Community Events
Santa Barbara is known for its festivals including Old Spanish Days and Summer Solstice. Thousands of visitors from around the world come to Santa Barbara to experience various cultural and culinary events. Check out our annual list of events, it’s likely your trip will coincide with one of the many exciting festivals Santa Barbara has to offer!
1st Thursday – Santa Barbara Art Crawl
On the first Thursday of every month, participating galleries provide free access from 5-8pm to attractions such as live music, art openings, and lectures.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Held annually in late January/early February, SBIFF screens international and domestic feature films and short films.
Earth Day Festival
Each April, Santa Barbara hosts California’s largest Earth Festival. A local favorite since 1970, the Earth Day festival features hundreds of exhibitors including live music, food and drinks.
I Madonnari Street Painting Festival
Street painters, known as Madonnari, use pastels to paint over 150 large-scale images at the Old Mission over Memorial Day weekend.
Zoo Brew
Enjoy an afternoon at the beautiful Santa Barbara Zoo while sampling beers from over 30 different breweries. Held in June, this fundraiser also features food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Summer Solstice Parade and Festival
An annual tradition since 1974, Santa Barbara’s solstice parade is a local favorite drawing over 100,000 visitors from around the world every June.
Annual 4th of July Parade
Festivities are held all day long at Santa Barbara’s waterfront and Stearn’s Wharf featuring food, drinks, and live music. End the day with a 20-minute spectacular display of fireworks.
French Festival
For over 30 years, Santa Barbara has celebrated Bastille Day in July with amazing French food, wine, beer, and musical and dance performances.
California Wine Festival
Join thousands of wine lovers in July during this three-day festival – one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state – and enjoy great wine and food with spectacular beach views.
Greek Festival
Held at beautiful Oak Park, Santa Barbara’s Greek Festival provides locals and visitors the opportunity to discover new foods and enjoy live music.
Old Spanish Days
One of Santa Barbara’s most popular festivals, this celebration of Spanish heritage and traditions draws large crowds every year during the first week in August. We recommend booking your vacation rental early!
Lemon Festival
Every September the California Lemon Festival is held at Goleta’s beautiful Girsh Park. The weekend festival features food, live entertainment, kid-friendly activities and the Goleta Fall Classic Car and Street Rod Show.
Santa Barbara Beer Festival
For over a decade, beer fans from around the area have gathered at Elings Park in October to enjoy craft beer, great food, and live music. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit two local Santa Barbara nonprofits.
Santa Barbara Harbor and Seafood Festival
This annual fall festival is held in October, timed with the opening of lobster season. Enjoy fresh, locally-caught seafood and live entertainment against the backdrop of Santa Barbara’s beautiful harbor.
Santa Barbara Parade of Lights
Start the holiday season off with a festive visit to Santa’s Village, a harbor fireworks display, and a parade of decorated boats. For over 30 years, hundreds of families gather at this event to play in 10 tons of snow and take photos with Santa.