Have fun in the Goodland with our annual events! 

The Goleta Community State of the City is the City's biggest night of the year. It's a time to reflect on accomplishments and look to the future. This free, informative event, occurs annually in the spring. If you love Goleta, this is a must-attend event and we hope to see you there! The highlight of the evening is the Mayor's State of the City address and an update from the City Manager on the City's finances. The event also includes a chance for the audience to ask questions to Department Directors. Come early to check out our City information tables and speak directly with staff to learn about upcoming programs and projects.

The Goleta Valley Historical Society's Old Fashioned 4th of July is a favorite local's event. Adults and children of all ages will enjoy a day of live music, classic cars, hayrides, goats and chickens, an old engine show, tours, various games, and much more. 

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is a free community event every August. Gather with friends and neighbors while listening to live music. Tables and chairs are set-up by the dam with breathtaking views of Lake Los Carneros and the mountains. You can bring your own picnic or purchase dinner from a local food truck. Information will be available on the City website closer to the date.

The Goleta Lemon Festival occurs every year in September at Girsh Park. You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and a variety of entertainment and activities. Festival highlights include a pie-eating contest, Goleta Fall Classic Car Show, vendor booths, and ‘Safety Street.’ Hosted by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.

The vibrant and colorful Mexican Independence Day Festival takes place in Old Town Goleta every September. At the lively event you’ll find a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere, the sights and sounds of Mexican culture with lively music and colorful decorations, and wonderful food from local restaurants. Festival highlights include live music, Ballet Folkorico, Mariachi, vendor booths, an Auto & Bike Show, and a traditional “El Grito”. Hosted by the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Every Fall, the South Coast Railroad Museum hosts an annual "Depot Days" event to celebrate the anniversary of when the Goleta Depot train station was first saved from demolition. It's a fun afternoon of  festivities including train rides on our miniature locomotives, museum tours, games, food, live music & more!

Originally built by the Southern Pacific Railroad, "Combination Station 22" was preserved as a historic landmark in response to a local "Save the Depot" movement spearheaded by a determined group of historians, activists, artists, architects, and railroad enthusiasts. On November 19, 1981, the Depot was successfully sawed in half, loaded onto moving trucks, then paraded through Goleta's streets in the middle of the night to reach its current home besides Lake Los Carneros. Today, the Goleta Depot continues to hold strong as a community hub, tourist attraction, and historical reminder of the power in collective organizing. 

Get in the holiday spirit with the Goleta Holiday Parade! Typically the first Saturday in December, this nighttime event in Old Town always draws a festive crowd. Bundle up and come cheer on local groups, City Council and more as they travel down Hollister Avenue. Hosted by the Goleta Lion's Club.

The Annual Stow House Holiday at the Ranch takes place on a Saturday in December at 304 N. Los Carneros Road. Activities at this family-favorite Goleta event include  meeting Santa and his goats, tractor rides, face painting and more. There is also music, vendors and food. Hosted by the Goleta Valley Historical Society. Information is available closer to the event at www.GoletaHistory.org.

Coffee & Community / Café y Comunidad events are held throughout the year in various locations throughout Goleta. They are a time for community members to connect with their neighbors and get to know the City better. Attendees hear updates from the City and learn about current and future projects. They are an opportunity for you to ask questions and share ideas or concerns about your neighborhood.