Downtown is the hub of festivals, parades, and cultural events in Santa Barbara. These featured events represent the highlights of the season. Whether its touring the Historic Arts District with 1st Thursday or shaking to the beat at the Summer Solstice Celebration, there is always something to enjoy. Don't miss the fun in The Heart of Santa Barbara!
Click here to download participating businesses and offers for Shop Spree SB.
A weekend shopping festival to showcase Downtown Santa Barbara's charm. Two days of discovering retail stores, salons, spas and other businesses that collectively make shopping Downtown an unforgettable experience. Santa Barbara residents and visitors are invited to indulge in exclusive in-store discounts, events and seasonal premiers as they stroll along State Street and surrounding side streets.
Shop Spree SB will kick off on Friday, September 10 with Paseo Nuevo's 'Fashion's Night Out', a global initiative to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and put the fun back in shopping.
State Street will be filled with lively musicians throughout the two-day event, and participating businesses will offer activities such as fashion demonstrations, refreshments and live music.
Join us to celebrate retail in its finest form while supporting local businesses. Shop Spree SB is a unique reason for regional visitors to travel to Santa Barbara and a chance to inspire residents to rediscover Downtown.
For more information, contact Ashleigh at adavis@sbdo.org or call 805-962-2098 ext22.
1st Thursday is a monthly series focused on downtown art and culture. On the first Thursday of each month, downtown galleries will keep their doors open from 5-8 PM allowing the public to enjoy local art in a fun and social atmosphere. Additional attractions such as music, artist openings, demonstrations, and refreshments will be featured at participating venues. In addition, State Street will come alive on 1st Thursday with public performances and interactive exhibits. These pieces will showcase a variety of Santa Barbara arts groups as well as add to the lively atmosphere downtown. For more information including programming and a map please go to 1st Thursday.
For a fun, safe Halloween event, children and their parents are invited to Trick-or-Treat along State Street between Sola and Gutierrez Streets and the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center.All participating businesses will display an orange ghost and balloons in their window. Please come in costume to receive a special treat from Noon - 3pm.Dont forget to bring a Trick-or-Treat bag!
The 16th Annual La Arcada Christmas Walk will be held on Wednesday, December 1st from 5:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. promoting a festive holiday spirit by encouraging families and shoppers alike to spend time in a tree-filled court transformed into a winter wonderland. Come celebrate the season with strolling carolers and musicians throughout the sculpture courtyard. Hop on board an old fashioned sleigh for a complimentary photo with Santa. Enjoy fresh popped popcorn, cookies, and treats provided by merchants. La Arcada is located at 1114 State Street next to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Visit www.laarcadasantabarbara.com for more information about La Arcada's unique shops and restaurants.
2010 Theme is Miracle on State Street More than 50,000 spectators are expected to line downtown Santa Barbara on Friday evening December 3, 2010, to cheer on a colossal contingent of high-stepping marching bands, fabulous holiday floats, spectacular performance groups, local personalities, and of course, the most anticipated appearance of the evening...the annual arrival of Santa Clause, dispensing holiday cheer from atop his festive sleigh. The Holiday Prince & Fairy officially light up the night with the lighting of the large Christmas tree at State & Victoria Streets.
The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at State Street and Sola Street and concludes at Cota Street. For more information, call 805-962-2098 ext. 23.
Parade History
In the early 1950s, a tradition began to decorate State Street with 40 foot tall Douglas fir Christmas trees during the holidays. These trees actually lined the center divider lines of what used to be a four lane street. Sponsored then by the Retail Merchants Association, the Chamber of Commerce and the Parks and Recreation Department, the trees were officially dedicated and lit during the Childrens Christmas Parade by the Christmas Fairy. The Childrens Christmas Parade is now known as the Downtown Holiday Parade and is held annually, one week after Thanksgiving.
The parade, in its 58th year, has since evolved into Santa Barbaras only nighttime street parade. After 31 years of Saturday morning debuts, the parade returned to the Friday evening tradition in 1998. This years tradition takes place on Friday, December 3rd officially welcoming the holiday season downtown with the lighting of the 45 Community Christmas Tree located at the corner of State and Victoria Streets.
1st Thursday 
The 16th Annual La Arcada Christmas Walk will be held on Wednesday, December 1st from 