The 52nd Summer Solstice Celebration will take place June 19th – 21nd in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.
The Celebration kicks Alameda Park on Friday, June 18, at 4 PM, with the FESTIVAL KICK OFF PARTY from 4-9 PM, with music from local bands along with food, beverages, dancing, vendors and the spirit of celebrating the longest day of the year.
Saturday June 20th at 12 PM, the Parade begins at the intersection of Santa Barbara and Ortega Streets. The parade traveles up Santa Barbara Street ending at the Summer Solstice Festival at Alameda Park on Sola Street.
2026 Celebration: Parade & Festival Dates & Hours
PARADE
Saturday, June 20, 2026- 12:00 PM NOON
SANTA BARBARA STREET
(Ortega to Sola Streets)
2026 Theme: WAVE
Saturday the Parade began at noon at Santa Barbara and Ortega Streets and went to Alameda Park where the festivities continued until 8 PM. The Parade featured 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 filled with non-stop 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 will be 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 was open all 3 days to those 21 & over only. IDs will be checked at the entrance. Strict security was enforced.
Parade Route & Map
The 51st annual Solstice Parade 2025 began at Noon on June 21st at the intersection of Ortega and Santa Barbara Streets. The parade traveled on Santa Barbara Street and ended at the Solstice Festival at Alameda park. (Sola Street).
We were 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 and to explore our WILD WORLD. (This year’s theme).
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.
2025 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 stellar musical lineup for you to enjoy. All performances were 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!