SOLSTICE PARADE &
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
The 51st Summer Solstice Celebration took place June 20th - 22nd in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.
The Celebration kicked off at Alameda Park on Friday, June 20, at 4 PM, with the FESTIVAL KICK OFF PARTY from 4-9 PM.
Music from local bands was enjoyed, along with food, beverages, dancing, vendors and the spirit of celebrating the longest day of the year.
Saturday June 21st, at 12 PM, the Parade began at the intersection of Santa Barbara and Ortega Streets. The parade traveled up Santa Barbara Street ending at the Summer Solstice Festival at Alameda Park on Sola Street that ran through the weekend.
2026 Celebration, Parade & Festival Dates & Hours
PARADE
Saturday, June 21, 2025- 12:00 PM NOON
SANTA BARBARA STREET
(Ortega to Sola Streets)
2026 Theme: WAVE
Saturday the Parade begins at noon at Santa Barbara and Ortega Streets and goes to Alameda Park where the festivities continud until 8 PM. The Parade features lots of new performance artists and a myriad of creative interpretations of the theme. No words, symbols or logos are allowed in the Parade; it is people-powered and people-created.
FESTIVAL
Friday, June 20 - 4:00 - 9:00 PM
Saturday, June 21 - 12:00 - 8:00PM
Sunday, June 22 - 12:00 - 7:00PM
ALAMEDA PARK, SANTA BARBARA, CA
Opening Night is Friday 4-9 PM in Alameda Park, for the weekend's kick off party!
Saturday, we celebrate all day in the park from 12 PM until 8 PM. Three stages are filled with entertainment.
The Festival continues with the FUNTopia Zone and expanded Kids Zone - Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 PM in Alameda East with interactive activities for the whole family. The SB Bowl Community Stage again features performances for and by young artists, ethnic music and dance, and family friendly entertainment.
Reggae Sunday features reggae bands from 1 to 7 PM in the Park.
The Festival is free and open to the public and included a full musical lineup on both days as well as a variety of food and merchant vendors. A beer and wine garden will be open all 3 days to those 21 & over only. IDs will be checked at the entrance. Strict security was enforced.
Parade Route & Map
The 52nd annual Solstice Parade 2026 begins at Noon on June 20th at the intersection of Ortega and Santa Barbara Streets. The parade travels up Santa Barbara Street and ends at the Solstice Festival at Alameda park. (Sola Street).
We are excited about the opportunities that Santa Barbara Street has opened up for us. Parade spectators enjoyed a different view of Santa Barbara, with the beautiful mountains in the background. Along this route we have the Santa Barbara Courthouse, the SB Historical Museum and the Presidio, all steeped in the history of our community. We can't imagine a better place to renew our spirit, come together as a community
PARADE VIP SEATING
VIP Seating is a totally fun way to see the Parade and support Solstice. Our shaded seating includes water and snacks. There are seats available on De La Guerra and Santa Barbara Streets. Seats can also be purchased as a group for a company or organization. All proceeds support the costs of the workshop and parade infrastructure.
To reserve your seats today, click the button below.
2026 VIP SEATING RATES
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VIP Seats: $65.00 per person (All sales benefit the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.)
Questions?
Please contact us at solstice@solsticeparade.com
MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
There will be another stellar musical lineup for you to enjoy. All performances are free and open to the public, so come on down and join us and this amazing group of musicians for a little folk, reggae, pop, soul, rock, metal, and progressive electronica that is sure to get you in the summer solstice celebration groove! This year there will be performances on two stages, the Alameda Main Stage and the Santa Barbara Bowl CommUnity Stage in the Children's FUNtopia Zone across Santa Barbara Street. Sunday is KJEE's Solstice Reggae Sunday!
