Stearns Wharf is more than a nice place to watch boats or fish, it’s a structure that changed the face of Santa Barbara-literally. 150 years ago, Santa Barbara, being surrounded by mountains, was an isolated pueblo. There were no roads into town, there was no railroad. When John Peck Stearns built the wharf in 1872 he not only opened the door to large-scale commerce and trade; he introduced Santa Barbara to the rest of the world.
Since that time, Stearns Wharf has evolved along with the city. It was a vital conduit for a growing fishing fleet. It was the birthplace of commercial diving. It served as a focal point to bring the community together. Over the years, Stearns Wharf has been battered by storms, scorched by fires, even damaged by a water spout, but through it all, it has persevered because it offers something no other place in town can match-perspective.
In honor of this 150th anniversary, Stearns Wharf merchants will hold a 150th Anniversary Celebration on October 8th, 2022. There is a whole day of events that include activities for all ages, free music presentations, a visit by a tall ship, cannon fire, a formal event by elected officials and city leaders, and fireworks.
Come out to listen to live music by the Doublewide Kings. The free concert will rock the Wharf from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Santa Barbara-based Doublewide Kings play a uniquely tweaked blend of original music and cover tunes that brings new passion to the familiar pleasures of rootsy rock’n’roll. Over the last decade the Kings have provided the sonic fuel for some of Santa Barbara’s finest venues, celebrations and charity galas, from headlining events for Heal the Ocean and the Santa Barbara Foodbank to kicking off this year’s Fiesta merrymaking on the main stage in De La Guerra Plaza. The Doublewide Kings have also played a number of sold-out tribute shows at the Lobero Theater, celebrating individual artists such as Neil Young, CSNY, and the Allman Brothers. Their next Lobero show, on November 19th, will showcase original DWK material as well as some of classic rock’s finest jam tunes. If you miss the soul-edifying thrill of bold, live music, the Kings are ready to light you up again.
the Doublewide Kings bring their own crafty magic to every stage they step on, and they don’t quit until band and audience have become one happy, sweaty, satisfied tribe. If you miss the soul-edifying thrill of live, bold rock’n’roll, the Kings are ready to light you up again. If you’ve never experienced that particular thrill, the Kings would be honored to show you how it’s done.
Bring the kids or a date, have lunch, dinner, or drinks, stroll the shops, take in the sunset and you’ve got the makings for a memorable evening. Mark your calendar now and come listen to some great music on the most picturesque stage in the world!
For the day’s events: Stearns Wharf Celebrates 150th Anniversary
Doublewide Kings
Historical photos credit: Edson Smith Photo Collection
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The Stearns Wharf Merchants Association represents the merchants and business owners on Stearns Wharf. Stearns Wharf is located at the end of State Street between East Beach and the Santa Barbara Harbor. For more information, visit www.stearnswharf.org