Santa Barbara is a destination you can visit at any time of the year; sunshine is constant and the weather is perfect nearly throughout the year. However, if you are interested in attending the festivals, then you may need to check your calendar to confirm the specific states. It has a rich blend of festivals, featuring traditional fetes that have been around for decades, as well as international events that attract visitors from all corners of the world. Whether it is art, music, wine, or food, Santa Barbara has an event for it, and all you have to do is know when and where they are held so that you can plan your time. Read below for a brief description of some of the most popular festivals in Santa Barbara, California.
1. Santa Barbara International Film Festival
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is one of the most exciting events on the city’s calendar. It takes place between January and February of each year, during which, thousands of film enthusiasts, directors, producers, actors and other peripheral players in the industry gather to celebrate and get various kinds of awards. It is typically an 11-day event that will delight you with panel discussions, themed parties, and lots of special screenings that will make you fall deeper in love with the movie industry.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Address: 1528 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Website: Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Takes place: March
2. Santa Barbara Earth Day
Thank you to Lil' Planets for the amazing artwork!
Posted by Santa Barbara Earth Day on Monday, 11 February 2013
Santa Barbara appreciates the vital role Mother Nature plays for the survival of humanity, and the Santa Barbara Earth Day is a day set aside on the annual calendar to celebrate nature. The festival is usually held at Alameda Park and it attracts thousands of people who join in various activities to raise awareness on the need to preserve the environment. Other than the educational and awareness part of the event, it is also a chance to indulge in local organic foods, dance to live tunes and enjoy lots of other special performances.
Santa Barbara Earth Day
Address: Alameda Park, Santa Barbara, California, United States
Website: Santa Barbara Earth Day
Takes place: April
Price: Free
3. I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival
If you are an art enthusiast and you are in Santa Barbara in May, then this will be one of the most memorable festivals you will ever attend in that year. The festival is usually held on Memorial Day and it is an event to celebrate the ancient-old Italian tradition of street painting. It features hundreds of local artists who showcase all manner of chalk murals. And as is always the case with all festivals, you will also find lots of Italian food and wine, as well as soothing live Italian music to help you make the most of the moment.
I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival
Address: Santa Barbara, California, USA
Website: I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival
Takes place: May
Price: Free
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Old Spanish Day Fiesta
The Old Spanish Day Fiesta is like the heartbeat of festivals in Santa Barbara. It is a highly anticipated event designed to celebrate the rich Spanish heritage in the city. Think of it as a fiesta weekend of everything fun about the Spaniards – lots of delicious Spanish foods, thrilling flamenco shows, and endless drowning of tequilas. With all the confetti and the Spanish foods and music covering all the street downtown, this is an event you will regret missing if you have an iota of admiration for the Spanish culture.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Address: Casa de la Guerra, 15 East De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website: Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Takes place: August
Price: From 35 USD
5. Annual Downtown Holiday Parade [Last event in 2019]
Every year, just a few days to Christmas, the city of Santa Barbara comes to a standstill with the Annual Downtown Parade. This is one of the most fabulous holiday-themed celebrations in the city known to attract crowds of more than 70,000 spectators. It is characterized by high-stepping marching bands, eye-catching group performances, and delicious street foods. The event culminates in the ceremonial lighting of the community Christmas Tree before the crowd can separate for each family to embark on their private celebration of the holidays.
Annual Downtown Holiday Parade
Address: Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, California, United States
Takes place: December
Price: Free
6. Harbor & Seafood Festival
Regrettably, this is one of the best free opportunities to sample all manner of fresh, local seafood, yet it is one of the most underrated festivals in Santa Barbara. The Harbor & Seafood Festival is all about the seafood culinary diversity of the region. Many seafood restaurants set-up shop to offer samples of their delicacies, and to share more about the incredible seafood in the region. It is also a good chance to meet and talk with the local fishermen, enjoy boat tours and discover new things you might have not known about the harbor. Don’t be surprised to find that the fish you will eat at this festival will be fresher than any fish you have eaten in any restaurant.
Harbor & Seafood Festival
Address: Santa Barbara Harbor, Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Website: Harbor & Seafood Festival
Takes place: October
Price: Free
7. Santa Barbara French Festival
This is a French celebration designed to celebrate and appreciate the vibrant French culture abroad. It is the festival to attend if you want to rest all your fascination with the French. It features hundreds of vendors bringing to the residents of Santa Barbara merchandise, French foods and wines, and eclectic French performances, including fully armored French sword fights.
Santa Barbara French Festival
Address: Oak Park, at the corner of W. Junipero Street and Alamar Avenue, Santa Barbara
Website: Santa Barbara French Festival
Takes Place: July
Price: Free
8. Santa Barbara Restaurant Week
Santa Barbara Restaurant Week Festival comes in the last week of February of every year, and it is a two-week event designed to bring more illumination to the Santa Barbara dining scenes. During this festival, the participating restaurants will be offering their menus at discounted prices to their guests. It offers endless exceptional dining experiences featuring international cuisines, classic seafood, local delicacies, and prime steaks. This is your chance to enjoy a three-course dinner menu for between 25USD and 45USD – it is Christmas come early for every foodie in the region.
Santa Barbara Restaurant Week
Address: Downtown Santa Barbara, California, USA
Website: Santa Barbara Restaurant Week
Takes place: Last week of February
Price: From 25 USD
9. Summer Solstice Celebrations
Posted by Summer Solstice Celebration on Thursday, 27 June 2019
Summer Solstice Celebration is a fete to welcome the summer season after the longest day of the year. In Santa Barbara, the celebration is characterized by thousands of elegantly consumed participants, floats, marching bands, and drum and dance parades that begin at State Street and end at Alameda Park. Inside the park, you will find art and crafts booths, food stalls, and more live music to continue with the entertainment after the parades.
Summer Solstice Celebration
Address: Alameda Park, Santa Barbara, California, USA
Website: Summer Solstice Celebration
Takes place: June
Price: From 45 USD
10. Santa Barbara California Wine Festival
This is a two-day event that brings together “makers and partakers” of the California wine industry. It features both large and small wineries, and it is always a good opportunity to sample some of the finest wines produced in the region. With more than 250 wines to choose from over 70 wineries, it is a chance to not just sample, but also learn and appreciate the depth of the craft in the region. Other than the wines, reputable chefs and wine-related vendors will also grace the festival to showcase what they’ve got.
Santa Barbara California Wine Festival
Address: Dummy address1114 State St Suite 295, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Website: Santa Barbara California Wine Festival
Takes place: Usually held in July
Price: 80 USD
Sunshine and dance at the Santa Barbara festivals
If you happen to be around during any of the festivals, make time to be a participant in one. Santa Barbara already has a lot of attractions and exciting experiences for her visitors, but there is no harm in including some of the festivals on your list. Read our descriptions of the popular festivals in Santa Barbara, California, above to enrich your stay during the trip.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10 Popular Festivals In El SalvadorPriyanjali -
-
Top 16 Festivals In GhanaCeleste
Create an account to