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Enjoy signature cocktails and light bites while hobnobbing with more than 300 of the region’s top plant experts, collectors and aficionados. You’ll have the opportunity to bid on numerous rare and specimen plants and vie for the chance to take home exceptional botanical treasures. Featuring impressive contributions propagated in Lotusland’s nursery as well as donations from botanic gardens, universities, private collectors, landscape designers, horticulture specialists, and Southern California’s most esteemed nurseries, this is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about plants, and an opportunity to support the preservation and care of Lotusland’s extraordinary plant collections. Advanced reservations are required.

For as long as I can recall, one of the first signs of the upcoming Holiday Season is the arrival of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum Store Holiday Preview catalog, featuring their gift cards, ornaments, and calendars, most of which come from images within their vast collection. One of the oldest museums in the United States, it was also one of the first museums in which to take advantage of their own collection to market and share their images. In this special holiday lecture, we will look at the stories behind a few of the cards in the museum collection. Ranging from a variety of themes including Classic Religious Art, Medieval and Illuminated Manuscripts, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces, Asian Art and American Art, the works chosen from the collection for Holiday Cards will give a brief overview of the history of art and the Met's collection.

This lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

From mid-November to January 1st, American Radio, TV, and most retail stores are loaded with Holiday music. It's in our ears 24/7! Songs are old, some are new, and all are from different decades, genres, and styles.

In this lecture we will discover the background stories of who wrote the ""standards"" and why so many artists have recorded them. We'll visit behind the scenes of their marketing success and sometimes failure. We will relive the music not played often anymore and discuss the reasons for their holiday disappearance. Lots of music and videos will make this a nostalgic winter time romp! Come join us as we jingle and jangle our way down Santa Claus Lane humming a happy holiday tune!

This lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Putin's propaganda machine was first put in place already in the first year of Putin's presidency and has had a significant impact on what many Russians think, believe, and do. In this talk, we'll explore how the propaganda machine in Russia works, what its key instruments are, how it impacts people subjected to it, and why it has been so successful. We’ll also consider the question of whether there's similar propaganda in the US, and if so, how to avoid becoming its victim.

This lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series and takes place online via Zoom.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

In the 1960s, the baby boomers came of age, and unlike earlier generations, they rejected the norms of their parents. In this lecture, we explore how this generation gap played out in Los Angeles. Highlights include the Watts Riots in 1965, the Sunset Strip curfew riots in 1966, and the Century City anti-Vietnam War march in 1967. We also look at LA’s mod fashion styles, the Hippie movement, and movies, including “The Graduate” and “Easy Rider,” which broke conventions and ushered in a new Hollywood era.

This lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series and takes place online via Zoom.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Join retired LAPD homicide detective and university professor Pedro Fernandez for a fascinating journey into the world of homicide investigations. This engaging lecture will demystify how detectives solve murders—from the first call at the crime scene to the final courtroom testimony. Learn about real investigative techniques, the role of forensic science, and how motive, means, and opportunity guide every case. With stories drawn from decades of experience, this talk offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing justice to victims and their families. Perfect for curious minds and lovers of true crime!

This lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series and takes place online via Zoom and in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Every city has a particular feel about it, defined by its architecture, demographics, geography, climate, and the people and cultures that have shaped the city from its founding to its current status. From historical to contemporary structures, this two-part lecture will explore the iconic structures that identify various American cities and how they came to be. A variety of architectural styles are discussed, as well as the sociopolitical context in which these buildings were created.

Our nation’s capital, Washington DC, hosts a plethora of neoclassical architectural styles in keeping with our visual and philosophical connection to ancient Greece and Rome. Other architectural styles found in the city include Gothic Revival, Beaux Arts, and New Formalism. Additionally, we will discuss the monuments and memorials that grace the environs of Washington DC, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.

New Orleans, nicknamed “The Big Easy” because of its laid-back, slow-paced lifestyle and vibrant, easy-going music scene, is a melding of Spanish, French, and Afro-Caribbean influences. As the city grew, a unique tapestry of architectural styles were shaped by its climate and multicultural inspirations, including French Colonial, Spanish Colonial, Neoclassical, and vernacular styles. Also famed for its French Quarter and Mardi Gras, New Orleans is notable for its distinctive range of building styles, from elegant mansions to elaborate cemeteries.

This two-part lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series and takes place online via Zoom and in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

During World War II, the United States incarcerated over one hundred thousand people of Japanese descent. Many of these were imprisoned within California and many of them were citizens. Though the United States has acknowledged this history and even apologized to Japanese Americans for it, it’s still a topic that we rarely examine and discuss. This two-part lecture will spend time understanding the history of these camps, daily life there, and their perceived role in the war effort. In doing so, it will dive deep into an uncomfortable time, and yet a time that holds many lessons for this country and its future.

This two-part lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series and takes place both online via Zoom and in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Every year, the number of homeless Americans rises: In 2023, 653,000 slept on the streets or in emergency beds provided by nonprofit/government services. Yet every year, we increase funding and resources for this population. Why, then, do we have such an ever-worsening epidemic? What can we, as concerned Americans, and our leaders do to stem the tide?

This two part series will include: A brief history of the homeless, from the “hobos” of the Great Depression through the rise of homelessness in the 70s to today’s tipping point; a look at the two chief but conflicting policy approaches to the problem: Treatment First under the Bush Administration to Housing First since the Obama years; and a framework for weighing two very real competing concerns: Civil liberties---do the homeless have a “right” to remain homeless?---versus the public safety and health of all citizens.

This two-part lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series and takes place virtually on Zoom.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Escape to our Halloween themed "Pumpkin Garden Cat " PaintNite event hosted in the laid-back surf vibe of Rincon Brewing!

Join us for an evening of vibrant creativity as we paint this eye-catching scene featuring wild flowers surrounding a black cat on a pumpkin. This bold, holiday themed composition captures the perfect view of an innocent black cat waiting for the pumpkin carving fun. This will add the feeling of Halloween to any wall in your house.

Our energetic instructor will guide you through creating this head-turning masterpiece, sharing simple techniques to achieve the perfect color gradient background, night scape and those beautiful wildflowers around the adorable kitten. You'll be amazed at how quickly this Instagram-worthy painting comes together—no artistic experience required!

Your ticket includes:

All painting supplies (canvas, paints, brushes)
Step-by-step fun instruction
Your completed artwork to take home
This painting is perfect for flower lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to add a pop of color to their home or office. The techniques are straightforward while the results are absolutely spectacular!

Whether you're planning a night out with friends, a unique date, or simply treating yourself to some creative "me time," this event perfectly pairs artistic expression with Rincon Brewing's relaxed coastal atmosphere and exceptional craft beers.

Limited spaces available to ensure personalized attention. Reserve your spot today and get ready to paint yourself into a tropical state of mind!

Craft beers and food available for purchase throughout the event.

You may reschedule or cancel tickets up to 8 hours before the event starts. Read our reschedule policy here.