Santa Barbara loves to party! There always seems to be an event somewhere around Santa Barbara every month of the year. City-wide festivals and event gatherings are a large part of what makes Santa Barbara such a fun, inclusive city! While some events are larger than others, a few of these annual celebrations are so popular that they draw in crowds from all over the area. Crowds can mean traffic and higher hotel costs; an important note when planning your wedding timeline and budget. I strongly suggest checking your wedding date on the Santa Barbara Events listing site below. This will help you prepare in advance for any unexpected traffic or crowd issues.
In addition to the above link, I have outlined a few of Santa Barbara’s larger annual events below so you can see them at a glance. This isn’t a comprehensive list and the details below may change. Please refer to the Santa Barbara Events site link above for the current list of upcoming events.
To ensure a seamless wedding celebration, couples may want to consider the following tips:
Plan Ahead: Research the event’s dates for the upcoming year to avoid conflicts with your desired wedding date.
Check Availability: Reach out to wedding venues and vendors early to secure your desired dates, especially if they coincide with the event.
Inform Guests: If your wedding date does coincide with an event, give your guests ample notice to make travel and accommodation arrangements in advance.
Traffic and Transportation: Be prepared for potential traffic disruptions and consider providing transportation options for your guests.
Embrace the Celebration: If you're open to it, incorporate elements of the event into your wedding theme, creating a unique and festive ambiance.
I hope this helps when planning your wedding!
Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Viva La! Couples considering wedding dates in Santa Barbara may want to be mindful of the city's vibrant and iconic annual event, Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This cultural celebration, held annually in late July or early August, embraces the city's Spanish heritage and offers an array of festivities that could impact wedding plans. The event typically spans several days, featuring traditional dances, parades, live music, delicious food, and more. Events are throughout Santa Barbara with the Old Mission, Sunken Gardens at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, De La Guerra Plaza, and Casa Del La Guerra being some of the hot spots for performances and gatherings.
Wedding couples should keep in mind that Old Spanish Days Fiesta tends to draw large crowds of locals and tourists alike, potentially affecting venue availability, accommodations, traffic, and overall logistics. While the festival brings a lively atmosphere to the city, it's essential to consider the potential impacts on guest attendance and the overall wedding experience.
While Old Spanish Days Fiesta adds a cultural flair to Santa Barbara, planning a wedding during this time requires careful consideration to ensure that your special day aligns with your vision and expectations.
International Film Festival
Films and stars! Couples exploring wedding dates in Santa Barbara should be aware of the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. This renowned event, usually held in late January to early February, showcases a diverse selection of international films, hosts celebrity appearances, and offers captivating panels and discussions. If wedding plans coincide with the festival, couples should consider the potential impacts on their celebrations.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival draws film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media attention, potentially affecting wedding-related logistics. Availability of accommodations, venues, and even traffic patterns might be influenced by the festival's influx of visitors.
While the Santa Barbara International Film Festival adds a cultural and artistic dimension to the city, couples planning their wedding during this period should weigh the potential benefits and challenges to ensure their special day aligns with their aspirations.
Free Summer Cinema - Movies at the Sunken Gardens
Santa Barbara’s love for cinema and films continues past the International Film Festival. Free Summer Cinema takes over the Santa Barbara Courthouse each Friday in July & August. Starting at noon each Friday, attendees are allowed to lay their blankets out blocking off space for that evening’s movie showing.
For couples considering a Friday wedding date at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens in July and August, it is important to be aware that the Free Summer Cinema means the iconic Sunken Gardens will be covered in blankets. It is still possible to photograph around the courthouse and minimize the clutter of the blankets, however, a few photography locations will be unavailable as a result of this summer Friday film series tradition.
Free Summer Cinema draws many locals, creating a lively atmosphere around the Courthouse area.
Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration
Colors and costumes! The Santa Barbara Solstice Celebration is an annual event that embodies the spirit of creativity, community, and artistic expression. Rooted in the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, the festival typically takes place in late June. The Santa Barbara Solstice Celebration traces its origins back to the 1970s when a group of local artists, led by Michael Gonzales, envisioned a way to celebrate the summer solstice in a manner that reflected the city's artistic and free-spirited culture. The first parade took place in 1974, and the event has grown in popularity ever since.
Beyond its artistic significance, the Solstice Celebration holds deeper meanings for many. It symbolizes the welcoming of summer, the power of self-expression, and the unity of the community. The event often incorporates elements of environmental awareness and sustainability, aligning with Santa Barbara's commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
The celebration of life, creativity and joy of the summer season is composed of two parts; a parade and a park celebration.
Parade: The highlight of the Santa Barbara Solstice Celebration is its iconic parade. The parade features an array of imaginative floats, extravagant costumes, vibrant performances, and lively music. Participants and spectators alike engage in the festive atmosphere, with participants often painting their bodies and wearing elaborate, colorful outfits. The parade route winds through the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, captivating the city with its artistic and exuberant display. It's a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and unity that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds.
Park Celebration: Following the parade, the festivities continue at Alameda Park, where a park celebration takes place. The park becomes a hub of activities, including live music performances, art installations, dance showcases, food vendors, and interactive art projects. Families, friends, and visitors gather to enjoy the various offerings, reveling in the vibrant energy that characterizes the Solstice Celebration. The park celebration provides an opportunity for people to engage with local artists, musicians, and performers, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
The Santa Barbara Solstice Celebration captures the city's artistic spirit, diversity, and sense of community.
i Madonnari street painting festival
The Santa Barbara i Madonnari Street Painting Festival is an annual celebration that brings together art, culture, and community in a vibrant and colorful display at the Santa Barbara Mission. Drawing inspiration from an Italian tradition, this event transforms the asphalt in front of the Mission steps into an open-air gallery where artists create intricate and temporary chalk paintings known as "i Madonnari."
The festival is in May during Memorial Day Weekend. During the festival, local and visiting artists gather to create stunning and intricate chalk artworks directly on the pavement. These ephemeral masterpieces often range from intricate reproductions of classic artworks to original creations, showcasing a wide array of styles, themes, and techniques. The festival offers a captivating fusion of traditional artistry and contemporary creativity, captivating the eyes and imaginations of both participants and visitors.
The i Madonnari Street Painting Festival is more than just an art show; it's a lively and interactive event. Visitors have the opportunity to witness the creation process as artists work diligently on their pieces throughout the multiple days of the event.
The festival also serves a philanthropic purpose. Proceeds from the i Madonnari Street Painting Festival often go toward supporting arts education programs in the local community, ensuring that the event contributes positively to the creative development of the region's youth.
Santa Barbara’s i Madonnari Street Painting Festival celebrates the beauty of art, fosters community connections, and leaves a temporary, yet indelible mark on the asphalt of Santa Barbara Mission. It's a true testament to the power of creativity and collaboration in bringing people together in an artistic celebration.
Santa Barbara Arts & Craft Show on Cabrillo Blvd
Art by the beach! Cabrillo Blvd is Santa Barbara’s popular palm-tree-lined street that runs along the oceanfront. Cabrillo Blvd is popular for Santa Barbara’s large oceanfront hotels such as the Hilton Beachfront Resort, Santa Barbara Inn, and Mar Monte Hotel as well wedding venues such as the Cabrillo Pavilion and the Carousel House.
During the Sunday Art Walk, the picturesque Cabrillo Blvd comes alive with creativity. Artists set up their stalls along designated areas, presenting a wide range of artworks including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and more. This open-air art market allows attendees to engage directly with the artists, learn about their creative processes, and purchase their unique pieces.
The Santa Barbara Sunday Art Walk not only offers a chance to appreciate and purchase art, but it also supports the local arts community by providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with their audience. Additionally, it contributes to the city's reputation as a hub for creativity and cultural engagement.
The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show happens every Sunday as well as on special dates. Plase see their link below to see how the beach front traffic may impact your transportation from your getting ready location to your venue.