The Goodland's Sweetest Celebration: A Brief History of the Goleta Lemon Festival

Every September, the Goodland squeezes all of its charm into one unforgettable weekend: the Goleta Lemon Festival. What began as a modest street fair in 1949 has evolved into the city’s largest and most beloved tradition, attracting over 40,000 visitors each year. Admission is free, and for many–especially incoming UCSB students–it’s a rite of passage. A chance to grab a giant jug of fresh lemonade, wander the bustling booths, listen to live music, and soak up the festival energy atGirsh Park before the school year truly kicks into gear. 

A City Rooted in Citrus

Goleta may cover just eight square miles along California’s coast, but its history runs far deeper. Long before it became an official city in 2002, the area had been linked to lemons for nearly 150 years.

In 1875, Sherman Patterson Stow planted what is considered California’s first lemon orchard on Rancho La Patera, introducing 3,000 trees to the fertile Goleta soil. The orchard thrived, in part thanks to the success of new varieties like the Eureka and Lisbon lemons, quickly transforming the landscape into a patchwork of bright yellow trees.

Visitors today can still explore Stow’s historic house, which hosts local concerts, community events, and tours that celebrate the city’s agricultural heritage. 

Throughout the late 19th century, the operation grew tenfold. In 1896, local growers formed the Santa Barbara County Lemon Growers Exchange alongside the Johnston Fruit Company to handle packing, shipping, and marketing of the fruit. By 1947, more than 220 farmers with a combined 2,300 acres were producing lemons under the association. Between 1943 and 1961, Santa Barbara County’s annual lemon crop was worth $6-8 million, according to the Goleta Valley Historical Society. 

The Lemon Legacy Today

Few lemon orchards remain in Santa Barbara County today, a stark contrast to the citrus boom of the mid-20th century. In 2023, only 1,623 acres across the entire county were still devoted to lemon cultivation. Still, the legacy endures! Over 95% of the United State's lemons are grown in California. 

The historic Ellwood Ranch in Goleta continues to cultivate roughly 100 acres of lemons, serving as a testament to the resilience of local growers. 

Each year, we here at Island View Outfitters look forward to setting up our booth at the Goleta Lemon Festival, and this year is no exception! In partnership with the Dos Pueblos High School wrestling team, our booth will be packed with local Goleta and Santa Barbara apparel—perfect for festival-goers looking to take a piece of the weekend home. Swing by to check out the gear, support the team, and maybe snap a photo or two while enjoying all the sights, sounds, and of course, the lemon-flavored goods. Catch us this weekend, September 27th and 28th. We can’t wait to see you there!

Hannah Massey used to put lemonade in her hair in hopes of turning it blonde. She much prefers to drink it now…