You can join the party or watch from the sidelines as extravagant floats, whimsical costumes and creatively choreographed dancing ensembles march through the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. The event welcomes over 100,000 spectators.
Put your beret on and travel to France sans phrase book with Santa Barbara's French Festival. Hosted by Oak Park, the festival recreates French culture with sidewalk cafés, arts, music and dance - all in commemoration of the French Revolution.
Discover Santa Barbara's Spanish and Mexican heritage during the annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta held in locations across the city. The festival includes art markets, music, dance performances, plenty of food and a horse show & rodeo.
Every summer for eight weeks Santa Barbara presents the Music Academy of the West Summer Festival, where classical music merges with a laid-back Californian vibe. The festival welcomes gifted classical singers and instrumentalists to venues across the city.
Lobster is just one of the many seafoods served up at this annual festival hosted by Santa Barbara Harbor. The day-long affair also includes live music, arts & crafts vendors and local environmental organisations.
Enjoy an afternoon of unlimited beer tasting at Santa Barbara Beer Festival. Featuring the best microbrews from the central and west coast, the annual fundraising event is held at Santa Barbara's Elings Park, and only admits over 21s.
Santa Barbara Pier ushers in the festive season with the annual Parade of Lights. A tree-lighting ceremony is held before the boat parade which is followed by a fireworks display, an awards ceremony and an after-party.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival showcases a broad range of independent films from American and international film-makers at venues across this Californian city. It also features competitions, symposiums and children's programmes.
Commercial and amateur growers from the West and Pacific Rim bring thousands of their most perfect blooms to the Earl Warren Showgrounds for the annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. There are also ongoing demonstrations about orchid culture.
From sugar high to adrenaline rush, Santa Barbara Fair & Expo, hosted by Earl Warren Showgrounds, features plenty of carnival treats alongside many fun rides. Held over five days, the festival features livestock, agricultural, commercial and educational exhibits.