los Angeles Ave., Ventura. For more information, visit www.vencolibrary.org.
SECOND ANNUAL TWILIGHT ZONE AND SCIENCE FICTION FESTIVAL 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Authors Marc Zicree (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) author of The Twilight Zone Companion, Stephen Woodworth and his wife, Kelly Dunn, (1-3 p.m.) and Larry Niven (3-5 p.m.) will talk sci-fi at this fest. Bank of Books, 748 E. Main St., Ventura. For more information, call 643-3154.
THE TEMPTATIONS REVIEW FEATURING DENNIS EDWARDS 4:30-9 p.m. Motown legends The Temptations will perform as part of this fundraiser for Community Memorial Hospital. $75. Libbey Bowl, 210 S. Signal St., Ojai. For more information, visit www.cmhsatthebowl.org.
10TH ANNUAL WAG ’N’ WALK 8 a.m. A three-mile walk along the Arroyo Simi trail will be held to benefit the Animal Rescue Volunteers. Vendors and music will round out the festivities. Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave., Simi Valley. For more information, visit www.arvsimi.org/Wag__n_Walk.html.
HUMAN CAPITAL 4:30 p.m. A dangerous, tricky social dance of status and greed is the subject of this Italian film. $7-10. Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo, Ojai. For more information, visit www.ojaifilmsociety.org.
SIMPLY THREE 3 p.m. Three classically-trained musicians will perform works by Puccini and Gershwin. $25. Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. For more information, visit www.oxnardcca.com.
VENTURA COUNTY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY BLOOD MOON VIEWING PARTY 6 p.m. A special gathering of the VCAS will be held to view the partial eclipse of the moon. $2 donation suggested. Moorpark College Observatory, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark. For more information, visit www.vcas.org.
TROY KOTSUR’S “NO ORDINARY ACTOR” 1-2 p.m. L.A.’s Deaf West Theatre’s multi-award-winning actor/director Troy Kotsur will perform theatrical works in American Sign Language. Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. For more information, call 986-5800 ext. 1951.
BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA Wednesday, Sept. 30. L.A. Theatre Works brings its world premiere of the well-loved novel adapted by Charles Morley for one night only. Stars Nicholas Hormann (The West Wing, Parks and Recreation) and Skip Pipo. $43-53. Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. 486-2424 or www.oxnardperformingarts.com.
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN Through Oct. 11. High Street Arts Center presents the Irving Berlin musical based on the life of Annie Oakley. $16-20. 45 E. High St., Moorpark. 529-8700 or www.highstreetartcenter.com.
COPENHAGEN Through Sept. 27. Rubicon Theatre presents this play about a scientist and a physicist who meet in the afterlife to understand what brought them together and what divided them during WWII. $20-54. 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. 667-2900 or www.rubicontheatre.org.
THE DERRY SLOPE OFF Through Oct. 4. Elite Theatre presents this drama about a woman who emigrates to the U.S. from Northern Ireland amid IRA terrorism and returns 40 years later amid intrigue and suspicion. 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard. 483-5118 or www.elitetheatre.org.
DR. DOLITTLE Through Oct. 4. Ojai ACT presents the whimsical story of a veterinarian who talks and sings to the animals in this musical version of the famous tales of Hugh Lofting. All ages are welcome. $18-15. Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St. 640-8797 or www.OjaiACT.org.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Through Oct. 18. In celebration of its 20th anniversary season, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center presents this classic musical, which is also the most requested show in the history of the center. Fred Helsel will play Tevye. $18-24. 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. 583-7900 or www.simi-arts.org.
NORA Through Oct. 18. The Santa Paula Theater Center presents Nora, Ingmar Bergman’s stripped-down adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. The drama revolves around a woman who finds her truth after being ruled by her father and her husband for her entire life. $18-20. 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula. 525-4645 or www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.
SHE LOVES ME Through Sept. 27. Panic! Productions begins its season with the classic musical based on mistaken identity featuring music by the team that brought us Fiddler on the Roof. $20-24. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, 381-1246.
VENTURA IMPROV Ongoing Fridays and Saturdays: Ventura Improv Company (VIC) presents hilarious improvisational comedy. All shows are in a competitive comedy improv format where the improvisers are given challenges by the show’s host or director. The audience can judge the action. Saturday shows feature experienced veteran players. 34 N. Palm St., Ventura. 643-5701, www.venturaimprov.com.
