If you’re looking for an excuse to see your friends and neighbors, consider meeting them in Old Town Goleta.
On Thursday, a small block party was held on Magnolia Avenue as part of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce’s free summer events. It was the first of several “Meet Me in Old Town Goleta” events planned for the third Thursday of May, July and August.
The street was lined with yellow-checkered picnic tables for people to sit and chat, leading up to a main stage.
Along the street, attendees enjoyed live music from local band The Goodlanders, as well as games, food, and refreshments.
Families enjoyed rounds of cornhole, giant Connect Four, and Jenga, and also contributed to chalk murals.
“It was really all about providing a place to gather and see your friends and neighbors in one place,” says Kristen Miller, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.
Free public parking was available in nearby lots, making the block party walkable for residents to come and enjoy the evening.
The event organizers aimed not only to bring the community together, but to showcase local vendors and their businesses.
Residents were able to grab dinner at Oat Bakery, then hop across the road for wine tasting at Santa Barbara Gift Baskets. McConnell’s ice cream truck was on-site for an end of the night dessert.
“Everyone is just so proud of the town and their businesses,” chamber volunteer Rogelio Aguilar said. “I grew up here in Goleta, this is my hometown, so anything I can do to help, I’m here for it.”
Aguilar has volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce for roughly 15 years and is an active member of the Goleta community.
“Everyone grows up and stays here and begins their own businesses, so of course you want to do what you can to support,” Aguilar said.
The city of Goleta and the Chamber host other community gatherings such as the annual Dam Dinner and Goleta Lemon Festival, but these block parties were designed to showcase the beauty of Old Town Goleta.
“This is something in Old Town, for everyone,” Miller says.
July, August Events
The next events will take place on July 18 and August 15 with designated themes to
celebrate the other summer events happening in Santa Barbara and Goleta.
The July event will be Fiesta-themed with traditional dancers and musical guest Mezcal Martini performing, ahead of Santa Barbara’s annual Old Spanish Days festival.
The August event will have a lemon and citrus theme, just in time for Goleta’s annual Lemon Festival.
The “Meet Me in Old Town Goleta” events are held on Magnolia Avenue between Hollister Avenue and Gaviota Street, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Free community parking is available during the event at the Yardi parking lot at 430 S. Fairview Ave. or the public lot next to the Community West Bank at 5827 Hollister Ave.
