Santa Barbara Events

January: International Film Festival
Drawing celebrities, press, film buffs, and regular folks, the festival showcases American and international independent films.

March: Santa Barbara International Orchid Show
If you love orchids, this show is for you, with hundreds of the beautiful plants on display and plenty of them on sale.

March: Whale Festival
Includes a Street Faire, storytelling, whale watching and diving excursions, and arts and crafts.

June: Summer Solstice Celebration
One of Santa Barbara's best-known and most fun events.

July: Black and Blue Ball
"Black Tie to Blue Jeans" Ball happens at Elings Park. Live music, a dance floor, food from local restaurants--and all proceeds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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

July: National Horse Show
One of the nation's top equestrian events takes place at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

July: Santa Barbara County Fair
Held in Santa Maria, the fair focuses on local agriculture, youth programs, and local community efforts.

August: Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Full of music and dance and one of Santa Barbara's oldest festivals.

September: Harvest Moon Festival
Sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Dance Society.

October: California Avocado Festival
Honor the avocado during this festival, held in nearby Carpinteria.

November: National Amateur Horse Show
Held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, this is an important training show for future Olympian equestrians.

December: Harbor Parade of Lights
A lovely sight as boats decorated with holiday lights cruise around Stearn's Wharf and the Harbor.