Are drinks included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are purchased separately through Bright Spark; tickets cover the tree, pot, and instruction.

Can two people share one tree or ticket?

No. Tickets are sold per person and each attendee receives their own tree and pot.

Bring closed‑toe shoes and, optionally, a notebook. Most tools and materials are provided.

Are workshops suitable for children?

Many venues allow underage attendees with a parent or guardian—check the venue’s under‑21 policy when booking.

What is the cancellation or refund policy?

Refunds are only issued if a class is canceled or rescheduled by Bonsai Bar; otherwise bookings are non‑refundable.

Is follow‑up support available after the workshop?

Yes. The Tree‑iage program provides ongoing care support to help your bonsai thrive at home.

bonsai-bar-bright-spark-ventura-bonsai-workshop | Workshop | Brewery

At Bonsai Bar @ Bright Spark Brewing & Restaurant in Ventura, California, an evening stretches into two focused hours of potting, pruning, and quiet discovery. Held at 4561 Market St, Ventura, CA 93003, this workshop teaches beginners how to choose a young tree, trim roots and branches, and plant a living miniature in a ceramic pot to take home. The setting mixes a lively taproom atmosphere with hands‑on instruction: the hiss of poured beer and the clink of glasses sit beside the soft scrape of shears and the scent of fresh soil.

What sets this workshop apart is its marriage of craft and community. Bright Spark opened in November of 2022 and carved out a warm, accessible space where local brews, pan pizzas, and easy conversation accompany learning. Instructors focus on practical bonsai fundamentals—balance, taper, appropriate pruning—while framing care through Ventura’s Mediterranean coastal climate and common native plants. The program includes a Tree‑iage follow‑up system that helps new owners troubleshoot care as their trees settle into home life.

Everything you need is included with a ticket: a tree you select, a ceramic pot, shared tools such as shears and chopsticks, soil, and two hours of guided teaching. Seats are sold per person, not per tree, so each participant leaves with their own project. Most venues welcome underage attendees with parental supervision; check the venue policy when you book. Arrive fifteen minutes early to check in, pick a tree, and order food or a drink.

This workshop is a good fit for travelers and locals who want an easy, low‑impact activity that still offers a durable souvenir. It’s ideal for beginners who want direct coaching without a long commitment, for couples seeking a relaxed date night, or for small groups who like to socialize while learning a tactile skill. The modest footprint—an indoor community room in a neighborhood taproom—means good accessibility for city visitors and minimal travel planning.

Beyond technique, Bonsai Bar teaches an ethic of observation: noticing growth cycles, adjusting watering to seasonal light, and seeing the long timeline of working with living wood. Whether you leave with a tidy juniper, a young ficus, or a revived curiosity about plants, the workshop folds a hands‑on craft into Ventura’s active food and beverage scene, offering something distinctly local and unexpectedly meditative.

Plan ahead by booking tickets online through the listed referral link; classes often have limited capacity to maintain instructor attention. Bring closed‑toe shoes while standing at benches and bring a notebook to record pruning ratios and watering schedules. If you’re traveling, pair the workshop with an evening stroll along Ventura’s pier or a morning hike in nearby coastal hills to see the same plant species that inspire many bonsai selections.