- New Year's Day Hang Gliding and Paragliding Festival - early January, located in Elings Park, the celebrations are marked by picnics, music and watching the gliders overhead.
February
- International Film Festival - early February, the film festival showcases new movies from around the globe and is attended by Hollywood stars.
March
- Santa Barbara Whale Festival - late March, an annual whale watching event with a children's carnival, diving demonstrations and rubber duck races.
- International Orchid Show - late March, one of the most prestigious orchid shows featuring amateur and commercial growers from around the world.
April
- Earth Day Celebration - late April, lively celebrations at the County Courthouse with fairs powered by solar energy, food, song, dance and local clean-up hikes.
- Santa Barbara Fair and Expo - late April, a five-day event showcasing livestock, agricultural, commercial and educational exhibits as well as a complete amusement park.
May
- Cinco De Mayo - early May, held at De La Guerra Plaza this annual festival features food vendors and live music all weekend.
- Irish Festival - late May, celebrating Irish culture with live music and dancing, food, costumes and everything green.
- Santa Barbara Jewish Festival - late May, celebrating Jewish tradition and culture with dance, food, arts and crafts and children's activities.
- Vintner's Festival - late May, a large wine tasting event with local varieties available for sampling and an eclectic mix of foods from local eateries.
June
- Caribbean Festival - mid-June, popular family event with live music and dancing, local arts and crafts, various food vendors and activity booths.
- Summer Solstice Parade - the largest event in Santa Barbara, this grand street carnival features parades, costumes, performers, music, dance and food.
July
- Touring and Tasting Wine Festival - early July, featuring over 70 of California's leading wine vendors, offering samplings on the beach.
- Santa Barbara French Festival - mid-July, held on Bastille Day, this weekend event features folk dancing, Cajun groups, food, wine and family entertainment.
- Santa Barbara Greek Festival - late July, celebrating Greek heritage with food vendors, music, art, parades and pastry workshops.
August
- Old Spanish Days Fiesta - early August, celebrates the culture and traditions of American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and early American settlers with live music performances, food and parades.
September
- Santa Barbara Open Studios Tour - early September, dozens of professional artists open their studios for public viewing.
October
- Santa Barbara Festival of Art and Jazz - early October, hosted in the gardens of the County Courthouse this festival celebrates art, music, food and wine.
- California Lemon Festival - mid-October, held in Girsh Park the annual festival features live bluegrass, country, folk and pop music, arts and crafts booths, and an eclectic blend of lemon based recipes.
November
- Latino Film Festival - early November, hosted by the Museum of Mexico, the festival showcases films by various Latino directors.
December
- Annual Holiday Parade - early December, holiday floats, marching bands and local performance groups parade down State Street.
- Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Gala - mid-December, a benefit event featuring the parade of lights, food, wines tasting, live music and a silent auction.
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Santa Barbara celebrates the customs and traditions of its diverse population with annual festivals, exciting events, seasonal activities and a host of things to do throughout the year.
