For 17 years, the California Poppy Festival has entertained audiences of all ages with an unrivalled variety of performers, arts and crafts vendors, live exhibits, farmers’ markets, and much more. With more than 55 acres of fabulous entertainment, it is hard to believe that the Festival began as a celebration of tiny flowers with a vibrant color and delicate beauty. Poppies have blanketed Lancaster’s rolling hillsides for centuries, and their beauty draws visitors from across the country and around the globe. Today, the California Poppy Festival has evolved into a celebration of vivid visuals, sumptuous scents, tantalizing tastes, and incredible performances that delight visitors of all ages.
Join us on April 19th at 10 a.m. for family fun and a great day. More than a dozen various dance groups, musicians, vocalists, and actors will amaze and delight this year’s Festival attendees. Headline musical performers include:
Nik & Sam — Young in fact, but old in soul, identical twins Nik and Sam make music that is high-spirited and masterfully executed. They will be kicking off the year with a melodic show from the roots of the American spirit. Influenced by musical talents such as Sheryl Crow and Alison Kraus and the imagination of Nickel Creek, these girls are sure to satisfy. www.nikandsam.com
The Magnolia Sisters — These four diversely talented singers and musicians give a woman’s voice to the sounds of the Mississippi bottomlands while retaining its soulful, gutsy feel. www.magnoliasisters.com
Acoustic Alchemy — These award-winning British recording artists are famous for their signature sound of dual acoustic guitars, punctuated by an eclectic mix of piano, sax and brass. www.acoustic-alchemy.net
Lee Ritenour — With a career spanning three decades, Lee Ritenour has established himself as one of the world’s leading jazz guitarists. With 17 Grammy™ nominations and topping the charts with his album “Wes Bound”, a tribute to Wes Montgomery, this is a show you won’t want to miss! www.leeritenour.com
Ron Saylor — A California based award winning professional magician that will leave even the biggest of skeptics in awe! Ron brings to each performance a large variety of illusions, from classic magical mysteries to new unbelievable effects, choreographed with exciting music so this event is going to be talked about for years.
Monster Shop Bump’n — With some of the west coast’s top hip-hop dancers and breakers and the talented performers of BC Characters (with a couple of their costumes), the result is a high energy, fast-paced stage show that promises to keep even the skeptics entertained!!! So, come treat yourself to Monster Shop’s high energy hip-hop dance, acrobatics, costume characters and inspiring break dance performances that bring a familiar blend of old school sounds of Motown with today’s favorite Hip Hop beats! www.thubb.com
Animal Adventures — Get up-close and personal with more than 50 exotic animals from across the country and around the globe.
Aviation & Aerospace — Known as “America’s Aerospace Valley,” the Antelope Valley is home to cutting-edge aerospace technologies. Celebrate local heritage with displays from top aerospace firms.
Community Mural — Come out and explore your artistic side with our oversized Paint By Numbers Community Mural. Simply pick a number, find the corresponding color and do your part to complete this beautiful design.
Flower & Farmer’s Market — For flowers, fruits, and vegetables at the height of beauty and freshness, make a trip to the flower and farmer’s market where you’ll fine tasty homegrown delicacies.
Healthy Living Pavilion — With more than 55 acres of amazing events and exhibits to explore, even the most dedicated festival goers can use a brief escape from the excitement of the day. Healthy Living Pavilion visitors will explore a diverse array of health, wellness, and fitness products. Sign up for a seated massage, explore the benefits of modern weight loss, or take part in a cycling speed test.
Home and Garden Designer’s Studio — Calling all decorating enthusiasts! Informative workshops will educate attendees and inspire them with a creative array of home decorating ideas and desert gardening secrets.
International Market Square — Festival-goers will enjoy a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures as they browse booths and enjoy the sights and sounds of other nations.
Family Fun Center — Test your speed as you race a model NASCAR, build a birdhouse, or paint some pottery in this interactive area. Safe at home tips and demonstrations brought to you by the LA County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department and Lancaster’s Public Safety Department.
Museum Land – California Missions — California’s 21 missions are standing reminders of an earlier time when the Spanish were colonizing California. They teach us of the introduction of Europeans to the California Native Americans, and the struggles that both groups would endure. Learn about the architecture and life in these modern day treasures with the Lancaster Museum’s mission exhibit. If your kids have a school mission project, this is one exhibit you won’t want to miss!
Prehistoric Poppy Land — Step back 200 million years to a time when dinosaurs roamed North America. This fanciful exhibit features a variety of nearly life-sized dinosaurs. Kids can participate in an archeological expedition, walk in the footprints of dinosaurs, and even compare themselves to ancient “cave people.”
Wildflower Information Center — Presented by the Lancaster’s Woman’s Club, the wildflower center provides free maps to the diverse collection of breathtaking wildflowers that blanket the Antelope Valley landscape.
For more information on the days events, please call 661-723-6065 or email lbutts@cityoflancasterca.org .