Mermaid Month 2024
Calling all mermaids and mermen! Get ready to make a splash as Ventura Harbor Village welcomes back the enchanting “March is Mermaid Month” celebration for its 9th consecutive year. This mer-mazing event promises a tail of a good time for all, set against the picturesque backdrop of Ventura Harbor’s coastal charm.
Visitors from across oceans are invited to partake in a month-long extravaganza filled with free, family-friendly activities and ocean-inspired adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned sea enthusiast or just dipping your toes into mermaid lore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Kick off the festivities with a whimsical scavenger hunt running throughout the month. Pick up your scavenger hunt sheets at the Mermaid Gallery, home to original mermaid art and a treasure trove of mermaid merchandise. Return completed sheets for a free special prize (while supplies last), and don’t forget to dress in your finest mermaid attire!
All month long, visitors can also engage in seaside selfie stations, including a large sparkly mermaid shell & coral backdrop (near Mermaid Gallery) and the 20-foot long sign feature that reads “I LOVE THE SEA” on Ventura Harbor Village’s Promenade. Don’t forget to share your experience and tag @VenturaHarbor for a chance to be featured!
Bask in the sunshine with the melodic & tropical tunes of steel drums every Saturday in March (March 23 11am-2pm, March 2, 9, 16, and 30 from noon – 3pm) along the Village’s Seaside Promenade!
Indulge in a culinary voyage with sea-sonal cocktails like the “Siren Splash” at Boatyard Pub, ocean-inspired wines at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, freshly-caught seafood from various Village restaurants, and delectable mermaid-themed sweets: Top This Chocolate has special Mermaid bars and chocolate pops, Coastal Cone has their classic fish-zookies & mermaid sundaes, and Baja Bay Surf & Taco is bringing back Mermaid horchata with sprinkles and whipped cream!
Revel in shopping for unique mermaid-themed merchandise: bath and body treats, clothing, accessories, socks, ocean-inspired accessories for the beach, hats, coastal décor, artwork, pottery, and jewelry. Also, uncover a treasure trove of mermaid and nautical themed retail merchandise from the popular Mermaid Gallery – for mermaid art, mermaid gifts, toys, and shells. Seek out original mermaid-inspired artwork from pottery to fine paintings.
Explore the wonders of the ocean with Island Packers Whale Watching trips and visits to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Rent kayaks, SUP paddle boards, or colorful pedal boats from Ventura Boat Rentals for a day of aquatic exploration.
Plus check out these Mer-Mazing Mermaid Month offers from Village businesses!
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A crowd favorite is always the mermaid meet and greets & this year they are scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd from 11am to 2pm. Bring your own camera to snap a picture with these magical mermaids on the Seaside Promenade Stage in Ventura Harbor Village.
DJ Darla Bea will put her own spin on Mermaid Month with a lively dance party in Channel Islands Courtyard (near Hats Unlimited) on Saturday, March 23rd. Get dressed up in sea-inspired attire for a family-fun dance party. Show off fin-tastic moves for a chance to win bubble wands and more! A walking mermaid will lead kids in fun activities from 11am- 2pm.
Bring the little ones to enjoy Mermaid Storytime at Ventura Dive & Sport on March 23rd from 1:30-2pm!
Kids have the opportunity to get creative with a free mermaid craft station on Saturday, March 23rd from 11am to 2pm, presented by Las Posas Children’s Center (LPCC), Lakeshore Learning Center Ventura, and New York Life.
Members of Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter will be present at an interactive booth on Saturday, March 23rd from 11am to 2pm to share tips and information about keeping the oceans clean. Families also have the opportunity to participate in a beach clean up with the Channel Islands National Park. Meet at the Visitor Center at the end of Spinnaker Dr. at 9am! The cleanup goes from 9am to noon, just in time to get back to the Village for the special event.
Vendors will showcase their skills for visitors and make memorable mermaid experiences with face painting and tropical bird photo ops on March 23rd.
Moved to Saturday, March 30th from Noon -3 PM (due to winds) Come back & SEA!
Guests are invited to step into a realm of wonder in the NEW Bubble Dome – a magical inflatable sphere, filled with a symphony of color and movement. As families cross the threshold, they are greeted by a gentle rush of air, carrying with it a myriad of brightly colored balloons that dance and twirl around – mimicking a bubbly underwater experience.
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Plus, March 16th events featured:
Sway to the live tropical tunes of Anacapa Ukulele, local ukulele musicians who will perform in front of Anja’s Boutique near Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room on Saturday, March 16th only from noon to 3pm.
Kids can go in search of sirens (aka mermaids) in the sea! Climb aboard the pirate ship to look for mermaids below and then slide down to climb up again! Free kid’s activity on the Village Main Lawn on Saturday, March 16th only from noon – 3 pm, next to Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room.
Visitors can view the wonderful artistry of Lysa Ashley as she creates mesmerizing mermaid art on Saturday, March 16th only. Art will be left on display for the remainder of the month (weather pending).