The countdown to the 2025 .Paak House music festival is officially on, and the community of Camarillo simply can’t wait to turn up the volume! This one-of-a-kind community festival is more than just a night of incredible, family-friendly entertainment. Every ticket goes directly to help support at-risk and low-income families in the Ventura County community through the Brandon Anderson Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating initiatives that uplift communities, underserved youth, and families through access to the arts and live music. So, as you join in on the festivity during CSUCI’s homecoming week, dancing and celebrating the night away, rest assured knowing that you are helping to fuel something much bigger.
The Showdown-Lowdown
What is the important information to know about the event? Let’s start with the basics. The .Paak House Festival is on October 11 at the CSU Channel Islands in the South Quad. Doors will open around 3PM for guests with early entry passes, and 4PM for the general admission crowd, with performances set to begin around 5:30PM and go until 11PM. Discounted ticket rates are exclusively offered to CSUCI students and alumni, however, general admission tickets are open to the public.
Bonus Tip: Make sure to arrive early so you can find the best spot in the house (the South Quad lawn)!
Rest Your Head
Whether you come into town the day of the concert or a few days before, you’re gonna want a comfortable place to rest your head for the night. Luckily, Camarillo has plenty of options in town. Some of the closest hotels to the venue are Sonesta Select Camarillo (10 minutes), Bella Capri Inn & Suites (10 minutes), Hampton Inn & Suites Camarillo (12 minutes), Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Camarillo (13 minutes), and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Camarillo (15 minutes).
Get To Town
If you’re coming from out of town, traveling here is just as simple as picking a place to stay. Camarillo is conveniently located off Highway 101, along California’s Central Coast, if you travel by car. It is also located within 60 miles of the Burbank Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Santa Barbara Airport, as well as home to the Camarillo Airport, which is perfect for a private or charter flight, if that is more your speed. Prefer a more scenic journey? Hop on the Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink, which makes daily stops in Old Town Camarillo, where you can then connect with the Camarillo Trolley and local buses to take you wherever your heart desires.
Fuel Up
Anyone who’s ever gone to a concert knows the importance of fueling up for your night of fun. The last thing you want is to get out there, find the perfect spot, and then need to leave because your stomach is grumbling. So, make sure to spend at least a little time during your day leading up to the festival to eat a nourishing meal, and maybe even treat yourself to a post-concert snack.
Pre-Festival Eats
Since the concert doesn’t start until the late afternoon, you’ve got plenty of time to take a bite into local cuisine. If there is ever a day to not skip the most important meal of the day (breakfast, obviously), it’s this one. You can dig into a hearty breakfast at a spot that has earned local acclaim for its good food and even better view of the Camarillo Airport, the Waypoint Café. Or grab a quick brunch or bite at the Village Cafe or somewhere on campus. Looking for more healthy options to keep you energized before the concert kicks off? Head to Blenders in the Grass or Too Good To Be Healthy to grab a smoothie made with farm-fresh ingredients.
Post-Festival Treats
After the music fades and the crowd parts after a fun-filled night, you might just find yourself in need of a late-night treat. Late-night favorites like El Rey Cantina or Toppers Pizza are perfect for grabbing some tacos, wings, or other shareable bites. Or, if dessert is calling your name (and honestly, who can blame you if it is), head to Rolling Pin Donuts and grab a fresh donut before calling it a night.
Encore Experiences
If you’re looking to keep the rhythm alive and turn this 1 day stay into a fully fledged, sunshine filled vacation, you’re in luck. Camarillo is home to an entire world just waiting to be discovered, and with so much time both before and after your concert, you can make the most of it!
Keep the Music Playing
Keep the music playing and the laughter rolling at the best local venues, each with its own unique pull. You can sip award-winning wines at Cantara Cellars, step into the world of New York while never leaving town at The Manhattan of Camarillo, or try unfiltered American-style ales at Institution Ale Co. If you really want to center music during your experience, stop by the American Pie Coffee House, a coffee shop that doubles as an old-school record store, or Music Freqs, which specializes in all things music for the community to enjoy.
Beyond the Stage
When you are ready to swap the stage lights for the warm rays of the sun, Camarillo has just the excursion for you! Head to Old Town Camarillo to stroll through charming boutiques, or to the Camarillo Premium Outlets, which features 160 luxury stores such as Banana Republic, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and Athleta. If the natural splendor of the nature around you is calling, then lace up your best hiking boots and answer it. Set off on a trek along a local hiking and biking trail at Camarillo Grove Park, Hill Canyon Trail, Mission Oaks Park, Point Mugu State Park, or the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Want to take your outdoor adventure to another level? Hop on an Island Packers ferry heading for the Channel Islands National Park, which encompasses five remarkable islands and their pristine waters.
As your Camarilo getaway comes to a close, allow the lingering notes of music and excitement in the air to remind you of the beauty of giving back. The .Paak House festival is more than a celebration of music, it also calls us to recognize the beauty of connection, two things that are perfectly exemplified by the Camarillo community. By taking the time to immerse yourself in the local community, you become a part of that story too. So, pack your bags, bring high spirits, and get ready to rock out for a good cause!