This is the largest arts event in Santa Barbara County. It draws crowds of over 100,000 spectators and participants from around the world, and is definately an event you will want to attend if you are traveling to Santa Barbara in the summer. The parade is usually hosted on a weekend near the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Here are some photos from a previous year. There is lots to do after the parade. There are concerts in the park, vendors from around the world, restaurants to eat at, and entertainment galore. See the website below if you would like to participate as a vendor or dance on one of the teams.
Mesage from the organizers:
SOLSTICE SHINES BRIGHT
Our mission is to bring the community together through the arts.
Support our ability to bring Solstice
to the community year after year.
Make a donation to Summer Solstice Celebration
a 501 c 3 Nonprofit organization today and support the artists who make it possible.
The Solstice Parade and Festival is the largest arts event in Santa Barbara County, drawing crowds of over 100,000 spectators and participants from around the world. After two years of being shuttered due to the pandemic, we have been given the “go ahead” for an in person event this year. Due to the State Street Promenade and related emergency access concerns, this year the parade will take place on Santa Barbara St. The parade will start at noon, June 25th at the corner of Santa Barbara St. and Ortega and proceed to Alameda Park for the festival.
The festival will take place Friday June 24th and Saturday June 25th. The festival is free and open to the public and will include a full musical line up as well as a variety of food and merchant vendors and beer and wine garden.
Learn More: https://www.solsticeparade.com/
Santa Barbara Scoop 