This year was the 30th anniversary and we were pleasantly surprised how the festival remains a…read moregreat afternoon event in July although you may have attended the last 30 years. I watched a few musicians on the three stages including listening to French jazz and accordions! The joust with the knights was a hit; a few friends wanted to join the team. A first hand view of knights and their armor in action included the sounds you would imagine occurring when someone attacks another in metal with swords!!! To go, we grabbed a few baguettes from the bakery vendor from LA, which was a hit in the evening when our family used the bread to make fig and Brie burgers!! Mmmmmm!!!!

Great food and dancing..perfect day to celebrate the French world cup. Crepes are wonderful and the…read morebaguette are rich. Oak Park is a beautiful venue with oak trees and perfect weather

This years Fiesta events begin on August 5th - 9th, 2015…read more As a Santa Barbarian born and raised here, this by far has to be my favorite event of all time in my hometown! Ever since I was a little girl my family has participated in the parade, and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to be in the children's parade a few times myself. Ever since then it's been my tradition to partake in the festivities. Although I haven't been in the parade since I was a kid I enjoy going to it every year. This long week event is somewhat comparable to mardi gras in New Orleans. You can expect to find State Street packed with tourists, the bars filled, and the streets covered in confetti. The opening ceremony known as La Fiesta Pequeña "Little Fiesta" kicks off Fiesta week on the steps of our beautiful Mission. I suggest you try to claim a spot the night before or get there a few hours ahead of time to find one. Take a lounge chair, blankets, food, and beverage. They do have a small area with food vendors so take cash if you don't want to hassle with bringing your own stuff. I also suggest taking cash if you want to buy cascarones "confetti filled eggs" to get your crack on. If you don't know what a cascarone is then you haven't lived! You can find them anywhere on the streets being sold. They are beautifully hand crafted and decorated it makes you want to save them instead of cracking them on someone's head. El Mercado De La Guerra - Located in the heart of the city you will find tons of food booths, and vendors selling a variety of festive art, jewelry, clothing and accessories. There's also a stage provided with free entertainment. You will see flamenco and folklorico performances and awesome bands playing pop, rock, latin, jazz, and salsa music. El Mercado Del Norte: This Mercado is somewhat a duplicate of the one downtown but the only difference is there is a carnival here with rides and games for the kids. Each Mercado opens daily during Fiesta's at 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. El Desfile Historico Parade - This parade takes place on Friday afternoon. It is one of the nation's largest equestrian parades. You will see floats, mariachi's, flamenco dancers, and more. There is also a children's parade on Saturday which starts at 10:00 a.m. The list of fun events around town go on and on but In a nutshell if you haven't experienced Fiesta's then I suggest you put it on your traveling list! I recommend you reserve a room a few months ahead of time since they will all be booked if you wait or the prices will be insanely high.

I've heard about this large festival a few times, but never experienced it until this year. I was…read moretaking a trip to SB, and had some time to kill before by friend arrives into town. I walked around the Mercado and browsed all the interesting Spanish gifts and trinkets. I bought a chicken tamale for $4 and it was delish! It was filled with lots of chicken and the sauce was nice and spicy! I was really satisfied after =] http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wyXout3yStwg-knF6Bnelw?select=Tf2N7NGoSGJlqsOWeaQ14w The Fiesta also has a parade, but I did not watch it. My favourite part about the Fiesta was the confetti filled eggs! They were $1/4, but priceless on the amount of fun you have smashing them on your friends' heads! Fun fun fun!

Santa Barbara Beer Festival 2017 was a huge event that apparently has been rooted in this community…read morefor years on end, I had just never been in the loop? Very glad to be looped into the festivities this year and see many familiar faces out there having a blast and supporting local breweries. The staff at the entrance of the event were all rugby player volunteers, from what I understand, and while their heart was definitely there, they were a little less professional than they could be. Very glad, though, the festival is set up to help a good, local cause and think they should promote the rugby foundation a little more in the festival advertisements. The beer samplings themselves were great, of course. A lot of the same vendors from the multiple September/October festivals this year were there, including: Captain Fatty's, Rincon Brew, Island Brew, Sierra Nevada, Draughtsmen Ale, Brass Bear, & 3 Window. It was awesome to see, though, the surprise michelada option at M Special and chips and salsa from Mesa Salsa Company. Oh my gosh that green salsa was to die for! The VIP blow up tent was fun and festive and the pizza bread inside was nothing like I'd ever tasted before. I also loved seeing all the men walking around in kilts throughout the event. I wish I got the memo, I'd totally be on board to dress up Oktoberfest like. Next year they should invite everyone to, the pictures would be hilarious! There was life sized Jenga, cornhole opportunities, lots of space to dance or picnic, multiple port-o-potty locations, and live music throughout the day. I thought the venue was beautiful but a little too spaced out for what it contained. I also wouldn't recommend driving unless you get there way before opening and don't mind paying $5. The Uber or Lyft will be safer and well worth the money.

