Top 5 Summer Events in Lompoc You Won’t Want to Miss

Grab your flip-flops and sunscreen, it’s time for a little summer fun in Lompoc, California. Situated near the Pacific Ocean, on the Central Coast, this quaint city is full of great summer activities that are perfect for families and couples alike.

Take a look at five can’t-miss events happening this summer in Lompoc:

1. Lompoc Flower Festival

   
   Generations have grown up attending the Lompoc Flower Festival. In its 66^th year, the festival celebrates the valley’s flower growing heritage. There’s a flower show, carnival rides, arts and craft vendors, food vendors, a parade, and live entertainment happening during the five-day event held at Ryon Park.

   The festival runs June 20-24, 2018. Entertainment starts Wednesday afternoon with a full line up of bands that run through Sunday evening. Check out the entertainment schedule for more details. Admission is $5 for adults and it’s free for 12 and younger.

   During your visit, take a drive to explore some of the flower fields in bloom – after all, that’s what the Flower Festival is all about!

   FESTIVAL INFO

    

2. Lompoc Old Town Market

   
   Venture to Old Town on a Friday night this summer for a farmers market and street fair. Every Friday night from June 29 and August 10, you can buy local goods, enjoy live music, and take part in family-fun activities at the Old Town Market

   Before or after visiting the market, wander around the area to soak up the culture. You’ll find antique shops, cafes, and vibrant murals dotting the downtown. Print a map of the 30+ murals in the area to learn about the city’s heritage in a visual way.

   MARKET INFO

    

    

3. West Coast Cub Fly-In

   When was the last time you saw 100+ antique planes fly into an airport? Never? It’s time to change that. Lompoc hosts the annual West Coast Cub Fly-In, where pilots land their vintage plans at the local airport, chat with spectators, and participate in aerial events.

   Bring a lawn chair, grab a bite to eat, and keep your eyes on the sky. The event takes place July 13-15. Planes land on Friday, aerial games take place Saturday afternoon; pilots take off after breakfast on Sunday, weather permitting.

   EVENT INFO

    

4. Sta. Rita Hills Wine and Fire Weekend

   
   During a mid-August weekend, you can enjoy award-winning wines that hail from the Sta. Rita Hills. The area, on the outskirts of Lompoc, is known internationally for its acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. A three-day event, August 17-19, the Sta. Rita Hills Wine and Fire Weekend, pairs amazing wines with the area’s best chefs and restaurants for a fun-filled event you won’t want to miss.

   On Friday, kick the weekend off at a Barn Party, with the Bryan Titus Trio. Enjoy music, taste limited-production wines, and sample some great eats. Saturday offers a Wine Speed Tasting and Lunch with Winemakers and the Grand Tasting event at La Purisima Mission, featuring fire-grilled specialties and lots of great wines. On Sunday, it’s time to explore … wineries throughout the Sta. Rita Hills will be hosting special open houses!

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5. Village Days at La Purisima Mission

   
   Take a break from cell phones and gadgets, and experience mission life in the early 19^th century at La Purisima Mission, the most extensively restored mission of the 21 California missions.

   Visit the Tule Village and see how the Chumash people and Spanish settlers blended their culture day in and day out. Kids and parents alike can enjoy hands-on activities, like grinding acorns, basket weaving, building a tule house, and making soapstone beads.

   Village Days is on August 25 – from 11 to 2 – at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park.

   MORE ON THE MISSION

    

These five events will only add to your summer fun this year, but if you’re looking for more to do, check out this great list of Lompoc activities to fill your itinerary.