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Fireworks explode over West Beach
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Let's Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely!

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Public Safety and Road Closure Advisory

The City of Santa Barbara invites community members to celebrate this holiday safely by attending only professional fireworks displays, such as the Fourth of July Celebration on the waterfront. There’s no better place to enjoy a full day of festivities, including free live music and dance performances on the beach. The celebration culminates with a 20-minute fireworks display around 9:00 p.m.

Fourth of July Celebration 
Saturday, July 4, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
West Beach (99 W. Cabrillo Blvd.) 
Event Info | Add Event to Your Calendar

Fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Barbara
Due to Santa Barbara County's drought-prone area and rich wildfire history, the use of unauthorized illegal fireworks poses a significant risk of fires.

The Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) and the Santa Barbara City Fire Department will conduct joint patrols to enforce the ban on illegal fireworks within the city. 

Individuals found possessing or using personal fireworks may receive:

  • A misdemeanor citation
  • $1000 fine, and/or 6 months in jail

Please provide as much information as possible to our dispatchers about the location of the fireworks.

“If You See Something, Say Something!” Report suspicious activities and packages to the police, please contact SBPD’s Dispatch Center on the Non-Emergency Line.

Non-Emergency Line (805) 882-8900.

For emergencies or if you see an impaired driver, dial 9-1-1.

Get real-time alerts from the Santa Barbara Police Department. Text 93101 to 888777 or subscribe via Nixle

Fireworks are Illegal anywhere in the City of Santa Barbara. Use of fireworks can result in a misdemeanor citation and/or a $1000 fine and 6 months in jail


July 4 Road Closures

  • Cabrillo Boulevard - Closed to vehicle traffic at 6:00 p.m. from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez
  • State Street - Closed to vehicle traffic at 6:00 p.m. from Gutierrez Street to Cabrillo Boulevard
  • Stearns Wharf - Closed to vehicle traffic at 3:30 p.m.

We encourage you to skip the drive and take advantage of the MTD's Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle, which will be in service on July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

July 4 Road Closures Cabrillo Boulevard (from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez)Closed to vehicle traffic at 6:00 p.m. State Street (from Gutierrez Street to Cabrillo Boulevard) Closed to vehicle traffic at 6:00 p.m. Stearns Wharf Closed to vehicle traffic at 3:30 p.m.

Parking
Waterfront parking lots will be open on July 4. However, Stearns Wharf will close to vehicular traffic from 3:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on July 4th. 

Overnight parking is not permitted in the Leadbetter, Harbor West, Garden Street, Chase Palm Park, Cabrillo West, Cabrillo East, La Playa East, and La Playa West Parking Lots. 

Anticipate traffic delays in the area throughout the day. The City's waterfront is bustling on the Fourth of July, so parking can be limited; please drive safely and allot enough time to find an available parking spot.

Bicycle Parking
Riding a bike is a great way to attend the festivities! The City provides additional bike racks on Cabrillo Boulevard and in the Harbor during the event.

Additional Bike Rack Locations: 
1. Leadbetter Beach - Near public restrooms
2. Cabrillo Blvd. - Between West Beach and the Launch Ramp Parking Lot
3. Cabrillo Blvd. - At the base of Stearns Wharf on the West Beach side

Safety
Instruct your children to seek assistance from a police officer if they become separated from you.

During the celebration, certified lifeguards and Harbor Patrol officers will be on duty. Lifeguards will be stationed at towers for easy identification, while the Harbor Patrol will be actively patrolling the harbor area by boat.

For additional event and advisory information, visit Fourth of July Celebration.