Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Banana Festival at the Port of Hueneme
The Port of Hueneme Banana Festival returns to Ventura County on Saturday, September 26, 2026, bringing a full day of live music, food, family activities, local vendors, port tours, and entertainment to the working waterfront in Port Hueneme, California.
Now in its 13th year, the Banana Festival is one of the most distinctive annual events in the 805 region. The free community festival gives locals and visitors an opportunity to experience the Port of Hueneme while learning more about the important role the port plays in California's agricultural, automotive, and international trade industries.
The 2026 Banana Festival takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Port of Hueneme, located at 105 E. Port Hueneme Road. Admission and event parking are free.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
Banana Festival at the Port of Hueneme
The Port of Hueneme Banana Festival is a unique Ventura County event that celebrates the port's connection to international trade, fresh produce, agriculture, and the local community. Bananas are one of the signature products associated with the Port of Hueneme, which is recognized as the leading banana port on the West Coast.
The 2026 Banana Festival will be held on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event is free to attend, and free event parking is available for festival guests.
Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, banana-themed treats, children's activities, local vendors, a vintage car show, and opportunities to get a closer look at the Port of Hueneme through land and boat tours.
Why the Port of Hueneme Is Important to the 805 Region of California
The Port of Hueneme is more than a backdrop for the Banana Festival. It is an important commercial gateway for Ventura County and California's Central Coast.
The port handles a diverse range of cargo, including automobiles, fresh produce, agricultural equipment, project cargo, and other goods. Current Port of Hueneme materials report approximately $18 billion in annual cargo and identify the facility as the number one West Coast banana port.
The port's operations also have a significant economic impact throughout the region, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing to the local and regional economy.
What to Expect at the 2026 Banana Festival
The Banana Festival combines education, entertainment, food, and family activities into one of the more unusual annual events in the Ventura County events calendar.
Port Tours
One of the highlights of the Banana Festival is the opportunity to see the Port of Hueneme from a different perspective. Festival guests can participate in bus and boat tours and learn more about the equipment, facilities, cargo, and operations that keep the working waterfront moving.
The tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the port's role in moving automobiles, fresh produce, agricultural equipment, and other cargo through Ventura County and into international markets.
Banana-Themed Activities
Bananas are at the center of the celebration, with the festival featuring banana-inspired food, activities, exhibits, and plenty of opportunities for photos.
The event's banana theme is a fun way to learn about one of the products that has helped make the Port of Hueneme an important agricultural trade gateway.
Live Music and Entertainment
The 2026 Banana Festival features a full day of live entertainment on the main stage, with performers representing several musical styles from the 805 and beyond.
2026 Banana Festival Music Lineup
Live music will take place throughout the festival, with the current schedule featuring the following performers:
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Instone Live
Instone brings a blend of funk, rock, hip-hop, and West Coast energy to the Banana Festival stage.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Morie and the Heavy Hitters
Morie and the Heavy Hitters bring reggae rhythms and soulful melodies to the festival, offering a relaxed and upbeat sound for the afternoon crowd.
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM | Savor – Santana Tribute Band
Savor celebrates the music of Carlos Santana with a Latin-rock performance featuring the guitar-driven sound and rhythms associated with the legendary musician.
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | The Brandon Ragan Project
The Brandon Ragan Project closes out the scheduled main-stage music with a mix of funk, blues, Motown, and R&B.
Festival schedules can change, so visitors should check the official Banana Festival website for the latest entertainment updates before attending.
Kids Zone and Family Activities
The Banana Festival is designed as a family-friendly event, with activities for children and plenty to see and do throughout the festival grounds.
Families can explore the kids area, enjoy entertainment, check out the port exhibits, and take part in activities while parents browse food and vendor booths.
Vintage Car Show
The 2026 festival also includes a vintage car show, adding another attraction for automobile enthusiasts and families visiting the event.
The combination of classic cars, live music, food, port equipment, and waterfront activities makes the Banana Festival different from a typical community street festival.
Food, Banana Treats and Local Vendors
Food is a major part of the Banana Festival experience. Visitors can expect a variety of food vendors and banana-themed creations along with traditional festival favorites.
Banana-inspired desserts and treats are among the event's signature attractions. The festival also provides an opportunity to discover local businesses, vendors, artisans, and community organizations.
If you are visiting Port Hueneme for the first time, the Banana Festival is also a convenient way to experience the city and explore the surrounding Ventura County coastline.
Port of Hueneme Banana Festival 2026 Details
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Port of Hueneme, 105 E. Port Hueneme Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
Admission: Free
Event Parking: Free
Festival: 13th Annual Banana Festival
Age: Family-friendly
Directions to the Banana Festival
The 2026 Banana Festival will be held at the Port of Hueneme at 105 East Port Hueneme Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041.
Free event parking is available. Festival visitors should follow posted signs and directions from event staff when arriving at the Port of Hueneme.
The official festival website also notes that no pets or coolers are permitted at the event and that guests will pass through metal detectors when entering the festival.
What to Bring to the Banana Festival
Because the Banana Festival takes place outdoors and runs for most of the day, visitors should plan accordingly. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat can make the experience more enjoyable.
Since the event includes port tours, entertainment, food vendors, children's activities, and shopping, plan to spend several hours exploring rather than simply stopping by for a quick visit.
Things to Do in Port Hueneme
If you are visiting the Banana Festival from another part of the 805, consider making a day of your trip to Port Hueneme.
Port Hueneme is known for its beach, pier, coastal setting, and connection to the Port of Hueneme. Hueneme Beach Park and the surrounding coastline provide additional places to explore before or after the festival.
Visitors can also explore nearby Oxnard, Ventura, and other West Ventura County communities for restaurants, shopping, beaches, parks, and other local attractions.
Planning Your Visit to the 2026 Banana Festival
The Port of Hueneme Banana Festival is a popular annual event, and the organizers expect thousands of people to attend. Arriving earlier in the day can give visitors more time to explore the port exhibits, take a tour, visit vendors, and enjoy the entertainment.
For the latest information regarding entertainment schedules, festival activities, parking, vendors, and other event details, check the official Banana Festival website before heading to Port Hueneme.
Additional Banana Festival Information
The 2026 Port of Hueneme Banana Festival takes place Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission and event parking are free. For the latest event information, visit BananaPortFest.com.
Hotels and Places to Stay Near Port Hueneme
If you are traveling to Port Hueneme for the Banana Festival, you can find hotels and other places to stay throughout the surrounding Ventura County area.
Staying nearby also gives visitors an opportunity to explore Port Hueneme, Oxnard, Ventura, and the surrounding 805 region during their trip.
Published September 16, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)