Monthly Archives: September 2025

Ventura Music Scene 10/1/25 – 10/14/25

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Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Music scene artworkThere are dozens of wineries and breweries around our county with tasting rooms where live music is an integral part of their business plan. My music scene article and music listings focus on the west side of our county, covering such places as Cantara Cellars in Camarillo, Leashless Brewing in Ventura, Strey Cellars in Oxnard, Wagon Wheel Brewing Co. in Oxnard, Four Brix in Ventura, Topa Topa Brewing (locations: Camarillo, Ventura and Ojai), and Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai. There’s also Onyx in Camarillo, Seaward Brewing and Rincon Brewing in Ventura, Ventura Coast Brewing Company in Ventura and Ojai Valley Brewing. Each place is unique, but what I notice that keeps me coming back is the staff and their sincere appreciation of your patronage. If you’ve never been to one before, I highly recommend you “spread the love” and visit several of these establishments over the next few months.
Screenshot of Seaside Highland Games websiteThe Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of October 11-12. They don’t check your ancestry at the gate, so non-Scottish folks are also welcome, though I understand that siding with a “clan” could be tricky. Participants in the Seaside Games travel from all the western states to take part, including the honored Clans Munro, Gunn and Innis Societies of North America. Competitions include bagpiping and drumming, drum majoring, heavy athletics (sanctioned by the Scottish American Athletic Association), and Highland dance. This year’s live music will be provided by The Dropkick Mickeys, Brick Top Blaggers, Tempest, and The Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh. The weekend is packed full of activities, fun for the whole family. For more information, go to SeasideHighlandGames.com.

artwork for The Vandals lpPlanning ahead for the holidays, tickets just went on sale for The Vandals Christmas show at the Majestic for Friday, December 19. This quirky punk band out of Orange County has a wicked sense of humor and couldn’t be comprised of nicer guys, including the main songwriter, Warren Fitzgerald. I was lucky enough to meet them backstage at the Santa Barbara Bowl when they opened for No Doubt many years ago. If you love corrupting the spirit of the season, then you’ll love such songs as “Oi to the World,” “I Don’t Believe in Santa Claus,” and “Grandpa’s Last Xmas.” Also on the bill for this show will be Good Riddance and 84 Days.

Quick Notes: Ocie Elliott play the Libbey Bowl on Thursday, October 2; Simon Phillips (Judas Priest, Michael Scheniker Group, The Who) returns to The Grape on Saturday, October 4; Robin Trower plays a fully seated show at the Ventura Music Hall on Monday, October 6 and Purity Ring just released their fourth, self-titled album and will be touring in support of it, making a stop at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Monday, October 13.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 9/17/25 – 9/30/25

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Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Music scene artworkThe second half of September features several special events, including the Banana Festival in Port Hueneme, Artwalk Ventura, and Oktoberfest.
logo for OktoberfestI always found it interesting that venues started celebrating Oktoberfest in September, so I took some time to look it up, and it turns out Oktoberfest is a bit of a misnomer. The festival lasts 16 to 18 days, and an earlier start date was introduced to increase the chance of warm weather and because daylight lasts longer (source: Readers Digest). With that tidbit of information filed away, it’s good to know that several local breweries have special events lined up including Enegren Brewing Co. in Moorpark, who will celebrate the weekend of September 20-21 with live music from Festmeister Hans Und Die Sauerkrauts, Hazelnuss Das Music, Der Matterhorns, and Sauer Sam and the Tablecloth Band! Poseidon Brewing Company in Ventura will host Linda’s Polka Party Band on Saturday, September 20; Pedals and Pints in Thousand Oaks will have Sauer Sam & the Tablecloth Band on Sunday, September 21; Bright Spark celebrates on Saturday with Whole Hog Band; and Madewest hosts The Driftless Revelers, a self-proclaimed freak-folk group touring with several stops in town (see listings). Chances are extremely high that all local breweries will have specials, games, and music that same weekend, so get out and enjoy some bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a stein or two of German beer!
Artwalk Ventura 2025Artwalk Ventura 2025 falls over the last weekend of the month, September 27 and 28, featuring more than 200 artists’ works at dozens of venues and lots of live music. Outside of strolling down Main Street downtown Ventura, I suggest visiting www.ArtWalkVentura.org and review the “Venues” page. I wish a list had been provided, but you’ll need to select the dropdown menu to see all the venues and then select each one for more information. With a little bit of intel, I did manage to find out there will be two stages downtown, one at California and Main, and the other next to the Mission, which is called the Albinger Stage. WAV will also host several live performances on both days. See listings below for details.
Artwork banana festivalThe 12th annual Banana Festival at the Port Hueneme will be held on Saturday, September 27. This family-friendly, free event offers ships & barges, yummy treats, and of course live music to keep things lively.

Quick Notes: Presale tickets are now available for the social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk on Saturday, December 6 (www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com); Tickets are on sale for Kansas at the Majestic Ventura Theater for Wednesday, December 3; Modern Love, Bowie tribute band, plays Lester Family Cellars on Saturday, September 20; and The Kings of Queen will be the final Rock the Collection concert on Wednesday, September 24.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.