Mission Life Days At La Purisima Mission Historic Park. Courtesy photo.
LOMPOC — Dive into the New Year in Lompoc! From now until December 31, 2024, we have a calendar brimming with fun events. Throughout the year, immerse yourself in the small town charm of Lompoc while you indulge in local cuisine, explore vibrant flower fields, discover history and art, find unique festivals and more. Whether you’re exploring the craft of winemaking or taking a step back into history, the Lompoc Valley has it all.
Here’s a sneak peek into some of the standout Lompoc events of 2024. Check our event calendar for all events and the most current information.
Lompoc Valley Restaurant Week 2024
February 19-25, 2024
How about immersing yourself in a delightful week of exquisite culinary experiences and wine adventures to kick off the new year in style? Lompoc Valley Restaurant Week is a seven-day celebration curated by passionate restaurant owners, showcasing the best in libation and culinary creativity. Participating in this event, food enthusiasts of all ages can indulge in a prix-fixe meal, take advantage of a two-for-one dining option, and savor special events or wine/beer flights paired with delectable dishes at various restaurants and tasting rooms.
Historic Fabing-McKay-Spanne House Tours
Check the Event Calendar for dates
Open to the public on the 4th Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30am to 11:00am except major holidays. Visit the historical society website to learn more about special tours.
Dating back to 1875, the Fabing-McKay-Spanne farmhouse stands as a living testament to history, adorned with fully furnished vintage 1900s décor. This distinguished residence, named after the three families who once called it home, holds the honor of being the inaugural two-story structure in the recently uncovered Lompoc Valley. The farmhouse serves as a poignant monument, encapsulating the profound history that has shaped the narrative of this valley over the years.
Spend an enchanting and extended late-spring weekend as you discover the blooming flower fields of Lompoc and revel in the festivities of the Lompoc Valley Flower Festival. This cherished hometown tradition pays homage to the agricultural heritage of the valley, offering three days of enjoyment featuring a carnival, live music, diverse food and vendor booths, a vibrant parade, and much more!
West Coast Cub Fly-In
July 12-14, 2024
The annual West Coast Cub Fly-in is a delightful, family-friendly gathering at the Lompoc Airport every summer! Thanks to the support of local entities such as EAA Chapter 275, Explore Lompoc, the City of Lompoc, the Lompoc Airport, and the dedicated West Coast Cub Fly-in volunteers, this event is free for all spectators. Open to both pilots and aviation enthusiasts, visitors can stroll among the aircrafts, witness thrilling flying events, and engage with the pilots. Don’t miss the highlight of Saturday afternoon – the pilot proficiency contests, a crowd favorite! Come experience the joy of aviation and community camaraderie.
Old Town Market
Friday Evenings in the summer, July 5 – August 9, 2024
The 100 block of South H Street will come to vibrant life from 5 to 8 p.m., thanks to the Old Town Market. Each of the six evenings will feature its own unique theme and include food booths, regional vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and of course, a farmers market.
Food Truck Fridays
Friday evenings from 5-8 PM, year round
Head to Cold Coast Brewing Co. for the ultimate Food Truck Fridays experience! Every week, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM behind the brewery, indulge in a feast from up to 14 fantastic food trucks offering a diverse array of delicious options. Whether you’re craving savory or sweet, there’s something for every palate! Enhance your dining experience with a crisp beverage from the brewery, and unwind with a Friday night filled with delectable food, refreshing drinks, and great company.
Sta. Rita Wine and Fire Weekend
August 15-18, 2024
Hosted by the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance, the Sta. Rita Wine and Fire Weekend offers wine lovers a bounty of intoxicating activities and experiences. This four-day celebration features an open-door, open-pour policy at participating wineries and tasting rooms—and will include a celebration of the 2023 Vintner of the Year. Tickets to this popular and exclusive event are limited.
