Santa Barbara is stacked with events and activities that draw in people from all over the United States. This means, no matter the season, you’ll discover exciting cultural and culinary events, as well as activities perfect for the whole family or a close-knit group of friends looking for something new.
If you aren’t familiar, the city is famous for several signature celebrations that draw massive crowds. These include the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, a spectacular five-day event in August honoring the city’s rich Spanish, Mexican, and Native American heritage with parades, dancing, and more.
Another standout summer festival is the Summer Solstice Celebration in June. This is a vibrant, artistic festival known for its imaginative costumes and community spirit.
Beyond these major festivals, the city hosts many other annual happenings catering to diverse interests.
- Food and wine enthusiasts can explore local farmers’ markets, seasonal food festivals, and world-class wine-tasting events.
- Art and culture lovers will appreciate the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in winter, which draws celebrities and showcases international cinema.
- For those who love the outdoors, environmental events like the Earth Day Festival and various maritime activities celebrate the coastal lifestyle.
Planning your next vacation around one or more of Santa Barbara’s notable annual events is the perfect way to elevate your stay with Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals. Expect an enriching experience that goes far beyond the typical things to do in Santa Barbara. Learn more about some of the events below.
Art Crawl on 1st Thursday
Every month on the 1st Thursday
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Del La Guerra and Anacapa Streets, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The Art Crawl brings together a bunch of art lovers to enjoy the local art scene. The Art Crawl draws a crowd of locals, collectors, and visitors. Take your family out of their vacation rental and down to the Art Crawl for some fun!
Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Every February
Time: Various Times
Location: The Arlington, The Lobero, Metro 4, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and More!
Given its knack for predicting Academy Award® winners, a proximal distance to Los Angeles, and timing close to the big event, this year the Santa Barbara International Film Festival will once again establish itself as the preeminent Oscar® film festival. Plan your vacation around this Santa Barbara event and stay at one of our vacation rentals close by!
Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
April 20 – April 21
Time: Sat. 11 a.m. -7 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. -6 p.m.
Location: Alameda Park; 1400 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Spend your vacation at the largest Earth Day celebration in California, which strives to keep our waste to a minimum. This Santa Barbara event features over 200 exhibitors, two days full of music, demonstrations, lectures, education, food and beverage vendors, and so much more!
Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival
Every October
Time: TBA
Location: Various
Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival attracts vacationers and wine lovers for an opportunity to network with vintners, wine tasting, food, and music. It’s the perfect event to attend while staying in or visiting Santa Barbara.
I Madonnari Street Painting Festival
May 25 – May 27
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Daily
Location: Old Mission Santa Barbara
Every year on Memorial Day weekend, the Old Mission Santa Barbara is transformed with more than 200 colorful, large-scale chalk drawings created by more than 400 artists. Plan your next family vacation around the Santa Barbara I Madonnari festival!
Summer Solstice Parade and Festival
June 21 – June 23
Time: 4-8 p.m. on Fri., 12-8 p.m. on Sat., 12-6 p.m. on Sun., Parade at 1 p.m.
Location: Downtown Santa Barbara and Alameda Park
The Summer Solstice parade is the largest arts event in Santa Barbara, drawing more than 100,000 spectators. One thousand parade participants build extravagant floats and whimsical costumes, then dance along State Street in choreographed ensembles. Festivities continue all weekend in the park with food, music, and vendors of all kinds! It’s the perfect summer event for Santa Barbara vacationers staying at one of our rentals close by!
Annual 4th of July Parade
July 4
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Downtown Santa Barbara
Spend your 4th of July at one of Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals’ properties and see the parade, which begins at 1 p.m. at Micheltorena Street and down State Street to Old Town Santa Barbara, concluding at Cota Street. Come watch the festivities with the whole family.
Pacific Pride Festival
Every August
Time: 11 a.m. -7 p.m.
Location: Chase Palm Park
Santa Barbara’s LGBTQ Celebration is all-day entertainment, food, vendors, and more!
California Wine Festival
Every July
Time: Events and times vary
Location: Chase Palm Park; 236 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Experience the quintessential California wine tasting vacation at this 3-day event in Santa Barbara and enjoy hundreds of California’s finest vintage wines, delicious gourmet foods, and lively music.
Santa Barbara Greek Festival
Every July
Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Oak Park; 300 W. Alamar, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The annual festival evokes the sights, sounds, and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life in Santa Barbara. Take a stroll through Santa Barbara’s beautiful Oak Park, and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village. Stay at one of our vacation rentals and spend the weekend at the Greek Festival!
Old Spanish Days
Every August
Time: Various event times and dates
Location: Downtown Santa Barbara – Several Locations
Santa Barbara is transformed into a colorful spectacle of Spanish heritage. Book your Santa Barbara vacation rental during Old Spanish Days for fun for the whole family! Events during the 4-day party include dance, music, cultural presentations, a parade, a rodeo, food, arts and crafts, and more!
Annual California Lemon Festival and Car Show
September 28 – September 29
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sat. (Car show only on Sat.), 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Sun.
Location: Girsh Park; 7050 Phelps Rd., Goleta, CA 93117
You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and a variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event in the Goleta Valley. Book your vacation rental for September now and don’t miss the pie-eating contests and the arts and crafts vendors.
Annual Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
October 12
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara’s Harbor & Seafood Festival coincides with lobster season and features local commercial fishermen offering the Santa Barbara Channel’s freshest seafood. Book your beach rental today and walk over to the harbor for this exciting Santa Barbara festival. Enjoy interactive maritime education, children’s activities, boat rides, live music, and more.
