Ventura County will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, car shows and pancake breakfasts as part of America’s 250th birthday.
Fireworks shows are planned for the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura.
Car shows are scheduled for Fillmore, Simi Valley and Ventura. Other events include pancake breakfasts in Ojai and Thousand Oaks, as well as runs in Simi Valley and Ventura.
Those planning to attend should check with the event venue for details, including possible cancellations.
Here are the events, which are free unless otherwise noted.
Camarillo
Fourth of July Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. July 4 at Camarillo Premium Outlet parking lots, 740 Ventura Blvd. Music is set to air on KBBY-FM, 95.1. Parking is first-come, first-served. The entry will be blocked at 8:45 p.m. due to road closures for the fireworks display. For details, call 805-383-5696 or visit cityofcamarillo.org/fireworks.
Fillmore
Third of July Fireworks: 9 p.m. July 3. Fireworks will be launched from Fillmore Middle School, but city staff encourages spectators to watch from any public parking lot. Fillmore Middle School is at 543 A St. For more information, visit sespecreekevents.com/fireworks-info.
Sespe Creek Fourth of July Car Show: 9 a.m. July 4 on Central Avenue in downtown Fillmore. The event, which ends at 4 p.m., plans to feature a car show, a chili cook-off, live music and cornhole and horseshoe tournaments. To learn more, go to sespecreekevents.com or facebook.com/SespeCreekCarShow.
Moorpark
Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza: 4 p.m. July 3 at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. The Smokin’ Cobras, Raymond Michael and Electric Vinyl will perform. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $8 in advance and $10, cash only, at the gate. To purchase, call 805-517-6305 or visit moorparkca.gov.
Ojai
Pre-Fourth of July concert: 6 p.m. July 3 at the Libbey Bowl, 210 S. Signal St. The Ojai Band and The Ojai Players will perform. For more information, visit 4thofjulyinojai.com.
Pancake breakfast: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 4 at Chaparral High School auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Ave. The Ojai Lions Club event costs $10 for adults and $6 for children. Details are at 4thofjulyinojai.com.
Youth Freedom Run: 9 a.m. July 4 starting at the Ojai Post Office Bell Tower at 201 E. Ojai Ave. For ages 2 to 12. Registration at 8:45 a.m. at the Libbey Fountain, 210 S. Signal St. To learn more, go to ojairotary.org/stories/july-4th-freedom-run.
Ojai Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks: Parade starts at 10 a.m. July 4 on Ojai Avenue from Country Club Drive to Park Road. The city-sponsored picnic in Sarzotti Park, 350 Park Road will start after the parade ends, with parade winners announced at 1:30 p.m. Gates for the fireworks show open at 5:30 p.m. at Nordhoff High School Stadium, 1401 Maricopa Highway. No entry after 9 p.m. and the event includes the Power On Band. Tickets in advance cost $12 for adults, $6 for children and $30 to $40 for families of various sizes. Ticket prices increase to $15 for adults and $7 at the gates with no family passes. To purchase, visit 4thofjulyinojai.com.
Oxnard
Fourth of July Family Parade: 10 a.m. July 4 at Channel Islands Harbor, 3900 Pelican Way. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m., starting at the corner of Albacore Way and Harbor Boulevard. Participants can walk, drive a pre-1967 vehicle or operate a golf cart north on Harbor Boulevard if parade forms are filled out in advance. A sign-in table will be located at the corner of Albacore and Harbor and participants should begin gathering at 10 a.m. For details, see channelislandsharbor.org/events.
Fireworks by the Sea: Fireworks start at 9 p.m. July 4 at Channel Islands Harbor, 3900 Pelican Way. For details, see channelislandsharbor.org/events.
Stars, Stripes & Sounds, America 250 event: 3-9:30 p.m. July 3 at Plaza Park, 500 S. C St. The event, presented by the Oxnard Downtowners Foundation and the city of Oxnard, will feature classic cars, food trucks, kids’ corner, local bands and vendors. For more information, visit oxnard.gov/event/stars-stripes-sounds-america-250.