Lompoc Chalks
October 4-6, 2024
Immerse yourself in a vivid tapestry of artistic expression at Lompoc Chalks 2024! This year’s event promises a kaleidoscope of creativity, transforming the Lompoc airport into a breathtaking gallery of chalk art masterpieces. The festival will not only showcase the diversity of artistic styles but also offers a lively atmosphere filled with live music, delectable local cuisine, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a day of community fun, mark your calendar for this unmissable celebration of creativity and connection.
Old Town Trick or Treat
October 26, 2024
Prepare for a spooktacular experience at Old Town Trick or Treat in Lompoc! Taking place on the last Saturday in October, this festive event transforms Old Town into a Halloween haven for families and trick-or-treat enthusiasts. Stroll through the charming streets adorned with autumn decorations as local businesses open their doors to offer delightful treats for costumed revelers of all ages. With the community coming together in the spirit of Halloween, Old Town Trick or Treat promises an enchanting and safe celebration, creating cherished memories for everyone involved. Join us for a bewitching evening of fun, laughter, and, of course, plenty of sweet surprises!
Children’s Christmas Season Parade
December, 6, 2024
The festivities kick off as the parade sets off from H Street, making its way down Ocean Avenue, and heading South to I Street. Once the parade wraps up, everyone is welcome to join the gathering at Centennial Park for the exciting announcement of parade winners. The merriment continues with the magical lighting of the community Christmas tree, accompanied by hot cocoa, cookies, and the delightful opportunity to chat with Santa himself! Best of all, this community event is completely FREE to attend!
La Purisima Mission Historic Park 2024 Events
Founded in 1787, La Purísima Mission has served as a proud home to both the Chumash people and Spanish settlers during its fascinating history. Nestled between the Santa Maria River and the Gaviota coastline, the mission and its people were renowned for producing hearty hides and blankets.
The mission’s population peaked at 2,000 people and 24,000 cattle and sheep. Today, La Purísima Mission State Historic Park welcomes more than 200,000 visitors every year. The park often provides immersive, fascinating recreations of mission life during the 1820s—complete with blacksmithing, pottery and candle making, leatherwork, and more. Here’s a closer look at some of their activities planned for 2024…
Mission Life Days
Saturdays: April 6, May 25, July 22, August 31, 2024
Step into the past and engage with our costumed docents and skilled staff as they showcase and guide you through the various craft activities that catered to the daily needs of mission residents. Experience firsthand the artistry behind activities such as tortilla making, candle making, soap making, spinning and weaving, carpentry, pottery, and blacksmithing. It’s a unique opportunity to witness and participate in the traditional crafts that shaped the lives of those within the mission.
American Mountain Men at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
August 23-24, 2024
Step back in history to a time when manly mountain men wore buckskin clothes—and hear them tell tall tales and share stories of superior skills over a crackling campfire. This unique and intriguing weekend event at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park features everything but the cabin sink—including hide preparation and tanning, leather working, blacksmithing and more. Be sure to bring your man card and a healthy, hearty appetite.
Founding Day at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park December 8, 2024
Every year, rain or shine, people gather to celebrate the founding of La Purísima Mission, which was christened on Dec. 8, 1787. A noon mass in the beautiful main church will be followed by a 7 p.m. candle-lit concert in the historic venue. After the musical performance, guests are invited to enjoy connection and refreshments at nearby La Sala. Seating is limited.
ABOUT LOMPOC
Located on scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, just 155 miles northwest from Los Angeles with close proximity to Santa Barbara and Solvang, Lompoc takes on a world of its own. Its
valley setting,surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and vineyards, creates an invitation for visitors to detour off the main road, and explore what’s around the bend.
Lompoc is a destination for wine tasting, golf, cycling, hiking, skydiving, birding, and surfing at nearby Jalama Beach. It is home to La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, the most fully
restored and furnished of the 21 California missions, and adjacent to Vandenberg Air Force Base, where rockets are launched throughout the year by such entities as NASA,
SpaceX, and ULA, to name a few.
Lompoc has 12 hotels to welcome visitors. To discover more about the Lompoc Valley, and other things to see and do, visit: