The Ventura Music Festival brings world-class live music, cultural experiences, and music education to Ventura, California. The organization traces its history to 1994, with its debut festival taking place in 1995. Since then, the festival has become an important part of the local arts community, presenting acclaimed musicians and performers while creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience live music.
For locals and visitors looking for live music in Ventura, the Ventura Music Festival offers a diverse calendar of concerts and special events throughout the year. Programming can include classical music, jazz, Latin music, bluegrass, contemporary performances, educational concerts, and free community music events.
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Live Music and Concerts in Ventura
The Ventura Music Festival is more than a single annual concert weekend. Throughout the year, VMF presents a variety of Ventura music events designed to appeal to different musical interests and audiences.
The festival's programming has included intimate performances, large-scale concerts, educational presentations, community celebrations, and special events featuring nationally and internationally recognized artists. This variety makes VMF a popular destination for anyone searching for Ventura concerts and unique cultural experiences in Ventura County.
Festival events are presented at a variety of venues in Ventura and neighboring communities. Depending on the event, performances may take place at performing arts centers, music venues, museums, outdoor locations, and other community spaces.
Annual Ventura Music Festival Events
One of the best things about the Ventura Music Festival is that its programming continues throughout the year rather than being limited to one traditional festival weekend. VMF presents several recurring events, concert series, and special performances annually, with dates, artists, and individual programs changing from season to season.
Ventura Music Festival Summer Series
The Ventura Music Festival Summer Series is a major part of the festival's annual programming. The current 2026 season is scheduled for July 23 through July 26 and features multiple performances during the summer season.
Past summer programming has featured classical music, jazz, Latin music, contemporary performances, and other musical traditions. The festival's programming continues to expand beyond a single musical genre, giving Ventura audiences opportunities to discover different artists and styles.
Ventura Music Festival Fall Series
The Ventura Music Festival Fall Series continues the concert season into October. The 2026 season is scheduled for October 15 through October 18, according to the festival's official website.
Recent VMF programming has included classical music, jazz, bluegrass, chamber music, and genre-crossing performances. The Fall Series provides another opportunity for locals and visitors to experience live music in Ventura County after the summer concert season.
Make Music Ventura
Make Music Ventura is an annual community music celebration presented by the Ventura Music Festival and Downtown Ventura Partners. The event is part of the worldwide Make Music Day celebration and brings free live music to downtown Ventura.
The 2026 Make Music Ventura event is scheduled for Sunday, June 21, in Downtown Ventura. The official event listing describes it as a free worldwide day of music presented by VMF and Downtown Ventura Partners.
Make Music Ventura gives residents and visitors another way to experience the local music scene outside of traditional ticketed concerts. The event has featured musicians and performers in public and community spaces throughout downtown Ventura.
Special Events and Performances
In addition to its Summer and Fall Series, the Ventura Music Festival presents special events throughout the year. These can include fundraising events, educational programs, community performances, and other unique musical experiences.
The festival's annual schedule changes from year to year, so anyone searching for Ventura Music Festival events should check the official event calendar for the latest concert dates, artists, venues, and ticket information.
Ventura Music Festival Music Education
Music education is an important part of the Ventura Music Festival's mission. Through its Music in the Schools program, VMF brings interactive music experiences to students in Ventura County.
The program introduces young people to concepts such as rhythm, harmony, and melody while encouraging creativity and an appreciation for music. The festival says its Music in the Schools programs have served Ventura schoolchildren for 17 years and use multimedia and interactive presentations to introduce students to music.
Programs currently include offerings for elementary, middle school, and high school students, as well as advanced opportunities for student musicians. The festival also offers specialized programs including musical theater, pop music and original songwriting, and lecture programs for advanced student musicians.
Funding from donors helps VMF provide these programs to schools and after-school programs at no charge.
Student Tickets
The Ventura Music Festival also works to make live performances accessible to younger audiences. VMF currently offers $15 Value Student Tickets for its performances. Students can purchase the discounted tickets online and present a valid school ID at the door; students under 18 do not need an ID.
Student groups may also qualify for additional ticket assistance, including complimentary tickets on select occasions, thanks to support from festival donors.
Where Is the Ventura Music Festival?
The Ventura Music Festival does not take place at one permanent venue. Concerts and events are held at a variety of locations in Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, and other Ventura County communities. The official VMF FAQ recommends checking the individual event listing for the specific venue, address, and event information.
