Memorial Day in Ventura County 2026

Memorial Day in Ventura County starts with five morning ceremonies for the men and women who didn't come home from service. Below are the local memorials, the other events programmed for the day, and a few ways to spend the rest of it.

The five local ceremonies

Reagan Library, Simi Valley: 9:30am

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation hosts a free outdoor ceremony at the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument. The program features the Royal High School Wind Ensemble, soloist Angelina Hayward, the Reagan Detachment Color Guard, and remarks by Gold Star Son Jeff Evans, Ventura County Gold Star Father Bob Allen, and Commanding Officer Daniel Brown of Naval Base Ventura County. Free, reservations recommended.

Pierce Brothers Westlake Village: band at 10:30am, program at 11am

The 35th annual ceremony at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, with a flyover, beautiful music, and a band concert opener. Free and open to the public. Limited parking at the memorial park; additional parking at the Costco across the street.

Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo: band at 10:30am, ceremony at 11am

The Camarillo Community Band opens the morning with live patriotic music on the grounds, followed by the main ceremony at 11am with guest speakers, military displays, and a moment of remembrance. Free, with complimentary hot dogs and refreshments after the program.

Plaza Park, Oxnard: 11am

The City of Oxnard's Memorial Day ceremony at 500 South C Street, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in U.S. Armed Services. Free, family-friendly.

Moorpark Field of Valor: 10am to 4pm, ceremony at 1pm

The Rotary Club of Moorpark Morning displays 150+ American flags at Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail St. Flag viewing runs 10am to 4pm. The opening ceremony at 1pm includes a flag procession, the National Anthem, bagpipes, and a keynote speaker. Closing at 4pm features the National Moment of Silence and taps. Free.

Other Memorial Day events

Free admission at Ventura Botanical Gardens: 9am to 5pm

Ventura Botanical Gardens waives admission on Memorial Day in honor of those who gave their lives in service. The gardens are open 9am to 5pm with sweeping coastline views, Mediterranean-climate plant collections from five regions of the world, and the Channel Islands in the distance. Well-behaved leashed dogs welcome.

Simi Summer Days Carnival, final day: 2pm to 9pm

The Memorial Day weekend carnival at Simi Valley Town Center wraps up Monday from 2pm to 9pm. Free admission, free parking, ride tickets sold separately. Rides include the Super Shot Drop Tower, Yo Yo Swing, Cliffhanger Fun House, Tea Cups, and Super Slide.

Memorial Day evening concert in Thousand Oaks: 5pm to 7pm

The 2026 Conejo Recreation and Park District Summer Concerts in the Park series kicks off Monday evening with Garth Guy, the premier Garth Brooks tribute, at Conejo Community Park (1175 Hendrix Avenue) from 5 to 7pm. The show opens with the National Anthem by Westlake Music Academy and taps by Jonathan Dane. Free, family-friendly, food trucks on-site. Bring blankets and chairs.

Other ways to spend the day

Tour the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler at Ventura Harbor

The 110-foot schooner Mystic Whaler is docked at Ventura Harbor Village from May 20 through June 1, with dockside tours on Memorial Day. Suggested $5 donation for adults, free for kids. Weather pending; check Ventura Harbor Village's socials before you drive down.

Take a quieter moment

Memorial Day doesn't require a program. A drive up to the bluffs at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks or out the Pacific Coast Highway gives you the same horizon those families gather under at the ceremonies. The point of the day is the pause, however you take it. (If you need ideas, our best hikes guide has quiet routes across the county.)

Still running this week

A few multi-day picks that continue past Monday:

• Tall Ship Mystic Whaler at Ventura Harbor Village through June 1.
• Eleanor at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura through May 31.
• America 250 exhibition at the Reagan Library through September 20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Memorial Day ceremony in Ventura County should I go to?

It depends on where you live and what you're looking for. The Reagan Library has the most produced ceremony with guest speakers, a full color guard, and a soloist. Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks in Westlake Village has 35 years of programming and a flyover. Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo combines the Camarillo Community Band concert with the ceremony and feeds you hot dogs after. Plaza Park is the most accessible if you're west county. The Moorpark Field of Valor is the most visual, with 150+ flags flying at Tierra Rejada Park.

Are all Memorial Day ceremonies free?

Yes, all five local ceremonies are free and open to the public. Free admission also covers Ventura Botanical Gardens, the Simi Summer Days Carnival entry, and the Garth Guy concert. The Mystic Whaler asks for a $5 suggested donation from adults and kids are free.

What's open on Memorial Day in Ventura County?

Most retail, restaurants, beaches, and parks are open with holiday hours. The U.S. Postal Service, banks, county and city offices, public schools, and most city libraries are closed for the federal holiday. Grocery stores and big-box retailers typically run normal Sunday-or-near-normal hours; call ahead if it matters for your trip.