Animals aren't the only festival performers who will amaze you with their acrobatic talents. Visit this fun area to enjoy numerous zany performances.
Aerospace & Aviation
Known as "America's Aerospace Valley," the Antelope Valley is home to cutting-edge aerospace technologies. Take flight with displays from top aerospace firms.
Animal Attractions
Seeing animals on TV is one thing, but at the California Poppy Festival you can get up close and personal with a variety of unique and beautiful animals including reptiles, birds, and insects. Extraordinary birds will present precision aerial acrobatics overhead three times daily.
Arts & Crafts
Stroll through a shopper's paradise featuring more than 200 vendors and thousands of handmade fine arts and quality crafts. What will you discover in the Arts & Crafts Marketplace? There's jewelry, handmade wooden toys, glassware, aromatic soaps, silk floral pieces, denim clothing, candles, stained glass, hats, artwork, wooden hammocks, stoneware, baskets, dolls, quilts, children's clothing, leather items, lawn accessories, Native American goods, crockery, metal items, towels, pillows, custom pottery, and so much more.
Farmers' Market
If you have been waiting to start that garden, the Farmers' Market is the place to visit. There is an incredible selection of floral magic awaiting you with an array of fresh flowers, assorted plants, decorative topiaries, bonsai trees, bamboo, wildflower seeds, cacti, unique garden ornaments, and of course, colorful poppies. Looking for tasty fruits and vegetables? There are homegrown fruits and vegetables, almonds, nuts, roasted corn, olives, garlic, honey, jams and jellies, salsa, gourmet spices, dressings, and various other delicious products.
Festival Foods
Eating at the Festival is an activity in itself. Patrons can choose from a delectable array of tasty treats. From traditional fair foods, like funnel cakes and kabobs, to exotic ethnic delicacies, even the pickiest eaters will be delighted by the sumptuous array of food.
Fine Arts
Fine arts vendors have a variety of artistic media for sale in the Fine Arts area of the Poppy Festival. From painting and pottery to wood-working and photographs, these artists will capture your imagination, each in their own unique way. Young visitors will also have an opportunity to let their creativity flow and work with artists to help paint four large murals.
Healthy Living Pavilion
Health is a lifestyle; and there are more than 100 adventure sports activities within 100 miles of Lancaster. Learn how to improve your body inside and out in the interactive Healthy Living Pavilion. Get started on your SCUBA certification or test your cycling speed and find a bike that fits your lifestyle with Bicycle John's. Get a relaxing massage or learn some of the latest fitness techniques!
International Market
Your Festival ticket is the only passport you'll need to experience the exotic sights and sounds of African, Chinese, Indian, Polynesian, Native American, Italian, Polish, Scandinavian, Australian Aboriginal, Egyptian, and Jamaican cultures, among others. Dancers, musicians, and performers will enchant you with their unique cultural traditions, arts, and games. If you've always dreamed about exploring foreign cultures, get your first taste at the International Market.
Museum Square
Preview the Lancaster Museum/Arty Gallery's upcoming exhibitions and events while having the unique opportunity to take part in an interactive activity to help “build” the new museum. The Antelope Valley Archaeological Society will conduct an archaeological dig and a rock art activity. Be sure to take a photograph in front of the Poppy Kingdom and have your children take part in the art mural activities.
Sand Sculpture Company
Come watch the creation of a custom-made sand sculptures/sandcastles. The art of sand sculpting is a unique promotion of "artists in action" - one that is intriguing to all ages.
Splash of Color Artwork
Local artists add a very special and colorful touch to the Poppy Festival each year by created customized pieces displaying local wildflowers or a specific aspect of Antelope Valley history. Strolling though the Festival grounds is like exploring an art show.
Strolling Pirate Adventure
Calling all scurvy dogs and scallywags to come out and see Captain Jack, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann. Keep your eyes peeled for the crew around every corner, for you never know where they may turn up! For more exciting adventures, please visit www.pirateadventure1.com.
Taste of Lancaster
The Poppy Festival is a widely-acclaimed event that provides a broad array of entertainment and fun for the entire family. At the Poppy Festival you can always expect something fun and exciting and this year we are hosting our second annual Taste of Lancaster. The Taste of Lancaster will feature a unique sampling of the finest restaurant cuisine that the Antelope Valley has to offer. View Restaurants.
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
The California Poppy Festival is proudly supported by our local sponsors. Please support our local sponsors for their patronage of the California Poppy Festival. View Sponsors
FESTIVAL HISTORY
Lancaster boasts one of California's most abundant crops of the vibrant poppies that are California's state flower.
For several years, the City of Lancaster co-sponsored the Wildflower Information Center with the Lancaster Woman's Club to cater 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. Read More >>
