From flag ceremonies and to a paddle-out, Ventura County offers many ways to observe Memorial Day.
The federal holiday honors those who died in the military and is observed annually on the last Monday of May. This year, the holiday falls on May 25.
In Moorpark, a Field of Valor event will showcase more than 150 flags honoring military personnel. Port Hueneme’s program will feature a wreath ceremony and a community paddle-out.
In Ventura, holiday events are less traditional. The Ventura Botanical Gardens will offer free admission. At the Ventura Harbor Village, visitors can enjoy an 83-foot, 19th-century replica ship.
Unless otherwise noted, all Memorial Day events listed below are planned for May 25 and free.
Fillmore
11 a.m.: Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St. Hosted by the Board of Trustees of the Bardsdale Cemetery, organizers encouraged the public to attend. For more information, visit facebook.com/bardsdalecemetery.
Moorpark
Opens 10 a.m. with ceremony at 1 p.m.: Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail St. Hosted by the Moorpark Morning Rotary Club, the Moorpark Field of Valor showcases more than 150 flags. Field opens at 10 a.m., ceremony begins at 1 p.m. with flag procession, flag salute and speakers, and a closing ceremony is set for 4 p.m. For more information, visit moorparkmorningrotary.com.
Oxnard
11 a.m.: Plaza Park, 500 S. C St. For more information, visit the city of Oxnard’s website at oxnard.gov/event/memorial-day-ceremony-2026.
Port Hueneme
8:30 a.m.: Port Hueneme Pier, 550 E. Surfside Drive. The program features a keynote speaker from Naval Base Ventura County and wreath ceremony. The Port Hueneme Ocean Lifeguards are also scheduled to lead a community paddle out. For more information, visit the city’s Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofporthueneme.
Simi Valley
10 a.m.: Simi El Rancho Pioneer Cemetery, 1461 Thompson Lane. The one-hour program will feature a traditional wreath-laying and include music from the Simi Valley Community Orchestra. For more information, visit the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce website at simivalleychamber.org.
9:30 a.m.: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum, 40 Presidential Drive. Speakers include Daniel Brown, commanding officer at Naval Base Ventura County, Gold Star son Jeff Evans and Ventura County Gold Star father Bob Allen. The program also includes a flyover and live music from the Royal High School Wind Ensemble and soloist Angelina Hayward. Reagan Detachment Color Guard will present the colors. Reservations are recommended at www.reaganfoundation.org under program and events.
Ventura
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Ventura Botanical Gardens, 567 Poli St. A free day for the public to reflect on Memorial Day and explore the scenic botanical gardens. For more information, visit venturabotanicalgardens.com.
Noon to 6 p.m.: 1583 Spinnaker Drive. Mystic Whaler ship tours are set for Ventura Harbor Village. A $5 donation per adult is requested and children are free. The 83-foot ship, built in 1967, is modeled after 19th-century coastal vessels. For details, see www.venturaharborvillage.com.
Westlake Village
10:30 a.m.: Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Mortuary, Crematory and Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road. 35th Annual Memorial Day Service. Limited parking is available with more spots available at the nearby Costco. For more information, visit facebook.com/PierceBrosValleyOaks.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Make Memorial Day plans with this event listing for Ventura County
Reporting by Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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