JOIN The Fun
Collaborate. Create. Build Community & Connection with US
The BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade®
The herd moves to its final destination for an evening of art, music, and giving. The March 26 event will feature a silent auction, along with music by guitarist Magic Jordan and beats by DJ Darla Bea. Guests can enjoy sweet and savory libations while browsing the collection. A $20 suggested donation grants entry and will be applied toward the purchase of any elephant sculpture.
Proceeds support the 2026 Summer Solstice Celebration, local artists, and elephant conservation efforts through Elephant Parade® International.
BUY TICKETS
Adding a touch of street theater, the community is invited to join a playful midweek “not-a-parade” on Wednesday, March 25 at noon, as a full-sized elephant sculpture—painted by local artist Christopher Noxon, winner of last year’s Art Box Contest—makes its way up State Street from Son y Sabor (409 State Street) to the CEC Hub.
The BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade® made 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 Elephant Parade® Iis the world’s largest public art exhibition dedicated to raising awareness and funds for elephant conservation. The Santa Barbara initiative blends global impact with local creativity, offering artists, businesses, and the public a chance to be part of something joyful, meaningful, and uniquely community-driven.
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. The goal is for Santa Barbara will soon join that international roster.
March 21-22 Equinox Weekend
.png)
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.
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.
.jpg)
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.