Where Will the Weekend Take You?
If you are looking for things to do in Ventura County this weekend, October 23–25, 2026, there is a little something for everyone, from waterfront entertainment and Halloween celebrations to gardening, local food, and community connections.
The weekend brings plenty of reasons to get out and explore. You can browse California native plants on Saturday morning, watch dogs show off their Halloween costumes at the harbor, discover fall activities in Downtown Ventura, or head to Oxnard for a festive parade of decorated boats.
According to the National Weather Service forecast provided for Ventura, Saturday and Sunday are expected to bring sunnier conditions, with highs around 71°F on Saturday and 73°F on Sunday. That could make it a pleasant weekend for outdoor plans, although coastal and inland conditions may differ. Check the latest forecast before leaving home: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.26832785026156&lon=-119.2727279663086
I’m Roylin Downs of The RoylinSells Group. I believe one of the wonderful things about living in Ventura is having so many opportunities to enjoy the coast, support local organizations, and connect with the community. Whether you are a longtime resident or still getting to know the area, this weekend guide can help you plan an outing that fits your interests.
What Can You Do in Ventura County on Saturday Morning?
Start your Saturday with the Channel Islands Native Plant Sale, a free-to-browse event for anyone interested in gardening, California native plants, and local conservation.
1. Channel Islands Native Plant Sale
Saturday, October 24 | 9 AM–1 PM
Location: Channel Islands Native Plant Garden
Cost: Free to browse, plants priced separately
If you enjoy gardening or want to make your outdoor space more suited to the local climate, this is a lovely way to begin the weekend. Browse native plants and discover options that can bring beauty and a stronger connection to California’s natural environment into your garden.
The sale is sponsored by the Channel Islands National Park Foundation, with support from Ventura County Master Gardeners. Proceeds support native-plant conservation.
You do not need to be an experienced gardener to enjoy the event. It can also be a helpful starting point if you are exploring ways to refresh your yard or add plants that are appropriate for the region.
Why go? Enjoy a relaxed morning, learn about native plants, and support local conservation efforts.
Where Can You Enjoy Halloween Fun at Ventura Harbor?
Ventura Harbor Village is a great Saturday afternoon destination for spectators who enjoy creative costumes, waterfront scenery, live music, and local shops and restaurants.
2. HOWL-O-WEEN at Ventura Harbor Village
Saturday, October 24 | 12–2 PM
Location: Ventura Harbor Village
Cost: Free to watch
Get ready for some four-legged Halloween fun! The annual HOWL-O-WEEN dog costume contest brings together costumed pups, creative outfits, prizes, photography, and a parade along the waterfront.
Spectators are welcome, so you can enjoy the festivities even if you do not have a dog. Dogs entering the contest must register, and participation is limited to 75 dogs. Limited same-day registration spots may be available, so check the official event page before making plans to enter.
Keep the afternoon going with live music
The fun continues with free live music from the Vanise Terry Band, 1–4 PM, on the Promenade Stage.
After the contest, take your time exploring the harbor’s cafés, restaurants, and shops. You can enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, grab a bite, or simply stroll along the promenade.
Why go? It is a relaxed way to enjoy Halloween creativity, live entertainment, and the local waterfront.
What Is Happening for Community and Food Justice Supporters?
The Ventura County Food Justice Summit offers an indoor, community-focused afternoon for people interested in food recovery, food security, and a more equitable local food system.
3. Ventura County Food Justice Summit
Saturday, October 24 | 2–5 PM
Location: Topa Topa Brewing Co., indoor event hall
Cost: Free, registration requested
Organized by Food Forward, this gathering brings together people and organizations working on food recovery, food access, and community partnerships.
The program includes a keynote presentation, a panel discussion focused on community partnerships, and a resource exchange. It is an opportunity to learn about local efforts, connect with people who care about food security, and discover ways to support the community.
This event is particularly appealing if you prefer a structured indoor gathering over a busy outdoor celebration.
Planning tip: The summit overlaps with the later part of the Ventura Harbor activities. If you want to attend the full summit, consider making it your main Saturday afternoon event rather than trying to fit in both.
Why go? Learn about local food initiatives and connect with people working to make a difference.
Where Can You Find Fall Festivities in Downtown Ventura?
