Last Updated: April 2026
Quick Answer
The Ojai Lavender Festival is one of the most beloved annual events in Ojai, California — a free, outdoor celebration of the valley's lavender harvest held each June at Libbey Park in the heart of downtown. Dozens of artisan vendors set up beneath the park's ancient oak canopy, selling everything from fresh-cut lavender bundles to culinary oils, soaps, and handmade crafts. Admission is free; budget $20–$80 if you plan to shop.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| When | Annually in June (June 20, 2026) |
| Where | Libbey Park, 210 S Signal St, Ojai, CA 93023 |
| Admission | Free |
| Time Needed | 2–4 hours |
| Best For | Couples, families, gift shoppers |
| Parking | Street parking + park lot; arrive before 10am |
| Dogs | Welcome on leash |
What Is the Ojai Lavender Festival?
The Ojai Lavender Festival is a community-rooted annual celebration timed to Ojai Valley's early-summer lavender bloom. The event takes place at Libbey Park — a shaded, grass-and-oak sanctuary one block off Ojai Avenue — transforming it into an outdoor marketplace for a single weekend each June.
Note: If you've been visiting Ojai for years, you might remember the original "Ojai Valley Lavender Festival." That specific organization relocated their event to Santa Barbara in 2023. However, the Ojai Chamber of Commerce stepped in to keep the tradition alive locally, so Libbey Park still hosts a wonderful, official Ojai Lavender Festival!
The festival draws local and regional growers, artisans, and food vendors who specialize in lavender-based products. It's not a commercial mega-festival: the vibe is relaxed, the scale is manageable, and the setting (under a canopy of century-old oak trees in one of Southern California's most charming small towns) makes it genuinely lovely to wander through even if you don't buy anything.
What to Expect at the Festival
Libbey Park's grassy grounds fill with vendor tents organized loosely by category. Here's what you'll find:
- Lavender vendors and growers bring bundles of fresh-cut English and French lavender, dried arrangements, and potted plants. Some sell directly from small Ventura County farms, offering varieties you won't find at a garden center.
- Artisan and body care vendors stock the widest selection: lavender soaps, bath salts, body creams, sachets, beeswax candles, and essential oils. Many items are handmade in small batches — this is the best place in the region to stock up on lavender gifts.
- Culinary lavender producers sell dried culinary-grade buds, infused honeys, lavender lemonade, baked goods, and specialty treats. The lavender lemonade alone is worth the trip.
- Live music runs throughout the day on a small stage — usually acoustic sets with a folk or Americana feel that suits the outdoor atmosphere.
- Food stalls offer lunch and snacks beyond lavender products, so you can easily make a half-day of it without leaving the park.
Best Lavender Products to Look For
Not all lavender products are equal. Here's what to prioritize if you're shopping with intent:
- Fresh-cut bundles: Buy them at the festival and hang them upside-down at home to dry. They'll keep their fragrance for months. Look for tightly bunched, deep-purple stems.
- Culinary lavender (dried buds): Use in shortbread, cocktail syrups, honey, or salad dressings. Make sure it's labeled culinary grade and ideally Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender).
- Essential oil: Ojai-grown lavender oil tends to be small-batch and higher quality than mass-market options. Ask vendors about their distillation process.
- Lavender-infused honey: One of the most versatile souvenirs. Pairs well with cheese boards, yogurt, or drizzled over brie.
- Linen sachets: A classic lavender product that works in drawers, cars, and closets. Naturally repels moths.
Insider Tips
- Arrive before 10am. The festival draws a crowd, especially in the afternoon. Parking fills up, popular vendors sell out of their best items, and the park is significantly more relaxed in the morning hours when the oak shade is still cool.
- Bring cash. Most vendors accept cards, but small artisans sometimes prefer cash — and a $20 bill moves faster than fumbling with a card reader when you find something you love.
- Pair it with the Pink Moment. The festival runs during peak Ojai summer days. After the vendors close up, head to Shelf Road or Meditation Mount (reservations required) to watch the famous Pink Moment — Ojai's nightly phenomenon where the Topatopa Mountains glow pinkish-orange at sunset. The festival + Pink Moment = a perfect Ojai day.
- Lunch at Farmer & the Cook. A short drive from downtown in the Meiners Oaks neighborhood, Farmer & the Cook is Ojai's beloved organic, farm-to-table vegetarian cafe and market. The line moves fast and the food is excellent. Go before noon or after 2pm to avoid the peak rush.
FAQs
Q: Is the Ojai Lavender Festival free to attend?
Yes. Admission to the festival is free. You pay only for what you buy from vendors, and there's no gate or wristband required.
Q: Is the festival dog-friendly?
Yes. Libbey Park is dog-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome throughout the festival. It's a popular spot for dog owners in Ojai — just be prepared for a friendly, busy atmosphere.
Q: What time does the Ojai Lavender Festival start?
Vendor hours are typically 10am–4pm, though setup begins earlier. For the best selection and parking, aim to arrive between 9:30–10am when the park is quietest.
Q: Where should I stay for the Ojai Lavender Festival?
Ojai fills up on festival weekends. Book lodging well in advance. The Ojai Valley Inn is the premier resort, but smaller inns and vacation rentals along the valley floor tend to have more character and better availability. Search 4–6 weeks ahead for June weekends.