October 2025 is going to be an exciting month at the Channel Islands Harbor! We’re thrilled to invite families, friends, and visitors to join us for two incredible weekends of fun.

On Sunday, October 12th, the popular Ponies by the Sea Car Show rolls into Harbor View Park. This event shows classic and modern Mustangs, along with other special cars, all while raising funds for Guide Dogs of America. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the Harbor, enjoy some mild weather, and take in some truly impressive vehicles.

Then, on Saturday, October 25th, we have a full day of activities planned for our community and visitors. We’ll kick things off at 10 a.m. with the first-ever Pumpkin Paddle, a brand-new event we’re introducing as part of the Harbor’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Kayakers and paddle boarders are invited to hit the water in a festive, lighthearted costume competition. At 3 p.m., the celebration moves landside with activities at Harbor View Park and the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. To top it all off, the evening will come alive with the Parade of Frights at 7 p.m. This non-competitive boat parade is all about creativity, community spirit, and enjoying a fun night on the waterfront. I would like to thank our boating community, who always put on a great show for residents and visitors who are watching landside.

Project Updates

Beyond the events, I want to share some important updates. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintenance dredging project is returning this month. Dredging ensures safe navigation in and out of the Harbor and replenishing of nearby beaches. This effort is happening off cycle because the project was not able to meet its target last dredging cycle due to weather and permitting issues. We anticipate the dredging will be complete by the end of December 2025.

You also may have noticed quite a bit of construction noise lately, especially around the Bahia Marina project near the Harbor entrance. The good news is that pile driving for the marina is wrapping up this week, and the project is scheduled to finish in January. Once complete, Bahia Marina will be a new modern anchorage, with slips up to 131’ in length. We appreciate your patience while this important work is underway.

With so many exciting events and improvements happening, October is the perfect time to celebrate our Harbor. I can’t wait to see the community come together to enjoy cars, paddling on the harbor, parades, and everything in between.

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department

Editor’s Note: this message was published on October 1, 2025.