A summer road trip to California’s Central Coast isn’t complete without a stop at Ventura Harbor Village—a sun-kissed seaside escape offering postcard-perfect sunsets, salty breezes, and a lively mix of coastal experiences. This July and August, Ventura Harbor Village invites locals and travelers alike to soak up the season with a vibrant array of mid-week events, live music, dining, and seaside adventures.
Plan a perfect summer day and beat the heat to enjoy unforgettable moments along the waterfront. Guests can indulge in fresh coastal cuisine, wine tastings, one-of-a-kind boutique shopping, and ocean activities like paddle boating, electric boats, and kayaking. Free midweek parking and engaging events make it even easier to plan a visit.
Waterfront Wednesdays: Your Midweek Escape
Every Wednesday in July & August | 2–4 PM
Back by popular demand, Waterfront Wednesdays turns the middle of the week into a mini-vacation. Join for live steel drum music, free activities, and exclusive specials, all set against the serene backdrop of the harbor.
Waterfront Wednesday – Highlights:
- Live Steel Drum Music on the Seaside Promenade
- Visitor Booth Freebies:
- Free Ventura Harbor Village stickers
- Postcard Station – mail a postcard anywhere in the world, free
- Weekly prize giveaways (scrolls hidden in bottles!)
- Insider info on upcoming events like Seaside Movie Nights
- Specials from Harbor shops & restaurants
Waterfront Wednesdays – Happy Hour & Dining Deals:
Feast with a view! Participating restaurants offer Wednesday specials, such as:
- The Loose Cannon: Kids (10 & under) eat for $5.95 all day
- Boatyard Pub & Seafood: Steak & Lobster Dinner for $27.95 (starting at 4 PM) + Happy Hour 4–6 PM
- Brophy Bros Restaurant & Clam Bar: Happy Hour 3–6 PM
- Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant: Happy Hour 3–7 PM
- The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood: Happy Hour 3–6 PM
See full dining options: VenturaHarborVillage.com/dine
Waterfront Wednesday – Message in a Bottle Hunt:
Go on a treasure hunt every Wednesday from 2- 4 PM for Waterfront Wednesday! Search Ventura Harbor Village for hidden “messages in a bottle” containing scrolls with chances to win weekly prizes—like gift cards, whale watching tickets, and more!
Waterfront Wednesday – Retail Therapy:
Explore Ventura Harbor’s charming shops and score exclusive Wednesday deals:
- The Ultimate Escape Rooms – 10% off with code Waterfront2025
- Frenchie’s Modern Nail Care – 10% off Signature Pedicure
- Ventura Pottery Gallery – Free handcrafted sugar saver with $25 purchase
- Barefoot Boutique – 20% off all local artisan jewelry
Browse shops: VenturaHarborVillage.com/shop-2
Extend the Fun with Whale Watching Thursdays
Make it a midweek getaway! After enjoying Waterfront Wednesdays, hop aboard an unforgettable Thursday whale watching excursion with Island Packers. Cruises run through mid-September, exploring the Santa Barbara Channel and offering breathtaking views of Channel Islands National Park. Visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center nearby to round out a summer adventure.
Summer Live Music Lineup
Then all summer long catch the “sun-sational” sounds of Live Music Weekends every Saturday and Sunday in July and August, from 1–4 PM, on the Seaside Promenade. With a rotating lineup of talented local bands, performances are free and open to all ages.
Bands Every Saturday this Summer:
- Saturday, July 12 – Teka & Alyse Korn
- Saturday, July 19 – The Matthew Clark Duo
- Saturday, July 26 – Soucial Media Band
- Saturday, August 16 – Mary White
- Saturday, August 23 – Mark Masson
- Saturday, August 30 – The CocoKnots
Steel Drums Every Sunday in July (Feat. Casey Jones & Special Guest Ben Betts)
Enjoy steel drum every Sunday in July, including Casey Jones, Sunday, July 13, 2025, special performances by coastal loop artist Ben Betts on Sunday, July 20 and Sunday, July 27. Betts’ tropical-infused, steel drum sound and layered live looping performances bring chill island vibes to the Village.
Reggae Music Every Sunday in August
Sundays in August (August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31)feature island rhythms in Ventura Harbor Village. Soak in laid-back vibes by the sea throughout August on the Village’s Seaside Promenade Stage.
Ventura Harbor Village is a must -SEA coastal destination for unforgettable summer experiences. Mid-week parking at Ventura Harbor Village and beaches Monday – Thursday is free. Visit VenturaHarborVillage.com for a full event listings and travel tips.
