Pumpkin Patch at Faulkner Farm

Four Weekends in October | Faulkner Farm, Santa Rosa

A Ventura County tradition continues with the Santa Paula Rotary Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival at Faulkner Farm. Families can take advantage of great autumn weekends with acres of bright orange pumpkins, a giant sunflower forest for the kids, towering hay pyramids, and hay rides with historic information about the area. There will also be farm animals, pony rides, mini train rides, face painting, a country store, delicious food, and entertainment. $2, October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Briggs and W. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula.

For more information call 1.888.522.1884 or visit FaulknerFarmPumpkinPatch.com.      

Seaside Haunt

October 3 – November 1 (see dates below) | Ventura County Fairgrounds

Seaside Haunt, a haunted theme park, is twice as large this year with two new attractions: Mutiny to Purgatory and Blood Beach Haunted Mansion. Visitors will encounter zombie pirates in the corridors of a haunted ghost ship and/or tour through a haunted mansion with 20 rooms of terror along the cliffs of the sea. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 3 to November 1, and every night from October 23 to November 1. Family matinees also offered Saturday and Sunday afternoons, October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, and November 1. 10 W Harbor Blvd., Ventura.

For a schedule of events and ticket information visit SeaSideHaunt.com.

Fresh Roasted Concert: Moira Smiley & VOCO

October 10 | Matilija Auditorium

Moira Smiley & VOCO (vocals, cello, banjo) bring shimmering four-part vocal harmony, crooked rhythms, and inventive instrumentals to original song. With vocal sounds from Sarajevo to Dublin, Appalachia to the Avant-garde, this group is about the voice—explored with unrivaled integrity and playfulness. Utilizing harmony, improvisation, and ornamentation, VOCO touches on the folk traditions that celebrate how people, particularly North American, Balkan, and South African, sing together. Adults $20 in advance ($22 at door), Seniors & Students $15. 7:30 p.m., 703 El Paseo Rd., Ojai.

For tickets and more information visit Ptgo.org.

Seaside Highland Games

October 11 & 12 | Seaside Park

The Seaside Highland Games are returning to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This lively cultural extravaganza includes bagpipe bands, Highland dancers, and heavy athletics with competitions in each area. There will also be re-enactments, a children’s glen, and a Saturday night Scottish Rock Fest. Several stages will present Celtic entertainers. Over 50 gift vendors will be in attendance as well as food and beverage stations serving authentic fare from the British Isles. Don’t miss the Opening Ceremonies and Grand Parade, Saturday at noon. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Visit  Seaside-Games.com for ticket admission information and additional details.

Ojai Studio Artists Tour

October 11 - 13 | Ojai

During this annual event, over 45 Ojai artists open up their studios to the public for a weekend of art appreciation. Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and pottery will be on display. Tour docents will be available at the Ojai Art Center (113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai) to help visitors chart their own self-guided tour of the studios. A sample of each artist's work will be on exhibit at the art center and online at OjaiStudioArtists.com. The “Mandarin Lounge” reception held Saturday evening at the Ojai Art Center from 6 - 8 p.m. will include a live auction. Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Ojai Studio Artists Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $30 and include the reception. Children 12 and under are free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To order tickets by phone call 805.646.8126.

For more information and to purchase tickets online visit OjaiStudioArtists.com.

Harvest ArtWalk Weekend

October 18 & 19 | Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District

Over 200 established and emerging artists will showcase their work at over 80 galleries, studios, and eclectic gallery-for-a-day venues in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District, just steps from the beach and the Ventura Pier. Venues include restaurants, salons, antique shops, unique boutiques, and coffee shops. The event will also include 20 outdoor multicultural performances, a free shuttle bus to the outlying locations, and more. Free. Saturday 1 - 7 p.m. with after party and reception circuit from 7 - 10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 - 4 p.m.

For a full schedule of events and more information visit CityOfSan BuenaVentura.net/artwalk.

Habitat for Humanity Anniversary Dinner

October 25 | Reagan Library, Simi Valley

This fundraising event will be held in honor of the organization’s dedication to helping deserving families achieve their dream of homeownership. Festivities will include a VIP concert by Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix, a silent and live auction featuring a collection of items, private tours of Air Force One, and the museum, dinner, and dancing. 40 Presidential Drive.

For ticket reservations and more information call 805.485.6065 ext. 102 or visit HabitatVentura.org.

11th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race

October 25 | Ventura Harbor

Sponsored by the Ventura Players Club, this contest of artistic and technological skill involves kinetic sculptures—amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race. This year the race will include a poker run. At the conclusion of each challenge, each team will receive a playing card and the team with the best poker hand will win $500. A 5K Run & Walk (8 a.m. start) will take place prior to the start of the main event. Registration for the run is available online at Active.com or on race day for an additional $5. Both the Kinetic Sculpture Race and the new 5K Run/Walk will benefit the Turning Point Foundation, a community-based nonprofit serving Ventura County residents disabled by mental illness. Free. Race begins at 10:25 a.m.

For more information call 805.625.0596 ext. 11.

Jazz at Mandalay Beach

October 26 | Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort

Set outdoors on a lawn overlooking the ocean, this musical event features Paul Brown’s Guitar Night with two-time Grammy award winner Paul Brown; contemporary jazz guitarist, Chris Standring; and smooth jazz fusion guitarist, Marc Antoine. The event also includes a performance by saxophonist Michael Lington. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $55 for VIP seats and $38 for general admission, plus a $2 per ticket administrative fee. Resort parking is $5. 4 - 7 p.m, 2101 Mandalay Beach Road, Oxnard. Chairs provided.

For reservations or more information call 805.984.2500.

ON THE HORIZON

9th Annual Ojai Film Festival

November 5 - 9 | Ojai

Each year, Ojai hosts a celebration of film to provide audiences with opportunities to see groundbreaking work that would otherwise be inaccessible and to provide filmmakers with an enthusiastic audience that includes film industry professionals. This year’s theme is Enriching the Human Spirit Through Film. Festival events include four days of non-stop screenings, filmmaking seminars with top industry icons, special screenings of film classics, opportunities for the public to interact with filmmakers, and premieres and pre-release screenings of major motion pictures. On November 6, the Ojai Film Festival Celebrity Golf Classic and the opening night party will take place at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

For tickets, venues, and a schedule of events and screenings visit OjaiFilmFestival.com.