Two free outdoor movie nights bring nostalgia, music, giveaways and waterfront fun to Ventura Harbor Village in August and September 2026.
Lights, camera, coastline! Seaside Movie Nights are returning to Ventura Harbor Village for two special evenings of free outdoor movies, seaside entertainment and nostalgic favorites.
The 2026 series, themed “Nostalgia on the Big Screen,” will feature two beloved films from the 1980s and 2000s on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn, steps from the marina.
Movies will be shown at sunset on Saturday, August 22, and Saturday, September 19, 2026. Admission is free.
2026 Seaside Movie Nights Schedule
Saturday, August 22: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 John Hughes classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off with an evening of movie nostalgia overlooking Ventura Harbor.
- Preshow: 7 p.m.
- Movie: Approximately 7:45 p.m., just after sunset
- Preshow entertainment: Trivia, DJ music and giveaways
- Radio partners: B95.1 FM, KHAY 101.7 FM and KRUZ 103.3 FM
Saturday, September 19: Shrek
The series continues with a 25th-anniversary celebration of Shrek, the animated fantasy comedy directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson.
- Preshow: 6:30 p.m.
- Movie: Approximately 7:15 p.m., just after sunset
- Preshow entertainment: Interactive activities, DJ music, surprises and giveaways
- Radio partners: B95.1 FM, KHAY 101.7 FM and KRUZ 103.3 FM
Make an Evening of It at Ventura Harbor
Moviegoers are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy everything Ventura Harbor Village has to offer before the films begin.
Live music will be featured on the Promenade Stage from 1 to 4 p.m., giving visitors plenty of time to explore the waterfront, shop, enjoy wine tasting and take a stroll along the harbor.
Before each movie, the B95.1 FM, KHAY 101.7 FM and KRUZ 103.3 FM street teams will host games, giveaways and other preshow entertainment.
Visitors can also grab dinner or drinks from waterfront restaurants, including:
- Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar
- Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant
- Boatyard Pub Seafood
- The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood
For those planning a movie picnic, food, coffee and treats are available from Village businesses including Le Petit Café & Bakery, Boba by the Sea, The Parlor, Baja Bay Surf & Taco, On The Alley, Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market and Freedom Coffee at Island Packers.
Moviegoers are encouraged to bring low-back chairs and cozy blankets. Fresh-popped kettle corn and takeout from Ventura Harbor Village restaurants can also make for an easy movie-night picnic.
And if the evening calls for an extra layer, Harbor Village shops offer options for picking up a cozy hoodie before settling in for the film.
Arrive Early for the Best Viewing
Prime viewing areas can fill quickly, so organizers recommend arriving at least one hour before sundown to enjoy the full experience and find a preferred spot on the lawn.
Seaside Movie Nights will take place on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. The event is hosted by the Ventura Port District and sponsors.
Admission: FREE
Parking
On-site paid parking is now in effect on Saturdays, with evening parking free after 8 p.m.
Free parking options are also available along Spinnaker Drive and at the Dolphin Lot at Safe Harbor Ventura Isle.
Accessibility
Wheelchair viewing is available along the promenade and near the stage.
About Ventura Harbor Village
Located along California's Central Coast, Ventura Harbor Village is a family-friendly waterfront destination featuring seaside restaurants, unique shops, live entertainment and outdoor activities.
The Village is located just minutes from Highway 101 and is also home to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, making it a popular starting point for exploring Ventura's coastal attractions.
2026 Seaside Movie Nights at a Glance
- Where: Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA
- Admission: Free
- Movies: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Shrek
- Dates: August 22 and September 19, 2026
- What to bring: Low-back chairs and blankets
- Parking: Paid Saturday parking; free after 8 p.m. in the on-site lot, with additional free options nearby
For additional event information, visit VenturaHarborVillage.com.
Follow: @VenturaHarbor
Hashtag: #SeasideMovieNights
Press Release, August 8, 2026, Susan Bejeckian/SA/SBPR