Festival Fever: Powwow and the Power of the Avo 

Carpinteria goes green again this weekend courtesy of The California Avocado Festival, the free fest dedicated to the locally grown fruit that also serves as a massive musical extravaganza. The Avo Fest is also fully back to its pre-pandemic glory, stretching for three days and several city blocks, encompassing four stages of music including the revived youth stage. Sounds come from every corner of the area, from Carp locals South on Linden and The Rincons to Santa Barbara favorites Spencer the Gardener, The New Vibe, Cornerstone and the Ska Daddys, to Ventura’s country veterans Caught Red Handed and Grateful Deadheads Shaky Feelin’ – an avo-lanche of some 72 acts in all. 

“We tell people if you don’t like the music or you’re bored, just walk a block to another stage,” said Olivia Sorgman, the festival director. “There’s a lot of music.”  

Other highlights include the Guacamole World Championship Contest judged by dignitaries of all stripes; auctions of this year’s largest Avocado and avocado trees; the “World Largest Vat of Guacamole” made from 3,000 pounds of avocados mashed and sold by Carpinteria High School Cheerleaders; and food, gifts and avocado art from 75 vendors lining the street. 

The Avocado Strong Arm Contest finds participants holding up a 10-pound bag of the fruit with one outstretched arm till they give up. 

“Whoever’s standing at the end is the big winner,” Sorgman said. “They get an REI gift card, a stuffed swag bag, and best of all, full bragging rights for the weekend.”

The 38th Annual California Avocado Festival is expected to draw about 40,000 people to the seaside city for the October 4-6 celebration. Visit avofest.com 

Pivoting to First Peoples, Native American tribes from throughout North America come together in Santa Ynez to celebrate their heritage for the 27th annual Chumash Intertribal Powwow on October 5-6. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ largest cultural event of the year – relocated two years ago from the Live Oak Camp to the tribe’s sacred tribal grounds – features competitions and performances in dancing, singing and drumming, plus arts, crafts and more. A gourd dance followed by a grand entry parade of hundreds of members of tribal nations launches each day’s activities, which include competition in age categories from youth to 70s, and a wide variety of dance styles including grass, jingle dress, buckskin, cloth, chicken and more. 

The powwow is open to the public with $5 admission including parking, and informational booths can help plan your experience. Visit https://chumash.gov/powwow