Watch Video and View Photo Album

Another darn good time is in the books. Close to 400 people came out to Lake Los Carneros for Goleta’s Dam Dinner on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Enthusiastic attendees, some attending for the first time, others who come year after year, began arriving at 4:00 p.m. and stayed until 7:00 p.m. Participants enjoyed the scenic views, perfect weather, dinner at the long communal table, live blue grass music courtesy of the Salt Martians, taking photos with the Dam Dinner frames and more. Watch our video recap here and view a photo album here to see for yourself what this event was all about.

Mayor Paula Perotte who has attended this free community event since it started in 2013 said, “This may have been the Best Dam Dinner we have ever had. I loved seeing familiar faces and meeting new community members as well. This event simply never disappoints.”

Some people brought their picnic dinners and others purchased Dam Dogs, Dam Burgers and Dam Tri Tip Sandwiches from the Lobo Butcher Shop food truck. Kona Ice served up about 200 complimentary refreshing snow cones on this warm summer evening. Attendees once again enjoyed a complimentary Go Green Goleta utensil set to use at the event and take home as part of the City’s Plastic Free initiative.

New this year was the addition of two trishaws courtesy of Cycling Without Age. The trishaws provided an easy way for attendees with mobility issues, and anyone wanting a ride, to receive transportation from the La Patera Entrance to the main event along the dam. The trishaw pilots made close to 100 trips back and forth. The MOVE Santa Barbara County bike valet returned for its second year and saw an increase in the number of people parking their bikes (25 bikes and one scooter).

Other highlights of the event and people to thank:

• The Goleta Valley Historical Society for collaborating with the City to put on the yearly event. GVHS staff also sold Dam Dinner t-shirts to commemorate the event. There are still a few left if you want to purchase one. Go to the Museum Store at 304 N. Los Carneros Road on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• Pete Wolf with Big Hammer Lures and a big fan of the Dam Dinner for helping plan, set up and clean-up the event.
• MarBorg for donating the bathrooms, handwashing stations, trashcans and recycling bins.
• Fuel Depot and Point Market for purchasing the succulents that Devereux Greenhouse group used to lovingly create the 50 centerpieces for the tables.
• Creekside Restaurant & Bar and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce for providing the colorful tablecloths.
• The Goleta Valley Library Bookvan staff for signing people up for library cards, checking out books and for bringing a special art project.
• Our face painters who stayed busy throughout duration of the event.
• The Water Store for keeping everyone hydrated with free water stations.
• Finally, thanks to everyone who helped set up and breakdown the event and to all who attended, including our entire City Council and local Assemblymember Gregg Hart.

We are already looking ahead to next year and hope to see you at the 2027 Dam Dinner!