Tastes of lavender cuisine are promised during the fifth annual Central Coast Lavender Festival, set for July 13, 2013, in City Park, Paso Robles, California (map).

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.

The event celebrates lavender producers from throughout the county, who will serve tastes of lavender cuisine: dipping sauces and ice cream, plus samplings of lavender oils. Educational sessions on lavender, lavender growing and sustainable farming practices also are planned.

Plus: more than a dozen downtown restaurants are preparing lavender dishes from sweet to savory along with lavender cocktails and desserts. Studios on the Park artists will help children with clay pot painting, arts and crafts and more.

It’s all sponsored by the Central Coast Lavender Growers Association and the Paso Robles Main Street Association.

(Photo courtesy of Central Coast Lavender Festival)