Film Festivals
Dec 06-11 2011 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival
www.hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com/
Dec 10 2011 Tahoe Adventure Film Festival
South Lake Tahoe, California, USA
(530) 318.1688
www.laketahoefilmfestival.com
Dec 18–22, 2011 55th San Francisco Int'l San Francisco Film Society
www.sffs.
Jan 5-16, 2012 The Palm Springs International Film Festival
Palm Springs, California, USA
www.psfilmfest.org
Jan 13-15 2012 The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival
Nevada City, California, USA
(530) 265-5961
www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
Jan 26-29 2012 San Diego Black Film Festival
San Diego, California, USA
(619) 696-0081
www.sdbff.com/
Jan 26-Feb 05 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival
805-963-0023 /sbiff.org/
Feb 05 2012 San Francisco Independent Film Festival
San Francisco, California, USA
415.820.3907
www.sfindie.co
Feb 09-20 2012 The Pan African Film & Arts Festival
Los Angeles, California, USA
(310) 337-4737
www.paff.org
Feb 10-16 2012 California Independent Film Festival
Moraga, California, USA
(925) 277-1355
www.caiff.org
Ventura Area Festivals
www.ojaivisitors.com
2nd Annual Ojai WordFest
March 24-31, 2012
A festival of words, ideas and stories, WordFest brings together the
best-selling authors, screenwriters, playwrights, poets, songwriters,
novelists and many more. Highlights include a writer’s conference, book
fair, community events, open mic venues, pottery readings and more held
at many of Ojai’s landmark and historic sites. Times and locations of
events vary throughout the week.
112th Annual Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament
April 24-29, 2012
The oldest, amateur tennis tournament in the country, this annual event
is designed to promote amateur tennis in California. The tournament has
launched the careers of several tennis greats including Billy Jean King,
Bobby Riggs, Jimmy Connors and many more. The action takes place at the
historic Libbey Park and at numerous venues throughout the city. The
tournament is home of the annual Pac-10’s men’s, women’s and doubles
individual championship matches. Part of the annual tradition is the
“Tea Tent” where formally dressed women serve tea and cookies to
spectators! Matches start at 8:00 am each day.
13th Annual Ojai Storytelling Festival
May 3-6, 2012
Libbey Bowl
Celebrating the story-telling tradition with some of the nation’s
best-known purveyors of the craft, the Ojai Storytelling Festival, one
of the leading storytelling festivals on the West Coast, offers
performances for adults, children, and families as well as workshops for
those who want to learn more about the art of storytelling. The
Festival offers 20 different events presented by skilled storytellers
who are able to make an emotional connection with the audience as they
deliver their inspiring tales. Tickets required. Presented by
Performances to Grow On.
18th Annual Ojai Valley Garden Tour
May 12, 2012
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lush gardens in bloom are the star of the show during the annual Ojai
Valley Garden Tour featuring five private gardens located around scenic
Ojai Valley. Ojai is home to many colorful varieties including the
mariposa lily, lavender, poppies, lupine, phacelia, and more. The annual
event is presented by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and benefits
local programs. Tickets required.
35th Annual Art in the Park
May 26-27, 2012
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Libbey Park
Some of the finest artists in Ojai and from around California showcase
their works of art at downtown’s Libbey Park. Artists demonstrate their
mediums including oil, acrylic, glass, pastel, watercolors, mixed media,
graphics, wood, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fine jewelry and
more. Presented by the Ojai Art Center.
66th Ojai Music Festival
June 7-10, 2012
Libbey Bowl
With a reputation for attracting exceptional artists performing pieces
of contemporary and classical music, the Ojai Music Festival has
presented some of the world’s finest conductors, composers and
performers during its 60 plus years history. In 2012 it will celebrate
the artistic collaborations of Music Director, Leif Ove Andsnes, one of
today’s foremost pianists, making his debut at the annual festival. He
will be joined by other top collaborators to create a spectacular
musical extravaganza. Set in the outdoor setting of historic Libbey
Bowl, the Ojai Music Festival stands out with its unique symbiosis
between the high-level music performed by the world’s greatest artists
surrounded by the incredible, natural beauty. Tickets required.
26th Annual Ojai Wine Festival
June 10, 2012
Noon to 5 p.m.
Lake Casitas
One of the region’s best culinary events, the Ojai Wine Festival
provides a chance to taste a variety of select wines and beers in a
spectacular outdoor setting. Held on the shores of Lake Casitas, the
festival also includes samplings from area restaurants in addition to
arts & crafts vendors, silent wine auction, free boat rides and
entertainment. Presented by the Ojai Rotary Club-West. Tickets required.
9th Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival
June 23, 2012
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Libbey Park
The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival celebrates the fragrant,
purple-flowered plant, the lavender, which is very abundant in the Ojai
Valley in the summer season. Festival-goers will find a large variety of
lavender products from plants and herbs to scented candles and
essential oils. Taking place at Libbey Park, the festival also includes
cooking demonstrations and lectures on other ways to utilize lavender in
hand-made crafts. A wide variety of artwork is available for purchase,
and musical entertainment rounds out the festivities. Free admission.
50th Annual Fourth of July Parade & Celebration
July 4, 2012
Parade: 10 a.m.
Fireworks: 9 p.m.
The charm of a small town community comes to life during the
old-fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. Starting with a traditional
parade, lining the main street of the small town, the celebration
continues in Libbey Park, where visitors can enjoy numerous exhibits,
food, music, face painting and games for the entire family. Later in the
afternoon, the fun continues at the Ojai Valley Community Stadium at
Nordhoff High School featuring live music, food, games and an incredible
evening fireworks display.
15th Annual Ojai Playwrights Conference Summer New Works Festival
August 7- 12, 2012
Emerging and established playwrights from across the country gather to
participate in the development of new plays for the American theater.
The public is able to get a first-hand look at these up-and-coming plays
that have been known to go onto national stages, with many becoming
award-winning productions. Public performances take place in town at
Matilija Auditorium and at Zalk Theatre at Besant Hill. Tickets
required.
29th Annual Ojai Studio Artists Tour
October 13-14, 2012
Once a year, Ojai’s acclaimed artists’ colony opens its studio doors for
the public to view works in progress while enjoying a weekend of fine
art and conversation. More than 50 Ojai Valley artists participate in
the annual event where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at
artists’ creative environments, purchase art and attend a reception
& gala. Tickets required.
21st Annual Ojai Day
October 20, 2012
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The annual Ojai Day community celebration and street fair takes place in
downtown Ojai. The free, family event kicks off with a children’s
parade followed by activities in Libbey Park. Unique arts & crafts
such as jewelry, clothing, art glass, pottery and other market items are
available for purchase along Ojai Avenue in addition to a variety of
tasty food from local restaurants and vendors. Free admission.
10th Annual Yoga Crib
October 22-28, 2012
Yoga sessions, meditations and evening events take place in some of the
most historically significant and sacred spots in the Ojai Valley.
13th Annual Ojai Film Festival
October 25-28, 2012
The Ojai Film Festival offers continuous screenings of new and
independent films submitted by filmmakers throughout the world at
numerous venues in Ojai. The festival also includes seminars, film
classic screenings, and opportunities for visitors to mingle with
filmmakers, directors and production staff. Tickets required.
16th Annual Ojai Holiday Home Look In
November 17-18, 2012
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A tour of several distinctive homes located within the Ojai Valley, all
dressed in holiday themes. The event also includes a Holiday Marketplace
where visitors can find holiday gift and Ojai treasurers from local
artisans and vendors. Proceeds benefit the Ojai Music Festival and music
education program. Tour tickets required. Marketplace admission is
free.