Oxnard Events 2008

Whale Watching Season
January thru April 2008
Grab a front row seat and view nature up close during Whale Watching Season taking place off the coast of Oxnard December 26, 2007 through early April 2008. Island Packers and Channel Islands Sportfishing offer daily excursions from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard to view the
magnificent mammals that grace the ocean as they migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel on their annual journey. Call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-269-6273 for trip information.

25th Annual California Strawberry Festival
May 17-18, 2008
The 25th Annual California Strawberry Festival takes place May 17-18 at the picturesque Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 S. Rose Avenue, in Oxnard. Hailed as one of the nation's most popular weekend celebrations, the Strawberry Festival features live concerts, an award-winning Fine Arts & Crafts Show, and one-of-a kind originals from over 300 celebrated artists specializing in paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, furniture and children's toys. The hours run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for military and seniors 63+, $5 for children ages 5-12 and free for kids 4 and under. A partnership
with Amtrak offers the ideal "hassle-free" transportation with free shuttle bus transportation to the Festival site in 15-minute intervals from Oxnard's Transportation Center. Call the Festival information line at 1-888-288-9242 or visit http://www.strawberry-fest.org/ for details.

Summer Concerts at Heritage Square
June 13 – August 15, 2008
Enjoy a wide variety of music from Latin to jazz to big bands at historic Heritage Square in downtown Oxnard on Friday evenings from 6 to 8 pm. Known as the “Hollywood Bowl of Oxnard,” the Summer Concert Series offer free lawn seating, and plaza seating for $5. Heritage Square is comprised of a group of 1800’s era Victorian houses. Call 805-483-7960 or email at heritagesquare@aol.com for more information.

15th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
July 26-27, 2008
Southern California’s Hottest Summer Festival takes place July 26-27, 2008, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Plaza Park in Downtown Oxnard. Spicy food, hot music and cool ocean breezes are the recipe for this award-winning festival that features main stage entertainment, salsa dancing, salsa tasting, a kids korner, cooking demonstrations, recipe contests, and a vendor marketplace. Festival admission and parking are free. Call the Downtown Oxnard Merchants Association at 805-247-0197 or visit
www.oxnardsalsafestival.com.

12th Annual Autumn Home Tours
September 28, 2008
Classic homes from the early 20th Century are open for viewing during the 12th Annual Autumn Home Tour scheduled September 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The homes are located along “F” and "G” Streets within the Henry T. Oxnard National Historic District. The tree-lined streets feature a mix of early 20th century houses including a large number of Craftsman bungalows and large & small houses in the Arts and Crafts, Prairie and Colonial Revival styles. Call 805-483-7960 or visit www.oxnardhistoricdistrict.com.

13th Annual Multicultural Festival
October 4, 2008
Oxnard celebrates the rich diversity of its residents during the 13th Annual Multicultural Festival on Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival includes free entertainment, arts & crafts, children’s activities, ethnic foods, and music & dance from around the world. Call the City of Oxnard at 805-385-7434 or visit www.ci.oxnard.ca.us/commrelations/mcf/.

Oxnard Christmas Parade
December 6, 2008
The annual hometown holiday parade features local bands, floats and youth groups. Parade begins at 10 a.m. and travels through downtown Oxnard. Call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-269-6273 for details.

43rd Annual Parade of Lights
December 13, 2008
The annual lighted boat parade takes place at 7 pm at Channel Islands Harbor. Great viewing is available from all points of the Harbor and at the area restaurants. Pre-parade activities take place in the afternoon at various locations throughout the harbor. For more information, call the Channel Islands Harbor Visitor’s Center at 805-985-4852 or visit http://www.channelislandsharbor.org/.

Victorian Christmas House Tours
December 13-14, 2008
Take a tour of the houses in Heritage Square all dressed up for Christmas! Docents, dressed in period clothing, guide visitors through the 1800’s-style Victorian houses that are filled with history and interesting tales. Downtown Oxnard at 715 S. “A” Street. Tickets required. For more information call 805-483-7960 or e-mail at heritagesquare@aol.com.

Christmas Tree Lane
December 14 thru 31, 2008
Houses in the Henry T. Oxnard Historical District are brightly decorated for the holidays. Visitors are welcome to take a leisurely drive or stroll down Christmas Tree Lane. Hours run from 6 to 10 p.m. Free. Call 1-800-269-6273.

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