GOLETA, Calif. – The city’s biggest community event is back. The 33rd annual Goleta Lemon Festival will occupy Girsh Park this weekend, Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free, making it an accessible celebration for families across the South Coast.
Citrus Heritage and Community Spirit
The festival honors Goleta’s citrus roots that stretch back to about 1875, when Sherman Patterson Stow of Rancho La Patera planted California’s first known commercial lemon orchard in the area. Hosted by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, the event is expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over two days.
First‑Responder Safety Street
Festival chairman Tony Vallejo highlighted the expanded “interactive safety street,” calling it the largest of its kind on the South Coast. First‑responders from police, fire, EMS and other agencies will be on hand with equipment, offering kids hands‑on experiences and the chance to meet the professionals who keep the community safe.
Food, Fun, and Fundraising
More than 40 nonprofit groups will use the weekend as a major fundraiser. Every lemonade sold supports the local Rotary Club. Attendees can enjoy lemon‑themed treats such as churros, tamales, meringue pie, and even lemon‑infused craft beer, alongside classic festival fare like BBQ and corn dogs.
Pie‑Eating Contest and Entertainment
At noon each day, a lemon‑pie‑eating contest will pit participants against each other, judged by local elected officials, TV and radio personalities, and community celebrities. Contestants are warned to expect a bit of pie on the nose – the competition is intentionally messy and fun.
Live music will fill the park all weekend, featuring rock, country, blues, funk and more. Area 51 will perform on the UCLA Health Stage Saturday, while Goodlanders take the stage Sunday.
Classic Car Show
Car enthusiasts won’t be disappointed. The 19th Annual Goleta Fall Classic runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing corvettes, Camaros, trucks, and, for the first time, European and Japanese imports.
Kids Zone and Wristbands
The Kids Zone offers bounce houses, rides, games, bubble fun, euro‑bungee, mini‑golf, and a rock wall. An all‑inclusive wristband grants access to all kid‑focused activities. Wristbands can be purchased online for $30 before Thursday, September 24, or $40 at the festival.
Community Impact
Beyond the fun, the Lemon Festival serves as a vital fundraiser for local charities and a showcase of Goleta’s vibrant community spirit. By providing free entertainment and supporting nonprofit causes, the event reinforces the city’s tradition of family‑friendly gatherings rooted in shared heritage.
For more information, visit the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce website or follow the festival’s social media channels.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
