Olive and Lavender Festival draws large crowds to Downtown Paso Robles

By Hayley Mattson · Thu May 21 2026

Community celebration highlights local agriculture, artisan products, and the spirit of Paso Robles

Feature Image by Derek Luff

PASO ROBLES — Celebrating its 22nd Olive Festival and 18th Lavender Festival, this year’s event filled Downtown Paso Robles City Park with sold-out vendor booths, drawing visitors from across the region for a full day of shopping, tasting, and community connection.

The annual Olive and Lavender Festival transformed Downtown Paso Robles City Park into a vibrant celebration of agriculture, local business, and community spirit on Saturday, May 9, as hundreds gathered to enjoy one of the Central Coast’s signature spring events. 

The free, family-friendly festival brought together local growers, artisans, food vendors, and small businesses for a day centered around two of the region’s most recognizable crops.

Throughout the day, festivalgoers sampled locally produced olive oils and spoke directly with growers and producers about cultivation methods and production techniques. Lavender vendors lined the park with fragrant displays of soaps, oils, lotions, sachets, candles, culinary treats, and handcrafted gifts, creating what many described as a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of downtown. 

One of the festival’s most popular attractions was a live steam distillation demonstration presented by Hambly Lavender Farm, where attendees watched firsthand how lavender essential oils are extracted and produced. Guests also enjoyed lavender honey gelato and other specialty lavender-inspired foods available throughout the event. 

Festival Co-Chair Gina Hambly said the event represents far more than olive oil and lavender products — it reflects the hardworking agricultural roots and community connections that define the Central Coast. 

“It was a day that celebrates two of California’s most quietly remarkable crops — olive and lavender — right here in the heart of Paso Robles,” Hambly shared. “This festival is a reflection of our region: hardworking growers, passionate makers, and a community that values quality, craftsmanship, and connection.” 

Hambly, herself a local farmer, emphasized the dedication and labor behind the products showcased during the festival. 

“As both a local farmer and a member of this community, I’m especially proud of what this event represents,” Hambly said. “Behind every product you see today is a story — early mornings, long seasons, and a commitment to doing things well. These are not just ingredients; they are a way of life on the Central Coast.” 

The event also provided a major boost to downtown businesses, with restaurants, retail shops, and local merchants joining in the celebration alongside the vendors in the park. According to Paso Robles Main Street Association Board President Margaret Holstine, the festival generated strong foot traffic throughout downtown, with several vendors selling out of products before the event concluded. 

“There was an incredible turnout downtown, and people were out and about supporting the vendors and businesses,” Holstine said. “Several vendors completely sold out of their products because the crowds exceeded expectations. It was wonderful to see that level of community support for our local businesses and makers.” 

Holstine said approximately 35 volunteers helped support the festival, assisting with setup, coordination, and event operations throughout the day. 

She noted that this year’s festival appeared to attract even more outside participation than in previous years, bringing additional visitors and vendors into Paso Robles and increasing exposure for downtown businesses. 

“The park was completely full,” Holstine said. “In addition to the vendors, we really leaned into incorporating our brick-and-mortar businesses, shops, and restaurants downtown. They offered specials, discounts, freebies, and all kinds of activities throughout the day. People came out and made an entire day of it.” 

Holstine added that the turnout exceeded expectations, with steady crowds throughout the day and positive feedback from both vendors and local business owners. 

The Lavender Festival itself has roots dating back nearly two decades and was inspired by a deeply personal story. The festival was founded by Lila Avery-Fuson after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005. Searching for natural relief from her symptoms, Avery-Fuson discovered lavender essential oil and began studying distillation, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine. In 2007, she planted her first lavender fields in Paso Robles and later partnered with Norma Moye of the Paso Robles Main Street Association, and the City of Paso Robles to create a festival celebrating agriculture, wellness, and community. 

Over time, the Lavender Festival grew into one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. Following the pandemic, organizers combined the Lavender Festival with the longtime Olive Festival, creating the annual Olive and Lavender Festival that continues today. 

Holstine explained that festivals like this play an important role in supporting downtown businesses and strengthening the local economy. 

“Main Street partners with the City of Paso Robles to bring people to visit our downtown businesses,” Holstine explained. “These events help support all of our downtown businesses — from food to services and retail — and get people into our businesses. That’s why this all started.” 

She went on to say there are many ways for community members to get involved and support the events and Main Street.

“We’d love to have anybody help,” Holstine said, encouraging community members interested in volunteering or supporting future events to connect with the Paso Robles Main Street Association. “Come support downtown Paso Robles.” 

Beyond shopping and tasting, the festival offered visitors an opportunity to slow down and connect with local farmers, artisans, and neighbors while enjoying a spring afternoon beneath the trees in City Park. Families relaxed in shaded areas, friends gathered to sample products and listen to demonstrations, and the scent of lavender drifted through the park as conversations and laughter filled downtown Paso Robles.