2024 Guide to Summer Fun in Lompoc

California has long been known as the land of Endless Summer. In recent years, actual summertime in much of the state has meant scorching temperatures and sweltering heatwaves. Not in Lompoc! The city’s coastal location keeps it around a pleasant 74 degrees in July and August, so it’s the perfect place to escape the heat! Plus, there are loads of things to do here in summer — here is our guide to Summer Fun in Lompoc.

Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary Opening Day

Saturday, May 4
3:00-6:30 p.m.

Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary
4115 Jalama Rd.
Lompoc, CA 93436

The 2024 program season begins on Saturday, May 4. Stop by to take part in the opening events, including a Native American blessing of the horses and land, walking tours, and herd observation, in addition to local food and wine options! Plus, help celebrate beloved Kiger mustang Spirit’s 29th birthday with photos and more! (You may recognize him as the muse and model for the 2002 DreamWorks Animation classic, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.)

Lompoc Valley Flower Festival

Thursday, June 20 – Sunday, June 23

Ryon Memorial Park
800 W Ocean Ave
Lompoc, CA 93436

The 2024 Annual Flower Festival will be held June 20-23, 2024 at Ryon Memorial Park in Lompoc. The weekend celebrates Lompoc Valley’s flower growing heritage, including the annual parade, carnival rides and games, arts and craft exhibitors, commercial vendors, and food booths. In addition, don’t festival headliner Drew Baldridge!

Old Town Market
Friday evenings from 5-8pm, July 5-August 9

On six magical Fridays this summer, from 5 to 8 p.m., the 100 block of South H Street will come to life as the Old Town Market. Each week will have a unique theme and include food booths, vendors from across the region, live music, activities for kids of all ages, and also a farmer’s market. Stop by and be enchanted! This year’s themes:

July
5th: Family Fun Night
12th: Performing Arts Night
19th: Ag & Wine Night
26th: Healthy Lompoc Night

August
2nd: For the Love of Lompoc Night
9th: Public Safety Night

Food Truck Fridays
Friday evenings from 5-8pm, year round

Another great way to spend a Friday night in Lompoc! Stop by Cold Coast Brewing Co. to celebrate the end of another week and enjoy the ultimate Food Truck Fridays experience! Behind the brewery each week, you can try the best of up to 14 fantastic food trucks. You’re sure to find something to fix your latest craving. Once you’ve got your meal, add a fresh beverage from the brewery and you’ve got the beginnings of an epic weekend.

40th Annual West Coast Cub Fly-In

Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14

Lompoc Airport
1801 North H Street
Lompoc, CA 93436

Whether you’re an aviation buff or are looking for some family fun, don’t miss the West Coast Cub Fly-in! This family-friendly weekend-long event celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, and as a result there are lots of fun events planned. Stop by the Lompoc Airport to see the planes up close, watch the flying events (including pilot proficiency contests!), and also get to know the pilots. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy both great food and drink from local vendors.

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Festival

Saturday, July 13, 12:00 PM  5:00 PM

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm
1900 Tularosa Road
Lompoc, CA, 93436

On July 13, take a moment (or a few hours) to tend to your overall wellbeing: stop and smell the lavender. The inaugural Santa Rita Hills Lavender Festival gives you the chance to explore all things lavender, with food and local vendors, as well as a lavender distillation class and multiple wreathmaking classes throughout the day.

Watercolor Painting at Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm

Saturday, August 3, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm
1900 Tularosa Road
Lompoc, CA, 93436

You can create a watercolor masterpiece, despite never having picked up a paintbrush before! As you sip (complimentary) lavender lemonade, a trained artist will guide you through the process of drawing and then painting the lavender and surrounding landscapes of the Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm. Join us and free your inner artist!

Space Launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base

Various times and dates all Summer

The thrill of a space launch is undeniably something for the bucket list! Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to all west coast launches, making almost every place in Lompoc ideal for catching the action (we’ve also got a guide for you here). Because Vandenberg is an active military base, only military personnel can watch a launch from on-base—but visits to the Space and Missile Heritage Center are offered monthly.

Sta. Rita Wine & Fire Weekend 2024

Thursday, August 15 – Sunday, August 18

Taking place concurrently across the wineries and tasting rooms of the Sta. Rita Hills, indulge in the wines of the region, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other cool-climate varieties. If you love discovering new California wines and tasting amazing food, you’ll particularly enjoy this unforgettable food and wine experience! The overall event kicks off on August 15 at the Sanford and Benedict Barn Party, followed by the La Paulee Dinner honoring the Vintners of the Year, a grand tasting at La Purisima Mission, and much more! This is undeniably one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Summer Fun in Lompoc. Tickets go on sale April 15. 

Mountain Men at La Purisima Mission

Friday, August 23 – Saturday, August 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

2295 Purisima Rd
Lompoc, CA 93436

Join the buckskin-clad members of the American Mountain Men for an unquestionably enjoyable day as they share history and survival skills from 1820-40. While the men are at the Mission, you can experience cooking, hide preparation and tanning, leather working, rope making, and blacksmithing techniques. Additionally, you’ll get to see equipment from the period and enjoy tall tales shared around the campfire. This is just one way to enjoy the Summer Fun in Lompoc!

Mission Life Days

May 25, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
July 22, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
August 31, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
2295 Purisima Rd
Lompoc, CA 93436

Come to La Purisima Mission Historic State Park and soon you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time! Explore the restored buildings and grounds while costumed docents and staff demonstrate the craft activities that were part of everyday life for mission residents. In addition, you can try your hand at tortilla making, candle making, soap making, spinning and weaving, carpentry, pottery, blacksmithing, and more!

Plan Your Stay

When you’ve had your Summer Fun in Lompoc, you’ll undoubtedly want a comfortable place to unwind at the end of the day. Book your stay at a hotel in Lompoc. Want accommodations close to the action? Use our interactive map to find the right hotel for you.