CALIFORNIA OIL MUSUEM Sept. 26 through Jan. 24. “Digging Up the Past: An Extraordinary Collection of Dinosaur Fossils.” Sept. 26 is Junior Paleontology Day and the Oil Museum is inviting kids of all ages to see its newest exhibit of fearsome fossils. Actual fossils of T. rex, Triceratops and pterodactyls will be on display as well as a replica excavation site. Opening day will feature extra fun activities for the whole family. Free with a suggested donation of $4. 1001 E. Main St., Santa Paula. 933-0076 or www.caoilmuseum.org.
THE BRAYER Through Sept. 30. “New Familiar” group show. 1994 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, www.thebrayer.com.
BUENAVENTURA GALLERY Through Oct. 17. “Interpretations,” a joint exhibition by Carson Pritchard and Dahlia Riley. Reception on Oct. 2, 5-8 p.m. Ongoing: The California Heritage Collection includes early California art by significant regional artists from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century. 700 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura. 648-1235 or www.buenaventuragallery.org or www.californiaheritagecollection.com.
CALIFORNIA MUSEUM OF ART Through Nov. 1. “Art of Geometry,” sculptures by Betty Gold. The museum’s inaugural exhibition will feature a selection of steel and painted bronze sculptures by the pioneering artist whose works range in scale from tabletop to large installations. 1984 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, www.cmato.org.
CAM STUDIO GALLERY Through Oct.15. “Cartolandia,” Olguin Tapia’s multimedia renderings of modest, cheaply built homes in his homeland of Mexico. 329 N. Fifth St., Oxnard or www.carnegieam.org.
CARNEGIE ART MUSEUM Through Nov. 22. “Subjective Truths” contemporary realism revealing universal truths through personal perspectives is a group show presented in partnership with The Representational Art Conference and hosted by the Arts Initiative of California Lutheran University. 424 S. C St., Oxnard. 385-8157 or www.carnegieam.org.
FOX FINE JEWELRY Through Nov. 1. “The Pressed Image: Hand-Pulled Works on Paper,” works by Karen L. Brown and Virginia Furmanski. 560 E. Main St., Ventura. 652-1800 or www.foxfinejewelry.com.
THE HUD Through Sept. 27. A group show focused on unexpected perspectives and provisions by artists who are defined by their unusual materials and distinctive styles. 1793 E. Main St., Ventura. 293-1616 or www.dabart.me.
LATITUDES FINE ART GALLERY Ongoing: The photographic collections of Steve Munch and Stephanie Hogue, including color and black and white images of local landmarks, beautiful scenery and coastal wildlife. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 401 E. Main St., Ventura, 279-1221, www.latitudesfineart.com.
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY Through Nov. 29. “Sitting Pretty: Portrait Photography From the Salon to the Selfie” features long-hidden treasures from the museum’s collection of photographic and painted portraits. Through Oct. 11: “A Worse Place Than Hell: The Changing Face of Abraham Lincoln,” new figures by George Stuart. Ongoing: Permanent exhibitions include a collection of artifacts from Chumash Indian life, the George Stuart Historical Figures® and various fine-art pieces by local artists. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; First Fridays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 100 E. Main St., Ventura. 653-0323 or www.venturamuseum.org.
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM Through Jan. 3. Famed Mad Magazine artist Sergio Aragones will share some of his private collection of cartoon art by some of the most influential cartoonists of his boyhood. Well-known daily and Sunday comic strips plus single-panel comics from Playboy and The New Yorker will be on display. Many items cannot be seen anywhere else. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai.
OVA ARTS Ongoing. Gallery features fine art and contemporary craft by 39 artists, including Merilee Eaton, Gayel Childress and Peggie Williamson. Ceramic arts, sculpture and textiles by local artisans such as Julie Wellings and Patty McFall are also on display. 108 Signal St., Ojai, 646-5682.
PACIFIC VIEW MALL Ongoing. The Ventura County Arts Council Arts Collective is now open on the second level near Sears. Various works by local artists, including Tim Koch, Juleanne Case and Patty Kreider. See artists as they work. Workshops and classes for kids and adults coming soon. 3301 E. Main St., Ventura. 676-1540.
PORCH GALLERY Through Sept. 27. “You Can Get There From Here,” new landscape paintings by the internationally exhibited Tanja Rector. 310 E.Matilija Ave., Ojai. 620-7589 or www.porchgalleryojai.com.
