Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

The Show was started in 1965 by Robert Eischen, who was inspired by the European sidewalk shows and outdoor art fiestas of Mexico City. Originally called The Domingo Art Show, a small group of approximately 12 artists gathered on Sundays in De la Guerra Plaza and displayed their art, free to residents to browse and watch the artists create their work.

The group soon outgrew De la Guerra Plaza, and with sponsorship by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, changed their name to The Sabado and Domingo Art Show, and moved to Cabrillo Boulevard. In 1971 the show invited local craftspeople to join, and in 1972 the name was changed to the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show. Today, there are approximately 150 members, and the show continues to attract thousands of visitors to our community and provide an inexpensive and creative outlet for our local artisans.

The show is the only continuous, non-juried arts festival of original drawings, paintings, graphics, sculpture, crafts, and photography in the world. Whatever the size, subject, media, or price, all works are original art, created by the artists you meet!

The show's beautiful beachfront location at Chase Palm Park provides an informal atmosphere that encourages visitors to the show to talk with members about their art or craft - and in some cases even see them in action! The show is unique in that each artist lives in Santa Barbara County and personally produces every piece for sale. The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show is still the perfect place for visitors and the local community to shop for that unique Santa Barbara gift.

The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show has become a part of Santa Barbara life. The Show is held every Sunday and select Saturdays on the waterfront and attracts thousands of visitors. All of the members are Santa Barbara County residents. They display their own original work and sometimes even create new pieces at the show.

The casual atmosphere lends itself to interaction. Customers enjoy talking to artists about their craft and purchasing the pieces that speak to them. The personal connection with the artist adds value to the art and the experience.

Enjoy a day on the waterfront while selling your original artwork, build relationships with patrons and fellow artists, and share your art with thousands of people.

Important Information

• To exhibit at the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts show you must be a resident of Santa Barbara County and you must create all of the work yourself. 
• All exhibitors need to obtain a seller’s permit and a City of Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show Permit which costs $568 per year. A $568 permit means the price to exhibit is less than $10 per show!

The Process

The application process maintains the show's mission to showcase hand-crafted originals from Santa Barbara artisans. Once an artist has been approved, they join the ranks of a vibrant local art community and have the privilege to showcase their art at the popular Santa Barbara waterfront to locals as well as to the millions of visitors who come to Santa Barbara each year.

Don't Wait!

The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show only has space for 90 artists and 190 crafts members. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to display and sell your art to people from all over the world.

Another local Southern California art show sells space between $12,225 and $54,445 per booth at their one-time event. Our booth prices are less than $10 per show. As if the price wasn’t enough to incentivize you to become a member, the venue certainly will. You are literally set up on the beach in one of the best locations in the world.

Don’t wait until our vendor booths are all taken. Reserve your spot today at the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show.

Below are important documents and forms for Arts & Crafts Show members. We are happy to assist by phone at (805) 897-2519 during business hours. If a member has a question while the show is running, please call the monitor's cell phone at (805) 448-3992.

Commonly Requested Forms
Accommodation Request Form (Printable PDF) (Online Interactive Form)
Application Form (Printable PDF) (Online Application) (Cottage Foods Application)
Leave of Absence Form (Printable PDF) (Online Interactive Form)
Permit Mounting Sheet
Complaint Form (Printable PDF) (Online Interactive Form)

Rules and Regulations 
Arts and Crafts Show Procedures and Regulations
Jewelry Guidelines
Municipal Code Section 15.08

Space Assignment Resources
Space Assignment Request Form for Current Quarter
Space Assignment List

Maps
How to use the GIS Mapping Application
GIS Mapping Application
West Section Space Assignment Map for Sunday Shows
East Section Space Assignment Map for Sunday Shows

Advisory Committee
Arts and Crafts Show Advisory Committee

Other Resources
Payment Plan Options
Parks and Recreation Membership Software (Recommend online payments for advanced users not using an iPhone. Staff are available to process payments over the phone and checks can be given to monitors.)
Instruction on Using SignUpGenius
Current Show SignUpGenius Pages
Instructions on Setting Up Facebook
Instruction on Setting Up Instagram
Table Tent Card with Social Media QR Codes
Holiday Show Dates
City of Santa Barbara Business License Requirements