Free Festival at Plaza Del Mar Followed by Evening Performance at MCASB
Santa Barbara will mark Juneteenth with a full day of celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026, as the community gathers for the ninth annual Juneteenth Santa Barbara festival and an evening of performance art at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
“Love for the People” at Plaza Del Mar
Juneteenth Santa Barbara invites the community to Plaza Del Mar for a free, family-friendly celebration running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara, this year’s theme is “Love for the People.”
“We all deserve some extra love these days,” organizers said in announcing the theme.
The daylong event will feature live performances by local musicians, poets, and artists, along with a Black Artisan Market showcasing handmade goods, wellness products, and art from local creators.
Families can enjoy a kids zone featuring 805 Body Art face painting and the Santa Barbara Public Library on the Go Van. Community nonprofits will be on-site sharing resources and information.
New this year, guests ages 21 and over can enjoy a beer and wine garden, open from noon to 5 p.m. Food trucks and local vendors will serve offerings throughout the day.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and loved ones to enjoy the celebration.
Evening Performance at MCASB
Following the daytime festivities, the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara will present the second annual “Juneteenth with Jon Boogz” beginning at 6 p.m.
The evening of film, movement, and community reflection is dedicated to supporting and amplifying the work of visionary Black artists. Through performance and visual storytelling, the event creates space to honor Juneteenth not only as a historical milestone but as a living, evolving expression of Black creativity and resilience.
Jon Boogz is an Emmy Award-winning choreographer, movement artist, actor, writer, and director whose innovative work pushes the boundaries of storytelling, film, and dance.
Special guests include Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a leader in mental health who blends science, heart, and cultural insight to change conversations around emotional well-being, and Mohsin Mohi Ud Din, a multidisciplinary artist, community builder, and founder of the global storytelling nonprofit MeWe International.
A reception will follow from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Arts Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The name combines “June” and “nineteenth,” marking the day in 1865 when news of freedom reached the last enslaved individuals in Texas—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The day is also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.
For those interested in learning more about the significance and history of Juneteenth, the National Museum of African American History offers educational resources.
Getting There
Organizers encourage attendees to choose sustainable transportation options. The MTD Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle Service will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., departing every 20 minutes. The all-electric, zero-emission shuttle includes a stop at Cabrillo Boulevard and Castillo Street, just steps from Plaza Del Mar.
Increased traffic and limited parking are expected. Parking is available at the Pershing Park parking lot, oceanfront parking lots, and SBCC parking lots. BCycle bikes are available for rent, and visitors from out of town may consider taking Amtrak.
Local attendees traveling from Goleta to Carpinteria can use Santa Barbara MTD bus service.
Details
Juneteenth SB “Love for the People” Celebration
- When: Friday, June 19, 2026, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Plaza del Mar, 23 Castillo St., Santa Barbara
- Admission: Free
- More Info: https://juneteenthsb.org/
Juneteenth with Jon Boogz
- When: Friday, June 19, 2026, 6 p.m. (Reception 7:30-8:30 p.m.)
- Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
- More Info: https://ci.ovationtix.com/37000/production/1276708?performanceId=11813138
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