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!
In an effort to fill vacant commercial space throughout the downtown, the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, Redevelopment Agency and the Downtown Organization have organizaed the Storefront Gallery Project. This dynamic ever changing project will feature temporary displays by regional artists. Poems by David Starkey newly appointed City Poet Laureate and past Poet Laureates Perie Longo and Barrry Spacks will be included in the inaugural exhibition along with works by Santa Barbara poets Carol Decanio, Christine Kravetz, and Chryss Yost.
Current installation locations include: 1221 State Street, courtesy of SIMA Management
915 State Street Courtesy of The Hughes Family
27 B East de la Guerra
For more information on this program contact info@sbdo.org.
The theme this year is Splash. The Summer Solstice Parade features more than 1,000 parade participants, complete with extravagant floats, whimsical costumes and creatively choreographed dancing ensembles. From its beginnings as a small parade featuring street artists, the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration is now the premier Santa BarbaraCounty arts event, drawing crowds of over 100,000 spectators from around the world.
At high Noon, on the Saturday closest to the longest day of the year, creative floats, fascinating costumes, brilliant masks begin their journey from Cota Street up State Street to Micheltorena, transforming downtown Santa Barbara into a vibrant splash of color, music and dance. People-powered floats reignite the creative spirit of Santa Barbara. Commercial elements, such as written words, advertisements, live animals, or motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs) are excluded from the Parade, as is nudity.
The Alameda Park Festival continues the celebration with live music by local and international artists; delicious foods and beverages from local restaurants, caterers and non-profit groups; an arts and crafts boutique with more than 75 artisans and craftsmen; a large "drum circle" formed by parade participants and anyone who cares to join in the beat. The wonderful floats from the parade are on display. A special children's area featured a stage with storytellers, musicians, drama, and mimes.
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 7th 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.
Calling all locavores, foodies and cultural enthusiasts! Coming this October, Santa Barbara will debut a month long foodie festival featuring diverse epicurean offerings sure to sate your appetite! This epicurean adventure will showcase regional cuisine, libations and culture. During the month of October, the promotion builds on existing annual foodie-friendly events including the Harbor & Seafood Festival, California Lemon Festival, California Avocado Festival and Celebration of Harvest. Special midweek menus, educational seminars, mixology demos, farmers' market tours, cooking classes, micro-brew tastings, winemaker dinners and much more will fill the month up with tasty opportunities to sip and savor the uniquely local flavors of Santa Barbara County.
In an effort to fill vacant commercial space throughout the downtown, the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, Redevelopment Agency and the Downtown Organization have organizaed the Storefront Gallery Project. This dynamic ever changing project will feature temporary displays by regional artists. Poems by David Starkey newly appointed City Poet Laureate and past Poet Laureates Perie Longo and Barrry Spacks will be included in the inaugural exhibition along with works by Santa Barbara poets Carol Decanio, Christine Kravetz, and Chryss Yost.
The theme this year is 
1st Thursday 
Old Spanish Days Fiesta