Ojai, California Events
Ojai, California
OjaiVisitors.com
Ojai, California Events See: www.ojaivisitors.com
October
Halloween Pumpkin Patch at Bocalli Ranch
October Ojai World Music Festival -
Once a year, Ojai's acclaimed artists' colony opens its studio doors for the public to view works in progress while enjoying a weekend of fine art and conversation. More than 50 Ojai Valley artists participate in the annual event where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at artists' creative environments, purchase art and attend a reception & gala. Tickets required. Ojai Studio Artists Tour - Get a behind the scenes look at artists' creative spaces. Meet and mingle with Ojai Valley artists, view works in progress, and enjoy a beautiful fall weekend exploring Ojai!
Ojai Day
The annual Ojai Day community celebration and street fair takes place in
downtown Ojai. The free, family event kicks off with a children's parade
followed by activities in Libbey Park. Unique arts & crafts such as jewelry,
clothing, art glass, pottery and other market items are available for purchase
along Ojai Avenue in addition to a variety of tasty food from local restaurants
and vendors. Celebrate the spirit of Ojai at this annual street faire. Shop for
unique arts & crafts, stroll through boutiques and galleries, and enjoy lunch
downtown or at one of the tasty food booths. Free admission.
Ojai Film Festival
The Ojai Film Festival offers continuous screenings of new and independent films
submitted by filmmakers throughout the world at numerous venues in Ojai. The
festival also includes seminars, film classic screenings, and opportunities for
visitors to mingle with filmmakers, directors and production staff. Filmmakers, directors, and people who love films, all come to Ojai Film Festival to watch featured screenings of new and independent films and classic screenings. Seminars help bring the content into focus in panel and guest lecture presentations, with audience participation. Tickets
required.
Ojai Holiday Home Look In
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A tour of several distinctive homes located within the Ojai Valley, all dressed
in holiday themes. The event also includes a Holiday Marketplace where visitors
can find holiday gift and Ojai treasurers from local artisans and vendors.
Proceeds benefit the Ojai Music Festival and music education program. Tour
tickets required. Marketplace admission is free.
Ojai WordFest Writing Festival
A festival of words, ideas and stories, WordFest brings together the
best-selling authors, screenwriters, playwrights, poets, songwriters, novelists
and many more. Highlights include a writer's conference, book fair, community
events, open mic venues, pottery readings and more held at many of Ojai's
landmark and historic sites. Times and locations of events vary throughout the
week.
Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament
April 24-29, 2012
The oldest, amateur tennis tournament in the country, this annual event is
designed to promote amateur tennis in California. The tournament has launched
the careers of several tennis greats including Billy Jean King, Bobby Riggs,
Jimmy Connors and many more. The action takes place at the historic Libbey Park
and at numerous venues throughout the city. The tournament is home of the annual
Pac-10's men's, women's and doubles individual championship matches. Part of the
annual tradition is the "Tea Tent" where formally dressed women serve tea and
cookies to spectators! Matches start at 8:00 am each day.
13th Annual
Ojai
Storytelling Festival
May 3-6, 2012
Libbey Bowl
Celebrating the story-telling tradition with some of the nation's best-known
purveyors of the craft, the Ojai Storytelling Festival, one of the leading
storytelling festivals on the West Coast, offers performances for adults,
children, and families as well as workshops for those who want to learn more
about the art of storytelling. The Festival offers 20 different events presented
by skilled storytellers who are able to make an emotional connection with the
audience as they deliver their inspiring tales. Tickets required. Presented by
Performances to Grow On.
18th Annual Ojai Valley Garden Tour
May 12, 2012
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lush gardens in bloom are the star of the show during the annual Ojai Valley
Garden Tour featuring five private gardens located around scenic Ojai Valley.
Ojai is home to many colorful varieties including the mariposa lily, lavender,
poppies, lupine, phacelia, and more. The annual event is presented by the Ojai
Valley Chamber of Commerce and benefits local programs. Tickets required.
35th Annual Art in the Park
May 26-27, 2012
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Libbey Park
Some of the finest artists in Ojai and from around California showcase their
works of art at downtown's Libbey Park. Artists demonstrate their mediums
including oil, acrylic, glass, pastel, watercolors, mixed media, graphics, wood,
photography, sculpture, ceramics, fine jewelry and more. Presented by the Ojai
Art Center.
66th Ojai Music Festival
June 7-10, 2012
Libbey Bowl
With a reputation for attracting exceptional artists performing pieces of
contemporary and classical music, the Ojai Music Festival has presented some of
the world's finest conductors, composers and performers during its 60 plus years
history. In 2012 it will celebrate the artistic collaborations of Music
Director, Leif Ove Andsnes, one of today's foremost pianists, making his debut
at the annual festival. He will be joined by other top collaborators to create a
spectacular musical extravaganza. Set in the outdoor setting of historic Libbey
Bowl, the Ojai Music Festival stands out with its unique symbiosis between the
high-level music performed by the world's greatest artists surrounded by the
incredible, natural beauty. Tickets required.
Annual
Ojai Wine Festival
Noon to 5 p.m.
Lake Casitas
One of the region's best culinary events, the Ojai Wine Festival provides a
chance to taste a variety of select wines and beers in a spectacular outdoor
setting. Held on the shores of Lake Casitas, the festival also includes
samplings from area restaurants in addition to arts & crafts vendors, silent
wine auction, free boat rides and entertainment. Presented by the Ojai Rotary
Club-West. Tickets required.
Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Libbey Park
The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival celebrates the fragrant, purple-flowered
plant, the lavender, which is very abundant in the Ojai Valley in the summer
season. Festival-goers will find a large variety of lavender products from
plants and herbs to scented candles and essential oils. Taking place at Libbey
Park, the festival also includes cooking demonstrations and lectures on other
ways to utilize lavender in hand-made crafts. A wide variety of artwork is
available for purchase, and musical entertainment rounds out the festivities.
Free admission.
Annual Fourth of July Parade & Celebration
July 4
Fireworks: 9 p.m.
The charm of a small town community comes to life during the old-fashioned
Fourth of July Celebration. Starting with a traditional parade, lining the main
street of the small town, the celebration continues in Libbey Park, where
visitors can enjoy numerous exhibits, food, music, face painting and games for
the entire family. Later in the afternoon, the fun continues at the Ojai Valley
Community Stadium at Nordhoff High School featuring live music, food, games and
an incredible evening fireworks display.
Annual Ojai Playwrights Conference Summer New Works Festival
Emerging and established playwrights from across the country gather to
participate in the development of new plays for the American theater. The public
is able to get a first-hand look at these up-and-coming plays that have been
known to go onto national stages, with many becoming award-winning productions.
Public performances take place in town at Matilija Auditorium and at Zalk
Theatre at Besant Hill. Tickets required.
For your Ojai vacation, let the professionals at the Ojai Visitors Bureau give you some tips: OjaiVisitors.com or 1 -888-OJAI NOW