LOMPOC — As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.
With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.
For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.
No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.
Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:
Saturday, June 17, 10:00–8 p.m.
Old Town Lompoc
Let the transformation–and the celebration–begin. On Saturday, June 17, Old Town Lompoc will be transformed into a bustling, colorful community market that offers fun for the whole family. The 100 block of South H Street will come to life with family-friendly activities, food vendors, local vendors, and more. Learn more here.
Thursday, June 22–Sunday, June 25
Ryon Memorial Park
Spend a colorful and magical weekend exploring the flower fields of Lompoc and soaking in the Lompoc Valley Flower Festival. With a theme of “Country Road” this years, the region’s annual celebration embraces the valley’s agricultural heritage with three days of fun that include a carnival, live music, food and vendor booths, a parade, and more. Learn more about the celebrations at beautiful Ryon Memorial Park here.
Fridays from July 7–Aug. 11, 5–8 p.m.
South H Street
For six Friday evenings from July 7 through August 11, the 100 block of South H Street comes to vibrant life for three hours, starting at 5 p.m. The Old Town Market is as creative as it is enjoyable, with each Friday night having its own unique theme. Local vendors are on hand to offer their arts, crafts, food, drink, and much more. There’s plenty of fun to be had for children and families, as well as live music and tasty adult beverages.
Saturday, July 8, 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm
1900 Tularosa Road, Lompoc
The hills of Santa Rita come alive with lavender and luscious farm-to-table feasts at this can’t-miss event for all foodies and nature lovers. Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Santa Rita Hills AVA, Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is celebrating its third year with a month-long summer celebration that kicks off with this special farm-to-table dinner experience. The sparkling community dining table will comfortably and unforgettably seat 100 people, and feature talented local chefs, food producers, and winemakers.
Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m.
Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm
1900 Tularosa Road, Lompoc
Ever wonder how to make your very own lavender wreath? If so, your special day arrives on Saturday, July 15, when a fascinating, informative, hands-on experience unfolds at the charming Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm. Join local winemaker and floral designer Amber Hogan for a relaxing journey through the lavender fields. After harvesting stems together, you’ll learn how to assemble your own wreath beneath the cool shade of calming oak trees. Just make sure to book your spot online ahead of time.
Sunday, July 16, 9:00 a.m.
Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm
1900 Tularosa Road, Lompoc
Tap into your inner artist at the ever-inspiring Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm. Join Art Spot on Wheels for an all-inclusive, all-senses experience on Sunday, July 16 at 9:00 a.m. A talented local artist will guide you through the process of creating your very own watercolor landscape painting of the lavender fields. No previous painting experience is required and the cost of this event includes all materials—and a complimentary drink.
Saturday, July 22, 11:00 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, August 26, 11:00–2 p.m.
La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc
Don your period gear (or just grab your favorite concert t-shirt), activate your imagination, and tap into life during the founding days of La Purisima Mission at the always enjoyable Mission Life Days. In the relaxing setting of La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, costumed docents and staff will guide you in the ways of time-honored activities such as tortilla, candle, and soap making; carpentry, blacksmithing, and pottery; and clothes spinning and blanket weaving. If you miss this unique event on Saturday, July 22, you can catch it on Saturday, August. 26—or attend twice to really become an expert on our past!
Sta. Rita Wine and Fire Weekend
Thursday, Aug. 17–Sunday, Aug. 20
Love wine? Well, then Lompoc has just the extended, enticing, exclusive event for you. Hosted by the esteemed Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance, the Sta. Rita Wine and Fire Weekend connects wine lovers with an overflowing blend of intoxicating activities and experiences. This fun, festive, four-day celebration features an open-door, open-pour policy at participating wineries and tasting rooms—many of which have earned elite reputations in California and nationally. The 2023 Vintner of the Year will also be announced and celebrated during this special festival.
Mountain Men at La Purisima Mission
Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26
La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc
There are some of us who have always longed to be a legit, dyed-in-his-own-skinned-wool Mountain Man. If you or anyone you know hopes to step into these well-worn shoes, journey over to Mountain Men at La Purisima Mission on the weekend of August 25-26. Here, buckskin-clad members of the American Mountain Men share tall tales and showcase skills including outdoors cooking, leather working, blacksmithing, and hide preparation and tanning. Learn more and get ready for adventure here.
Various Times All Summer
From Vandenberg Space Force Base
It’s one thing to watch folks shoot fireworks into the summer skies from the streets of Lompoc. It’s something entirely next-level to watch state-of-the-art spacecraft rocket into the upper edges of the atmosphere from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Various launches take place throughout the summer, with good visibility from much of Lompoc.
Every Tuesday from June 20–XX, 7-8 p.m.
COLD Coast Brewing Company
118 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc
Eat. Drink. Think. WIN! Do it all and have the time of your life with the unique experience that is Head Games Trivia. Every Tuesday this summer, from 7–8 p.m., Lompoc’s COLD Coast Brewing Company hosts this live multi-media trivia series. It’s entirely free to play and win prizes, and teams of up to six individual players are welcome to show their skills. Delicious food is provided by Kekas Mexican Catering.
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: www.explorelompoc.com.