Summer in Santa Barbara already means time spent on gorgeous beaches and fun activities in the water. Still, if you get your timing right, you can add one or more of Santa Barbara’s summer festivals. Various subjects can match every taste, from the Surf Film Festival to Old Spanish Days Fiesta and Movies Under the Stars.
Here is our list of summer events in Santa Barbara to choose from:
Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival
Dates: 2nd Weekend in June
Location: Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival aims to combine a love of surf culture’s cinema with ocean conservation and community spirit. Several nonprofit organizations benefit from the festival, and up-and-coming surfers have a chance to shine.
Juneteenth Santa Barbara Block Party
Dates: Saturday before June 19
Location: The Funk Zone
Juneteenth Santa Barbara is a local celebration of Black Independence Day on June 19th — and one of the free events in Santa Barbara. Enjoy local music, dancing, artist exhibits, and storytelling in the historically black area of Santa Barbara. Stroll through the Black Artisan Market, which features work by community nonprofits.
Summer Solstice Celebration
Dates: June 21-23, 2024
Location: Alameda Park; parade begins at Santa Barbara St and Ortega
It is appropriate that The Summer Solstice Celebration is one of the largest festivals in Santa Barbara, attracting over 100,000 people. The parade is a highlight, featuring imaginative floats, fantastical costumes, masks, and puppets.
Santa Barbara Lavender Festival
Date: Last Saturday in June
Location: Great Meadow at Santa Barbara City College
The Santa Barbara Lavender Festival is an arts and crafts event that focuses on lavender and lavender themes by artists, small farms, and local business owners.
Santa Barbara Wine + Food Festival
Date: Last Saturday in June
Location: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
The Santa Barbara Wine + Food Festival is a popular fundraiser for the Museum of Natural History. Enjoy spectacular bites of food and sips of wine as you wander through the museum’s grounds.
Santa Barbara 4th of July
Date: July 4
Location: Stearn’s Wharf
Celebrate the 4th of July Santa Barbara style! A parade, concert, food, and arts and crafts vendors are on the Wharf and along the waterfront. The highlight is, of course, fireworks.
Friday Nights Under the Stars Summer Cinema
Dates: Friday nights July – August
Location: County Courthouse
Friday Nights Under the Stars are free movies at the County Courthouse during July and August. Bring blankets and low-backed chairs and enjoy family-friendly movies starting at 8:30 pm.
California Wine Festival
Date: July 19-20, 2024
Location: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachside and Chase Palm Park Oceanside
The Santa Barbara location of the California Wine Festival is, where else, on the beach. One of many Santa Barbara food festivals, you can attend a rare wine tasting or mingle with the crowds for live music, food, regional craft brews, and local wines.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Date: July 31 – August 4, 2024
Location: Multiple locations, primarily across from City Hall
Old Spanish Days is an opportunity to celebrate Santa Barbara’s historic origins, which include the influence of the Spanish, Mexican, and native Chumash cultures. Stroll through a Mexican marketplace or participate in a landmark tour of the Courthouse. Attend a rodeo or wonder at an evening of dances–flamenco and folklore.
Pacific Pride Festival
Date: August 24, 2024
Location: Chase Palm Park Field
The Pacific Pride Festival is a day of live entertainment, food trucks, and a beer garden. It is free and open to all ages.
Before and After the Festival
If you need a place to hang your hat after a day at one of Santa Barbara’s summer festivals, on the water, or at the beach, The Eagle Inn can provide a comfortable, private space. We are within walking distance of the beaches, the Funk Zone, and much of Santa Barbara’s activities.
With a season full of activities, book your getaway early! There are many reasons to stay with us, including a mouth-watering hot breakfast. Let us help you fill in gaps in your itinerary; we love showing guests the little-known secret areas of town.
Photo Credit:
© imagenes de samuel perales carasco via canva.com
© evgord via canva.com