Santa Maria Elks Calendar Highlights Key Community Shifts
- 01. Santa Maria Elks Calendar: Key Events and Dates for 2026
- 02. Flagship Event: 83rd Annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo 2026
- 03. Rodeo Schedule at a Glance
- 04. Ticket Pricing and Admission Details
- 05. Regular Weekly Calendar Events
- 06. Special Monthly Events and Fundraisers
- 07. Notable Upcoming Special Events
- 08. Lodge Contact Information and Hours
- 09. Community Impact and Educational Alignment
Santa Maria Elks Calendar: Key Events and Dates for 2026
The Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 calendar centers on the 83rd Annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, taking place Wednesday, May 27 through Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Elks Event Center (4040 S. Hwy 101, Santa Maria, CA 93455). Regular weekly offerings include Sunday breakfast (8:00 am-noon), Monday night dinners (5:30-6:30 pm), Tuesday elks bowling at Rancho Bowl (6:30 pm), and Wednesday-Saturday bar hours extending to close or 9:00 pm. The lodge also hosts monthly special events like wine tastings, bingo nights, food truck evenings, and the annual Inaugural Ball for officer installation.
Flagship Event: 83rd Annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo 2026
This signature Western tradition draws world-class PRCA athletes and thousands of community fans for five days of championship rodeo action rooted in Santa Maria's heritage. The 2026 edition marks the rodeo's 83rd year, continuing a decades-old community celebration tradition that blends elite competition with family-friendly festival atmosphere.
Rodeo Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Event | Start Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, May 27 | Xtreme Bulls Opening Night | 7:00 pm | Adrenaline-filled bull riding competition |
| Thu, May 28 | PRCA Rodeo Performance #1 | 7:00 pm | Bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc |
| Fri, May 29 | PRCA Rodeo Performance #2 | 7:00 pm | Team roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling |
| Sat, May 30 | Parade + PRCA Performance #3 | 10:00 am (parade) 6:00 pm (rodeo) |
Downtown parade on Broadway; intensified competition |
| Sun, May 31 | PRCA Finale Performance | 2:00 pm | Championship crowning, final rides |
Ticket Pricing and Admission Details
Ticket prices range from $22 to $37 depending on event and seating choice, with Reserved seating and General Admission (first-come, first-served) options available. Children under 3 enter free when on-lap, seniors (62+) and children ages 3-12 receive discounted rates, and active military members get free admission at the box office with valid ID (while supplies last). Each ticket includes parking, and digital purchase through the official website is recommended for guaranteed entry.
- General Admission (Thursday only): Adult $20, Senior $15, Child (3-12) FREE
- General Admission (Friday-Sunday): Adult $30, Child (3-12) $17
- Box Seats: $50 per person (Thursday-Sunday)
- Processing and parking fees included in ticket price
Regular Weekly Calendar Events
Beyond the rodeo, the Santa Maria Elks Lodge maintains a consistent weekly community programming schedule that serves members, families, and local residents year-round. These recurring events build social cohesion and provide affordable dining, entertainment, and fellowship opportunities aligned with the Elks' charitable mission.
- Sunday Breakfast: 8:00 am-noon (every Sunday; no regular breakfast on special event Sundays)
- Monday Night Dinner: 5:30-6:30 pm with rotating菜单 (taco bowls $12, prime rib $20, corned beef & cabbage $18, chicken fried steak $15, BBQ beef ribs $18)
- Tuesday Elks Bowling: Rancho Bowl at 6:30 pm with pub grub 5:30-7:00 pm and bingo at 6:30 pm
- Wednesday-Friday Bar: Open 10:00 am-close (Wednesday starts at 11:00 am)
- Saturday Bar: 10:00 am-9:00 pm with extended weekend hours
Special Monthly Events and Fundraisers
The lodge hosts distinctive fundraising galas and themed nights that support local charities, including the Purple Pig Project for children with disabilities. These events combine entertainment with philanthropy, reflecting the Elks' commitment to service and community investment.
Notable Upcoming Special Events
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Beneficiary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine Tasting Event | Sun, Aug 24, 2025 | 1:00-4:00 pm | 1309 N Bradley Road, Santa Maria | Purple Pig Project (children with disabilities) |
| Tacos y Tequila Tent | March 2026 (specific date TBD) | Elks Lodge Patio | Lodge general fund |
| Inaugural Ball | April 2026 (officer installation) | Elks Lodge Main Hall | Officer transition ceremony |
| Easter Egg Hunt | Sunday, March 2026 (morning) | Elks Grounds | Families with children |
Food truck evenings feature rotating vendors like ENF Food Truck (Coastal Doggs, Beth's Tamales, Wings to Fries, DMQ Catering) from 5:00-7:15 pm, with portions donated to Elks National Foundation initiatives. CYO steak/ribs/fish dinners occur Thursday-Saturday 6:00-8:00 pm with live music (Soul Kool, DJ Dennis G, Steppin' Out) starting at 8:30 pm.
Lodge Contact Information and Hours
The Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 operates from 1309 North Bradley Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454, with the office open Monday-Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm (closed weekends). The bar opens daily at 11:00 am, with extended hoursWednesday-Friday until close and Saturday until 9:00 pm.
- Phone: 922-1538
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: @SantaMariaElksLodge
- Rodeo website: ElksRodeo.com for tickets and detailed schedule
Community Impact and Educational Alignment
The Santa Maria Elks Lodge exemplifies values-driven community engagement through its sustained investment in youth programs, veteran support (Vets Mini Stand Down), and family-friendly entertainment that strengthens local social fabric. This model of service-oriented programming mirrors principles found in Catholic and Marist education, where holistic formation integrates intellectual rigor with spiritual mission and social responsibility.
For school administrators and educators in Latin America seeking community partnership frameworks, the Elks' approach demonstrates how structured calendar programming can advance measurable impact while maintaining cultural relevance and intergenerational appeal. The lodge's emphasis on youth events (Easter Egg Hunt, Jr. Breakaway Roping), veteran services, and disability support aligns with educational institutions' goals of fostering inclusive, service-minded communities.
"The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo transforms the entire community into a week-long festival... reinforcing the rodeo's importance not just as a sporting event, but as a cornerstone of community identity."
Key concerns and solutions for Santa Maria Elks Calendar Highlights Key Community Shifts
How do I get driving directions to the Elks Lodge from Highway 101?
Take the Donovan off-ramp, turn west on Donovan Road, left on College, then left on Bradley Road; the lodge appears on the right after following the road around.
Are children allowed at Santa Maria Elks events?
Yes-children under 3 enter the rodeo free on-lap, ages 3-12 receive discounted tickets, and family events like the Easter Egg Hunt and Sunday breakfast are specifically designed for families.
What is the Purple Pig Project that the wine tasting supports?
The Purple Pig Project helps children with disabilities in the Santa Maria community through funding from Elks fundraising events like the wine tasting.
Do I need to be an Elks member to attend events?
Most public events like the rodeo, wine tasting, and CYO dinners are open to non-members, though some member-only activities exist; guests may face cover charges at certain events like the Inaugural Ball if not purchasing dinner.
When is the deadline to submit event announcements for the Elks Horn newsletter?
The deadline is 8:00 pm on the first Thursday of each month; submit copy via email to smelkshorn@gmail.com with your name and phone number.
