61st Annual Conejo Valley Days – May 11 – 14, 2017

The 61st Annual Conejo Valley Days, May 11 - 14 at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks, celebrates the area's western roots and community spirit.

The four-day event features entertainment for kids, teens and the whole family including carnival rides, games, live music, motocross freestyle exhibitions, kids’ arts and crafts, a children’s parade, the 5th annual outhouse races and hands-on exhibits. This year will showcase 30 carnival rides from Kastl Amusements.

Thursday, May 11 kicks off the festival with $20 all-you-can-ride carnival wristbands. “For those who love carnival rides, this is the night to come to CVD,” says Frank Akrey, CVD executive director. “Ride G Force, AirMax, the Mega Loop and any other ride over and over for only $20. This is the lowest wristband price in 10 years and it’s for Thursday night only.” Thursday night entertainment will be student performers from Rock Nation (7:30 p.m.) and World Drum Circle (8:00 p.m.).

Friday, May 12 is country music night starting off with line dancing with Borderline line dancing instructor Kristal Lynn Konzen. Line dancing lessons are at 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. In between are three performances from Rebel Heart at 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. This five-piece southern rock band combines country, rock and blues and is a country fan favorite. “Rebel Heart is southern California’s premiere southern rock band,” says Akrey. “They love to play at CVD.”

Friday evening is also the kickoff of CVD’s motocross freestyle exhibitions by Vince Morgan and his crew. Showtimes are 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. They are at it again on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday, 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 is a busy day at CVD. It starts off with The Oaks Mile-5k Run at 8:00 a.m. and The CVD Children’s Parade (Conejo Creek Park North) at 11:00 a.m. (check in is at 10:00 a.m.).

Headlining Saturday’s entertainment is Chevy Metal at 3:00 p.m. featuring Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and special guests. Chevy Metal is followed by ‘70s rock bands Player with original band members including Ronn Moss 5:00 p.m. and Ambrosia at 7:00 p.m. Trippin Wild comes on at 9:00 p.m. with Mirage (tribute to Fleetwood Mac) at 10:30p.m.

The 5th annual CVD Outhouse Races will be at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the motocross exhibition site. New this year--participants don’t need to build and bring their own outhouse. Outhouses will be supplied by race sponsor Cal-State Site Services, which is also the provider of the real outhouses at CVD. The team with the fastest race time will have $100 donated to its favorite charity. Three-member teams can sign up and practice on race day.

Sunday, May 14 features two shows from Rick Shueler with his tribute to John Denver (4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.). Action Down is at noon and 1:30 p.m. and the Channel Islands Harmony Chorus performs at 3:00 p.m.

A 160’ x 80’ enclosed tent will house 70 vendors. Reeds Furniture will have its own tent filled with an eclectic mix of furniture and CVD art for sale.

CVD sponsors this year include Rock & Roll Pizza, Blue Headphones, Chivaroli & Associates, Tire Man, The Acorn Newspapers, Buster Lighting Design, Nesto and Conejo Upholstery.

Great carnival rides, live entertainment and plenty of fun things to do are what attract thousands to CVD each year but just as important, CVD is a major fundraiser for more than 25 local nonprofits. Some groups collect tickets, keep CVD clean, serve food and help in a host of other vital ways while earning money to help their group. Nonprofits that have participated at CVD throughout the years include Soroptimists, Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge, Newbury Park Rotary Club, Ventura County Firefighters Foundation and Conejo Valley Zonta Club.

“Conejo Valley Days brings the entire community together,” says Akrey. “It’s a special time and place where families and friends can go to have fun, knowing that money is being raised to help local worthy causes.”

Live entertainment and hands-on activities are included with general admission. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6 through 12 and free for kids 5 and under. Parking is $5. Entry tickets and carnival rides are cash only. ATMs are located throughout the festival. For more information, go to www.conejovalleydays.us. Follow Conejo Valley Days on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyDays and Twitter, @CVDays61.

CVD Hours:

Thursday, May 11 – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday, May 12 – 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 – Noon – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 14 – noon – 8:00 p.m.