The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is an exciting annual event that takes place in Santa Barbara, California. Held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, the fair offers a wide range of activities, food, and entertainment. It’s a great activity for people of all ages to enjoy. With a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, the Santa Barbara Fair and Expo has become a staple of the local community. And, it’s become a popular destination for tourists. It’s a great reason to take a trip to the California coast in the spring!
Fair History
The history of the Santa Barbara Fair and Expo can be traced back to the early 1900s. This was when it was first established as the Santa Barbara County Fair. Over the years, the fair has evolved and grown to become the exciting event it is today. The Earl Warren Showgrounds, where the fair is held, has a rich history as well. It was once a part of a Spanish land grant dating back to the late 1700s.
Attractions and More
One of the main attractions at the fair is the carnival. This features a variety of thrilling rides, games, and attractions. Children and families will especially enjoy the petting zoo, the pony rides, and the magic shows. Next, another popular feature is the live entertainment stage. This stage features a line-up of local and national acts performing throughout the fair. The fair also features a large selection of food vendors serving up everything from classic fair food like cotton candy and corn dogs, to more exotic offerings like Korean BBQ and Filipino cuisine. Finally, they also have a daily cooking contest where you can sample some amazing fare!
In addition to the carnival and food, the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo also showcases a variety of exhibits, competitions, and demonstrations. The Exhibit House is a great place to spend a few hours. There is a Fine Arts Exhibit that showcases the work of local artists, such as pottery, artwork, photography, and more. A Home and Garden Exhibit offers tips and ideas for improving your home and yard. And for those interested in agriculture, there is a Livestock Exhibit that features prize-winning animals from the surrounding area.
How to Get There
The Santa Barbara Trolley offers free trips to the fair from their designated off-site parking, and that saves the stress and hassle of trying to find nearby parking. There are a limited number of on-site parking areas that offer $20 parking, as well.
The Santa Barbara Fair and Expo is a great event to experience and travel to for those looking for a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment. With its rich history, exciting carnival rides and games, you don’t want to miss out. Add in live entertainment, and variety of exhibits and competitions, the fair offers something for everyone. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the Santa Barbara Fair and Expo is a great way to experience the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer.
And Haller Coastal Homes is proud to have a broad offering of vacation rentals that are perfect for enjoying the Fair & Expo. The Villa Castillo units are a perfect fit, are nearby, and can be rented as one large 7-bedroom or as individual studio and 2-bedroom private villas for smaller groups. Or we have many other properties that are within close proximity and offer amazing amenities, as well!
