JOIN The Fun

Collaborate. Create. Build Community & Connection with US

The BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade®

A Herd of Colorful Elephants Arrives on State Street for Equinox Weekend, March 21-22

Something joyful is coming to downtown Santa Barbara this March — a herd of sixty artist-painted elephants created by local artists!

The BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade® makes its debut during Solstice Santa Barbara’s Equinox Weekend, Through a partnership with the international public art initiative Elephant Parade®, Solstice invited 60 local artists to transform miniature elephant sculptures into one-of-a-kind works of art. Each elephant is sponsored by a local business, organization, or community supporter, and will be auctioned at a fundraiser for Solstice on Thursday March 26.

The entire herd will make its first public appearance at Son y Sabor (409 State Street) during Equinox Weekend.

SEE THE HERD!

EXHIBITION: Visitors are invited to drop in Saturday and Sunday, March 21–22 from 1–6 PM to explore the exhibition and see all sixty mini-elephants together for the first time. Each sculpture reflects the personality and creativity of its artist — whimsical, colorful, and full of surprises.

EQUINOX PARTY

The public is invited to celebrate the debut with a Spring Equinox Party on Saturday, March 21 from 7–10 PM at Son y Sabor.

The evening will feature live music by Santa Barbara favorites Rhythm Industrial Complex and Red Fish, dance performances by La Bohème and World Dance for Humanity, and additional music from Adriana Reyna and the rock duo Love Lightning joined by Executive Director Penny Little.

Christopher-Noxon-winner-2025-Elephant-in-Parade copy.jpg

Winner gets the opportunity to paint a large elephant!

Also on display will be a life-sized elephant sculpture by Santa Barbara artist Christopher Noxon, whose winning design from last year’s contest was scaled up for the international Elephant Parade collection.

The winner will get the opportunity to paint a large elephant sculpture plus receive international recognition as part of the Elephant Parade®. The painted mini-elephants will then be auctioned to support Solstice. Like last year’s winner, Christopher Noxon the winning elephant could become part of the international herd

The project was developed by US Rep for Elephant Parade Dana Yarger and Executive Director Penny Little, inviting local artists to transform small elephant sculptures into original works of art.

Elephant Parade® USA

Since its founding in 2006, Elephant Parade exhibitions have appeared in major cities including London, Amsterdam, Singapore, and Dubai, combining public art, tourism, and conservation. Solstice organizers hope Santa Barbara will soon join that international roster, making Santa Barbara an international cultural destination city.

TRUNK SHOW & AUCTION March 26 at CEC

The exhibition continues through Wednesday, March 25, after which the herd will travel up State Street to the Community Environmental Council Hub (1219 State Street) for a Trunk Show & Art Auction on Thursday, March 26.

Check back here to get your tickets for March 26. Your $20 will be refunded if you bid on and win an auction item.

Art & Adornments

Art & Adornments

Art & Adornments

Art & Adornments

JOIN The Fun

The BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade®