Santa Barbara Festivals
Santa Barbara International Film Festival (http://www.sbfilmfestival.org)
Given its knack for predicting Academy Award® winners, a proximal distance to Los Angeles and timing close to the big event, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) in 2010 will once again establish itself as the preeminent Oscar® film festival. SBIFF takes place among the beautiful California coastal area that is considered the American Riviera™. With the city’s destination desirability and the Festival’s attraction of stellar luminaries and exceptional programming, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is truly “unmissable”. (Courtesy of SBIFF.org)
Summer Solstice Celebration & Parade (http://www.solsticeparade.com)
Today, the Summer Solstice Celebration has evolved into a street carnival of more than 1,000 parade participants, of all ethnic backgrounds, complete with extravagant floats, whimsical costumes and creatively choreographed dancing ensembles. Also included is an annual artistic competition for the Solstice T-shirt and Poster design to be sold as the main fundraising vehicle for the event. Visit our Solstice Store or Poster Gallery today to purchase T-shirts or posters from year's past. The Festival in Alameda Park grew from the earlier gatherings at the following in the sunken gardens of the County Courthouse. When the number of people outgrew the size of the courthouse the event was moved to Alameda Park. The Alameda Park is where everyone can enjoy music, food, arts and crafts, a drum circle, a special free children’s festival and more.
Avocado Festival (http://www.avofest.com)
This annual event takes place in the first week of October and has grown into one of the largest festivals in California. The city of Carpinteria (just south of Santa Barbara) hosts the South-Coast’s largest free festival with three days of food, entertainment, and fun. Many acts, vendors, and, of course, guacamole, make this a must-visit event.
The Santa Barbara area hosts many more festivals (over 15) throughout the year, proof that Santa Barbara’s arts and culture are visible in the life of the community.
