Each year, communities in the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) come together to host differently themed events. Hosted by the Together Helping Education (T.H.E.) Foundation for Las Virgenes Schools and the City of Calabasas, they help raise money for schools by funding programs that state budgets can’t fully cover, while giving students and parents a chance to spend time together.
One of the biggest events is the annual Labor Day weekend carnival at Whizin Market Square. The T.H.E. Carnival has rides, games, food, and even a beer garden for adults. Students said it was a fun way to enjoy time with friends and also support their schools.
Ellie Berman, a CHS sophomore and one of this year’s student attendees, said, “I wanted to have fun with my friends on a Friday night.” Her favorite part was the rides, but she also added, “I won a pickle.”
For others, the carnival is a way to reconnect with people they can’t always see.
CHS Sophomore Sophie Prestegard said, “The best part of it [was] seeing my friends from other schools.”
The Foundation explained that the carnival was created to bring the community together while also raising money for schools. In the past, the group has raised more than $750,000 to help schools by hiring teachers, lowering class sizes, and expanding counseling programs. The Foundation recently donated $100,000 to the district and shared that they hope to double that amount next year.
This fall, the community will see a mix of Foundation fundraisers and city celebrations:
The T.H.E. Poker Tournament is on October 10 at Topanga Social. This adults-only event offers poker, food, and prizes.
Another foundation fundraiser is the T.H.E. Battle of the Bands. It will be showcasing student musicians at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on February 1.
The T.H.E. Event 2026 is The Foundation’s fundraising gala, uniting parents, educators, and community members from across LVUSD in support of public education on April 25th. The Foundation’s goal is simple: make sure every child in every school has the resources to succeed.
The Calabasas Library also has fun events for the community. On some days, they have events like PAWS to Read: Meet the Therapy Dogs, summer reading events for younger kids, LEGO Days, and storytimes. Also coming up very soon is the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival on October 19th at Juan Bautista de Anza Park, presented by the City of Calabasas.
The community throws other events like the Calabasas Sun Sets Summer Concert Series, hosting family-friendly live music on Sunday evenings during the summer. The Concerts are hosted at Calabasas Lake Greenbelt and are a great way to relax and enjoy music under the sunset.
The Calabasas community works hard to provide fun events for students and parents alike. From carnival rides to pumpkin patches to live music, these events bring students, parents, and community members together while helping schools give students further support.
