FRI., AUG. 26

Kids Helping Kids Kids Helping Kids organization helps youth ages 13 to 21 overcome drug abuse and alcohol problems. At 7:30 p.m. at Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, a collection of young entertainers and industry legends are scheduled to appear, perform, sign autographs in an inaugural fundraising “Red Carpet Concert Event” produced by Children’s Hope International Coalition. $15 to $30. (818) 347-9938

One-Act Festival Young Artists Ensemble presents “One-Act Festival” of eight one-act plays at 8 p.m. tonight and at 2 p.m. tomorrow and at 8 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday (there are two shows, Bill A and Bill B) at Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Theatre on the Hill, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Mature subject matter. $8 to $10. (805) 381-1246

‘Once Upon a Mattress’ Conejo Players present “Once Upon a Mattress,” based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale “The Princess and the Pea,” at their theater, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, through Sept. 24, with shows at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Opening night (tonight) and Saturdays $18, otherwise $14 to $16. (805) 495-3715

SAT., AUG. 27

Simi Lobster Fest The Kiwanis Club of Santa Susana will fire up the pot for its annual Lobster Fest from 3 to 8 p.m. at Rancho Tapo Park, 3700 Avenida Simi (at Lemon Drive), Simi Valley. They’ll serve lobster, steak or chicken, plus burgers and hot dogs for kids. Dancing, entertainment, special Kids Korner with crafts. Drawings for prizes, silent auction. $5 children’s meals, $30 adult dinners. This is a kick-off event for Simi Valley Days on Sept. 14 to 18. Proceeds support the youth of Simi Valley. (805) 675-8668

Ranger-Led Zuma Tour At 6 p.m. join a ranger and explore the natural side of Malibu in this twohour “Living on the Edge” hike. Meets at the Zuma Canyon trailhead, at the terminus of Bonsall Drive in Malibu at Pacific Coast Highway opposite Zuma Beach. Learn about the important role that Zuma Canyon plays in Southern California’s Mediterranean-type ecosystem, and learn about the canyon’s wild plants and animals. National Park Service has directions and info: (805) 370-2301

Handweavers Meet Ventura County Handweavers and Spinners Guild meet 9:30 a.m. at 701 S. Del Norte Blvd., Unit 115 and 120, Oxnard for a program by Carole Tripp of Creative Castle on beading and embellishments. Free. (805) 493-0893

Camarillo Air Show The Experimental Aircraft Association salutes “Youth and Aviation” at their 25th anniversary air show today and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Camarillo Airport. The event features fly-bys, aircraft displays, air show, airplane rides plus food, children’s activities, the music of the Glen Miller Young Americans. Adults $6, children 12 and under free. (805) 643-4943 Marie

Dance Team Car Wash Thousand Oaks High School’s dance team hosts a Car Wash fundraising event in the school’s parking lot, 2323 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5. (805) 499-5605

SUN., AUG. 28

History of the Buffalo Learn about the Buffalo Field Campaign at 7:30 p.m. at the CanogaOwensmouth Historical Museum, 7248 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. This will address the issue of the fate of members of the Yellowstone National Park buffalo herd that stray outside of park boundaries to their peril. Learn how to protect the buffalo through video footage at this multimedia presentation. Includes vegetarian cuisine and silent auction. $15. RSVP to (818) 341-2461

Native American Crafts Native American artist Michael Williams will lead two crafts classes, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center, on the grounds of Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa, in Newbury Park. Learn to make dream catchers or prayer sticks using beads, feathers and other materials. Free. Reservations: (805) 375-1930

Jazz in the Garden Temple Beth Haverim Young Seniors will visit Gardens of the World Park, 2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, for a jazz concert, meeting at 4 p.m. Bring a picnic basket and chair, dessert will be provided. RSVP (805) 778-0071

Special Art Show Kava Dume Cafe, 5653 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills will host an art exhibit by disabled artist Russel Santop (original paintings) and his sister Ziva (digital prints of her world travSUNDAY

AUG. 28

Nature Hike From 4:30 to 6 p.m. join a guided hike at Sage Ranch Park, 1 Black Canyon Road, Simi Valley, to explore flora, fossils, and artifacts. Meet at park entrance or call Tom at (805) 492-2184 for a meeting place in Thousand Oaks or Simi Valley. Presented by Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. (310) 858-7272, ext. 115 els) today through Sept. 30, with an opening reception from 3 to 5 p.m. today. Special Olympics and other charitable organizations will receive a portion of the proceeds from sales of their artwork. (818) 865-8602

Crafts Just for Kids At 11:30 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. the Kids’ Adventure Garden at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 350 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks, kids can participate in a “Leaf Print” craft class. $5. (818) 889-0560

TUES., AUG. 30

Mega Mixer A Mega Mixer at Gardens of the World, 2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks will be co-hosted by Chambers of Commerce from Fillmore, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Thousand OaksWestlake Village and Ventura from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Food samplings provided by numerous restaurants. $5 to $10. (805) 370-0035

THURS., SEPT. 1

African Violets Thousand Oaks African Violet Society invites visitors and their plants to join them at 7 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 667 Camino Dos Rios, Thousand Oaks for a culture class program on different aspects of growing African Violets. (805) 581-0014

Woodworkers Meet Conejo Valley Woodworkers’ Association meets 7 p.m. at Redwood Middle School, 233 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. Tonight learn about hand tools: proper use, safety and maintenance. (805) 492-2968

FRI., SEPT. 2 Free Fitness Hike Personal fitness consultant Gail Holloway will lead an outdoor fitness and exercise walk from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the Soka University campus, 26800 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas featuring a moderate hike and exercise session. (818) 878-3741

SAT., SEPT. 3

Wine Tasting Event Leeward Winery, 2784 Johnson Drive, Ventura, hosts its Labor Day Weekend Tasting and Open House event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sept. 4 and 5. Tastings include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Free. (805) 656-5054

People and Wildlife “On the Edge” People and Wildlife Program at 2 p.m. at Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, 1692 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley, aims to teach humans how to be good neighbors to the native wildlife. See live wild animals, discover ways to reduce people/wildlife conflicts. Free. (805) 813-1221

Botanic Garden Events Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 350 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks: From 10 a.m. to noon today there will be a native and water-wise plant sale in the nursery; at 2 p.m. tomorrow Ed Hager leads a walk through the rare fruit orchard (free). (805) 4947630

Strauss Ranch Stroll Join a docent-led easy-paced exploration of Peter Strauss Ranch, 30000 Mulholland Hwy. (at Troutdale Drive), Agoura, and learn about natural history and cultural history of the area. Great site for picnic afterwards. Meet 9 a.m. at the ranch house. (805) 370-2301