Solstice 2026 Theme is "WAVE". Parade: June 20, Festival June 19-21, Workshop Opens May 2026
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SOLSTICE EQUINOX PARTY THIS WEEKEND
at Son Y Sabor! Sat. March 21 7-10 PM!
A herd of brightly painted elephants is arriving in downtown Santa Barbara this weekend as part of the BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade®, a community art exhibition created by Solstice Santa Barbara in partnership with the international public art initiative Elephant Parade®.
Sixty miniature elephant sculptures, each painted by a local artist and sponsored by community businesses, organizations, and individuals, will make their public debut during Equinox Weekend at Son y Sabor, 409 State Street. The exhibition is both a fundraiser for the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration and part of a broader effort to bring the internationally recognized Elephant Parade to Santa Barbara in 2026.
POSTER ART CONTEST WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED MARCH 26
THE POSTER ART COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED!
More than two dozen local artists presented original works for the Solstice 2026 Poster Art Contest, inspired by this year’s parade theme, “Wave.” Those who missed the FIRST THURSDAY reception still have a chance to View Poster Art Submissions
The announcement will be made on March 26, at the BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade® TRUNK SHOW & AUCTION. Featuring the 60 mini-elephants in a silent auction, you can enjoy the libations and the guitar stylings by Magic Jordan, and Beats by Darla Bea our newest Board Member!
Come see what your arty friends and colleagues have been up to! Each little elephant sculpture is a unique hand-painted piece of artl. Proceeds support Solstice, with 20% going to elephant conservation and Elephant Parade® international, and 10% going to the artists. The $20 donation will be refunded if you bid on and buy one of these wonderful, whimsical pieces of art. You need to see this in person to appreciate!
FESTIVAL VENDOR APPLICATIONS
Solstice Santa Barbara FestivalVendor Applications now available online! June 19-21 in Santa Barbara, 50,000 people come to our free 3-day Festival! The Parade on Saturday brings 100,000 spectators to the people-powered, people-created celebration of life, creativity and community!
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Join the Heart of Santa Barbara!
Isn’t it time you joined us in sustaining this one-of-a-kind celebration of the arts — a joyful tradition that brings our community together, fuels our local economy, and keeps Santa Barbara’s creative spirit shining?
Solstice is more than a parade — it’s connection, creativity, and community in motion. We are the heart of Santa Barbara — where art and joy come alive!
When you become a Solstice Member, your easy monthly contribution includes your parade registration and helps others experience the magic of participation.
Together, we keep the drums beating, the artists creating, and the celebration thriving for generations to come.
Join today and keep the spirit of Solstice alive for everyone.!
"Bringing the Community together through the arts"
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