Ventura has some of the best warm summer evenings where the air hums with possibility during the summer concert season. The courtyard of the Olivas Adobe transforms Saturdays into something magical: live music, laughter, dancing, and connection in the open air. Let’s take a stroll through the experience of the summer concert that is Music Under the Stars and what makes it feel like a community tradition rather than just another date on the calendar.
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What Makes This summer concert Series So Special?
Picture a courtyard lined with adobe walls that glow warm under string lights. A gentle coastal breeze carries the notes of tribute bands spanning Beatles, Motown, Fleetwood Mac, salsa orchestras, and more. The vibe? Laid-back yet lively, intimate yet bursting with communal joy.
Here’s what sets it apart:
•Historic setting: The Olivas Adobe courtyard makes you feel like you’re stepping into Ventura’s living history.
•Variety of tribute bands: From 4 Lads from Liverpool to Classic Journey, there’s something for every nostalgic soul .
•Curated Saturdays all summer long: Concerts run from July 12 through September 6, 2025—nine Saturdays to choose from .
•Perfect evening window: Doors open at 6:30 pm, and music flows from 7:30 to 9:30 pm—a golden two-hour window under the stars .
Your Insider’s Guide to Ventura’s Music Under the Stars Concert Series
Let’s break down the nuts and bolts to help readers plan like pros:
•Tickets went on sale Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. so mark your calendar next year .
•Will Call opens at 6:00 pm, so don’t scramble last minute to find your receipt or ID .
•Doors open at 6:30 pm—perfect time to settle in, unpack your dinner, and soak in the ambiance .
•Concerts run 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, just two hours of pure enchantment .
Seating Options
•General Admission: Resident fee: $20. Non-resident fee: $22. Unassigned seating; chairs provided. TV trays available to rent for comfort .
•4-Person Table Reservation: Includes seating for four and a 4′×4′ table. Cost: $110 for residents, $121 for non-residents .
•6-Person Table Reservation: Includes seating for six and a 6 ft table. Cost: $175 residents, $192.50 non-residents .
•Max two tables per customer per concert, and groups of the same size will sit near each other .
What to Bring—and What to Leave at Home
Bring:
•Photo ID or receipt (essential for Will Call).
•Picnic dinner (food service is limited onsite) .
•Warm layers and a blanket—Ventura evenings can get chilly, even when you’re wrapped in live music .
Don’t Bring:
•Outside tables (avoid the weird standoff with staff—trust me) .
•Large coolers; anything over 35 gallons is a no-go. Small coolers allowed .
•Outside alcohol—there’s a full beverage bar onsite to keep spirits lifted .
•Smoking—nope, not even a cig. Keep it clean .
Parking & Arrival Tips
•Parking is limited—carpool or rideshare if you can.
•Give yourself time to weave through local traffic and find a spot before the music begins.
Lineup Snapshot: Soundtracking Your Perfect Saturday
Here are just a few highlights from the 2025 roster to spark excitement—or help choose your favorite night :
•July 12 – 4 Lads from Liverpool (Beatles tribute)
•July 19 – Dark Desert Highway (Eagles)
•July 26 – Psychedelic Summer (Woodstock era)
•August 2 – Stone Soul (Soul/Motown)
•August 9 – Petty & the Heartshakers (Tom Petty)
•August 16 – Mirage (Fleetwood Mac)
•August 23 – Conjunto Oye (Salsa orchestra)
•September 6 – Classic Journey (Journey tribute)
Why Ventura County’s Summer Concert Scene Stands Out
What else is happening around town? Genuine, local atmosphere—that’s the difference. Here’s why this series shines:
•Historic intimacy: Olivas Adobe courtyard makes each show feel personal.
•No two nights are alike: Tributes and genres shift weekly—fresh energy every time.
•Community vibe: Familiar faces, neighbors, and smiles mingle under the stars.
•Slick logistics: Clear processes, table options, beverage bar—thoughtful from start to finish.
FAQ: Your Music Under the Stars Questions Answered
Q: Can I transfer my ticket if I can’t attend?
Yes—just send the receipt with the new attendee to Will Call .
Q: What if I lose my receipt?
Call 805-658-4726 ASAP—ideally before noon the Thursday before the show .
Q: Are tickets refundable?
Nope, all sales are final .
Q: Need special accommodations?
Call at purchase time so they can assist comfortably .
Local Tips to Make It Feel Like Home
•Pre-concert stroll: Take a sunset walk along Ventura Pier before the show. It’s just minutes away and sets the mood brilliantly.
•Picnic starter ideas: Try a local artisan sourdough, fresh fruit from a nearby farmers’ market, and handcrafted cheese from city vendors.
•Bundle up: Trust me—layers are a lifesaver when the ocean breeze cools off.
•Post-concert dessert: Head into town for a treat—maybe some handmade gelato or a scoop of local ice cream to keep the summer night alive.
Final Encore
There’s something timeless about gathering under the open sky, music weaving through still air, candles or string lights casting soft shadows. That’s the heart of Ventura’s summer concert scene right now. Music Under the Stars gives you history, harmony, and hometown warmth—all in one night.
Whether you’re marshaling a group for a table or going solo for a spontaneous evening under the night sky, this series is Ventura in musical form. So lean into that first chord, let the adobe walls wrap around your senses—and enjoy the magic.
Can’t wait to see readers dancing along to their favorite tribute band, eating dinner off their TV trays, and finding their rhythm under the California stars. Be sure to check out the rest of the summer concerts happening around Ventura County: Concerts By The Sea, Summer Concerts in Camarillo and Heritage Square Concert Series.
