Vendor Events in Ventura, CA

Every Saturday morning year-round, Ventura's downtown farmers market brings together local producers and community members at the intersection of Santa Clara and Palm Streets. Operating from 8:30 AM to noon, this weekly market has become a reliable weekend destination for residents seeking fresh, locally-sourced food and produce. The market accepts multiple payment methods including credit cards, SNAP/EBT benefits, WIC, WIC Cash, and Senior FMNP vouchers, making it accessible to shoppers across different circumstances. Vendors at this farmers market typically offer a diverse range of food products reflecting the agricultural richness of Ventura County and surrounding regions. You'll find seasonal produce, freshly baked goods, artisanal cheeses, farm-fresh eggs, locally-caught seafood, and fresh herbs. Many vendors emphasize organic and sustainably-grown options, appealing to shoppers interested in knowing where their food comes from. The product mix shifts throughout the year as different crops come into season, so regulars know to check back week to week for what's newly available. The Saturday morning timing works well for people planning their weekly meals, whether you're stocking up on vegetables for the week ahead or picking up specialty items you can't find at conventional grocery stores. The downtown location on Santa Clara and Palm Streets positions the market within Ventura's community hub, making it convenient for those already running weekend errands. Whether you're a seasoned farmers market shopper or trying one out for the first time, this weekly gathering offers the chance to connect directly with the people who grow and produce your food while supporting local agriculture and small food businesses in Ventura County.

The Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers' Market is an established farmers' market that has operated since 1989 and was the second certified farmers' market opened in Ventura County. Open every Wednesday year-round from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the market features over 25 California farmers and food vendors each week. Vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables at peak season, along with herbs, honey, eggs, nuts, bakery items, artisan goods, prepared foods, cut flowers, and potted plants. The market operates rain or shine in the Pacific View Mall West Parking Lot and accepts WIC, SNAP/EBT, and other assistance programs, making it accessible to diverse shoppers. This is a genuine certified farmers' market with strong community presence and multiple vendor opportunities.

The Ventura Harbor Village Farmers Market is a waterfront vendor market held year-round at the scenic harbor location. Vendors offer fresh seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables, handcrafted goods, flowers, and prepared foods like crepes and baked items. The market attracts families, locals, and visitors seeking quality coastal products and artisan items. A laid-back harbor atmosphere with live music and entertainment enhances the shopping experience. The market supports nearby producers and provides a community gathering space.

The Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers Market is an established farmers market operating since 1989, offering fresh California produce and artisan goods every Wednesday year-round. Over 25 California farmers and food vendors operate at this market weekly, selling vine and tree-ripened fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, herbs, honey, eggs, nuts, cheese, olive oil, artisan bakery products, cut flowers, potted plants, and fresh fish. The market operates rain or shine at the Pacific View Mall in the West Parking Lot, providing outdoor shopping in a convenient midtown location. The market welcomes SNAP and EBT customers with special assistance programs, and accepts WIC vouchers. Vendors benefit from steady weekly customer traffic in a year-round operation.

Early September in Ventura brings together local artists and craftspeople for a harvest-themed celebration of handmade goods. The Ventura Harvest Festival Art and Craft Show is a one-time event running September 11-13, 2026, designed to showcase the work of independent makers in the community. If you create anything by hand, whether it's jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, textiles, home decor, or other crafted items, this festival offers a chance to connect directly with shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces rather than mass-produced alternatives. Craft fairs like this one draw a specific audience: people who actively seek out artisan products and understand the value of handmade work. They're shopping for gifts, home goods, and wearables that have character and story behind them. The harvest festival theme suggests a seasonal, community-focused vibe that typically appeals to shoppers interested in local makers and items with an authentic, crafted feel. September timing in Ventura also means you're catching customers in a back-to-school and early fall shopping mindset, when people are refreshing their homes and thinking about gifts for the upcoming holiday season. For vendors, a craft-focused festival in a coastal California city like Ventura represents an opportunity to reach an audience that values artisanship and supports small makers. The three-day format gives you weekend foot traffic while allowing time for visitors to return or bring friends. Ventura's location and demographic typically attract tourists as well as locals, which can expand your customer base beyond the immediate area. Whether you're an established vendor looking to expand your event calendar or a newer maker testing the craft fair circuit, an event like the Ventura Harvest Festival Art and Craft Show offers a dedicated platform for handmade goods in a community known for supporting local businesses and artisans.

