As a lover of local events that bring communities together, I recently had the pleasure of attending the Hueneme Beach Festival on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Held annually at the picturesque Hueneme Beach Park in Port Hueneme, this two-day celebration (July 12–13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily) is a free event with complimentary parking, making it an ideal outing for families and locals in the surrounding area
The festival caters primarily to nearby residents, offering a small-scale, relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a sunny California day out.
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Upon arrival, we noticed the security measures in place—fences guiding attendees through metal detectors—which helped create a safe environment for everyone. Once inside, the vibe was immediately welcoming. We strolled through a variety of vendors, including a home water delivery company, booths with trendy clothing and trinkets, and a standout store importing unique items from Mexico. Think terracotta drinking cups, stickers, decorative skulls, and more, many featuring NFL logos for that extra flair. It was a fun spot to pick up some quirky keepsakes—like the Philadelphia Eagles sticker I snagged (see below).
Thirst quenchers were readily available in the Beer and Wine Garden, with a focus on low-alcohol-content options to keep things family-oriented. The drink menu included a variety of beers, sangrias in convenient small cans, and hard seltzers. I tried the red sangria, which had a sweet, plum-juice-like taste—refreshing and a nice alternative to beer. Each drink rang up at about $9.20 after tax, and interestingly, the charge appeared on my credit card statement from the Port Hueneme Police Force. It was heartening to know our purchases supported a good local cause.
Food options were diverse and satisfying in the food court, ranging from savory shawarma and deli-style Reuben sandwiches to birria tacos, nachos, dumplings, and even Thai cuisine. For lighter bites or sweets, there was kettle corn, fresh lemonade, and freeze-dried candy. Whether you’re craving something hearty or a quick snack, there was plenty to choose from while enjoying the festivities. One highlight was the Reuben sandwich—loaded with pastrami, sauerkraut, melted cheese, and Russian dressing on toasted rye bread—it was messy but delicious! The shawarma was equally tempting, with tender grilled meat, fresh salad, tomatoes, onions, and a creamy tzatziki sauce.
Beyond the shopping and eats, the festival boasted a lineup of engaging activities, including live entertainment on the Main Stage and the Toni Young Community Stage. Bands performed throughout the day, drawing crowds to the large stage area where plenty of tables and chairs were set up for relaxing with your food and drinks. The music was fantastic overall—starting with high school marching bands at 11:00 AM, followed by Bruno and the Hooligans at 2:00 PM, and Instone on the community stage at 12:30 PM, all hosted by DJ Uptempo DJ Technics. The highlight for me was Corazon de Mana, the Mana tribute band that played at 6:00 PM—they were really good, blending a great beach vibe with authentic Mexican music that had everyone grooving.
The festival also featured fun carnival rides and games in the Hang Ten Carnival Fun Zone, adding to the family-friendly excitement—perfect for kids and thrill-seekers alike. There was a dedicated Children’s Area with games and activities, ensuring the little ones had plenty to do. Competitive spirits could join in on tournaments and contests, such as the High School Band Competition, the Hueneme Beach Wrestling Tournament, and the Youth Poster Contest themed “Hello Summer” for elementary, junior high, and high school students.
Parking wasn’t an issue when we arrived, but I can imagine it getting trickier after noon, especially with the combination of festival traffic and regular beachgoers. Luckily, Saturday blessed us with beautiful weather, as it often does in sunny California—clear skies and a gentle breeze made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a low-key, community-focused event with great music, tasty food, unique vendors, exciting carnival rides, and fun contests—all for free—the Hueneme Beach Festival is a must-visit. It’s a hidden gem on the Ventura County Coast that captures the essence of laid-back coastal living. Can’t wait to go back next year!
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