RED BRICK ART Through Oct. 31. “The Sweeter Side of Life,” food-inspired paintings by Jen Livia, is the first exhibit at the newly named and relocated Red Brick. 4601 Telephone Road, No. 112, (corner of Market Street). 643-6400 or www.redbrickart.com.
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Through Oct. 11: “The Art of George Lockwood,” an exhibition of original paintings by the award-winning Santa Paula native. Through Nov. 8: “John Nava: Selected Paintings and Tapestries,” featuring works never before seen in Ventura County by the famed artist and a 16-foot-high tapestry he designed as a test for his Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels works. $10 members, $15 nonmembers. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula. 525-5554 or www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
SCIART Through Sept. 25. “Love” by Michael Pearce, Ph.D., California Lutheran University professor and gallery curator Pearce presents figurative works that attempt to convey the visceral experience of love. Blackboard Gallery, 2222 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. 383-1368 or www.studiochannelislands.org.
VENTURA COUNTY POTTERS GUILD GALLERY Ongoing: various unique ceramic works by local artists on exhibit and for sale. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, suite 105, Ventura Harbor Village. 644-6800.
VITA ART CENTER Through Sept. 27. “The Colour of Hindsight,” solo exhibition by Catherine Tirr. 432 N. Ventura Ave., Studio 30, www.vitaartcenter.com.
WILLIAM ROLLAND GALLERY Through Oct. 16. “Biomythography: Secret Poetry and Hidden Angers,” a group multimedia exhibition. William Rolland Stadium at Cal Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks. See www.callutheran.edu/rolland.
AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Through January. “Machine-Age Art: The Artwork of Wendell Dowling.” Also “The Dirt on Tractors,” a display of rare and still-operational machines that exemplify the milestones of the development of the modern tractor. Ongoing: Antique farming equipment and various displays relating to the history of agriculture in Ventura County. Hours: Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula. 525-3100 or www.venturamuseum.org.
AVIATION MUSEUM Ongoing: First Sundays are open to visitors to tour hangars where vintage aircraft and other collections are on display. Free plane rides are also offered to children and youth ages 8 to 17. Santa Paula Airport, 800 Santa Maria St.
CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM Through Sept. 30. “25 Beach Collections” explores what local beachcombers have found and treasured. Ongoing: “Port of Hueneme,” an exhibit two years in the making, and “Dutch Skies: Four Centuries of Seascape Paintings” can be seen. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3900 Bluefin Circle in the Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, 984-6260.
DUDLEY HOUSE MUSEUM A fully furnished, restored 1892 Victorian farmhouse once owned by a pioneer family in Ventura. Guided tours, 1-4 p.m. every first Sunday. Corner of Loma Vista Road and Ashwood Avenue. 642-3345 or www.dudleyhouse.org.
GULL WINGS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Ongoing. A large space with hands-on exhibits that explore daily life, nature, space, science and other subjects for children including the recently opened AIRtropolis, a 235-square-foot exhibit produced by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District that teaches visitors about clean air using fun, inventive means. 418 W. Fourth St., Oxnard. 483-3005 or www.gullwings.com.
MULLIN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Ongoing: A collection of French and art deco-era coach-built automobiles. The museum pays homage specifically to the art deco and machine-age design eras (1918-1941). All tickets must be purchased in advance, online. Hours vary. 1421 Emerson Ave., Oxnard. 385-5400 or www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com.
MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM Ongoing: The Granatelli Motorsports Hall of Fame honors motorsports legends, including Andy “Mister 500” Granatelli. More than 75 vintage cars and trucks from every period on display in a 30,000-square-foot facility. Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5-9. 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. 487-4333, www.murphyautomuseum.org.
REAGAN LIBRARY Through Jan. 31. “Football! The Exhibition.” Featuring rare items from the history of the sport. Ongoing: Permanent collection includes exhibits that document President Ronald Reagan’s life, featuring a re-creation of his Western-style oval office, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and Air Force One. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. 800-410-8354, www.reaganfoundation.org.
SEABEE MUSEUM Ongoing. “The Century Before Seabees: The Bureau of Yards and Docks (BuDocks), 1842-1942.” The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is the second-oldest official Navy museum in the nation. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ventura Road and Sunkist Avenue, in building 100 at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme.
WORLD WAR II AVIATION MUSEUM Ongoing. Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force hangars featuring World War II aircraft. Flight demonstrations and cockpit viewings. Camarillo Airport, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, 482-0064.
