Los Banos, CA (November 28, 2025) — For years, Black Friday has been known for long lines, crowded parking lots, and chaotic big-box shopping. But in Los Banos, the holiday weekend is taking on a different energy — one that focuses on community, connection, and strengthening the local economy. This year’s Small Business Saturday, happening November 29, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most engaging local shopping events yet.
Downtown Los Banos organizers and the City of Los Banos are partnering to encourage residents to support neighborhood shops instead of large national retailers. The city announced a new incentive for shoppers: the first five people to spend $50 or more at participating businesses will receive “LB Bucks,” a promotional voucher redeemable for a free Los Banos T-shirt. In addition, shoppers are invited to post a photo of themselves with their purchase using the hashtag #LBsmallbusinesssaturday. One participant will be randomly selected to win a special prize, adding another layer of fun to the day.
To complement Small Business Saturday, a holiday-themed Christmas Scavenger Hunt will take place downtown from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on November 29. Participants can explore the area, solve clues, and visit various storefronts while getting into the holiday spirit. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be making an appearance for photos, and attendees are encouraged to bring their phones. After the scavenger hunt concludes, organizers will hold a prize drawing with ten different prizes up for grabs. Shoppers can drop their tickets into any of the prize buckets for a chance to win.
All of these efforts aim to keep holiday spending local. National studies have consistently shown that when shoppers choose small businesses, more of every dollar stays within the community. For rural and mid-sized cities like Los Banos, where small, family-owned businesses make up a significant portion of the economy, events like Small Business Saturday play an important role in keeping storefronts active, supporting local jobs, and maintaining a vibrant downtown.
With giveaways, family activities, holiday characters, community pride, and a push to shop local, this year’s Small Business Saturday offers a festive alternative to the doorbuster chaos traditionally associated with Thanksgiving weekend. For residents looking to support their city while enjoying a fun afternoon downtown, November 29 promises something for everyone.