The Santa Barbara Beer Festival is as good as it gets when it comes to beer festivals. It's a…read moregrand ol' time to eat, drink, be merry, hang with friends, and make new friends. The 2010 Santa Barbara Beer Festival is upcoming, and although it's about 4 months away, I'm already getting excited. 2010 Santa Barbara Beer Festival details: Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 12 - 4 pm at Eling's Park. Tickets as well as the list of brewers are not available yet. Parking is $5 and available along Jerry Harwin Parkway. Designated drivers can enter the festival for free! And Bill's Bus will offer free rides. When the list of brewers becomes available on-line, I will edit this review to reflect that update. Santa Barbara Beer Festival 2009: October 17, 2009 My friends and I, all UCSB alumni of course, arrived at Eling's Park about an hour or so before the scheduled opening time of the festival. We turned over our tickets and were given a wristband and a small beer glass, and then waited. As noon approached, the crowd had grown substantially, and included a man in a gorilla suit. It was obvious who the veterans were; those were the ones equipped with necklaces customized to hold the beer glass. Maybe I will try to fashion one this year. Tents peppered the lawn of the park, and my friend's and I devised the strategy to start at the tent farthest from the entrance. It really didn't matter though, because although there were a lot of people at the festival, the lines weren't long, and moved so quickly that it wasn't a hassle. There was plenty of time to try each brewery many times over, and also stop by the sponsors and food vendors as well. The weather was beautiful, clear, sunny, and hot. Definitely apply sunscreen. The food was great; award winning chili, sausages, etc., and the prices were not inflated. The portable bathrooms were not a nightmare, but were surprisingly big and clean, and there were sinks set up outside the restrooms as well. Overall, a great experience at a great venue with great friends. 2009 Santa Barbara Beer Festival Brewers: The Brewhouse Downtown Brewing Company Hollister Brewing Company Island Brewing Company Santa Barbara Brewing Company Telegraph Brewing Company Union Ale Brewing Company Firestone Walker Brewing Company Alaskan Brewing Company Anacapa Brewing Company Beer Guy Blue Moon Brewing Co. Bootlegger's Brewery Cal Poly Brew Crew C.A.R.P. Homebrewers Chau Tien Pale Ale Deschutes Brewery Einhorn Beer Company Karl Strauss Brewing Co. Kona Brewing Company Lagunitas Brewing Company Leinenkugel Lost Coast Brewery MateVeza MillerCoors Moylan's Brewery Nakhon Premium Beer Nectar Ales New Belgium Brewing Company Peroni Pilsner Urquell Samuel Adams Santa Barbeerians Sequoia Brewing Company Shock Top Belgian White Skyscraper Brewing Company Widmer Brothers Brewing Company Wolf Creek Brewing Company 2009 Santa Barbara Beer Festival Music: Debra Farris Band The Kicks The Brewery Boys 2009 Santa Barbara Beer Festival Vendors: Judge's Sausages 2009 Santa Barbara Beer Festival Sponsors: Montecito Bank & Trust 99.9 KTYD Discount Party Rental DSR Audio Santa Barbara Independent SportFence Allied Waste Service MarBorg Industries Santa Barbara Ice Company Santa Barbara Sailing Center Twiin Productions

Concerts in the Park happens every July and is sponsored by Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation…read more Hundreds of people bring their blankets and a picnic to enjoy this free music concert series. The setting couldn't be more perfect, as it's located right on Cabrillo Boulevard along the beautiful Santa Barbara waterfront. The concerts go from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Thursday nights in Chase Palm Park. Dogs are welcome on leash. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park, but you will see many people drinking wine. There is a policeman walking around, but he turns a blind eye as long as no one is causing trouble. It's a relaxing way to enjoy our beautiful city, chill with friends, and listen to good live music.

Every summer I venture out to something we locals dub "concerts in the park"…read more aKa free fun with lots of people you love and hate to see in one place with great music and odd picnic etiquette Each week is a different band, all of which kick butt! Ranging from Stevie Nicks cover bands, to funk, to Cuban soul, you just never know what the week will bring. Besides the people you are with the two beat parts are the people watching (you will know what I mean when you go) AND the evening sunsets with the beach breeze. Can't get better than a free concert on a summer night in the American Riviera.

I went to the 2024 California Avocado Festival on a Saturday and it was crowded. Not as large as I…read moreexpected, but still and enjoyable afternoon in Carpentaria. Many ways to try avocados including avocado ice cream, chips with "world famous guacamole, and avocados with shrimp. With free admission and free parking (if you could find it), it was worth attending. There was much security and my family felt very safe. The music on three stages and the opportunity to walk in downtown Carpentaria made it especially enjoyable.

Let's get avocado!!…read more I came here with my family to walk around the avocado festival, it's small but had quite a few vendors. They had different bands at every block, different ways to eat avocado from ice cream, ceviche, taquitos, beer and more. The shops and restaurants were also open as well and they also participated in avocado products. I will say though this is a quick festival to walk, from one end to the next without stopping it's less than ten minutes. It's also near the beach, so bring a towel and enjoy the sunny weather. Note that it's only street parking so you'll be driving around for a little before you find a spot. Otherwise off the fwy they had a designated area to park and take a bus/shuttle over for free.

