Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Simone Ruskamp, Co-Founder of Juneteenth SB | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Kenisha Amar, Sonya Akintonde, Kaye Lindsey, LeShune Clark at Moore on Health booth | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Jon Boogz and Wendy Sims Moten at Juneteenth SB | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
The Links Inc. booth at Juneteenth SB | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Jordan Killebrew, Co-Founder Juneteenth SB, serving drinks at Juneteenth SB | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Sabrina Machida and Lelia Richardson of SBCC Umoja at Juneteenth SB | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom 
Juneteenth Santa Barbara hosted its eighth annual block party at Plaza del Mar on June 19, 2026. | Credit: Ingrid Bostrom
Families, friends, and visitors gathered with Juneteenth Santa Barbara on Friday for the eighth annual event centered around the celebration of Black independence. Located at the Plaza Del Mar park on Castillo Street, the celebration’s theme this year was “Love for the People.”
The celebration hosted a variety of live music acts, poetry readings, art booths, and the Black Artisan Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Hundreds of people gathered at the park to explore booths and enjoy performances, even forming an energetic dance circle near the stage.
Artists from around California, such as The New Vibe band, singer-songwriter Cherose, and the band DomJess & The Vibe took the stage to perform a blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and psychedelic sounds for the crowd.
The Black Artisan Market showcased art, clothing, jewelry, and other craftwork by community organizations that are Black-led. Art pieces reflecting and celebrating Black culture represented a history of Black life in Santa Barbara. Booths offered engaging activities such as face-painting and opportunities to paint on a community canvas as well.
The Juneteenth celebration was an opportunity for education and community engagement, offering attendees the chance to learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth. With an atmosphere of energy, diversity, and groove, the celebration reflected the light of joy for the last enslaved African Americans who learned they were free on June 19, 1865.
