The wait is almost over – the Annual Goleta Dam Dinner is THIS Saturday, August 15th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Los Carneros Dam! Celebrate the last weekend before school starts for many, with friends and neighbors at the Lake Los Carneros Dam. Join us for this casual event in a beautiful setting. Watch this video recap from last year to see what a great time was had by all.

Grab your seat at the communal table with breathtaking views. Enjoy the beautiful succulent centerpieces created by the Devereux Greenhouse Group and donated by Fuel Depot & The Point Market placed on each table.

Pack your own picnic dinner or purchase food from the Lobo Butcher Shop food truck. A complimentary #GoGreenGoleta reusable utensil set will be at each place setting (reminder – no single-use plastics please!).

Don’t forget your straw hat as we want to take a group photo of everyone wearing their hats!

Listen to live music from local group the Salt Martians, a Dam Dinner favorite playing bluegrass music. Purchase a Dam Dinner t-shirt as a memento of this special event and take your picture with one of our popular Dam Dinner photo frames.

Bring the kids! There will be shaved ice compliments of Kona Ice, free face painting, and the Goleta Valley Library Bookvan where can check out books, do a fun craft, sign up for a library card if you don’t already have one, or just say hello to library staff!

We are also pleased to partner with MOVE Santa Barbara County to bring Cycling Without Age to the Dam Dinner this year. Two trishaws will be available at the N. La Patera entrance for anyone needing assistance - this is a great way for anyone with mobility issues to still enjoy the event. MOVE Santa Barbara County will also be providing the bike valet for the second year (located near the N. La Patera entrance).

How to Get There:

There are a variety of ways to get to the event: walk, ride, carpool, or take MTD’s “The Wave.” If you drive, park near the N. La Patera entrance. Parking is limited at the Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road). Santa Barbara MTD’s The Wave is on-demand microtransit service which can get you directly to Lake Los Carneros. The accessible vans pick up in a large part of Goleta (and a few spots in Isla Vista) with the standard fare being $3.00 or $1.50 for seniors 65+ and people with disabilities. It operates from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, just request your ride on the TransLoc app or by calling the Transit Center at 805-963-3366. More info: https://sbmtd.gov/thewave.

Wear walking shoes and bring a jacket in case it gets windy. Please do not bring pets, service animals are allowed.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is organized by the City of Goleta and Goleta Valley Historical Society with special thanks to Big Hammer Lures, Creekside Restaurant, Devereux, Fuel Depot & The Point Market, MarBorg, and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.

We hope to see you Saturday, August 15^th for the #BestDamDinner!

Photo of Lake Los Carneros at the 2025 Dam Dinner

Attendees enjoying the Dam Dinner

Family fun with a Dam Dinner photo frame

Cycling Without Age Flyer