This spring and summer, several beloved local festivals and events will return after pandemic-related rescheduling or cancellations.
From egg hunts for Easter to the Santa Barbara Solstice Festival ushering in the summer season, residents throughout Santa Barbara County can look forward to an array of festivities for people of all ages.
The popular Santa Barbara Solstice Parade is making its return this year and will have a new route along Santa Barbara Street, since the usual route along State Street is blocked by promenade dining areas and planters.
The festival will take place June 24-25 in Alameda Park, and the parade is scheduled for June 25. The parade features floats handmade by local artists, done in eclectic styles similar to Brazil’s famous annual Carnival.
The new route will pass by the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the Presidio and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
“We invite the entire community to come out and enjoy the event in any ways possible,” said Robin Elander, interim director of the event. “Saturday is free and open to the public — it’s a big fun day to bring back the community!”
The traditional in-person Solstice festival and parade were canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, with some virtual and distanced activities instead.
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, be sure to mark the following events on the calendar:
» Easter egg hunts: The Lompoc Parks & Recreation Division and the Lompoc Kiwanis Club are holding the annual Easter egg hunt on April 16 at River Park, at Highway 246 and Sweeney Road. There are time slots between 10 a.m. and noon for kids of different ages, and everyone is asked to bring their own basket or bag to collect what they find. Click here for more information.
Elings Park in Santa Barbara will have an egg hunt, bounce houses, music and a visit from the Easter Bunny from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 16. Free admission with $10 parking fee. There are different egg hunt time slots for kids of different ages. Click here for more information.
» Earth Day Festival: This year’s event, headed by the Community Environmental Council, will be held at The Arlington Theatre and will feature short films from the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network, guest speakers and even a thrift fashion show. Earth Day Santa Barbara not only informs the community, but also presents real opportunities to network for young people looking to work in environmental policy. Admission is free for the day, with the exception of a concert in the evening. Click here for more information.
» Santa Barbara Fair and Expo: From April 27 to May 1, head down to the Earl Warren Showgrounds for the annual Santa Barbara Fair and Expo. Featuring more than 30 attractions, the expo has festivities fit for all ages. Admission ranges from $5 to $10, and attendees may also purchase unlimited ride wristbands for $30. Click here for more information. (The Santa Barbara County Fair at the Santa Maria Fairpark is scheduled for mid-July.)
» Santa Maria Strawberry Festival: The Santa Maria Strawberry Festival is coming to town April 29 to May 1. The event will fully resume in-person operations this year, after adapting to throw a drive-in style event last year because of the pandemic. The festival features carnival rides, local entertainment and, of course, farm-fresh strawberries sourced from growers in and around the county. Admission ranges from $8 to $10. Click here for more event information.
» Lompoc Flower Festival: The festival is scheduled for May 6-8 instead of its usual June dates. There will not be a parade this year, but this celebration of Lompoc’s agricultural roots will feature carnival rides, arts and crafts exhibitors, and musical entertainment. As done in years prior, there will also be an election for a Flower Festival Queen. The event also sells unlimited ride wristbands, which can be purchased by calling 805.735.8511.
— Lauren Luna is a Noozhawk contributing writer. Contact her at news@noozhawk.com.