Santa Paula
Fourth of July Fireworks event: 4 p.m. July 4 at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park, 301 Harvest Loop. Parking lots open at 2 p.m. with food trucks on site 4-9 p.m. Jolly Jumps, a bounce house rental services provider, face painting and the City Corps Wagon Train will be available for children 4-8 p.m. Live music will be at the amphitheater 6-8 p.m. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m. For details, visit spcity.org.
Simi Valley
Annual Fourth of July Celebration: 10 a.m. July 4 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, 40 Presidential Drive. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Band and Justin Honsinger, a country artist, are set to perform. Presidential look-alikes and Iwo Jima re-enactors are scheduled to make appearances. Family friendly activities include presidential bingo with prizes, face painting, games and crafts. Keynote Speaker and Medal of Honor Recipient Patrick Henry Brady, a retired U.S. Army major general, is scheduled to talk as part of a special America 250 program at noon. For details, go to reaganfoundation.org.
Star-Spangled Rock & Country Jam and Fireworks Spectacular: 3 p.m. July 4 at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave. Country singer Justin Honsinger will perform at 7 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley event, which includes a fun zone for kids and food and shopping vendors, concludes with fireworks. The fireworks, which will be coordinated with a live symphony orchestra, start at 9 p.m. VIP tickets are also available for $103 or $47 for ages 12 and under which includes dinner, two adult drink tickets, dessert and special seating for the fireworks. On-site 5-star parking can also be purchased for $26.50. Free parking is available at Simi Valley Metrolink Station, 5050 E. Los Angeles Ave. or Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran St. Details are at starspangledsimi.com.
Simi 250 All American Car Cruise: 6 p.m. July 3, starting at the parking lot of Corriganville Park, 7001 Smith Road. The cruise, which will follow Los Angeles Avenue, pass through the Town Center and continue along Alamo Street, will end at 7:15 p.m. at Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave. Vehicles will be on display at the community park before a movie is shown. For more information, visit simi250.com.
Simi 250 5K Run: 7:30 a.m. July 3 at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave. The 3.1-mile course will follow the Arroyo Simi Greenway. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, bib pickup, and warming up. The fee for the all-ages run is $43.40. For more information, visit simi250.com.
Thousand Oaks
Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast & Homerun Derby: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. July 4 at Borchard Community Center, 190 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park. Cost is $5. Home run derbies, also costing $5, also start at 8 a.m. at the center. For more information, call 805-495-6471 or visit crpd.org/celebrate-the-4th-of-july-with-conejo-recreation-park-district.
Concert in the Park: 5 p.m. July 4 at Conejo Community Center, 1175 Hendrix Ave. New West Symphony, a professional orchestra with musicians from the greater Los Angeles area, will perform. For more information, call 805-495-6471 or visit crpd.org/celebrate-the-4th-of-july-with-conejo-recreation-park-district.
America 250 special events: 1 p.m. July 4 at the Conejo Community Center, 1175 Hendrix Road. 1-1:20 p.m. diaper derby baby races; 1:25 -1:45 p.m. potato sack races; 1:50-2:10 p.m. three-legged races; 2:15-2:35 p.m. water balloon toss; 2:40 to 3 p.m. tug-of-war; 3:05-3:25 p.m. hula hoop contest. For more information, call 805-495-6471 or visit crpd.org/celebrate-the-4th-of-july-with-conejo-recreation-park-district.
Free recreational swim: noon-4 p.m. July 4 at the community pool at California Lutheran University, 100 N. Overton Court and the community pool at Newbury Park High School, 456 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park. For more information, call 805-495-6471 or visit crpd.org/celebrate-the-4th-of-july-with-conejo-recreation-park-district.
