Solstice 2026 Theme is "WAVE". Parade: June 20, Festival June 19-21, Workshop Opens May 2026
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSTER ART CONTEST WINNER AT "Trunk Show & Art Auction" at CEC
Solstice Santa Barbara announced the winning entry for this year's 2026 Poster Contest is Larry Vigon.
The announcement was made at the BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade® Trunk Show & Art Auction Thursday, March 26.
Vigon is an internationally acclaimed art director and designer whose work has been seen by hundreds of millions of people around the world. Highlights include induction into the Album Cover Hall of Fame in 2020 for such recording artists as Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Counting Crows, Bonnie Raitt, Carol King, Tom Petty and many more.
Larry said, "When I heard the 2026 theme was "Wave" I began making sketches; I wanted something new and different that incorporates the whimsical, playful nature of Solstice."
The image will be used in marketing materials, the official Solstice Santa Barbara Poster. The t-shirt will be a different design.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Stephen Meade, John Palminterri, Daral Bea, Larry Vigon, Penny Little, Andy Marshall (guitar)
The Poster Art Contest winner was chosen from dozens of entries by local artists, taking input from the community via in person and online voting, Board of Directors, Advisory Board and staff members.
The BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade ® Trunk Show, featuring 60 artist-painted miniature elephant sculptures were on display and for sale in a silent auction. DJ Darla Bea and Guitarist Magic Jordan provided ambient atmosphere to the lively conversations, with food from the Blue Owl and dessert from Pascucci. Almost half of the elephants on display featured the QuickTales App, which enables a viewer to scan the artwork without a QR Code, with an audio story from the artist.
The exhibition was first unveiled during the lively Solstice Equinox Weekend March 21-22 at Son Y Sabor. Hundreds of guests enjoyed a festive, multi-level celebration featuring live music, dance, and the colorful herd of one-of-a-kind elephants created by local artists and sponsored by community supporters
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!
Become a Member
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"
Stay Updated
Join our email list and get all the details sent right to your inbox,
or follow us on all our social media platforms!