Downtown Ventura’s Harvest After Dark brings an autumn evening of outdoor movies, seasonal activities, dining, and shopping to the 200 block of East Main Street near Mission San Buenaventura.
4. Harvest After Dark
Saturday, October 24 | 4–10 PM
Location: 200 block of East Main Street, near Mission San Buenaventura, Downtown Ventura
Cost: Free to explore, food, drinks, and purchases cost extra
If your idea of a perfect fall evening includes a movie, seasonal treats, and a stroll through downtown, add Harvest After Dark to your plans.
The event combines outdoor movies with tarot readings, mystical fall activities, seasonal dining, and the downtown pumpkin patch after dark. You can also explore the Fall Flavor Trail, which features seasonal offerings from participating restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and shops.
Outdoor movie schedule
- 4–6 PM: Coco
- 6–8 PM: Hocus Pocus
- 8–10 PM: Practical Magic
You can arrive for the movie you most want to see or make an evening of it. Browse participating businesses, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and take in the festive atmosphere around downtown.
Why go? Harvest After Dark is a good option for friends, couples, and anyone who wants to enjoy a seasonal evening without paying an admission fee.
Where Can Families Watch a Halloween Boat Parade in Ventura County?
The Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights in Oxnard is a free waterfront Halloween celebration featuring decorated boats, a costume parade, a marketplace, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
5. Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights
Saturday, October 24 | Activities begin at 3 PM; boat parade at 7 PM
Location: Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard
Cost: Free
For a classic waterfront Halloween experience, head to Channel Islands Harbor. The annual Parade of Frights combines festive decorations, local vendors, activities, and a parade of boats that light up the water after dark.
There is plenty to explore before the main event, so arriving early is a good idea.
Event highlights
- 3–6 PM: Haunted Courtyard activities at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.
- 3–7 PM: Halloween marketplace at Harbor View Park, including the Channel Islands Farmers’ Market.
- 5 PM: Costume parade and contest.
- 7–7:40 PM: Main Parade of Frights, featuring decorated boats on the water.
Bring the family, browse the marketplace, enjoy the activities, and find a viewing spot before the boat parade begins. Popular viewing areas and parking spaces can fill up, so plan ahead.
Why go? This event brings together Halloween traditions, community activities, local vendors, and the beauty of the harbor.
How Can You Plan Your Ventura County Weekend Without Rushing?
Choose one main activity for each part of the day and leave time for travel, parking, food, and spontaneous stops. Several of the featured events overlap on Saturday, so you will have a better experience if you prioritize your favorites rather than trying to attend everything.
Here is one suggested plan based on the event times provided.
| Day | Suggested activity | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Friday evening | Explore Downtown Ventura’s restaurants and cafés | Flexible |
| Saturday morning | Visit the Channel Islands Native Plant Sale | Free entry, plants extra |
| Saturday afternoon | Enjoy HOWL-O-WEEN and live music at Ventura Harbor | Free |
| Saturday evening | Explore Harvest After Dark in Downtown Ventura | Free to explore, purchases extra |
| Sunday | Enjoy a relaxed coastal walk and brunch | Flexible |
Prefer a community-focused afternoon? Swap the Harbor activities for the Ventura County Food Justice Summit.
Prefer a larger Halloween celebration? Consider the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights instead. Its activities begin at 3 PM, with the main boat parade scheduled for 7 PM. Because the Parade of Frights and Harvest After Dark overlap, attending both in full may be difficult.
What Should You Know About the Weekend Weather?
The supplied forecast points to sunnier conditions on Saturday and Sunday, but checking the latest local forecast before leaving is still important.
Ventura is expected to reach approximately 71°F on Saturday and 73°F on Sunday, according to the forecast information provided. These conditions may be suitable for outdoor events, waterfront strolls, and browsing the native plant sale.
A few simple preparations can make your outing more comfortable:
- Dress in layers. Coastal breezes can make it feel cooler near the water.
- Bring sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat can be useful during daytime activities.
- Check conditions before departure. Weather may vary between coastal and inland communities.
- Allow extra time. Popular events can mean busier roads and parking areas.
Why Are Local Events Part of What Makes Ventura County Special?
Local events offer a way to experience the character of Ventura County, support community organizations, and discover the places that make the area feel like home.
A weekend outing can be more than something to do between workdays. It can introduce you to a local business, help you learn about an environmental initiative, or give you a new favorite waterfront spot.
