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 more than 100 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 $676 per year. A $676 permit means the price to showcase your work is less than $11 per show!
• New members can join for 6 months for $358.

The Process

Applications are screened once a month by the Arts and Crafts Show Advisory Committee and program staff. Eligible artisans will attend a new applicant screening to showcase their work. The committee will make a recommendation to staff, and staff will notify applicants of the final decision. 

Commonly Requested Forms
Application Form (Online Application) (Cottage Foods Application)

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

Advisory Committee
Arts and Crafts Show Advisory Committee

Payment Link
Make A Payment