Santa Barbara Local Events

Santa Barbara Festivals & Events

Santa Barbara is a vibrant coastal destination known for its year-round festivals, cultural celebrations, and community events. From world-renowned film festivals and lively street parades to food, wine, and waterfront celebrations, there’s always something happening just minutes from Pacific Crest Hotel. Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer, or fall, these local events offer the perfect opportunity to experience the city’s unique charm, creativity, and coastal lifestyle during your stay.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

One of the most prestigious film festivals in the United States, this annual event brings together filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals for screenings, panels, and special events across downtown Santa Barbara. Guests can experience world premieres and spot celebrity appearances throughout the city.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Gala

This annual fundraising gala at the Maritime Museum features a unique theme each year, combining coastal culture, history, and entertainment. Guests enjoy an elegant evening with dining, music, and immersive experiences celebrating Santa Barbara’s maritime heritage.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Gala

This annual fundraising gala at the Maritime Museum features a unique theme each year, combining coastal culture, history, and entertainment. Guests enjoy an elegant evening with dining, music, and immersive experiences celebrating Santa Barbara’s maritime heritage.

Earth Day Festival

Held each spring, Santa Barbara’s Earth Day Festival is one of the largest on the West Coast. The event features live music, eco-friendly vendors, local food, and interactive exhibits focused on sustainability and environmental awareness.

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

A colorful Memorial Day weekend tradition, this festival transforms downtown streets into an open-air gallery. Artists create large-scale chalk murals inspired by Italian street painting, offering visitors a unique and vibrant cultural experience.

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

A colorful Memorial Day weekend tradition, this festival transforms downtown streets into an open-air gallery. Artists create large-scale chalk murals inspired by Italian street painting, offering visitors a unique and vibrant cultural experience.

Greek Festival

Celebrate Greek culture with authentic cuisine, traditional music, and lively dancing at this popular summer event. Visitors can enjoy classic dishes, cultural performances, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Summer Solstice Parade & Festival

One of Santa Barbara’s most iconic events, the Summer Solstice Parade features elaborate costumes, creative floats, and live performances. The celebration continues with a festival filled with art, music, and entertainment for all ages.

Summer Solstice Parade & Festival

One of Santa Barbara’s most iconic events, the Summer Solstice Parade features elaborate costumes, creative floats, and live performances. The celebration continues with a festival filled with art, music, and entertainment for all ages.

California Avocado Festival (Carpinteria)

Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, this beloved festival celebrates California’s iconic fruit with creative dishes, local vendors, and live entertainment. It’s a fun, food-focused event perfect for all ages.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta

This historic celebration honors Santa Barbara’s Spanish heritage with colorful parades, traditional music, flamenco dancing, and cultural performances. The city comes alive with festive energy during this multi-day event.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta

This historic celebration honors Santa Barbara’s Spanish heritage with colorful parades, traditional music, flamenco dancing, and cultural performances. The city comes alive with festive energy during this multi-day event.

Santa Barbara French Festival (Oak Park)

A lively celebration of French culture, this festival features wine tastings, authentic cuisine, live music, and family-friendly activities. Held in Oak Park, it offers a relaxed and festive outdoor atmosphere.

Harbor & Seafood Festival

Set along the scenic waterfront, this festival showcases fresh local seafood, live music, and ocean views. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes while experiencing the vibrant harbor atmosphere.

Harbor & Seafood Festival

Set along the scenic waterfront, this festival showcases fresh local seafood, live music, and ocean views. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes while experiencing the vibrant harbor atmosphere.

Strawberry Festival

A family-friendly favorite, the Strawberry Festival features delicious strawberry treats, local vendors, games, and entertainment. It’s a sweet and fun-filled event for visitors of all ages.

Santa Barbara Wine Festival

Wine lovers can enjoy tastings from regional wineries alongside gourmet food and live music. This event highlights the rich wine culture of the Santa Barbara region in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Santa Barbara Wine Festival

Wine lovers can enjoy tastings from regional wineries alongside gourmet food and live music. This event highlights the rich wine culture of the Santa Barbara region in a beautiful outdoor setting.