Stearns Wharf, a wharf with a wooden structure featuring colorful umbrellas extends over the water, with palm trees and mountains in the background.

News Around The Wharf

  • Dancers in vibrant traditional dresses perform energetically on stage, holding fans and wearing colorful floral headpieces.

    Fiesta on Stearns Wharf

    There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf, and there’s no better time to experience it than after the Children’s Fiesta Parade on Cabrillo Boulevard August 3rd. Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca will provide a free Mexican folklórico dance showcase from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Stearns Wharf. Folklorico Mexico Azteca will…

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  • A woman demonstrates a microscope to visitors in a science exhibit, with informational displays and equipment visible in the background.

    World Oceans Day at the Sea Center

    World Oceans Day | Free Admission at the Sea CenterAt the Sea CenterJUNE 8, 2024 / 10:00 AM–3:00 PMDive into World Oceans Day 2024! To celebrate, the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf will be free of charge all day, made possible with the generous support of the UCSB Associated Students Coastal Fund and the Stearns…

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  • A seafood platter with a large lobster, clams, mussels, and shrimp on a bed of seaweed, served on a wooden table with a drink and another dish in the background.

    The Oyster Bar at Moby Dick Restaurant

    Stearns Wharf welcomes the new Oyster Bar at Moby Dick Restaurant. The Oyster Bar at is an exciting new addition to the iconic Moby Dick Restaurant and its incomparable setting. The Oyster Bar offers an imaginative menu featuring a curated selection of fresh seafood, craft cocktails, craft beers and great wines from our region. Come…

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  • 38th Santa Barbara Kite Festival

    The 2024 Santa Barbara Kite Festival returns this Sunday, April 21st to the “Great Meadow” on the West Campus lawn at Santa Barbara City College. The “Great Meadow” is located on the West Campus of Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, Ca 93109. Admission to the festival is free. Parking is available on both west campus and the main…

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  • A Christmas tree stands on a pier at night with a full moon above, mountains in the background, and the reflection in the calm water.

    Annual Parade of Lights on December 10th

    On December 10th, join us on Stearns Wharf to kick off the holiday season! At 5:00 p.m., before the start of the Parade of Lights boat parade, they will switch on the lights of a beautiful 25-foot Nobel Fir on Stearns Wharf to officially open the holiday season for the waterfront. The Dos Pueblos Jazz…

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  • A black and white image of four musicians performing indoors. One plays an acoustic guitar, another a keyboard, and others have guitars. A chandelier hangs above them.

    2023 Wharf Wednesday’s concert series

    There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. As a follow on to last year’s 150th Anniversary, free concerts will be on the first Wednesday in 2023, through October. Wharf Wednesday on April 5th  will feature live music by Out Of The…

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  • A Christmas tree stands on a pier at night with a full moon above, mountains in the background, and the reflection in the calm water.

    Stearns Wharf Holiday Tree Lighting

    On December 11th, join us on Stearns Wharf to kick off the holiday season! At 5:00 PM, before the start of the Parade of Lights boat parade, they will switch on the lights of a beautiful 25-foot Green White Fir on Stearns Wharf to officially open the holiday season for the waterfront. The 36th Annual Parade…

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  • Four musicians perform in a cozy venue with string lights. One plays keyboard, two play guitars, and one plays drums. A banner reads "The Hoodlum Friends.

    Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature Out Of The Blue

    It may be moving into winter but things are heating up on Stearns Wharf! In honor of this iconic structure’s 150th anniversary, Stearns Wharf merchants are holding Wharf Wednesdays on the first Wednesday of each month. There are anniversary specials, free concerts, a bit of history and lots of fun, family-friendly activities. Wharf Wednesday on…

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  • Four people stand together on a dimly lit stage, smiling at the camera. Musical equipment and a drum kit are visible in the background.

    Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature The Paradise Kings is CANCELLED

    Wharf Wednesday November 2nd is CANCELLED due to inclement weather Wharf Wednesday on November 2nd will also feature live music by The Paradise Kings.  The free concert will rock the Wharf from 5pm to 7pm.  The Paradise Kings play a variety of cover and original material that includes rock, blues, and a few swing tunes that will make you…

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  • Aerial view of a coastline city at night with fireworks bursting in the sky, illuminating the harbor and surrounding area.

    Stearns Wharf to Celebrate 150th Anniversary

    Saturday, October 8th, 2022 11:00 am to 7:15pm Schedule of Events All Day Pianos on Stearns Wharf (Starting October 4th thru October 23rd ) 10:15 AM – 4:15 PM Free rides for children 12 and under, Little Toot 11:00 AM – 11:30, & 12:00 PM Tall Ship Mystic Whaler and Cannon fire 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Scavenger hunt…

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  • Spencer the Gardener

    Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature Spencer the Gardener

    There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. To celebrate Stearns Wharf’s 150th birthday, Wharf Merchants are offering specials on the first Wednesday of every month in 2022. Wharf Wednesday on July 6th will also feature live music by Spencer…

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  • Small boat with passengers cruising near Stearns Wharf; American flag visible.

    Santa Barbara’s Iconic Stearns Wharf to Celebrate 150th Birthday

    To celebrate the 150th birthday of Stearns Wharf, a grand birthday bash is planned for Saturday, October 8 from 11:00 am to 7:15pm. This iconic structure, which has served as Santa Barbara’s front door, the birthplace of an industry, and the community’s plank park, will be honored by cannon battles with a tall ship, an Opera…

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