Summer Solstice Celebration
Accessibility (ADA) Guide
We strive to maintain an accessible and inclusive environment for all Festival visitors, participants, staff, and volunteers.
Eligibility
It is not acceptable to fake or exaggerate a disability to gain access to disability accommodations.
Mobility Accessibility
We encourage patrons with mobility disabilities to utilize personal forms of transportation, including wheelchairs and scooters. Please note that we will not be providing assisted mobility devices onsite.
Accessible Routes
PARADE
While the Summer Solstice Parade can get crowded, we strive to ensure that all pathways remain accessible.
FESTIVAL
The Festival at Alameda Park is navigable for people with mobility disabilities. Please be advised that most of the venue’s terrain is grass. Guests will need to traverse throughout the festival grounds between stages independently or with the assistance of a companion as the festival does not provide transportation between stages.
If you need assistance finding your most accessible route around the event, please visit us at the Summer Solstice hub in the center of the park.
RIDESHARE & LOADING + UNLOADING
The City of Santa Barbara has reserved on-street parking along the westbound lane of Mitcheltorena St., between Garden St. and Santa Barbara St., to increase accessible parking options adjacent to Alameda Park.
In the following map, the section of Mitcheltorena St. (marked in blue) will be temporarily reserved for vehicles displaying a Disabled Parking Placard or license plate.
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicles are advised to approach this parking area from Garden St.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Accessible Viewing Areas
There will be a designated area around Victoria St. and Santa Barbara St. for guests with disabilities to view the Parade. Companions will need You do not need to purchase accessible seating or pre-reserve space in the Accessible Viewing Area.
RULES
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Companions may be asked to stand in the back of the viewing
area if capacity is reached -
All Parade Viewing Areas are non-smoking.
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Attendees are not allowed to save spots.
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If an attendee is not-present for over an hour, their area will be
given to another guest with a disability. -
Do not block the view of the guests behind you.
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All seating is first come, first served.
Parade Route
The parade will begin at noon and will travel Santa Barbara Street from Ortega Street to Sola Street and end at Alameda Park at the Solstice Festival around 2 PM. Floats will be on display on Sola Street until 4 PM.
During the Parade, all viewing guests must remain on the sidewalk or in the reserved or designated areas.
If you require any assistance during the Parade, please ask a Staff member or Parade Volunteer.
Safety
Expect traffic delays around the Parade and Festival areas. Instruct your children to go to a police officer if they become lost. If you or someone in your group needs non-life-threatening medical attention, go to the medical tent near the corner of Santa Barbara St. and Micheltorena St.
There will be a large MEDICAL sign on the tent. In an emergency, call 9-1-1, Non-Emergency Dispatch (police) at 805-882-8900.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS
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Carry valuables (I.D., keys, cash, etc.) in your front pocket or in a fanny pack.
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Dress comfortably for hot weather, remember sunscreen and hats.
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Drink healthy fluids or water to avoid dehydration.
“If You See Something, Say Something!” Report suspicious activities and packages to parade monitors in Lime Green Solstice T-Shirts or police along the parade route.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Service animals are permitted throughout the Parade and Festival.
RULES
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NO emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals.
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Pets are not allowed and will be turned away.
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Only legitimate service animals that are properly trained and under the proper care of their owners will be provided with the appropriate credentials.
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Service animals must remain by the handler’s side at all times and must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered.
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If these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.
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Service animals must be housebroken and should use the service animal relief areas.
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Anyone bringing an animal will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal.
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All animals should have legally required vaccinations (which may need to be verified).
Service Animals
Concessions
All concessions are accessible and located throughout the venue. If assistance is required, please confer with a festival staff member.
Medical
There will be a designated medical site near Santa Barbara St. and Micheltorena St. pathway of the Park. Check the Festival Map for exact locations.
Dietary Restrictions
The Summer Solstice Festival will have food vendors throughout the Park that provide gluten-free and dairy-free dietary options. For a list of food vendors, please refer to the 2025 Summer Solstice At-a-Glance.
Feedback
We welcome and encourage any feedback and suggestions from our guests. Please email us at solstice@solsticeparade.com. We will do our best to help you have an unforgettable experience.