FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact(s):
Kathleen Fariss, CEO                                               Shannon Soran, Director of Events & Marketing
Claremont Chamber of Commerce                         Claremont Chamber of Commerce
ceo@claremontchamber.org                                  admin@claremontchamber.org

44th ANNUAL VILLAGE VENTURE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL RETURNS TO CLAREMONT OCTOBER 24

Claremont, California, August 28, 2026: The Claremont Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 44th Annual Village Venture Arts & Crafts Festival, presented by the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, taking place Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the Claremont Village.

A beloved Claremont tradition, Village Venture is a free community event welcoming thousands of visitors for a full day of shopping, entertainment, food, and community. More than 375 artisans and crafters will fill the streets of the Village with handmade and one-of-a-kind items, while Claremont Village restaurants, retailers, and businesses will also be open throughout the day.

Several streets in and around the Claremont Village will be closed from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to accommodate the festival.

The following streets will be closed from 5 AM – 7 PM:

1.    First Street between Indian Hill Boulevard & College Avenue.

2.    Second Street between Alley 38 & Harvard Place

3.    Bonita Avenue between Alley 38 & Harvard Place

4.    Harvard Avenue between First Street & Fourth Street

5.    Yale Avenue between First Street & part of Fourth Street (closure ends south of the Walter’s Restaurant Lot)

Grand Marshal, Opening Ceremony & Costume Parade

The Claremont Chamber is proud to welcome Hader Aldouri, owner of Dr. Grubb’s, as the 2026 Village Venture Grand Marshal.

The day will begin with the Claremont Chamber’s Opening Ceremony at the Shelton Park Stage at 9:00 a.m., bringing together community leaders, sponsors, special guests, and elected officials to officially welcome the community to the 44th Annual Village Venture.

The Opening Ceremony will include Congresswoman Judy Chu, Claremont Mayor Jennifer Stark, and other local and regional elected officials and representatives, who will join the Chamber and community in celebrating the opening of this year’s festival.

Following the Opening Ceremony, the Costume Parade, presented by Presenting Parade Sponsor Children’s Foundation of America, will make its way through the Village. Families, children, and people of the community are invited to dress up and participate in this longtime Village Venture tradition, led by 2026 Grand Marshal Hader Aldouri.

Entertainment will continue throughout the day with musical performances, children’s entertainment and activities at the historic Claremont Depot, and the Scarecrow Drawing Contest presented by Foothill Transit.

Explore Village Venture

This year, festivalgoers will have even more reasons to explore the Village and the entire Village Venture experience.

Guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for four special selfie stations located throughout the event, including a stop at Lost Levels Card Shop. Snap a photo along the way, explore different areas of the festival, and discover some of the local businesses and experiences that make Claremont special.

Guests can also participate in the Village Venture BINGO experience as they make their way around the festival. Complete your BINGO card and turn it in to receive a prize while supplies last.

Food, Shopping & More

Claremont Village restaurants, retailers, and businesses will be open and ready to welcome visitors throughout the day.

Guests 21 and over can also enjoy the Beer & Wine Garden on Harvard Avenue, north of Bonita Avenue.

The Claremont Chamber of Commerce and Discover Claremont Visitors Center will welcome guests at 205 Yale Avenue, where visitors can stop by for event information, learn more about Claremont, and purchase Claremont-branded merchandise.

The City of Claremont, a Village Venture Partner Sponsor, will have an information booth in front of City Hall. Community members are invited to stop by and connect with City staff and members of the City Council.

Parking & Complimentary Shuttle Service

To make getting to Village Venture easier, complimentary parking and shuttle service will be available at three designated locations:

●     Taylor Hall – 1775 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711

●     Claremont High School – 1601 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711

●     Claremont Graduate University – ACB Parking Lot – 130 E. 9th Street, Claremont, CA 91711

Complimentary shuttle service from Pomona Valley Transportation Authority will transport guests between these designated locations and the drop-off location between 8:30 AM to 5 PM. The last shuttle is at 5 PM.  

The Claremont Chamber of Commerce is grateful to Claremont Graduate University, Claremont Unified School District, and the City of Claremont for their partnership and support in helping provide convenient parking and shuttle locations for this year’s Village Venture.

Additional parking will be available in and around the Claremont Village, including the Packing House parking structure on First Street, just west of Indian Hill Boulevard, and the Metrolink parking lot on First Street, east of College Avenue.

It Takes a Village – Volunteers Needed

Village Venture would not be possible without the more than 100 volunteers who give their time and energy to help bring this community tradition to life. From welcoming guests and supporting the Children’s Costume Parade to assisting throughout the festival, volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming and memorable experience for thousands of visitors.

The Claremont Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking additional volunteers for this year’s festival. Individuals, families, community groups, students, and local organizations are invited to join the team and be part of what makes Village Venture possible.

Those interested in volunteering can visit villageventure.com.

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

The Claremont Chamber of Commerce is grateful for the generous support of the businesses and organizations helping make the 44th Annual Village Venture possible.

Event Sponsor: Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University

Showcase Sponsor: MINI of Ontario

Presenting Parade Sponsor: Children’s Foundation of America

Premium Marketing Sponsors: Foothill Gold Line and Casa Colina Hospital

Scarecrow Drawing Contest Sponsor: Foothill Transit

Premiere Volunteer Lounge Sponsor: The Claremont Club

Premiere Marketing Sponsors: Dominic Valdez/Michael Delgado – Edward Jones, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, and Lost Levels Arcade + Card Shop

Premium Visitor & Community Sponsor: Discover Claremont Visitors Center

Marketing Sponsors: Foothill Credit Union and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Office

Partner Sponsor: City of Claremont

The Claremont Chamber extends its appreciation to all of the sponsors, partners, volunteers, artisans, businesses, community organizations, and individuals whose support and participation help make Village Venture a Claremont tradition year after year.

Businesses and organizations interested in becoming a 2026 Village Venture sponsor or community partner are invited to connect with the Claremont Chamber of Commerce to learn more about available opportunities. Sponsorships offer a meaningful way to support one of Claremont’s largest community traditions while increasing visibility and engagement with thousands of attendees.

For more information about the 44th Annual Village Venture Arts & Crafts Festival, sponsorship opportunities, or volunteer opportunities, visit villageventure.com and follow us on Instagram @village_venture.

About the Claremont Chamber of Commerce

The Claremont Chamber of Commerce serves as a resource and advocate for the local business community while creating opportunities to connect businesses, residents, visitors, and community partners. Through events, programs, partnerships, and the Discover Claremont Visitors Center, the Chamber works to strengthen the local economy and support a vibrant Claremont community.