Special Events in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara plays host every year to a wide range of festivals and annual events, including art exhibits, theater performances, concerts, lectures, conferences, and other activities. Whatever time of year you visit, you'll find something exciting going on here, something inviting, something worth seeking out. Special annual highlights include Old Spanish Days, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Harbor & Seafood Festival, the Amgen Tour of California, and the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival.

Hanggliding and Paragliding Festival
Jan 1
(805) 965-3733
Fly-in at Elings Park in Santa Barbara from 11am to dusk. Festival will include traditional favorites of hang gliders flying from the mountains, paragliding and hang gliding spot landings, and other contests. Also may be featuring kites, hot air balloons, and gliders, plus music and lots of fun.

Whale Festival
March
This March festival in honor of the whale includes a Street Faire, storytelling, whale watching and diving excursions, and arts and crafts. Get the facts from "official whale information stations".

Jewish Festival
April
At Oak Park in April, there's entertainment throughout the day celebrating Jewish culture and traditions. Israeli dancing, klezmer bands, storytelling, arts, crafts, and food.

I Madonnari
Late May
Come celebrate the arts and help the Children's Creative Project paint the streets Italian Style. The old Mission Santa Barbara will be transformed into the color-splashed site of Santa Barbara's 14th I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival. Engage your senses with live music and an authentic Italian market. Enjoy a fabulous array of Italian cuisine and specialty items.

Big Dog Parade & Block Party
June
State Street goes to the dogs!

French Festival
Mid-July.
Bastille Day weekend, a celebration of French culture at Oak Park. Food, music, entertainment--c'est magnifique!

Renaissance Faire and Midsummer Market
August
For two weekends in mid-August, 16th century life is re-created in Oak Park.

National Amateur Horse Show
November
Where else but at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. An important November training show for future Olympian equestrians.

First Night Santa Barbara
December 31
First Night Santa Barbara will take place on December 31st from 12 noon to 12 midnight. In the afternoon, children will be treated to child friendly activities that embrace arts and crafts, music and theater.