The 55th year of the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival marks a pivotal moment in the environmental movement, and with its free admission and diverse range of activities, it’s an event not to be missed.
The Festival Highlights
- Green car show with free “Ride & Drive” experiences
- More than 200 eco-friendly exhibitors
- Beer and wine garden
- Kids’ zone with fun activities
- Two full days of live music
- Plant-forward food court
- Booth for the Santa Barbara Independent
The festival features a variety of entertainment options, including:
- Saturday’s music lineup includes Spencer the Gardener, False Puppet, and the Doublewide Kings
- Sunday’s headliners are The Caverns and No Simple Highway
- A second climate action stage with entertainment and informative panels
- Kids’ activities and entertainment both days
- A kids’ corner with family-friendly exhibitors
A Celebration of Environmental Heroes
“The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival has been a cornerstone of our community’s environmental movement for over five decades,” stated Kathi King, Community Environmental Council’s director of climate education and leadership. “We are honored to continue this tradition, engaging with our community and beyond to foster a deeper connection with our environment and drive meaningful action towards a sustainable future.”
The festival’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is a call to action for community members to take ownership of their environmental stewardship and advocacy. It’s a celebration of the people who have made a significant impact in the environmental movement, including Dr. Leah Stokes and the late Charlie Eckberg.
The Environmental Hero Awards
Dr. Stokes is a professor at UCSB focused on energy, climate, and environmental politics. She is an author of several books and has been named an advocate on TIME100 Next, and as one of Business Insider’s top 30 global leaders working toward climate solutions. She has also written the Inflation Reduction Act, widely recognized as the most influential piece of climate legislation ever enacted.
Charlie Eckberg was an influential environmentalist throughout his life, and his legacy lives on through the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival. He played a crucial role in bringing the festival back to Santa Barbara in the early 90s, and his commitment to environmental causes continues to inspire future generations.
The Festival Schedule
| Saturday | Time | Act |
|---|---|---|
| 4 p.m. | Spencer the Gardener | |
| 5:20 p.m. | False Puppet | |
| 6:40 p.m. | The Doublewide Kings | |
| 12 p.m. | Environmental Hero Awards Ceremony |
The Festival Location
The festival takes place in Alameda Park, a beautiful and historic park in the heart of Santa Barbara. The park offers a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, walking trails, and restrooms.
