Downtown is the hub of festivals, parades, and cultural events in Santa Barbara. These featured events represent the highlights of the season. Whether its touring the Historic Arts District with 1st Thursday or shaking to the beat at the Summer Solstice Celebration, there is always something to enjoy. Don’t miss the fun in The Heart of Santa Barbara!
1st Thursday is a monthly series focused on downtown art and culture. On the first Thursday of each month, downtown galleries will keep their doors open from 5-8 PM allowing the public to enjoy local art in a fun and social atmosphere. Additional attractions such as music, artist openings, demonstrations, and refreshments will be featured at participating venues. In addition, State Street will come alive on 1st Thursday with public performances and interactive exhibits. These pieces will showcase a variety of Santa Barbara arts groups as well as add to the lively atmosphere downtown. For more information including programming and a map please go to 1st Thursday.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta is a magical week that brings our historic city together through dance, music, food and festivities just as happened long ago. It has grown in stature and reputation to become one of the five best regional festivals in the United States. Fiesta performers come from around the nation and Mexico to participate. Fiesta in its 84th year preserves and perpetuates the spirit of our wonderful city and unites us as one large family. From multi-generation founding families to the newly transplanted to those visiting us for the first time, Fiesta unifies us all.
The celebration is July 30th through August 3rd at many local venues, museums, business and restaurants. Among the events: El Mercado de la Guerra allows participants to stroll through a colorful Mexican market; feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs and enjoy live entertainment all day and into the evening featuring childrens shows, Spanish and Mexican folk dancing and music. Also, the Fiesta Historical Parade, which is one of the largest equestrian parades in the United States. On Friday, August 1st at Noonthe parade begins from the west end of Cabrillo Blvd and then up State Street to Sola Street. For more information call 805-962-8101 or visit www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.
For a fun, safe Halloween event, children and their parents are invited to Trick-or-Treat along State Street between Sola and Gutierrez Streets and the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center.All participating businesses will display an orange ghost and balloons in their window. Please come in costume between 3 and 6 p.m. to receive a special treat.Dont forget to bring a Trick-or-Treat bag!
More than 50,000 spectators are expected to line downtown Santa Barbara on Friday evening December 5, to cheer a colossal contingent of high-stepping marching bands, giant helium balloons, fabulous holiday floats, spectacular performance groups, local personalities, and of course, the most anticipated appearance of the evening the annual arrival of Santa Claus, dispensing holiday cheer from atop his festive sleigh. The Holiday Prince & Fairy officially light up the night with the lighting of the large Christmas tree at State & Victoria Streets.
Participant applications will be available in September by contacting the Downtown Organization at info@sbdo.orgor by calling the number below.
The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at State and Sola Streets and concludes at Cota Street. For more information, call (805) 962-2098 ext. 23
To learn more about being a sponsor of one of our giant helium balloons please email mharms@sbdo.org
Old Spanish Days Fiesta
More than 50,000 spectators are expected to line downtown Santa Barbara on Friday evening December 5, to cheer a colossal contingent of high-stepping marching bands, giant helium balloons, fabulous holiday floats, spectacular performance groups, local personalities, and of course, the most anticipated appearance of the evening the annual arrival of Santa Claus, dispensing holiday cheer from atop his festive sleigh. The Holiday Prince & Fairy officially light up the night with the lighting of the large Christmas tree at State & Victoria Streets.