Lancaster Welcomes Back the California Poppy Festival™ on April 17–19, 2026

Lancaster, CA. April 7, 2026 - The countdown to spring's biggest celebration is officially on. The California Poppy Festival™ returns April 17-19, 2026, transforming the AV Fair & Event Center into a vibrant celebration of California's state flower, the iconic poppy, with three days of live entertainment, high-energy arena action, carnival rides, festival flavors, and unforgettable community moments.

Each year, the Festival captures the bold color and spirit of California's state flower and turns it into an experience that draws thousands to Lancaster. More than an event, the California Poppy Festival™ is a signature Antelope Valley tradition that showcases the creativity, culture, and momentum shaping our City.

"The California Poppy Festival™ is one of the great traditions that makes Lancaster special,"said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "It reflects the spirit of this community, draws people from across the region, and puts a spotlight on the kind of city we've built; vibrant, welcoming, and worth coming back to year after year."

Festivalgoers can enjoy live entertainment, thrilling amusement rides, festival food favorites, and a variety of local vendors throughout the weekend. The Festival will also feature live animal exhibits and the AV Junior Livestock Show, where local youth showcase the animals they have raised and cared for. Guests are encouraged to explore handcrafted goods, specialty items, and Farmers Market offerings across the Festival grounds, while those 21 years and older can unwind in the beer garden.

The Grandstand Arena remains one of the most anticipated elements of the Festival, delivering large-scale, high-energy events that anchor each evening of the celebration, beginning at 6 p.m. Grandstand Arena Events are not included in general admission and should be purchased separately at https://www.poppyfestival.com.

2026 Grandstand Area Events Schedule:

Friday, April 17: Figure 8 Races & Autocross

Saturday, April 18: Demolition Derby

Sunday, April 19: Monster Truck Nitro Tour

Families can enjoy live magic shows, juggling performances, and kid-friendly stage acts throughout the day in the Harley Davidson Kids Zone, creating a lively space designed especially for younger festivalgoers, included with festival admission. Check out the full schedule on our website.

Festival hours for 2026 are Friday, April 17, from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday, April 18, from 12 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, April 19, from 12 to 8 p.m. Entry gates close one hour prior to the event's end each day.

On-site parking will be available, with event signage directing guests to designated areas. Visitors planning to stay overnight can explore nearby accommodations and travel resources through Destination Lancaster.

The City of Lancaster extends its appreciation to the sponsors and community partners whose support makes the California Poppy Festival™ possible. Adelman Broadcasting, Antelope Valley College, AVTA, City of Hope, Congressman George Whitesides, Destination Lancaster, Edwards Federal Credit Union, High Desert Broadcasting, Kaiser Permanente, Kern Machinery, Kuzyk Law, Los Angeles County Sanitation and Clean Water Works Education Foundation, Penny Lane Centers, Race Communications, Visit Palmdale, WM.

About The City of Lancaster

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at https://www.cityoflancasterca.gov.