@CAPoppyFest
Deets: Lancaster boasts one of California's most abundant crops of the vibrant poppies that are the state flower. For several years, the City of Lancaster co-sponsored the Wildflower Information Center with the Lancaster Woman's Club to cater to the interests of thousands of visitors who flocked to the Antelope Valley for a glimpse of these brilliant, beautiful flowers. Held at the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery, visitors could pick up free wildflower maps and learn about the best viewing locations before heading out to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
It seemed only natural to create an even larger event to welcome and introduce visitors to the Lancaster area. The annual Festival plays host to the colorful poppies, which are an Antelope Valley springtime attraction.
The California Poppy Festival™ also began in part as a portion of the Earth Day celebration. Since the Golden California Poppy blooms each year around the time of Earth Day, it seemed appropriate for Lancaster to combine the two events into the California Poppy Festival™. The first Earth Day was held in the spring of 1970 with an estimated 20 million people participating worldwide. Through the years, the annual Earth Day celebration has grown in popularity; in 1990 an estimated 200 million people in 141 countries participated in different celebrations. The California Poppy Festival™ carries on the Earth Day tradition of concern and caring for the environment.
Hint for the Average Socialite: Tickets on sale soon!
Tickets are available onsite during the event, and may be purchased with cash or credit card. ATMs are available onsite.
Adults (13-61): $10.00
Children (6-12): $5.00
Children (5 & under): FREE
Seniors (62+): $5.00
Active/Retired Military (with current ID): $5.00
Group Ticket Sales:
Groups of 20 or more may purchase non-refundable full price tickets in advance by calling (661) 723-6173.
Free Parking is available in the dirt lot across the street from Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park. Trams circulate between the entrance/exit and the parking lots.
Preferred Parking is available in the AVTA Park & Ride lot.
Free Handicap Parking is available at the Stanley Kleiner parking lot.
With hundreds of exhibits and not-to-be-missed performances, you'll want to make the most of your time at the Poppy Festival. They’ve compiled the expertise of seasoned festival-goers to let you know the tips for getting the most from your visit.
Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. With more than 55 acres of activities, you are definitely going to get your fair share of exercise as you explore the Festival. While we hope for sunny warm skies, spring weather can be unpredictable, and it is good to be prepared for brisk breezes and stormy skies.
Sunscreen and sunglasses. While the sun is responsible for our beautiful, blooming poppies it can be harmful to your skin and eyes, so cover up!
Eat, drink and relax. While you are probably eager to take in everything the festival has to offer, pace yourself. Family-fun is at the heart of the Poppy Festival, and that means taking time to sit down, enjoy performers and mouth-watering delicacies. Antelope Valley visitors often forget that we live in a desert environment, so be sure to drink a lot of water.
For more things to do while visiting the City of Lancaster click here to visit the Destination Lancaster website. For a list of accommodations available, please click here.
So that the festival is safe and fun for everyone it is a must that you leave pets, alcoholic beverages, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, radios, roller-blades, frisbees, tables and coolers at home. For your safety, bags are subject to inspection by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Unauthorized sales, solicitations and distributions are prohibited. Springtime weather in the Antelope Valley is very unpredictable - please dress accordingly and bring plenty of sunscreen.
All City of Lancaster community events are gang free, no colors events. (Ordinance 953, Section 9.18.010)
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