"Hope for the People" Juneteenth Santa Barbara Celebration This Saturday
Juneteenth Santa Barbara invites the community to the eighth annual Juneteenth celebration in South Santa Barbara County! Proudly sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara, this free, family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, June 14, at Plaza Del Mar Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and loved ones. Stay a while and enjoy the day!
This year’s theme, “Hope for the People,” reflects the strength found in community and the collective joy of celebrating freedom. The event will feature a full day of live performances by local musicians, poets, and artists, along with the return of the Black Artisan Market, showcasing handmade goods, wellness products, and art.
Family-friendly activities include the Indy Parenting (Santa Barbara Independent) kids zone with 805 Body Art face painting and the Santa Barbara Public Library on the Go Van. Community nonprofits will be on-site, sharing resources and information.
For the first time, guests ages 21 and over can enjoy a beer and wine garden, open from noon to 5 p.m. A variety of food trucks and local vendors will also be serving up delicious offerings throughout the day.
Hope for the People Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 14
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Plaza del Mar Park (131 Castillo St.)
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Sustainable Travel to Juneteenth Santa Barbara
Help reduce your environmental impact by choosing sustainable transportation to Juneteenth Santa Barbara—bike, bus, or train. MTD Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle Service will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., every 20 minutes. This all-electric, zero-emission service offers convenient access to key destinations—including a stop at Cabrillo Boulevard and Castillo Street, just steps from Plaza Del Mar Park, making it an easy and eco-friendly way to reach the celebration.
Please note that UCSB graduation is also taking place this weekend, so increased traffic and limited parking are expected. If you're traveling from out of town, consider taking Amtrak. For local attendees coming from Goleta to Carpinteria, Santa Barbara MTD offers reliable service, and biking is another great option.
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The name combines "June" and "nineteenth," marking the day in 1865 when freedom reached for the last enslaved individuals in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day is also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.
For those interested in learning more about the significance and history of Juneteenth, visit the National Museum of African American History .
About Juneteenth Santa Barbara
Year-round, Juneteenth Santa Barbara plays a significant role in uplifting Black/African American-led and serving organizations, coordinating Black History Month events and facilitating Santa Barbara County Black Leaders Meetings.
The City will also be issuing a proclamation at the June 10, 2025, City Council meeting.
Non-emergency City Offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observance of Juneteenth.