The California Strawberry Festival is a two-day annual event celebrating California's strawberry heritage, held on the third weekend of May. The festival features over 40 food vendors serving strawberry-inspired cuisine alongside 100+ arts and crafts booths showcasing handcrafted goods. Attendees enjoy live music, carnival rides, cooking demonstrations, contests, and family entertainment. The nonprofit event draws thousands of visitors annually and donates proceeds to local charities. Now located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, just minutes from Oxnard in California's premier strawberry-growing region. The event provides excellent exposure for food vendors, artisans, and craft vendors seeking a high-traffic, family-friendly venue during peak season.

Every May, strawberry season reaches its peak in California, and the Ventura County Fairgrounds celebrates the harvest with a festival dedicated entirely to the fruit. The California Strawberry Festival takes over the fairgrounds at 10 W Harbor Blvd in Ventura on May 16-17, 2026, drawing visitors who come for fresh strawberries, strawberry-based foods, and the festive atmosphere that comes with spring in Southern California. As a festival rather than a market or fair, this event centers around a specific product and the culture surrounding it, making it appealing to both casual attendees and vendors specializing in strawberry products and complementary goods. The festival brings together a diverse mix of vendors selling strawberry treats, fresh fruit, baked goods made with strawberries, jams, preserves, and other value-added products. You'll also find complementary vendors offering items like artisanal foods, beverages, crafts, and seasonal goods that appeal to the festival's broad audience. Live entertainment runs throughout the weekend, creating an energetic environment that keeps visitors on the grounds for extended periods, which benefits vendors across all categories. The spring timing means pleasant weather and strong foot traffic from families, couples, and food enthusiasts looking to enjoy the season. Festivals like the California Strawberry Festival differ from farmers markets and craft fairs in their focus and energy. Rather than a recurring weekly or monthly event, festivals are destination occasions that draw larger crowds and generate excitement around a specific theme or harvest. Attendees often spend more time browsing and sampling, and they come with the mindset of exploring new products and experiences. For vendors, this translates to engaged customers who are ready to purchase and discover items they might not find elsewhere. If you specialize in strawberry products, fresh produce, baked goods, or items that complement a spring celebration, the California Strawberry Festival offers a concentrated audience ready to support your business during peak season.

Held in Oxnard, California on May 16-17, 2026, this strawberry-themed festival celebrates the region's rich agricultural heritage and the peak of spring strawberry season. As a one-time event, it draws both local and regional attendees looking to enjoy seasonal produce, artisan goods, and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of Ventura County's strawberry country. The festival atmosphere brings together a diverse mix of vendors, from local farmers and produce growers to craft makers, bakers, and food purveyors. You'll find strawberry-focused food vendors offering everything from fresh berries and preserves to strawberry shortcake, jam, and other seasonal treats. Beyond the strawberry theme, craft vendors typically showcase handmade arts, local honey, baked goods, and other artisan products. The variety appeals to shoppers looking for fresh, locally-sourced items as well as unique gifts and home goods, creating opportunities for vendors across many categories to reach an engaged crowd. Entertainment is a key draw for the Oxnard Strawberry Festival, with live music and performances scheduled throughout both days. This creates a festive, leisurely atmosphere that encourages visitors to spend time browsing vendor booths, sampling food, and enjoying the spring weather. May is an ideal time for outdoor festivals in Southern California, and families often treat these events as weekend outings, increasing foot traffic and dwell time at vendor spaces. Whether you specialize in farm-fresh products, handcrafted goods, prepared foods, or artisan items, this festival positions your business in front of an audience specifically seeking local vendors and seasonal offerings. The celebration of Oxnard's strawberry farming legacy makes it a natural fit for producers and makers looking to connect with customers during the peak spring season.