Check out Ventura County's Memorial Day weekend events

Yahoo

22-05-2025

Memorial Day, held annually on the last Monday in May, mourns and honors the deceased service men and women in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ventura County will mark the federal holiday with events throughout the region.
But that's not all on deck for the weekend. A Bon Jovi tribute band, fine art, ship tours and more events will be available at local venues.
The 48th annual Art in the Park will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 24 and 25 in Libbey Park in Ojai. The event will feature more than 70 fine artists showcasing their works. The park is at 210 S. Signal St.
"It's a good introduction to fine art for all ages," said Helen Solomon, event spokesperson.
Artists must send photos of their work to a jury committee to be selected to participate, Solomon said. More than 100 artists entered for the 2025 event, she said.
The art festival raises $20,000 to $25,000 annually for the Ojai Art Center, Solomon said. For more information, visit: ojaiartcenter.org/artinthepark.html.
In Simi Valley, the Happy Face Music Festival is scheduled for May 24 with five bands, food trucks and restaurant vendors at Rancho Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave.
"The name comes from the actual Happy Face Hill in Simi Valley," said Steve Hise, festival chair. Happy Face Hill is named after a large, grinning face on a hillside that can be seen from westbound Highway 118 near Kuehner Drive.
The festival, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., features tribute bands and era-specific acts. VIP tickets are $135.23, general admission tickets are $28.52 and kids under age 12 are free.
The entertainment lineup includes Wanted, a Bon Jovi tribute band, and Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute group. Fast Times, an '80s new wave and rock act, The Yacht Groove, which specializes in yacht rock hits, and the Ultimate Rock Band will also perform.
"This is not really a sit down type concert where you're sitting in seats," said Larry Borovay, president of the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise.
Proceeds from the concert go to 10-15 different groups, including local charities and organizations like the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and a police foundation, he said.
About 2,500 people are expected, Hise said. For more information, visit happyfacemusicfest.com.
Camarillo
Family friendly event: 11 a.m. May 26. Guest speakers, live music and displays at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road. The event also features free hot dogs and ice cream. For details, visit conejomountain.com/in-our-community.
Fillmore
Service: 11 a.m. May 26. The service, featuring a flyover and speaker Chris Gurrola, is at the Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St. The Rev. Robert Hammond will also speak. Music and VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 9637 and Bill Morris will also participate in the service. Water and cookies will be provided afterward. For more information, visit bardsdalecemetery.com.
Moorpark
Program: 10 a.m. May 26. A one-hour program is planned for the Moorpark Veterans' Memorial, 608 Spring Road. The ceremony is presented by the city of Moorpark, American Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Forty & Eight and Kiwanis Club of Moorpark. To learn more, call the American Legion at 805-901-2133.
Field of Valor: 10 a.m. May 26. The Moorpark Field of Valor event will showcase a field of flags honoring military personnel who died in service of their country at Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail St. The viewing of flags begins at 10 a.m. The opening ceremony is at 1 p.m. with flag procession, flag salute and speakers. A closing ceremony is set for 4 p.m. The Moorpark Morning Rotary Club hosts the event. For more information, visit moorparkmorningrotary.com.
Oak View
Caravan: 10 a.m. May 26. A Memorial Day Caravan is scheduled for the Ojai Valley Ranch parking lot, 445 N. Ventura Ave. Attendees are asked to decorate their vehicles in red, white and blue to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. No registration is needed. The route follows a similar Christmas caravan route and ends at the Oak View Park and Resource Center, 555 N. Mahoney Ave. For more information, contact 805-836-5434.
Ojai
Art in the Park: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 24 and 25. Feature more than 70 fine artists showcasing their works. Libbey Park is at 210 S. Signal St.
Oxnard
Ceremony: 11 a.m. May 26. A ceremony to honor and remember fallen service members at Plaza Park, 500 S. C St. For more information, visit the city of Oxnard's website at oxnard.gov/event/memorial-day-2025.
Port Hueneme
Program: 8:30 a.m. May 26. A 45-minute program at the Port Hueneme Pier, 550 E. Surfside Drive. A keynote speaker from Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, will be featured. The city's first wreath ceremony and a paddle out led by local lifeguards will also occur. For more information, call Port Hueneme Recreation & Community Services at 805-986-6542 or visit the city's website at ci.port-hueneme.ca.us.
Simi Valley
Mobile wall: 3 p.m. May 23; 11 a.m. May 26. The Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall opens at 3 p.m. May 23 at Rancho Tapo Community Park and Veterans Plaza, 3700 Avenida Simi. It is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. A Memorial Day ceremony is set for 11 a.m. May 26. The mobile wall is open 24 hours a day from 3 p.m. May 23 through 8 a.m. May 27, with nightly taps played at 10 p.m. To learn more, visit RSRPD.org, AVWall.org, [e-mail] or 805-526-6453.
Happy Face Music Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 24. Five bands, food trucks and restaurant vendors at Rancho Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave.
Ventura
Botanical Gardens free day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 26. In remembrance and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a free day for the public is scheduled for the Ventura Botanical Gardens, 567 Poli St. For more information, visit venturabotanicalgardens.com.
Mystic Whaler tours: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 23; noon to 6 p.m. May 24-26. Mystic Whaler ship tours are set for Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive. A $5 donation is requested. The 83-foot ship will be at the harbor's C-Dock through May 29. For details, see www.venturaharborvillage.com.
Westlake Village
Concert and ceremony: 10:30 a.m. May 26. A band and a ceremony is scheduled for Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road. The band will play at 10:30 a.m. before the 11 a.m. program. For more information, visit, www.facebook.com/PierceBrosValleyOaks.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at [e-mail], 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County's Memorial Day weekend events for 2025 holiday