Celebrating California's Citrus Heritage in the Heart of Ventura County Since 1987
Drive into Santa Paula from the 126 freeway and you'll see them right away — row after row of lemon and orange groves stretching across the Santa Clara River Valley. There's a reason folks around here call this place the "Citrus Capital of the World." The orchards shaped this town. They still do.
Every year, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Paula throws the Citrus Festival at Harding Park to celebrate that heritage. It started back in 1987 as a small community gathering. Honestly? It was just neighbors sharing food and stories under the trees. But it grew. Bands started showing up. Food vendors rolled in. Carnival rides appeared. Somewhere along the way, it became one of Ventura County's most-loved annual traditions.
The whole thing runs on volunteer power. Proceeds go straight back to local youth programs, schools, and scouting organizations. So yeah — every corn dog you buy and every ticket you hand over for the Ferris wheel, that money stays right here in Santa Paula.
The festival runs Friday through Sunday, typically in mid-July. Friday kicks off at 5 PM and goes until midnight. Saturday and Sunday open at noon.
The festival takes place at Harding Park, 1330 E. Harvard Blvd in Santa Paula. It sits about 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles and just 14 miles east of Ventura — so if you're coming from the coast, it's a quick drive inland through some genuinely beautiful farmland.
Parking can get tight, especially on Saturday evenings. The festival usually runs a free shuttle from designated lots around town, which honestly saves you the headache of circling the block. Check the visitor info page for shuttle details closer to the event.
This isn't marketing fluff — Santa Paula genuinely earned that title. Back in the late 1800s, the Limoneira Company established one of the largest lemon ranches in the world right here. At its peak, Ventura County was producing a staggering amount of the nation's lemons and oranges.
The industry shaped everything: the railroad came through because of citrus. The packing houses employed hundreds. Even the architecture downtown reflects that prosperity — walk down Main Street and you're looking at buildings built with citrus money over a century ago.
"Santa Paula is 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles, situated in the rich agricultural Santa Clara River Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountain peaks. You'll find orange, lemon and avocado groves everywhere you look."
Today the groves are smaller, but they're still here. Limoneira still operates. And every summer, the festival reminds people what built this town in the first place.
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Paula isn't just the organizer — they're the engine that keeps this thing running year after year. Every dollar raised goes to youth-focused causes. We're talking scholarships, school supplies, scouting programs, and community services that directly benefit local kids.
If you've been to the festival and had a good time, you've already contributed. But they're always looking for volunteers too. Setting up booths, managing parking, running the info tent — there's always something that needs doing. And the volunteer crew? Some of the friendliest people you'll meet in Ventura County.
Plan Your Visit
Check our entertainment schedule and visitor info for directions, parking, and shuttle details.
Harding Park, 1330 E. Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula CA 93060 • (805) 535-8323
History of Santa Paula — How a small California town became the Citrus Capital of the World. Oil gushers, silent movies, and the world's largest lemon orchard.
Things to Do in Santa Paula — Hike the Punch Bowls, ride railbikes through citrus groves, eat breakfast at the airport, and explore four walkable museums.
Best Festivals in Ventura County 2026 — From the Strawberry Festival to the County Fair, the complete guide to what's happening this year.