Fourth of July Celebration
Celebrates America’s 250 Anniversary this Fourth of July
The City of Santa Barbara has announced the return of the annual Fourth of July Celebration, hosted by the City’s Waterfront and Parks and Recreation Departments, which will transform Santa Barbara’s waterfront for a full day of family-friendly activities.
This year’s celebration carries special significance as communities across the nation commemorate the Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Santa Barbara is proud to join in this historic moment with a full day of festivities at the waterfront, bringing residents and visitors together to honor our shared history and the spirit of independence.
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate this Independence Day, there’ll be no better place than Santa Barbara's waterfront. A full slate of festive, fun, and family-friendly activities is planned throughout the day, including free live music and dance performances on the beach, hosted by the PARC Foundation!
The festivities will be capped off with a bang during a 20-minute fireworks display, presented by Garden State Fireworks and sponsored by the City’s Waterfront Department. Fireworks will launch from West Beach starting at approximately 9:00 p.m. The show will be live-streamed on KEYT.com. The City thanks KEYT for their longtime support of this community tradition.
Here’s a list of some of the fun on tap…
Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
West Beach (99 W. Cabrillo Blvd.)
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West Beach
Enjoy a full day of live music at the West Beach Bandstand, organized by John Palminteri and Roger Perry, with sponsorship by the PARC Foundation, before a 20-minute fireworks display presented by Garden State Fireworks and sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department.
West Beach Bandstand Lineup
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Rock-N-Rock 805
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Rock Shop Academy
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Peer Pressure
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Love Pop
4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Kickin' It
5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – Looking West
6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. – The Other Woman
7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – East Valley Rd
8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. – False Puppet
9:00 p.m. – 9:20 p.m. – Fireworks!
Cabrillo Boulevard Sidewalk at West Beach
11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Enjoy festive food and vendor booths, sponsored by the PARC Foundation. This year's vendors include Tink's Old Fashioned Hot Dogs, Lidos Philly Cheese Steaks, Timbers Roadhouse, G Brothers Kettle Corn, Elubia's Kitchen, and Oakberry Acai.
July 5th Beach Cleanup Volunteer Opportunity
With thousands flocking to Santa Barbara beaches for Independence Day, a lot of litter can end up on the sand. This year, you have two opportunities to be part of the solution. First, make sure you pick up after yourself before you leave the beach on July 4th. Second, if you’d like to take it up a notch, volunteer to help with cleanup efforts on July 5th.
July 5th Beach Cleanup
Sunday, July 5, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Register to help with the cleanup
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The City will partner with Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and Tidy Seas to host cleanups at nearby beaches to ensure any litter left over the holiday does not make its way into the ocean. Cleanups will take place at Leadbetter Beach, West Beach, and East Beach at the Skate Park and Cabrillo Pavillion from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Gloves and buckets will be provided for all volunteers, along with a parking pass for the cleanup. Click the button below to register for this year's July 5th Beach Cleanup.
July 5th Beach Cleanup Registration
American Revolution Experience: A Traveling Exhibit at Santa Barbara Public Library
In Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, Santa Barbara Mission Canyon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the American Battlefield Trust present American Revolution Experience – a traveling educational exhibit hosted at Central Library from July 10 through July 17 during regular library hours. Guests may be greeted by members of the Mission Canyon Chapter of the DAR to learn more about Santa Barbara’s Connection to American Revolutionary War history.
American Revolution Experience: A Traveling Exhibit
Friday, July 10- Friday, July 17, 2026
Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m.
Central Library, Fireplace Room (40 E. Anapamu St.)
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The City of Santa Barbara is honored to celebrate this 250th Anniversary with the community and encourages residents and visitors to enjoy a safe, memorable Fourth of July.