After 10 Years in a Parking Lot, Santa Maria’s ‘Downtown Fridays’ is Getting a New Location

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - For the first time ever, Santa Maria's weekly entertainment event "Downtown Fridays" is moving out onto a city street.

Set to begin its 11th year next week, Downtown Fridays has been held since its inception at the Santa Maria Town Center West shopping center parking lot, next to large building that was the former home of Mervyn's and Fallas department stores.

Now, the event is shifting close by, about a block east to South McClelland Street, between East Cook Street and East Boone Street.

"We've actually been trying to move here for seven years because having an event on the street always trumps having it in a parking lot," said Ed Carcarey, who created Downtown Fridays in 2016 and remains as the event coordinator. "I've always loved doing events on the street, so we're pretty excited about being able to come out here on McClelland, and I think McClelland is a great backdrop to put an event."

The new location will be about 200 yards long and run on the street between the Santa Maria Public Library to the site of the old Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) building, which closed last year. 

After being located in a parking lot for 10 years, the street location will mark a dramatic change for the layout of the event that features a wide variety of food, entertainment and other vendors.

"It's a better presentation," said Carcarey. "People feel more comfortable out on the street than they do a parking lot. That's why we've wanted to move to this street for seven years."

For vendors, such as Miguelito's BBQ owner Ariana Gonzalez, who has been part of the Downtown Fridays since it was created, they're hoping the move will attract more visitors.

"I think it's going to be a great move," said Gonzalez. "It's going be more like a street fair. It kind of reminds me of San Luis Obispo on Thursdays, Farmer's Market. We kind of get that vibe over here on this side as well."

Downtown Fridays will start its 2026 season next Friday, March 27 and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each Friday for 27 straight weeks through Sept. 25.

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