Fun Things to Do This Weekend in Simi Valley CA

Steampunk FestivalPhoto byFacebook Strathearn Park page

Ever wanted to try something new but thought it was too “out there” or out of your comfort zone? Sometimes baby steps are better. No need to jump out of a plane or sign up for a marathon, or a week-long yoga retreat. Instead, how about a couple of hours at a local drum circle? Drum circles can manifest differently depending on who leads it, but this Friday night at the Center for Spiritual Living Simi Valley, might be a great place for you to start.

Drum Circles are beneficial for your brain health as well too. Per Wake-Up World, “The innate joy and sense of collective rhythm felt during group drumming likely stems from our deep evolutionary roots. Today a growing body of research, referencing over 50 scientific studies, illuminates measurable mental, physical, and social benefits unique to participatory drumming.”

photo of drum circle, where everyone drums together as a form of ceremony, togetherness, and meditationPhoto byLee PigottonUnsplash

I’ve been to this particular drum circle several times, hosted by Burl Bolerjack, and am always surprised at how quickly we settle in, drum our own or the available instruments in sync with each other, and erase all the stress of the days before. This is a donation-based activity with the suggested fee of $15.

Saturday morning, the Strathearn Park is hosting a Steampunk Festival. Per their Facebok page, this will include activities not normally seen. “Teapot racing, Mr. Softee dipped chocolate cones, parasol dueling, shopping the vendors rope making, tintype photos and Smiley's hotdogs” plus plenty of music. Tickets are available at the gate or online here. Tickets are $20 for adults, $8 for kids 8-13, and free for 7 and under.

If you don’t know what Steampunk is, you’re in for a treat. Per Wikipedia, Steampunk is “Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by, but not limited to, 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery.^[1][2][3] Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the Victorian era or the American "Wild West", where steam power remains in mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power.”

Finally on Saturday night, the musical comedy written by local playwriter Dorothy Seger Morgan is performing its last show. Details in the link but tickets are $20 and the show starts at 7pm.

If you really want to dig in and learn a new skill all at once, there’s a cool weaving class available. This beginner Simple Plain Weave Scarf class at 1405 Kuehner Drive, Simi Valley, CA, United States, California 93063 consists of two 4 hour classes on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday 06/22/24 10am-2:30pm (includes 1/2 hr. lunch break) and Sunday 06/23/24 10am-2:30pm (includes 1/2 hr. lunch break). Total cost is $120.00. Additional charges for various materials ca be found on the site. By class end you will “weave on a small portable Ashford 10” Rigid Heddle Loom” and learn “The parts of the loom & weaving terms, How to use project sheets and yarn calculations, Warp the loom, create a simple hem at the beginning and end of the scarf, and weave using the “Plain Weave” technique, • Remove from the loom & wet finishing.”

Whatever you choose, have a great weekend!