This weekend’s calendar offers several ways to connect with the community. The native plant sale supports conservation, the Food Justice Summit highlights food security, and the Harbor celebrations bring residents and visitors together for seasonal fun.
As a real estate professional serving Ventura County and neighboring communities, I know that choosing where to live is about more than a property. It is also about the lifestyle, local connections, and everyday experiences that make a community meaningful.
As an AI-Certified Agent, I also use modern technology to help organize information, support communication, and make the real estate process easier to navigate. My approach combines those tools with personal service and local knowledge.
Whether you already call Ventura home or are still exploring the area, I hope this guide gives you a few new ideas for enjoying the weekend.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Ventura County Weekend
From native plants and costumed pups to outdoor movies and illuminated boats, October 23–25 offers plenty of ways to enjoy fall in Ventura County.
Start Saturday with a relaxed morning at the native plant sale, spend the afternoon enjoying the harbor or a community gathering, and choose between Downtown Ventura’s Harvest After Dark and the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights for your evening plans. Just remember that several activities overlap, so a little planning will help you enjoy your favorites without feeling rushed.
Check the official event pages for the latest details before heading out, especially if you need to register, enter a contest, or confirm event arrangements.
I’m Roylin Downs of The RoylinSells Group. I’m proud to help people explore not only their real estate options, but also the communities and local experiences that make this part of California special.
Thinking about making Ventura County your home, or planning your next real estate move? I’d be happy to help you explore your options and take the next step with confidence.
Contact Roylin Downs and The RoylinSells Group today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best things to do in Ventura County this weekend, October 23–25, 2026?
Featured activities include the Channel Islands Native Plant Sale, HOWL-O-WEEN at Ventura Harbor Village, the Ventura County Food Justice Summit, Harvest After Dark in Downtown Ventura, and the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights in Oxnard. Most of these events take place on Saturday, October 24. Choose based on whether you prefer gardening, live music, community events, or Halloween entertainment.
2. Which Ventura County weekend events are free?
The native plant sale is free to browse, HOWL-O-WEEN is free to watch, the Food Justice Summit is free with registration requested, Harvest After Dark is free to explore, and the Parade of Frights is free. Purchases, food, drinks, and plants may cost extra. Check each organizer’s official event page for any registration requirements or updates.
3. Where can I watch Halloween boats in Ventura County?
The Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights takes place in Oxnard on Saturday, October 24. Waterfront activities begin at 3 PM, and the main decorated boat parade is scheduled for 7–7:40 PM. Arrive early to explore the marketplace and family activities and to find a good viewing spot.
4. Is there a dog Halloween costume contest in Ventura this weekend?
Yes. HOWL-O-WEEN at Ventura Harbor Village is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from noon to 2 PM. Spectators can watch for free, but dogs entering the contest must register and participation is limited to 75 dogs. Check the official event page for registration details and any same-day availability.
5. What is happening in Downtown Ventura on Saturday night?
Harvest After Dark takes place from 4–10 PM on the 200 block of East Main Street near Mission San Buenaventura. Activities include outdoor screenings of Coco, Hocus Pocus, and Practical Magic, along with tarot readings, other seasonal activities, dining, and the pumpkin patch after dark. It is free to explore, though food, drinks, and purchases cost extra.
6. What should I bring to outdoor events in Ventura County?
Consider bringing comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light layer for coastal breezes, and water. If you plan to attend a popular event, allow time for parking and check the organizer’s website for registration or schedule updates. Review the latest weather forecast before you leave.
Final Citation List
- National Weather Service, Ventura forecast
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.26832785026156&lon=-119.2727279663086 - Ventura Harbor Village, Channel Islands Native Plant Sale
https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/channel-islands-national-park-visitor-center-native-plant-sale/ - Ventura Harbor Village, HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest
https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/howl-o-ween-dog-costume-contest-2026/ - Food Forward, Ventura County Food Justice Summit registration
https://foodforward.org/ventura-food-justice-summit-registration/ - Downtown Ventura, Harvest After Dark
https://downtownventura.org/events/harvest-after-dark/ - Channel Islands Harbor, Parade of Frights
https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/channel-islands-harbor-5th-annual-parade-of-frights/ - Ventura County Local, Weekend Events Calendar
https://www.venturacountylocal.com/this-weekend
