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It’s time for a quick weekend getaway—the kind without the kids. So drop off the little ones with the grandparents and head to VenturaCountyWest. There are always lots of unique events taking place that are perfect for a couple’s escape.

From Classical to Jazz to Folk
The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary, May 2 through 10. Known for attracting top musicians in the classical, jazz, crossover and popular genres, concerts take place in intimate settings throughout Ventura. Featured artists this year are brass quintet Tea & Trumpets (May 2 and 10), Igudesman & Joo, comedians and classical musicians (May 2), Grammy award winner Judy Collins (May 4), men’s vocal ensemble Cantus (May 6), classical pianist Stanislav Khristenko (May 9) and Preservation Hall Jazz Band (May 10). This eclectic group of musicians will offer something new and innovative throughout the nine-day festival.
 
Strawberry Treats
While there are two stages with back-to-back live music and tribute bands, strawberries take center stage during the annual California Strawberry Festival, May 17 and 18 in Oxnard. Strawberries are a big deal in VenturaCountyWest. More than $691 million worth of the fruit is produced each year in the region so there is much to celebrate. From strawberry pie eating contests to strawberry tart tosses to build your own strawberry shortcake, this festival has everything for the strawberry lover. Shop at one of the over 200 vendor stands or sit back and groove to the music while munching on baskets of fresh picked strawberries and sipping strawberry margaritas. And in case you brought the kids, there are plenty of arts & crafts as well as a kid’s zone to keep them happy too!
 
A Secluded Island
How about a relaxing picnic on a secluded beach? It’s not Hawaii, but Santa Cruz island is just an hour and a half boat ride from Ventura and Oxnard. On Saturday, April 26, Island Packers is hosting a special excursion to Willows Anchorage, located on the southwest side of the island. It features a white sand beach, a pristine lagoon for snorkeling and lots of hiking trails. It’s truly a nature-lovers adventure that shouldn’t be missed. If you can’t make this one, trips to the five Channel Islands are available throughout the year.
 
Food & Wine For a Great Cause
VenturaCountyWest is now making its mark as a region that produces quality wines and microbrews. One of the premiere events to show off the local offerings is the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival, June 1, at Cal State University Channel Islands in Camarillo. Now in its 21st year, the all-inclusive event, which sells out every year, features over 20 wineries and breweries and more than 35 restaurants and caterers.  Don’t miss the Yummies Culinary Competition, an action-packed culinary showdown during the festival that pits Ventura County's top restaurants and chefs against each other. All the proceeds from the festival go to Casa Pacifica, which provides hope and help for abused, neglected or at-risk children and their families.
 
Here are some of the many more fun festivals you won’t want to miss this spring in VenturaCountyWest:
 
Hamburger & Hops Music Festival -– plenty of sliders, craft brews, and blues, funk and Top 40 tunes, Saturday, May 3, The Collection Park, Oxnard.
 
Johnny Cash Roadshow Revival -- a tribute to the music of Johnny Cash, Saturday, June 14, Ventura County Fairgrounds.
 
8th Annual Camarillo Ranch Car Show & Brewfest -– classic car show, beer tasting, food trucks and live surf music in one of the area’s most historic settings, Sunday, June 22, Camarillo Ranch House, Camarillo.
 
For a list of hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura, visit VenturaCountyWest.
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