Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation

10/12/2026

Join SBTHP & Mujeres Makers Market for a community-centered day of art, remembrance, and celebration on Sunday, November 1st at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park! 
 
Rooted in Indigenous and Latine/o/a traditions, Día de los Mu***os honors those community and family members who have passed with vibrant offerings, meaningful rituals, and joyful community gatherings. All are welcome and invited to take part in this free, family-friendly cultural celebration featuring: 
• Local vendors through Mujeres Makers Market (10 AM–4 PM) 
• Free arts & crafts and family-friendly activities in the Presidio Orchard (12–4 PM) 
• Face painting, workshops, and dance performances 
• DJ, Lotería, photo booth, and a Catrina Contest 
• A community ofrenda (altar) to honor loved ones—bring a photo or memento to contribute

Día de los Mu***os Market & Craft Day, is presented by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation in collaboration with Mujeres Makers Market. For more information, visit sbthp.org/diadelosmuertos.

10/08/2026

We are officially 10 days away from our 17th Annual Asian American Neighborhood Festival!

Check out some local AAPI organizations and artisans representing at AANF 2026! Join us October 18th and shop the market, talk to local organizers, make arts and crafts, and enjoy live, cultural performances all day! Stay tuned next week: we will be spotlighting some of this year's performers!

See you October 18 from 11am to 3pm at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park (123 E. Canon Perdido). For more information, visit sbthp.org/aanf!

09/30/2026

Our 17th Annual Asian American Neighborhood Festival is right around the corner! Held in the heart of the Presidio Neighborhood, this free, family-friendly event celebrates the enduring legacies of Santa Barbara’s AAPI communities. Enjoy cultural performances, shop from local AAPI artisans, make arts and crafts, and more!

General Information
When: Sunday, October 18 from 11am to 3pm
Where: El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park (123 E. Canon Perdido)

Stay tuned for more information on this year’s performance lineup.
Visit sbthp.org/aanf for more details!

09/24/2026

🍂 Save the Date! 🍂

The inaugural Presidio Harvest Festival is coming to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park on November 14!

🎶 Live music by Spencer the Gardener & Brasscals
🏰 Bounce house & obstacle course
🎨 Crafts & activities
🍴 Food & refreshments

A fun-filled fall fundraiser benefiting SBTHP. Learn more at sbthp.org/presidioharvestfestival

09/18/2026

SBTHP is excited to welcome Jordan Downs as our new Director of Visitor Experience. Get to know Jordan, his background, and what he's looking forward to in his new role in our latest blog post!

By Kevin McGarry, Associate Director for Public Engagement    

09/16/2026

Happy Latino Heritage Month!

09/09/2026

Join us for our 17th Annual Asian American Neighborhood Festival! Held in the heart of the Presidio Neighborhood, this free, family-friendly outdoor event celebrates Santa Barbara’s AAPI communities, cultures and history with live performances, walking tours, artisan vendors, hands-on activities, and educational booths.
 
When: Sunday, October 18 from 11am to 3pm
Where: El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park (123 E. Canon Perdido)
 
What to Expect: 
– Live traditional and contemporary performances 
– Cultural crafts and hands-on activities for all ages 
– Local Asian American artisan vendors and food trucks 
– Exhibits, demonstrations & guided walking tours sharing Asian American history in Santa Barbara
 
Stay tuned for more information on this year’s performance lineup, vendors and offerings! 
 
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the George H. Griffiths and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation.

For more information, visit sbthp.org/aanf.

Discover the history of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood through museums, cultural events, and community programs. Explore historic sites, experience diverse traditions, and help preserve this vibrant heritage.

08/27/2026

See you this Saturday for a free block party starting on the parade grounds of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, celebrating 40 years of the Santa Barbara Independent! Step into your own Independent cover, float between festival zones, and get exclusive merch! Stay cool in the Presidio Chapel for journalism panels as well as a reunion lounge to mix and mingle with current and former staff throughout the afternoon. The fest doesn’t end there — head out into the and explore the business pit stops. From lunch offerings and tastings to mini deals, samples, giveaways, and playful interactive moments, it will be a full day of fun for everyone, no matter your style of celebrating!

08/26/2026

Have you ever used Wikipedia and wondered how articles are created? Do you have an interest in local history or research? Join librarians from the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and Santa Barbara Public Library to learn how to critically use and contribute to Wikipedia. Research, learn, and share your knowledge with our learning community. No previous experience required.

Limited to twenty (20) participants. Registration is required.

Participants will learn:
- How to create a Wikipedia editor account
- About Wikipedia’s general notability guidelines and frameworks for editing, updating & creating articles
- The practice of contributing to and editing Wikipedia articles
- How to find (and properly cite/credit) local history resources

Register today at https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov/event/wikipedia-us-31892!

08/24/2026

Join us for 1st Thursday! Celebrate Chumash culture through hands-on art activities at The SPACE and visit Casa de la Guerra to see two new exhibits: Fine Print, Hard Lines: Housing & Exclusion in Santa Barbara; and Finding Fiesta, a UCSB Interdisciplinary Humanities Center exhibition featuring art projects by junior high & high school students from across Santa Barbara.    

For more information, visit sbthp.org.

Discover the history of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood through museums, cultural events, and community programs. Explore historic sites, experience diverse traditions, and help preserve this vibrant heritage.