SATURDAY: Celebrating CultureCal Lutheran University will hold...

SATURDAY: Celebrating Culture

Cal Lutheran University will hold its annual Kwanzaa festival, an African American holiday that honors family, community and culture, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Preus-Brandt Forum on campus.

Traditionally observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Kwanzaa--originally started in Africa to celebrate the first fruits of the season--is based on seven fundamental principles: unity, self-determination, responsibility, purpose, creativity, cooperative economics and faith.

Sponsored in part by the NAACP Saturday School, the festival will include cultural expression through songs, music, dancing and poetry performances. A karamu feast will highlight traditional African foods and ceremonies honoring ancestors. Admission is free. The campus is at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. For more information, call 493-3151.

Note: Kwanzaa festivities will also be held at 1 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, near Simi Valley, as part of the museum’s “A Sampling of Holiday Traditions” events. Call 522-8444.

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On an Upbeat Note

After years of trying, the Carpinteria-based ska band the Upbeat seems to have finally cracked the Ventura market. They play once or twice a month now at the high-profile hangouts that dancers love. Look for the 10-piece outfit at Bombay Bar & Grill in Ventura.

After more than a decade of creating dance-floor chaos, inspired by their happening horn section, the Upbeat has one CD, but more than enough songs for several more. It’s worth showing up just to hear “Governmental Lunacy.”

The venue is at 143 California St. Call them at 643-4404 to find out more about this 10 p.m., $6 show.

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Holiday ArtWalk

Downtown Ventura art galleries, museums and coffee houses will extend their business hours for the Holiday ArtWalk, from 5 to 9 p.m.

More than a self-guided saunter through the area’s many art establishments, the annual affair offers a healthy dose of live entertainment and activities, including ornament- and puppet-making, tree trimming and ceramics demonstrations.

The entertainment menu includes performances by the marionette troupe Alphabet Soup, the Young Dance Ensemble and the Ventura Early Music Ensemble, plus poetry readings and strolling musicians.

Guide maps can be had at participating venues and at ArtWalk information booths. Free shuttle buses will be available to transport walkers to locations on the perimeter of the event. For more information, call 658-4726.

UP THE COAST

The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission will present the benefit “Fiesta De Las Luces (Parade of Lights)” on Sunday at the Veterans Memorial Building, 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. with a flamenco dance performance by Antonia Lopez and the Cabrillo Dance Center. The dancing will be followed by an enchilada dinner, and then it’s on to the Harbor Parade of Lights. There will also be arts and crafts, face painting and other activities. Proceeds benefit the Cabrillo Dance Center. Call ahead for space availability. Tickets: $10, $7 senior citizens and students, $5 children under 12 and adults. Information: 568-3430.

GLANCE AHEAD

Oxnard will host its Multicultural Festival on Dec. 22 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event will feature an array live entertainment, foods, artisans and more. The event is free. Call 486-2424.