There's a moment every September when the Conejo Valley seems to pause—not for a holiday or a parade, but for something uniquely its own.
The sound of laughter drifts across the courtyard. Fresh appetizers disappear almost as quickly as they're served. Guests debate which restaurant crafted the evening's best margarita while local wineries and breweries pour another sample. Friends reconnect, new friendships begin and for a few hours, the community gathers around one simple idea: celebrating local businesses while making a difference.
That tradition returns on Thursday, Sept. 24, as Soroptimist International of Conejo Valley hosts the 24th Annual Margarita MixOff & More.
What began as a creative fundraising event has grown into one of the Conejo Valley's signature community gatherings. Local restaurants compete for the coveted People's Choice Best in the West Margarita title, but the evening has always been about more than friendly competition. It's about showcasing the incredible generosity and talent that make this community so special.
Guests spend the evening sampling handcrafted margaritas, delicious appetizers, fine wines and craft beers while enjoying lively music, browsing an impressive silent auction and catching up with neighbors. The atmosphere is festive, relaxed and unmistakably local—a celebration of the businesses, volunteers and supporters who continue to invest in the place they call home.
Behind every toast is a larger purpose. Proceeds from Margarita MixOff & More help Soroptimist International of Conejo Valley provide educational opportunities for women working to build better futures for themselves and their families. The event also helps fund grants to local nonprofit organizations whose work strengthens lives throughout the Conejo Valley—from providing shelter and healthcare to expanding educational opportunities and supporting families in need.
For nearly a quarter century, this annual tradition has demonstrated what happens when a community comes together. Restaurants donate their talents. Businesses sponsor the evening. Volunteers contribute countless hours. Guests arrive expecting a memorable night and leave knowing they have helped create meaningful change.
The real recipe for success has never been the margaritas. It's the people who gather each year to prove that a great community can accomplish extraordinary things—one toast, one conversation and one act of generosity at a time.
It isn't simply the signature cocktails, the exceptional food, or the friendly competition that keeps people coming back year after year. It's the opportunity to raise a glass with friends while raising hope for others.
The 24th Annual Margarita MixOff & More will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Gardens at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks.
Sometimes the best nights out are the ones that leave a lasting impact long after the final toast.
Tickets are $55 in advance and $65 at the event.
Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/MargaritaMixOff.