Fireworks Spectacular: At 9 p.m July 4, people can watch the Conejo Recreation and Park District’s fireworks show on Fireworks Hill behind the Hillcrest Center of the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, at various parks and parking lots. Music is set to play at the same time on KHAY-FM, 100.7. Tickets are available for $100 for cars to park at 403. W. Hillcrest for better views. For more information, call 805-495-6471 or visit crpd.org/2026-07-04-fireworks-spectacular.
Happy 250th Birthday America! 1 to 4 p.m. July 4 at the Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park. Line dancing and two-stepping with DJ Rick and the Ventucky Stompers with lessons for beginners and experienced line dancers. Ax throwing, rope making, water balloon toss, corn hole and more. Event is $10 for seniors, adults and teens and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under age 4 and members with ID are free. For more information, visit: stagecoachinnmuseum.com/calendar.
Ventura
Beach cleanup: 9-11 a.m. June 27 at the Promenade and Marina Park Beach. The Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and the city of Ventura are scheduled to host a cleanup at the Promenade with registration at the Promenade at California Street next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the event starting at 529 E. Harbor Blvd. The Ventura Suburban Kiwanis Club and the city are set to host a cleanup at Marina Park Beach, with registration near the restrooms and sailing center of the beach at 2950 Pierpont Blvd. For more information, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events.
Autism Rocks Car Show: 11 a.m. June 28 at Ventura Community Park, 901 S. Kimball Road. The event, which raises awareness and support for autism programs and families, features vendors, automobiles, bicycles and boats. The show ends at 6 p.m. For more information, including how to volunteer or vehicle entry fees, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events.
Pedal & Paint Community Bike Ride and Tie-dye Party: 4:30 p.m. June 29 at Westpark Community Center, 450 W. Harrison Ave. Participants of all ages can join Bike Ventura for a tie-dye party and a community bike ride along the Ventura River Trail. The party starts at 4:30 p.m. and the ride begins at 5:30 p.m. No registration required. Tie-dye supplies will be provided while supplies last and riders should bring their own bike, helmet and riding equipment. For more information, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events.
Ventura Aquatic Center Pool Party: noon-June 30 at Ventura Aquatic Center, 901 S. Kimball Road. Race, participate in a rubber duck plunge or listen to music. Kid friendly competitions will also take place in and outside the pool. The drop-in ends at 4 p.m. with pre-registration encouraged. For more information, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events.
Beachside 5K: 6 p.m. July 1 at Ventura Promenade near the Ventura Pier. Walk or run along a scenic route near Surfers Point. The event is part of the Ventura Running Club’s Boogie Nights running series. The fee is $20.08. For more information, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events.
Kickball Tournament & Family Picnic: 5 p.m. July 2 at Camino Real Park, Dean Drive and Varsity Street. Participation is free, but teams must preregister and have 10-15 players. Players must be at least 16-years-old with check-in at 5 p.m. and games starting at 6 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to watch, explore park activities and patronize local food trucks. For more information, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events.
A celebration on the Waterside with 250 Minutes of Live Music: 1 p.m. July 3 and July 4 at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive. The event, including live music, shopping and dining, concludes at 4:10 p.m. For more details, contact 805-477-0470 or visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com.
Downtown Ventura fireworks: 7 p.m. July 3 with event partner Rotary of Ventura in downtown. Live music 7-9 p.m. with fireworks starting at approximately 9 p.m. The fireworks will be shot from the top of the parking garage on Santa Clara Street with viewing throughout downtown, including Plaza Park. Synchronized music is set to air on KBBY-FM, 95.1, or online at 951kbby.com. For more information, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/2791/250-Anniversary-Events.
Fourth of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4 downtown. The parade will start at 10 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park, at S. Crimea Street and E. Main Street. Participants may ride bicycles, scooters, strollers and wagons. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. The parade will lead to the street fair, featuring bands starting at 10 a.m. at the intersection of California and Main streets, a classic car show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on South Oak Street and kids’ activities. Details are at cityofventura.ca.gov.
Did we miss your event? Email us at news@vcstar.com with subject line July 4 event.
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: Ventura County plans July 4 events for America’s 250th
Reporting by Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star | USA TODAY Network
