Entertainment & Activities

Live Music on the Main Stage

The main stage at Harding Park runs all three nights, typically from around 5:30 PM until 10 PM. What kind of bands play the Citrus Festival? The lineup changes every year, but the vibe stays the same — a mix of rock, Latin, and country that reflects the valley. Past performers include Johnny and the Love Handles, House Arrest, Juano and His Friends, Los Amigos del Valle, and The Company Band.

None of these are stadium-level acts, and that's exactly the point. These are regional bands who know their audience. You'll hear a guitarist rip into a solo while kids run past with cotton candy, somebody's abuela is dancing in her lawn chair, and the whole park smells like grilled corn and kettle corn fighting for dominance. It's not Coachella. It's better — because nobody's trying to be cool.

The Bud Light Beer Lounge

Tucked under the trees near the main stage, the Beer Lounge is where a lot of the adults end up once the sun drops behind the mountains. Cold drinks, front-row views of the headliner, and actual shade — which in July, in the Santa Clara Valley, is worth its weight in gold. You need to be 21+ to enter, and they check IDs at the entrance.

Carnival Rides

The carnival section opens each day and usually runs until close. Ride tickets are sold separately from general admission — you buy strips at the ticket booth inside the grounds. Prices vary year to year, but expect to spend around $20-30 for a solid evening of rides per kid.

The ride selection is geared toward families with children under 12, though there are a few thrill rides (the Zipper, Gravitron, or similar) that teenagers and adults can enjoy. The Ferris wheel gives you a genuinely nice view of the valley at sunset — orange groves to the north, mountains to the south, the whole town spread out below you. Worth the wait in line.

The Annual Car Show

Saturday morning is car show time. Check-in starts early — usually around 8 AM — and the vehicles are on display until mid-afternoon. The show is hosted in partnership with the Highland Area Historical Society (or a similar local auto group, depending on the year).

Expect a solid showing of classic American muscle cars, custom lowriders, vintage trucks, and the occasional imported sports car. It's not a judged concours, but some participants take their entries extremely seriously. You'll see engines polished to mirror shine and paint jobs that cost more than some houses in town. Entry forms are typically available through the festival or the Kiwanis Club.

Food Vendors

There's no shortage of food at the festival. Vendor booths line the main walkway through Harding Park, and the options range from classic fair food to legit local eats.

The fair staples are all there — funnel cakes, turkey legs, corn dogs, kettle corn. But the local vendors are where things get interesting. The elote? Ridiculous. Fresh street tacos from people who've been making them for generations. Fresh-squeezed lemonade (actual Santa Paula lemons, not from concentrate). Churros that come out of the fryer so hot they practically melt the cinnamon sugar.

And because this is Ventura County, there's usually at least one booth doing something creative with avocados. Guac flights, avocado fries, that sort of thing. Come hungry. Seriously. And for dining options beyond the festival, check our Santa Paula restaurant guide.

Activities for Kids

Beyond the carnival rides, there's usually a dedicated kids' area with face painting, balloon animals, craft booths — see our photo gallery for a taste of the atmosphere, and sometimes a bounce house or inflatable obstacle course. The specifics change yearly, but the Kiwanis volunteers always make sure there's enough to keep younger children busy.

Sunday tends to be the most family-friendly day — the crowds are thinner, the weather is usually slightly cooler by late afternoon, and the overall pace is more relaxed. If you've got kids under five, Sunday is your day.

Typical Schedule

Schedule is approximate and varies by year. See our first-timer guide for practical tips on parking, food, and what to bring. Check back closer to the event for the confirmed lineup.