Things to Do in Thousand Oaks (2025)
Explore a living history center on an ancient Chumash village site with artifacts, native plant gardens, and mellow oak-shaded trails. Noted by Visit Conejo Valley and covered by Native arts outlets, it’s open on weekends for relaxed, educational visits.
A philanthropic gift by the Hogan Family Foundation, these themed landscapes—Japanese, French, Italian, English, and a Mission Courtyard—are free to wander. Local press like The Acorn highlights artist exhibits and summertime programs steps from the Civic Arts Plaza.
This restored 19th‑century inn tells the Conejo Valley story through rooms, outbuildings, and docents. Operated by the Conejo Valley Historical Society, its 2025 calendar adds music evenings with TO Arts alongside regular Wednesday and Saturday tours.
A volunteer‑run community institution since 1958 with an intimate 185‑seat house. The 2025 lineup—Anastasia, The Book of Will, Murder on the Orient Express, A Chorus Line—has been promoted by BroadwayWorld and local arts outlets.
The Ovation Award‑winning resident company brings Broadway‑quality productions to town. Its 2025 season features Cabaret, Frozen, and Hairspray—confirmed by the company and venue listings—drawing regional talent and family audiences alike.
Named after the city's 1,057-foot peak, Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. is housed in a former furniture store and occupies 22,000 square feet with an expansive patio; the rustic-industrial space aims to be a family-friendly community hub and features an open layout with a large dining area full of communal tables, a taproom in plain view behind floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and separate counters for pizza, ice cream, and coffee. Opened in the first week of July with Mike Richmond (Stone Brewing Co. alum) as inaugural brewmaster, the spot serves wood-fired pizzas, scratch-made ice cream, and coffee from Newbury Park’s Ragamuffin Coffee while the house beers are still brewing. The brewery currently offers 25 guest beers on tap, including a collaboration with Mikkeller San Diego, and launched with the Thousand Oaks blonde ale; next up is a West Coast–style IPA brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops, and Richmond plans to add hefeweizen, pale ales, stouts, and saisons, plus limited-run beers from a smaller system planned for monthly canned releases. Beers will eventually be distributed to select restaurants and bars across the state, but for now they’re focused on local demand — “We had 600 people in here last Friday,” says CEO Ali Zia — and upcoming events include beer dinners with local chefs as well as live music and comedy nights; current hours are Tuesday–Friday 3 p.m.–10 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Claiming to be Thousand Oaks’ first “craft” cocktail bar after its April 4 opening, I see Oak and Iron as a key step in downtown’s revitalization; the small bar between a salon and a barbecue accessories store is positioned to become Conejo Valley’s destination watering hole thanks to a cocktail menu designed by bartender Paul Jones. A protégé of Matthew Biancaniello from The Library Bar and Mon-Lidays, Paul brings produce-based cocktails plus made-from-scratch infusions and syrups; the bar was started by brothers Jared and Jason Logan and attorney Andrew Pletcher, with Jared overseeing construction and Jason sourcing local produce for the drinks. In the main bar they offer about a dozen classic cocktails and variations — from a Flor de Cana daiquiri to a Bees Knees made with locally sourced honey — and cocktail mavens are treated to a smoke show with The Smokey Edward, an Old Fashioned smoked with wood chips; specialty cocktails like the Curious George (banana-infused whiskey, lemon juice, and IPA syrup) hint at the offerings downstairs. Oak and Iron: Reserve offers three seatings every two hours from 4 to 10 p.m. (reservations recommended; two-hour seating) for a more intimate experience with Jones and a rotating small menu; the latest Suntory-focused menu included a sipper made with ramen-infused Hibiki whiskey using an ultra-concentrated shoyu tonkotsu broth created with a local ramen shop. Jones is also happy to make cocktails beyond the menu, with examples such as a Negroni made with Cocchi vermouth amaro infused with oolong tea and a Cheese Danish in a Glass using Dolin Blanc infused with parmesan. Oak and Iron is open Wednesday–Saturday from 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon, while Oak and Iron: Reserve is open Thursday–Sunday.
A Thursday staple since 1991, run by the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association. Current hours and Market Match benefits are posted by the association and The Oaks, with rotating growers, flowers, and prepared foods year‑round.
A boutique, family‑run tasting room pouring Italian‑heritage varietals like Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Montepulciano. Listed with the Garagiste Wine Festival and praised by regulars, it’s a friendly spot for weekend flights and small events.
Axe‑throwing meets pinball arcade with a lineup of hyper‑local beers. The venue hosts leagues and 2025 tournaments and keeps the atmosphere upbeat and instruction‑forward so first‑timers and groups can get throwing safely.
A family operation known for small‑batch ice cream and a crowd‑pleasing cafe menu. Visit Conejo Valley spotlights its community roots; locals rave about seasonal flavors and post‑park cones after nearby library or Botanic Garden visits.
A bike‑themed brewpub pouring house ales alongside pit‑smoked barbecue, pizza, live music, and weekly trivia. The brewery promotes community rides and late hours; local guides keep tabs on its taps and event lineup.
