Good morning, Simi Valley!

No white after Labor Day? Fine — we’ll stick to red… carpets and cabernets. 🍷🎬

In today’s Scoop:

• Simi is ready for its close up

• Bold cabernet with a dachshund

• Chili cheese fries by the pound

  …and much more

Let’s jump in:

SPONSORED BY NECTAR OF THE DOGS WINE

At Nectar of the Dogs Wine Tasting Room, every pour comes with a wag and a smile! Located on the west side of Simi Valley, our space is as welcoming to pups as it is to people, because good wine is best enjoyed with best friends, both two-legged and four-legged. We’re proud to serve our award-winning wines, crafted with care and poured with passion, so whether you’re a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, or refreshing rosé, there’s something here to make your tail wag. 

And STARTING TODAY, September 4th, we’re staying open late and celebrating the fall season with Thursday Night “Tail”-Gating!! Bring your friends, bring your dogs, and kick back with glasses of handcrafted wine, laid-back vibes, and that community spirit we’re known for. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend.

No tickets needed, no fuss, just paws 🐾, pours 🍷, and plenty of fun. Join us and make Nectar of the Dogs Wine your Thursday night fall tradition!

📍 791 Chambers Ln, Unit 110, Simi Valley, CA 93065
📞 (702) 275-0482

Main Scoop

🎬 SIMI Film Fest Returns Sept 3–7

Simi Cinema lovers, it’s your time to shine. SIMI Film Fest 2025 is rolling out the red carpet at Studio Movie Grill from Sept 3–7, inviting everyone to take part.

Now in its third year, this homegrown festival is gaining real momentum with a program that goes far beyond screenings. Expect red carpet premieres, live orchestral performances and 62 independent films spanning drama, comedy, horror and magical realism. Founders Joseph Metcalfe (a World Soundtrack Award–winning composer) and Katie Garibaldi (an award-winning music supervisor) built the fest “by filmmakers, for filmmakers” to spotlight not just directors and actors, but also composers, editors, wardrobe designers and stunt team.

🎵 A Festival With Its Own Symphony

On Sept 4, the all‑new Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra debuts with a 90‑minute film music concert, performing suites from Forrest Gump, Gladiator (one of my favorites), Schindler’s List, The Sound of Music and more—plus a special set from the video game Mario + Rabbids, introduced live by composer Grant Kirk. VIP tables come with front‑row seating and welcome packages.

🎟️ Panels, Pitch Sessions & Field Trips

SIMIFF’s mission goes beyond celebrating cinema; it’s about building careers. Panels cover script‑annotation tools, meeting agents, and pitching to studios—featuring CAA agent Matt Smith and Oscar‑nominated writers Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson. Field trips offer behind‑the‑scenes tours of local film spots like Simi Town Center Mall, the legendary Poltergeist House, Santa Susana Depot and scenic vistas across two valleys underscoring Simi’s reputation as a film‑friendly hub.

🌟 Open to All

Best of all, this festival isn’t just for industry insiders. All screenings, concerts and panels are open to the public, with tickets available now. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a local resident or simply someone who loves movies and music, SIMI Film Fest invites you to be part of its story.

The Weekly Crave

The Hat

Sometimes you just need a sandwich so stacked it feels like a challenge. Enter The Hat, Simi’s temple of pastrami. Located right on the stretch of LA Ave. locals call ‘The Strip,’ thanks to its endless food options. The Hat has been one of my favorite stops since my days at Royal High School, yes, a very long time ago!

Since 1951, The Hat has been dishing out mile-high pastrami sandwiches, chili cheese fries big enough to share (but you won’t want to), and phenomenal burgers. Their Simi Valley spot has become a go-to for classic lunches, late-night cravings, and nostalgia with flavor.

👉 Pro tip: Order the pastrami dip with au jus on the side, add chili cheese fries (plenty to share), and wash it all down with the Pina Colada Bang fountain drink—for the full Hat experience. Just don’t plan on being hungry again anytime soon.

Check out their full menu HERE, Pictures and all! 😋

Local Topping

🅿️ Residential Parking Permits on the Horizon

Facing growing complaints about overflow parking from nearby schools, parks, and new developments, Simi Valley’s City Council took the first step toward establishing a residential preferential parking permit program. On Aug. 18, the council unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading that would allow residents to petition for restrictions on their street (or surrounding blocks if spillover is expected).

To qualify, at least two‑thirds of households on the affected block must agree to the change. If approved, the city would post signs, issue permits, maintain a permit database, and enforcement would fall to police or code enforcement. Councilmember Rocky Rhodes said the measure is meant to both address current parking headaches and send a clear message to developers that tenants won’t be able to rely on neighborhood streets for overflow parking.

