Goleta’s “Meet Me in Old Town” Block Party Series Returns for a Second Year of Family Fun

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber and the City of Goleta collaborated to bring neighbors, families, and local businesses together for three evenings of live music, food, and small-town charm.

"Meet me in Old Town Goleta" Block Party Banner. Photo by Emilie Harris.

by Emilie Harris

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce teamed up with the City of Goleta to kick off its “Meet Me in Old Town Goleta” block party series on Thursday, May 8. It will return on June 5 and July 10 this year at the Goleta Community Center.

According to the Chamber, last year organizers originally planned to hold the event on the front lawn of the Community Center. Due to heavy construction, however, the 2024 block party series took place along Magnolia Avenue.

This year however, they’re moving it to the Community Center. The move from Old Town’s streets to the new venue provides more space for activities, vendors, seating, and live entertainment. Admission is free, with food, beverages, and merchandise available for purchase.

Goleta Valley Community Center entrance sign. Photo by Emilie Harris.

“The Community Center is perfect just because there’s lots of shade and it just gives us more room to spread out and have more of a kind of park-like vibe,” said Mary Lynn Harms-Romo, Director of Communications of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Each event in the block party series will feature live music, food trucks, games, vendor booths, and music performances. The Goodlanders took the stage during the festivities on May 8 and covered a wide range of classic rock songs. The bands East Valley Road and Equipo Elite are set to headline the block party’s upcoming dates.

Live music at the Block Party. Photos by Emilie Harris.

Eight local businesses are also participating, including All Booked Up LLC, a mobile bookstore run by two local teachers. “We live in Old Town. Last summer, this was one of my kids’ favorite things,” said co-owner Ali Bogatz.

Bogatz found the vendor application on the City of Goleta’s social media and seized the opportunity to soft launch her business. “Goleta was super welcoming and they were really excited to let us come in, so it seemed like a really natural fit,” said Bogatz. “Our goal is to bring literature to the people and grow a literary community. We’re trying our hand at bringing things we love to the cities we love.”

Over 30 volunteers and staff contributed to the successful first day of the event. Chase Odendhal, who assisted with setup and teardown, said he became involved through a friend. “It’s fun, it’s a smooth event, and I plan on doing more to support small businesses in Goleta and help bring the community together,” Odendhal said.

Attendees Sarah Penna and Leticia Resch, both Goleta residents, said the event offers relaxed, family-friendly activities after work and school.

“We’re always looking for stuff to do with the kids on a Thursday night,” Penna said. “I just moved from LA, so the version of this there is very crowded. We love Goleta, and we hope they keep doing events like this because it’s super fun.”

Mary Lynn Harms-Romo echoed this sentiment. “[The event] is just a great way for the community to get together in a block party atmosphere, and just be reacquainted and reminded of all the great businesses that are in Old Town.”