VENTURA COUNTY / BEST BETS

Musical Theater California’s prospecting craze, which began in 1848 when gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill, will come to life Saturday when Theatreworks/USA presents its new musical at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. “Gold Rush!”--full of entertaining social studies lessons--tells the experience of three young people on their journey to strike it rich.

* “Gold Rush!,” Saturday, 11 a.m., Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Scherr Forum, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. $14 general; $12 children. 646-8907.

Jazz Concert

Vocalist Edmonia Jarrett will be featured at the next installment of Happy Valley School’s jazz concert series this weekend in Upper Ojai. Jarrett will be supported by a solid aggregation of musicians: Eddie Guthman, bass; Jim Calire, piano; Kenny Dixon, drums.

* Jazz singer Edmonia Jarrett, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m., Happy Valley School Zalk Theater, 8585 California 150, Upper Ojai. $15. 646-4343.

Presidents Day Party

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library will host its annual Presidents Day Lawn Party on Monday with storytelling, music, dancing, carnival games, presidential look-alikes and food. There will be a 5K run, a family fun run and a one-mile sprint up the library’s steep driveway. Call for registration fee information.

* Presidents Day Lawn Party, Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. Free. 522-8444.

Medieval Feast

California Grill in Camarillo will be cooking up a “medieval feast” Monday when it hosts a dinner-concert program, featuring the music of Celtic rock band Clandestine. Concert-goers will dine on oysters Kilpatrick, fish, fowl, turkey legs, spinach mashed potatoes and more. The restaurant will be illuminated only by candlelight during the show and dinner.

* Dinner-concert, Monday, 6:30 p.m., California Grill, 67 Daily Drive, Camarillo. $35, plus tax and tip. 987-1922.