✨ Extra Sprinkles for Sept. 4th-7th, 2025 Music, Events, Food, & Fun This Weekend in Simi Valley
All times local | Events subject to change

PRESENTED BY: CRUNCH FITNESS- SIMI VALLEY

^{Thursday, September 4th}

🍷 Thursday Night “Tail” Gating
1–9 PM | Nectar of the Dogs Wine Kick off the weekend early with wine, snacks, and Happy Hour specials (3–6 PM). Bring your team spirit and your pup too!

🎥 SIMI Film Fest — Screenings begin
All day | Studio Movie Grill
Indie films, panels, and networking (festival runs Sept 3–7).

🎼 SIMI Film Fest: Film Music Concert (SV Symphony debut)
6:45 PM doors / 7:30–9:00 PM | Rancho Simi Rec & Parks District
Suites from Forrest Gump, Gladiator, Schindler’s List, The Sound of Music + game music; conducted by Joseph Metcalfe with guest Grant Kirkhope. VIP tables available.

🎶 Thirsty Thursday Live Music — The Arena
8:00 PM | The Arena (Grand Vista Hotel)
$1 off 16-oz drafts; bands start at 8 PM.

^{Friday, September 5th}

🎥 SIMI Film Fest — Screenings continue
All day | Studio Movie Grill
Films + Q&As run all weekend.

🍓 Simi Certified Farmers’ Market
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Civic Center Plaza
Shop fresh produce, baked goods and crafts while kids enjoy family‑friendly activities.

🍷 Exclusive Wine Dinner ft. Rombauer Vineyards
5:30 PM | Reagan Library
Guided Air Force One tour + welcome reception and 5-course pairing dinner (ticketed; advance reservation required).

👧 Girl Scout Kick-Off
6:00–7:30 PM | Lemon Park (grass area by the splash pad)
Open to all girls K-12 and families; games + info night.

🧪🎬 Kids Movie Night: KPOP Demon Hunters 
5:00–8:00 PM | Simi Town Center (MakerStudio)
Glow slime, 3D printing, pizza/snacks + movie; drop-off OK (ticketed).

🎸 Justin Honsinger & Line Dancing
8:30–11:30 PM | Rock & Roll Pizza Bar (Harley’s Valley Bowl)
Country set with line-dancing by Jodi Maas; no cover, 18+.

🎉 Operation ’90s — Chuy’s Simi West
7:00–11:00 PM | Chuy’s Baja Grill (Simi West)
’90s throwback party returns.

🎵 Live Music — Cork & Batter Roadhouse
Around 9:00 PM | Cork & Batter Roadhouse
Weekend live sets with BBQ + cocktails.

^{Saturday, September 6th}

📚 Family Storytime — Simi Valley Public Library
10:30–11:00 AM | Library Community Room
Stories, songs, and activities for families (free).

🚗 Coachmen Cruise-In (Car Meet)
3:00–7:00 PM | 2196 Tapo St (Old Town area)
Free meet with cruise music, food nearby, raffles; all special vehicles welcome.

🎥 SIMI Film Fest — Screenings continue
All day | Studio Movie Grill
Films + Q&As run all weekend.

🎤🍕 Open Mic Night + Pizza 
Saturday, 6–9 PM | Nectar of the Dogs Wine Show off your musical or comedy chops in a laid-back setting. Rivers Pizza House serving pies 5–9 PM.

🎤 Old Dawgs…New Tricks — The Hive Sports Bar Grand Opening
6:00 PM | The Hive Bar & Lounge (Tapo Canyon Rd)
Grand-opening party with live rock.

🎸 Stevie & the Heartrockers (Tom Petty/Stevie Nicks Tributes)
7:30–11:30 PM | Rock & Roll Pizza Bar
With special guests Highway Men L.A.; $15 at door; 18+.

🎵 Live Music — Cork & Batter Roadhouse
Around 9:00 PM | Cork & Batter Roadhouse
Saturday night band vibes; kitchen open late.

^{Sunday, September 7th}

🚗 Grandparents Day Coachmen Car Meet
1:00–4:00 PM | Oakmont Senior Living (3110 Royal Ave)
Pre-1975 classics on display; no registration; snacks/refreshments provided.

🎛️ Reggae Sunday w/ Keyth Garcia
3:00–5:00 PM | Rock & Roll Pizza Bar (Harley’s Valley Bowl)
Chill patio set; no cover, all ages; drink specials.

🏆 SIMI Film Fest — Awards Ceremony
7:30–9:00 PM | Studio Movie Grill
Closing-night honors for standout films and creators.

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☀️ Simi Valley Weather Forecast (Sept. 4th-Sept 7th)

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