This event was a total surprise for me! Even for my boyfriend who booked the Hotel Santa Barbara in…read morethe middle of the action...not knowing that there was going to be some street action! (we were celebrating my birthday, I am a flower power girl forever:). Needless to say I was immensely happy to notice (the night before) that the streets were getting ready for some sort of celebration. I asked people at the street and got informed of the summer solstice parade, very multicultural, happy, glittery and all things nice. I absolutely loved the Brazilian dances and music (I am a fan of the genre) and was ready to show my samba skills (excuse: wasn't wearing the proper gear!). Loved also the latest band/paraders (beautiful sexy blond ladies wearing 70s looking like clothing) and really fun men dancing, singing and drumming non-stop during all the way of the parade (we followed them because nothing could beat their pseudo voodoo barbie dolls and black magic decor. Well, what to say about the senior dancers? They were just amazing and fantastic. Age is just a number and I could see with my own eyes. Happiness was contagious. The pole dancers inside the giant plastic ball were equally amazing, delighting viewers with their pirouettes and style. There was glitter, there was confetti (promptly clean after the parade), there was awesome music (the imitator of Freddy Mercury was so awesome and cool dude) and it was a sunny day with those beautiful Santa Barbara jacaranda trees and Spanish revival buildings as scenery. I was so happy during that event and I hope I can revive it another time. Check the pics my boyfriend took (in this review) and see for yourself!

I got to be in the solstice parade this year in a group called a Flamboyance of Flamingos!! This…read morewas my first time being in the parade after watching the parade for many years. It was a great time and I can't wait to be in it again next year!! The only tip I have for being IN the parade is STAY HYDRATED!! The parade is only 1 mile but it's a slow mile as the parade crawls and it gets VERY hot being on the asphalt. So bring more water than you need. Most floats have igloos full of water and some people are handing out water on the side of the parade. Watching the parade, be sure that you get there early or set up your blankets the night before starting at 5pm. It's worth is to get a good spot. But anywhere is a good spot! If you're like me and you just like to show up to watch, just plan to stand in the crosswalk. It's great viewing and do t have to fight for a spot as much. I like to watch the parade closer to Sola St so I can walk to Alameda Park after for the Solstice celebration! There bands, food, activities and a beer garden!! It's a great time and goes from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. It's good clean family-friendly fun!!

Had to make it down to the last Brewhouse Oktoberfest before the new owners take over (and possibly…read morechange things up a bit). Checked out the brass band, filled my stein with a pilsner, and had the bratwurst plate. There will be many more festivities Saturday (Oct 8th) like a stein lifing contest and live music all day. So I suggest you get down there and help send off the current owners and welcome the new ones while celebrating the biggest Octoberfest in town. Make sure to get the soft pretzel!

French Festival--mehhh Greek Festival-mehhh Same goes for the Avocado Festival, Lemon Festival and…read moreany other food group or fruit festival. But Oktoberfest, Five Stars! A liter of Hiffbreau plus the Red Baron is a winning combination. As I sit here eating my Jeagerschnitzle waiting until the next time I can do the Chicken Dance I Channel my inner Deutchman and offer you all a hearty Prost!!!

I Madonnari Italian street festival happens every year during Memorial Day weekend. This festival…read moreshowcases over 140 colorful and vibrant chalk street paintings. I respect that each artist works hunched over on the ground filling in the template. I commend each and every one of them for the time spent to fill in and showcase the beautiful art work. Be respectful and give them space while walking through. It gets pretty busy due to the holiday, so expect crowds during your visit. Enjoy live music, local food, and a great atmosphere. The mission gift store is also open and worth checking out for souvenirs. Bring your camera, charged up phone, and prepare to capture amazing pictures! If you're impatient and don't care to wait in long lines for food, then bring your own food and have a picnic across the street. Park yourself at the rose garden with the family and relax on the grass. There's also an local vendors selling baked goods and lemonade for sweet treats. Tuesday & Wednesday are the best time to stop by if you want to see the chalk art completed.

I Madonnari is an Italian street painting festival that takes place at the mission every Memorial…read moreDay weekend. I've been twice over the years, with and without kids, and it's a nice, free way to enjoy some outdoor time in beautiful Santa Barbara. The festival gets busy, so it's best to go early if you want to park anywhere close to the mission. My elderly father-in-law went and gave up when he couldn't find parking to meet us at 10:00 on the Sunday morning. We found a spot on the rose garden side, and our kids enjoyed looking at the wonderful variety of roses on our way in. The street paintings are super fun and impressive. They all seem to be sponsored by local businesses, schools, and even families, who hire artists to create temporary paintings on the concrete in front of the mission. The works range in subject matter and artistry, with teenagers working alongside absolute ringers rendering amazing images in chalk and pastels. I've only gone in the middle of the festival, and I like watching the artists at work. I'll bet it'd be cool, though, to walk through all the finished paintings. There are food vendors and other entertainment on the lawn, which we will take advantage of some other year, when our children aren't being moody. I'm charmed by this local festival, and look forward to more Madonnaris in the years to come.