The Great Quake Centennial
EQ25: Commemorate, Educate, Prepare.
The 100th anniversary of the June 29, 1925, Santa Barbara Earthquake offers a powerful opportunity to learn from the past, reflect on the present, and plan for the future. It serves as a tribute to the strength and resilience of our community.
At 6:42 a.m. on June 29, 1925, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Santa Barbara, shaking the city for eighteen seconds. Eleven lives were lost, and widespread damage forced most residents to sleep outdoors for much of the summer as aftershocks continued. One year later to the day, a sharp aftershock claimed another life when a chimney collapsed on a young boy.
In the decade that followed, Santa Barbara was rebuilt and reimagined. From the devastation emerged a new vision for the city, marked by a bold embrace of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Upcoming Events:
The Great Quake & Day of Remembrance is a free, family-friendly street festival commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Santa Barbara Earthquake with hands-on exhibits, live music, performances, historical displays, and interactive experiences that highlight the earthquake’s lasting impact on the city. Hosted by EQ25 and sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Public Library, the event will feature a block festival and public gathering on State Street, memorial events including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and a special program at the Old Mission.
Visit the City of Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Services informational booth to pick up free resources and preparedness checklists, and to learn about educational programs like CERT and LISTOS that help individuals and families prepare for disasters. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Great Quake & Day of Remembrance
June 28, 2025
Noon to 4 p.m.
1100 Block of State St.
Event Info | Add Event to Your Calendar
Step back in time with photographs from the 1925 Earthquake, City to Rise Again on Ruins, is a special exhibit on view through June 30 at the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Faulkner Gallery East. Featuring striking images from the Edson Smith Photo Collection alongside newspaper clippings, rare ephemera, and archival footage, the display captures the devastation and resilience that shaped Santa Barbara’s rebuilding. As part of the EQ25 commemoration, the exhibit presents new research and a vivid look at a pivotal moment in the city’s history.
City to Rise Again on Ruins
June 1 to June 30, 2025
Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery (40 E Anapamu St.)
Previous Events:
Lecture and Reception Celebrating Women Architects
On May 6, 2025, guests gathered for a special event honoring the pioneering women architects whose visionary designs helped shape Santa Barbara’s architectural identity following the 1925 earthquake. The lecture explored their lasting influence—from Spanish Colonial Revival to Modernist innovations—highlighting the enduring legacy of Julia Morgan, Lutah Maria Riggs, Harriet Moody, and others. The event celebrated their remarkable contributions to the city’s architectural heritage.
Resilience in Action
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, local historian Betsy Green and Chaucer’s Books owner and former public librarian Jen Lemberger led an engaging presentation on the lasting impact of the 1925 earthquake. Attendees heard stories of resilience and leadership, with a spotlight on the vital roles played by civic leaders and public librarians in the disaster’s aftermath. The event also reflected on Santa Barbara’s collective response to more recent disasters, such as the Thomas Fire and the 2017–2018 Montecito Debris Flow, highlighting the community’s enduring spirit of unity and strength.
Be Earthquake Ready in 4 easy steps:
- Know your risks
- Make a Plan
- Build a Kit
- Sign up for Emergency Alerts
Earthquakes can strike without warning, but being prepared can make all the difference. The City of Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Services encourages all residents to take simple steps to stay safe: know how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On; secure your home; and create a communication plan with your family. We offer free disaster preparedness programs and presentations to help individuals and families gain the tools they need to respond effectively during emergencies.
Preparedness starts at home, and we’re here to help.
For additional information to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of major emergencies, visit the Office of Emergency Services
To sign up for emergency alerts and access step-by-step guides, planning templates, and multilingual resources. Let’s work together to build a resilient and prepared community, before the next earthquake happens, visit ReadySBC.org
About EQ25
The EQ25 Alliance was created to commemorate the centennial of the 1925 Santa Barbara Earthquake. It brings together local nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and residents to encourage broad community involvement. Through educational events, exhibitions, and public programs, the Alliance explores the earthquake’s legacy, Santa Barbara’s evolving identity, and the connection between environmental and social change. By deepening historical awareness, EQ25 aims to inform present-day challenges and inspire future resilience.
For more information, visit eq25.org