This variety of venues is part of what makes attending VMF events interesting for locals and visitors. Depending on the performance, audiences may experience live music in a performing arts center, music venue, museum, outdoor setting, or another community location.
If you are planning to attend a concert, check the individual event listing before heading out. Venue information can change from one performance to another.
Ventura Music Festival Tickets
Looking for Ventura Music Festival tickets? Ticket prices, seating options, and availability vary depending on the performance and venue.
VMF uses different seating categories for many performances, including Premium, Standard, and Value seating. At venues without permanent assigned seating, some performances may use general admission seating instead.
The festival also emphasizes accessible pricing and offers student ticket programs. Because ticket prices and policies can change, visitors should check the official event listing for the concert they plan to attend.
Some Ventura Music Festival programs are free. Make Music Ventura, for example, is presented as a free community music event in downtown Ventura.
Supporting the Ventura Music Festival
The Ventura Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on community support to continue presenting concerts, educational programs, and other arts initiatives in Ventura County. For legal purposes, the organization is identified as Ventura Music Festival Association, Inc.
Donations help support the festival's charitable programming, including concerts, school outreach, and other community programs. VMF also offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals who want to support live music and arts education in the region.
For people who value the arts and want to support live music in Ventura County, becoming a donor or sponsor is one way to help sustain the festival's year-round programming.
Plan Your Ventura Music Festival Experience
Whether you live in Ventura County or are visiting the Central Coast, the Ventura Music Festival offers another way to experience the area's thriving arts and entertainment scene. With concerts and special events presented throughout the year, audiences can discover classical music, jazz, Latin music, bluegrass, contemporary performances, and other musical styles.
Because the lineup and schedule change annually, the best way to plan your visit is to check the current VMF event calendar for upcoming performances, ticket availability, event locations, and additional details.
For locals searching for things to do in Ventura, and visitors looking for memorable Ventura concerts and live music events, the Ventura Music Festival is worth adding to your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ventura Music Festival
When did the Ventura Music Festival begin?
The Ventura Music Festival's official history dates the organization to 1994. The festival's own event materials describe its debut festival as taking place in 1995. This makes 1995 an important milestone in the festival's history, while 1994 marks the beginning of the organization.
Where is the Ventura Music Festival held?
Ventura Music Festival events are held at different venues rather than at one permanent location. Current and past events have taken place in Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, and other Ventura County communities. Check the individual event listing for the exact venue and address.
When is the Ventura Music Festival?
The Ventura Music Festival has multiple events and concert series throughout the year rather than one single annual festival date. The current 2026 season includes a Summer Series in July and a Fall Series in October, along with Make Music Ventura and other special events.
Does the Ventura Music Festival have free events?
Yes. Some VMF programs are free to the public. Make Music Ventura is a free community music celebration held in downtown Ventura. The festival also offers other community and educational programs designed to increase access to music.
How much are Ventura Music Festival tickets?
Ticket prices vary by performance, venue, seating category, and availability. VMF offers different seating levels for many concerts and also provides discounted student tickets. The current student Value Ticket price is $15. Check the official event listing for the most current public ticket prices.
Does the Ventura Music Festival offer student tickets?
Yes. VMF currently offers $15 Value Student Tickets for all festival performances. Students can purchase tickets online and present a valid school ID at the door. Students under 18 do not need an ID. Additional group incentives may also be available for schools and educators.
What kind of music is featured at the Ventura Music Festival?
The festival presents a broad range of musical styles. Past programming has included classical music, jazz, Latin music, bluegrass, contemporary music, chamber music, and other genre-crossing performances. The lineup changes each season, which gives audiences an opportunity to experience different artists and musical traditions throughout the year.
Is the Ventura Music Festival only held in Ventura?
No. Although Ventura is the festival's home community, VMF events can be held in other Ventura County communities, including Oxnard and Ojai. The festival lists the location of each individual performance on its event calendar.
Does the Ventura Music Festival offer music education programs?
Yes. VMF operates its Music in the Schools education program for students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Programs introduce students to music through interactive experiences involving rhythm, harmony, melody, songwriting, musical theater, and other subjects.
Is the Ventura Music Festival a nonprofit organization?
Yes. Ventura Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The festival relies on ticket sales, donations, sponsorships, and community support to fund concerts, education programs, and other charitable activities.
Where can I find the current Ventura Music Festival schedule?
The best place to find current concert dates, performers, venues, ticket information, and special events is the official Ventura Music Festival event calendar. Because the festival presents multiple programs throughout the year, checking the current schedule is recommended before making plans.
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Updated & published September 14, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)