When is the event?
• May 23–25, 2026 (Memorial Day Weekend)
• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

Where is it held?
Old Mission Santa Barbara

2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Admission:
Free and open to the public—no tickets required.

• The Mission plaza will feature more than 130 street paintings created by professional and emerging artists

• Live music performances daily on stage

• 100% of proceeds of the festival directly benefit Santa Barbara schools through arts education programs.

• A marketplace with food vendors, specialty items, and merchandise

  • Vegan options available

  • Beer and wine for guests 21+ (ID required)

• Free on-site parking is available at the Mission on a first-come, first-served basis

• If Mission parking fills up, there is free street parking available in surrounding residential neighborhoods. We also encourage biking, walking or ride-share as economical and environmentally conscious ways to get to the festival!

• Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, especially during peak midday hours

• Please be respectful of neighborhood driveways and posted parking restrictions

• Tour buses are not allowed to park along the red curb leading up to the Mission

• Designated bus parking is available along nearby streets such as Los Olivos

• ADA drop-off and pick-up is permitted along the red curb near the main entrance

• The festival will provide additional ADA parking spots in the Mission parking lot, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Roads around the Mission remain open, but expect increased traffic and delays during peak times

• Walking from nearby parking areas is common, so wear comfortable shoes

• Kid Squares (2x2 ft.) available for purchase (~$15) in the West Parking Lot

  • Chalk is provided so kids can create their own street art

• Family-friendly entertainment throughout the event

Do I need tickets?
No—free public event.

Can I take photos?
Yes, photography is encouraged (please credit artists when possible). However, reproductions of artwork images for the sale of goods or merchandise are not permitted.

Food & Drink Guidelines:

You’re welcome to enjoy food and beverages during the festival, with a few important guidelines to help protect the artwork:

• All food and drinks—whether purchased at the event or brought with you—should be enjoyed on the enclosed grass areas of Old Mission Santa Barbara

• Do not bring or consume food or drinks on the pavement areas where the street paintings are being created

• Please use designated spaces to help preserve the artwork and keep walkways clear

Interacting with Artists

Visitors are welcome to engage with the artists at I Madonnari Street Painting Festival—it’s part of what makes the experience special—but please be mindful of their work:

• Feel free to ask questions, observe, and appreciate their process

• Do not interrupt artists while they are actively working, especially during detailed or time-sensitive moments

• Wait for a natural pause before starting a conversation

• Be respectful of their space—do not step into or touch the artwork area

• Keep a safe distance to avoid accidentally disturbing the street paintings

• Photography is encouraged, but avoid blocking the artist or others’ views

Are pets allowed?
No pets—service animals only.

No, no pets allowed - service animals only! Per the Health Department Code § 54.2. Guide, signal or service dogs; right to accompany individuals with a disability and trainers.

§ 54.2. (a) Every individual with a disability has the right to be accompanied by a guide dog, signal dog, or service dog, especially trained for the purpose, in any of the places specified in Section 54.1 without being required to pay an extra charge or security deposit for the guide dog, signal dog, or service dog. However, the individual shall be liable for any damage done to the premises or facilities by his or her dog.

• Food vendors and beverage stations throughout the festival

  • The festival is a fundraiser for the Children’s Creative Project. Proceeds from all food and beverage sales directly support arts education programs in Santa Barbara schools through CCP.

• Specialty foods, snacks, and artisan items are available for purchase

• Beer and wine available for purchase for guests 21+

• Restrooms available (Mission facilities + portable units)

• Artists must apply in advance (applications for 2026 are closed)

• Only chalk pastels are permitted (no paint, fixatives, or liquid pigments)

• Kid Squares (2x2 ft.) available for purchase (~$15) in the West Parking Lot

  • Chalk is provided so kids can create their own street art

Will there be wheelchair accessibility?

The festival is wheelchair accessible, though some street surfaces may be uneven. Nature Track will be on-site to assist with wheelchair access in the grass areas, including access to food and drink vendors and the stage area. 

The festival will provide additional ADA parking spots in the Mission parking lot, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will there be seating? 

Limited seating may be available in the food/drink and stage area.

Can I walk on the artwork?
No—please stay within designated walking areas to protect the art.

What happens if it rains?
Our event operates rain or shine.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen

• Water

  • Bottled water will be available for purchase

• Comfortable shoes

• Hat/sunglasses

Weather
Typical Santa Barbara weather: around 72°F and sunny. Event runs rain or shine.

What if I can’t make it to I Madonnari 2026 in person?

Connect with us on social media: CCP Facebook  and CCP Instagram