RECURRING EVENTS
EVERY 1ST THURSDAY
1ST THURSDAY ART WALK
Hosted by the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA),1st Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and venues offer free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. We hope you will join us to enjoy our beautiful downtown and all that it has to offer!
FEBRUARY
SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SBIFF)
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a premier 11-day event showcasing over 200 independent and international films, attracting 100,000 attendees to California's Central Coast. It features high-profile celebrity tributes, panels, and education programs, positioning it as a major Oscar-season stop.
1ST THURSDAY IN FEBRUARY
PRESIDIO BY CANDLELIGHT
Presidio by Candlelight offers a rare opportunity to experience El Presidio de Sánta Barbara State Historic Park after dark. Illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and candlelight, the site comes to life with music, dance, and storytelling. Visitors are invited to explore the grounds at their own pace, encountering vignettes that reflect the layered histories of the Presidio Neighborhood and those who once called it home.
MAY
COMMUNITY HISTORY DAY
Celebrate the many communities that have shaped Santa Barbara at this family-friendly gathering held each spring at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. Through hands-on activities, walking tours, performances, and exhibits led by local organizations, Community History Day invites visitors to engage with the layered histories of the Presidio Neighborhood and the diverse cultures that continue to define it. Free and open to all, this event brings history to life.
JUNE
SANTA BARBARA SUMMER SOLSTICE PARADE
The Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade is a vibrant, people-powered, and artistic celebration held annually in June (2026 theme: "WAVE"). As the county's largest single-day event, it features whimsical, handmade floats, giant puppets, and colorful costumes, usually traveling down Santa Barbara Street to Alameda Park. The parade is renowned for being free of commercialism, words, and logos, focusing instead on creative, community-driven performances and music.
FRIDAYS IN JULY
ASIAN AMERICAN FILM SERIES
Since 2010, the Asian American Film Series has illuminated the diverse experiences of Asian American communities through powerful storytelling. Held on Fridays in July at the historic Alhecama Theatre, this free series showcases films that delve into themes of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage, often followed by engaging discussions with filmmakers. By connecting contemporary narratives to the rich history of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood, the series fosters dialogue and honors the enduring contributions of Asian American communities.
AUGUST
SANTA BARBARA FIESTA
Fiesta is a five-day annual festival in Santa Barbara, California, usually held in early August, celebrating the city's Spanish, Mexican, and Native American heritage. Dating back to 1924, this vibrant cultural event features historic parades, flamenco dancing, Mexican mercados, and ranch-style traditions.
OCTOBER
ASIAN AMERICAN NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVAL
This free, family-friendly event celebrates the rich histories and cultures of the Asian American communities that once thrived in the Presidio Neighborhood. Attendees enjoy a vibrant lineup of cultural performances—including lion dancing, taiko drumming, hula, and breakdancing—alongside artisan booths, hands-on crafts, and educational exhibits that honor Santa Barbara’s Asian American heritage. The festival also features special collaborations with local artists and community partners, offering unique experiences that connect past and present.
NOVEMBER
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
An annual tradition honoring the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos. Held at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, this free, family-friendly event features seventy local vendors, live music, dance performances, face painting, art workshops, and a community ofrenda (altar) where visitors can leave photos or mementos in memory of loved ones. In collaboration with Mujeres Maker’s Market, the day offers a vibrant blend of cultural expression, creativity, and community remembrance.
DECEMBER
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY PARADE
70,000 spectators line State Street during the holiday season to watch Santa Barbara's only nighttime parade, the annual downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade. This signature event includes marching bands, holiday-themed floats, performance groups, local personalities, and of course Santa Claus. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. around the first Friday night in December. Free to attend, the parade is a traditional holiday extravaganza.
DECEMBER
Asian American Neighborhood Festival
UNA NOCHE DE LAS POSADAS
Una Noche de las Posadas is an annual candlelit procession that brings to life the cherished Latin American holiday tradition of Las Posadas. The event begins in the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and follows Mary, Joseph and the angel through the streets of Santa Barbara accompanied by traditional carols sung in Spanish. The journey concludes at Casa de la Guerra where the community gathers to enjoy festive food, music and a vibrant evening market. The celebration honors the spirit of hospitality and togetherness that has defined the neighborhood for generations.