Oxnard, CA - Making its post-COVID debut is OPAC’s annual arts festival scheduled for Sunday, October 1 from 11 am to 6 pm at picturesque Heritage Square, but with a twist. Once known as “PACC the Arts Festival,” the event has been rebranded as "CHELITA: Arts, Music, and Miches Festival" and will continue to showcase local culture and creativity. The concept: If Coachella and a Michelada Festival had a baby in Oxnard, it'd be CHELITA!
CHELITA is set to transform Heritage Square into a dynamic hub of creativity, fostering an environment where art, music, and gastronomy collide to create an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
Highlights of the Chelita Festival include:
Visual Arts Showcase: Wander through an open-air gallery featuring the works of 25+ local artists and artisans
Performing Arts: Two stages of live entertainment, presented by Lazer Media (Main Stage) and Artist Tree (Community Stage), brings forth an eclectic lineup of musical and performing arts. Musical performances include: The Heavyhitters (reggae), La Sonora Explosiva (cumbia), Banda La Tormentosa (banda), Roba Flor (alt-Latino), and DJs Kris and Henningham. Artists on the Community Stage include: Danza Flor Bonita (folkloric dance), The Dark Room (Old School Funk + Hip Hop), No Silence (Modern Rock + Rock en Espanol), Sade Champagne, Nyla (Indie Soul), Typical Whimsy (Rock, Latin Rock), MacTappers (Tap), Anessa (Latin, Pop), Una Isu (Mixteco rap), Lashez (Latino Urbano Rap), and Osito de Penjamo.
Immersive Experiences: OPAC has commissioned a handful of local artists to create one-of-a-kind installations and interactive exhibits, including a yarn-bombed "Mariposa Tree" by Cassandra Sue
Micheladas: Attendees can elevate their festival experience by partaking in the VIP Michelada Contest, which involves taste-testing a variety of local miche mixes from local establishments and relaxing in the VIP Lounge. Guests select their favorite and receive a full-size drink, which also constitutes a vote in the contest. At the end of the day, OPAC will award the winner of the contest. Contestants include: La Veros, 3 Amores Cantina, Taqueria Tepatitlan, Jaliscos Restaurant, Downtown Cafe, and Casa Agria.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Chelita Festival is designed for families, providing a dedicated area with interactive activities, games, and workshops to engage children and parents alike.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Chelita Festival to the community," said Christian Ramirez, Festival Director. "This event is not only a celebration of our cultural heritage but also an opportunity to highlight the immense talent and creativity that our city possesses."
For more information about the Chelita: Arts, Music, and Miches Festival, please visit: theopac.org/chelita.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of: Lazer Media (Miche Master sponsor), Artist Tree (Patrón de Camarón sponsor), City of Oxnard’s Festival Comeback Grant, and the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association.
Sunday, October 1, 2023 - CHELITA: Arts, Music and Miches Festival $15-$40 | 11 am to 6 pm | Heritage Square, 715 S A St, Oxnard, CA 93030 Tickets available through Eventbrite
More information can be found at theopac.org/chelita
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