Save the Date: Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Ready to Bring Together the Community at Alameda Park on April 25 & 26, 2026
This year’s theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ invites everyone around the globe to unite to protect our environment
February 3, 2026 (SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.) – The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival returns to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 2026. Now in its 56th year, the community-organized festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the nation and one of the largest on the West Coast.
Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and produced by longtime festival partner CarpEvents, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival continues to serve as a powerful hub for environmental education, inspiration, and local action.
“Earth Day is about people — coming together across generations, backgrounds, and ideas to protect the health of our environment, our communities, and the place we all share,” said Kathi King, CEC’s Director of Outreach and Education. “The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival reminds us that real climate solutions begin at the community level, creating a welcoming space where learning, connection, and collective action build momentum far beyond one weekend.”
This year’s festival aligns with EARTHDAY.ORG’s 2026 global theme, Our Power, Our Planet, recognizing Earth Day as a moment that unites a global community committed to protecting the health of our environment, our communities, and our economy. At a time when environmental protections face growing challenges, Earth Day calls on people of all backgrounds to stand together in support of clean air, clean water, renewable energy, and the protection of all life on our planet.
The free, family-friendly festival will feature all the beloved elements attendees have come to expect, including a plant-forward Food Court, a Green Car Show with free Ride & Drive experiences, more than 200 eco-friendly exhibitors, a Beer & Wine Garden, a Kids Zone packed with hands-on activities, two full days of live music, and much more.
“The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival provides a unique opportunity for our community to come together and unite in a time that needs it more than ever before” said Mike Lazaro. “This event brings community joy, and opportunity, it provides a place for people to learn, engage, and make a tangible impact locally.
Community members are encouraged to stay up to date and get involved at www.SBEarthDay.org:
Exhibit: Vendor and exhibitor registration is now open. Details at SBEarthDay.org/exhibit
Sponsor: Join more than 60 eco-friendly businesses and organizations that support the festival each year. Learn more at SBEarthDay.org/sponsor
Volunteer: Opportunity sign ups are available at SBEarthDay.org/volunteer
Follow: Instagram and Facebook @SB_EarthDay
Earth Day partners and sponsors to date include Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition, Learningden Preschool, TVSB, Matilija Pure Water Systems, Jonny Pops, City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience, Firestone Walker 805, Follow Your Heart, and Channel Islands Restoration.
About Santa Barbara’s Earth Day
Widely acknowledged as the birthplace of Earth Day, Santa Barbara’s involvement began with the devastating 1969 oil spill off its coast. This led a local group of concerned citizens to begin discussing a different way of looking at environmental systems. During that time, Senator Gaylord Nelson visited Santa Barbara to view the oil spill damage. When he returned to Washington, D.C., he introduced a bill designating April 22 as a national day to celebrate the earth. Over the next few years, the environmental movement was born across the country — including the Community Environmental Council (CEC). Led by a group of forward-thinking youth and elders, CEC incorporated in the spring of 1970 and its first act as a new nonprofit was to hold an Earth Day celebration — a one block long teach-in between State Street and Chapala Street along Anapamu. Around the country, 20 million concerned citizens attended similar events. We recognize that “every day is earth day” and that special events like this are a way to bring diverse voices from our community together as a reminder to tread lightly on the planet.
About the Community Environmental Council (CEC)
CEC advances rapid, equitable solutions to the climate crisis, including transitioning to 100% clean energy and transportation, promoting climate-smart agriculture and regenerative food systems, reducing waste and single-use plastics, and strengthening community resilience. CEC also leads innovative programs such as the Climate Stewards certification, which equips Central Coast residents to take meaningful local climate action, and operates the Environmental Hub in downtown Santa Barbara as a center for public engagement and collaboration.
Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, named 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. Learn more about CEC’s impacts at CECSB.org/impact.
About CarpEvents
With over 30 years’ experience in event management, Mike Lazaro (Carpinterian of the Year), and the CarpEvents team have been producing seamless events from concept to completion across the country and right here in Santa Barbara County. Mike has been involved from the ground up on fundraisers, street festivals, concerts, large corporate conventions, and televised sporting events. In addition, the team provides logistical and managerial support on major events such as Summer Solstice and Avocado Festival as well as co-founded the Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria and the Rods and Roses Car show. Visit https://www.carpinteriaevents.com/
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