The seaside City of Oxnard, nestled along California’s Central Coast, is ready to entice visitors this year with its many diverse and fun special events taking place throughout the city. Whether one chooses to tour tall ships, catch a glimpse of an enormous whale or find their Latin beat, 2013 promises to provide numerous opportunities for fun and adventure in this coastal town. The following lists the major events taking place in Oxnard in 2013. For more details and information, visit the website at www.visitoxnard.com.

16th Annual Celebration of the Whale’s Festival
March 24, 2013

The migration of the Pacific Gray Whale is celebrated during the annual festival held in scenic Channel Islands Harbor. The day’s event includes live entertainment, whale & marine education exhibits, whale watching excursions, an arts & crafts market, children’s activities, BBQ and more. Free


30th Annual California Strawberry Festival
May 18 & 19, 2013

The delicious heart-shaped fruit is the star at the annual festival, marking 30 years in 2013! Ranked as one of the top festivals in the nation, the California Strawberry Festival at Strawberry Meadows of College Park, features all day fun for the entire family with concert performances, ‘Strawberry Promenade’ with celebrity cooking demonstrations, 250 Fine Arts & Crafts booths, ‘Strawberryland For Kids’, gooey contests, special appearances and much more. General admission, $12, seniors 62+, $8 and children 5-12, $5.

Heritage Square Summer Concerts
June 21-28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; & August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2013

A favorite summertime tradition in Oxnard, the Heritage Square Summer Concert Series offer entertainment to suit every musical preference with styles ranging from reggae to swing and from country to rock ‘n roll. Table seating is available by reservation at $40-$60 per table with seating for six. General admission plaza seats are $5 and limited lawn seating is free! 6 to 8 p.m.

Concerts by the Sea
July 6, 13, 20, 27; & August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

With the picturesque Channel Islands Harbor serving as the backdrop, the annual Concerts by the Sea at Peninsula Park offer visitors a wide array of musical selections including jazz, rock, R&B, Cajun, country, folk and oldies. Guests can bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the entertainment. 4 to 6 p.m. Free

The 20th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
July 27-28, 2013

Get ready to sizzle at the 20th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival! Commemorating its
20th year in 2013, the festival celebrates everything salsa – the food, the music and the dance! Highlights include an eclectic vendor marketplace, international foods, Kids Korner attractions, a salsa recipe contest, and more. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Event admission and parking are free.


Dallas Cowboys Training Camp
July- August – Dates TBD

See live football up close and personal during the 2013 Dallas Cowboys Training
Camp. Besides the practice sessions, other highlights include ‘Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick for Kids’; Kid’s Zone Area; the Cowboys on Tour Truck; and live performance by team mascot, Rowdy. Held at the River Ridge Playing Fields. Free; Parking: $10

13th Annual Oxnard Autumn Home Tour
September 22, 2013

The Oxnard Historic District sparkles each year with the Oxnard Autumn Home Tour featuring a number of historic homes open for public viewing. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are docent hosted. In addition to the tour, visitors can also enjoy demonstrations, raffle, music and the Autumn Home Tour Marketplace. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

18th Annual Multicultural Festival
October 5, 2013

A day of music, food, entertainment and international fun is in store at the annual Multicultural Festival held in downtown Oxnard, Plaza Park. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and features dance & music, culturally-themed arts & crafts, kid’s activities, ethnic foods and more. Free


63rd Annual Oxnard Tree Lighting Celebration
December 6, 2013

Visitors can watch as Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree is illuminated! The evening includes the debut of the ‘Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show’ taking place through December plus a visit from Santa. 5:30 p.m. Free

52nd Oxnard Christmas Parade
December 7, 2013

An old fashioned hometown parade, the parade includes high-stepping marching bands, electrifying holiday floats, performing groups and local personalities. The parade takes place on ‘A’, 5th and ‘C’ Streets from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Free

6th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival
December 7, 2013

The popular tamale takes center stage at the annual festival which includes tamale vendors, cooking demonstrations, eating contests, carnival rides & kid’s activities, and live music. 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free

48th Annual Parade of Lights
December 14, 2013

Holiday lights dance across the water during the annual Parade of Lights in Channel Islands Harbor. Pre-parade activities include snowplay for kids, arts & crafts fair and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus. The lighted boat parade follows at 7 p.m., circling the Harbor starting at Peninsula Park. Free

7th Annual Holly Trolley Tours
December 10-12, 2013

Visitors can climb aboard a grand double-decker for a 50-minute guided tour of Downtown Oxnard & Historic District while viewing the spectacular nighttime display of holiday lights. The tour includes a stop at Heritage Square to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Tours depart at 8 p.m. $10 per person.

Christmas Tree Lane
December 8-26, 2013

Stroll or drive through one of Ventura County’s largest holiday light displays located in the Henry T. Oxnard National Historic District. The lights can be enjoyed nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. along ‘F’ and ‘G’ Streets, between 5th & Palm. Free

For more information, call the California Welcome Center at (805) 988-0717.