Museum Hours
Dedicated to stewarding the past and present of the Presidio Neighborhood and inspiring preservation advocacy throughout the Santa Barbara County in order to create a more vibrant community.
UPCOMING EVENT
Una Noche de las Posadas
Friday, December 12, 2025 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Casa de la Guerra • 15 East De la Guerra Street
Join us for our Una Noche de Las Posadas (“The Inns”) event, which celebrates the cherished holiday tradition still observed throughout Latin America. In the evening, we'll embark on a procession from the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park to Casa de la Guerra, singing holiday songs in Spanish. Las Posadas is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging, a beloved tradition of seeking shelter and welcoming all.
Rudy’s Presidio Mexican Restaurant and Los Tarascos will be co-sponsoring this event by serving traditional Posadas food and the Mujeres Makers Market will be curating a special evening market full of vintage and handmade goods.
Come together with family and friends on Friday, December 12th to share in the joy and unity that Las Posadas represents, as we celebrate the spirit of community.
Mujeres Makers Market is open from 5PM-9PM at Casa de la Guerra at 15 East De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
The event begins 7:00pm at the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara SHP at 123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Annual Community Events
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![A dimly lit antique desk with candelabras, an open notebook, a quill, and a scroll, with a portrait of a woman in historical attire hanging on the wall above.]()
Presidio by Candlelight
FEBRUARY
Presidio by Candlelight offers a rare opportunity to experience the Santa Barbara Presidio after dark. Illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and candlelight, the site comes to life with music, storytelling, and living history. Visitors are invited to explore the grounds at their own pace, encountering vignettes that reflect the layered histories of the Presidio Neighborhood and those who once called it home. This annual event fosters a deeper connection to the past, inviting the community to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Presidio.
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![Young girl with butterfly face paint sitting in a chair, looking at a woman holding a mirror, in an artist's studio or outdoor setting.]()
Community History Day
MAY
Celebrate the many communities that have shaped Santa Barbara at this vibrant, family-friendly gathering held each spring at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Through hands-on activities, walking tours, performances, and exhibits led by local organizations, Community History Day invites visitors to engage with the layered histories of the Presidio Neighborhood and the diverse cultures that continue to define it. Free and open to all, this event brings history to life—one story, one table, one shared experience at a time.
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![Audience in the Alhecama Theatre attending the Asian American Film Series]()
Asian American Film Series
JULY
Since 2010, SBTHP’s Asian American Film Series has illuminated the diverse experiences of Asian American communities through powerful storytelling. Held each July at the historic Alhecama Theatre, this free series showcases films that delve into themes of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage, often followed by engaging discussions with filmmakers. By connecting contemporary narratives to the rich history of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood, the series fosters dialogue and honors the enduring contributions of Asian American communities.
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![A man with long black hair and a sleeveless black shirt playing large traditional drums during a cultural event, with participants in colorful traditional attire and a photographer in the background.]()
Asian American Neighborhood Festival
OCTOBER
This free, family-friendly event celebrates the rich histories and cultures of the Asian American communities that once thrived in the Presidio Neighborhood. Attendees enjoy a vibrant lineup of cultural performances—including lion dancing, taiko drumming, hula, and breakdancing—alongside artisan booths, hands-on crafts, and educational exhibits that honor Santa Barbara’s Asian American heritage. The festival also features special collaborations with local artists and community partners, offering unique experiences that connect past and present.
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![Collection of white sugar skull decorations with painted faces and accents, arranged among colorful paper decorations.]()
Día de los Muertos Craft Day
NOVEMBER
An annual celebration honoring the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos. Held each fall at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, this free, family-friendly event features over 70 local vendors, live music, dance performances, face painting, art workshops, and a community ofrenda (altar) where visitors can leave photos or mementos in remembrance of loved ones. In collaboration with Mujeres Makers Market, the day offers a vibrant blend of cultural expression, creativity, and community remembrance.
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![Three children dressed as nativity figures from a Christmas scene, standing together indoors with a dark background.]()
Una Noche de las Posadas
DECEMBER
Una Noche de Las Posadas is SBTHP’s annual candlelit procession that brings to life the cherished holiday tradition of Las Posadas. Held each December, the event begins at the Presidio Chapel and follows Mary, Joseph, and an angel through the streets of Santa Barbara, accompanied by traditional Spanish carols. The journey concludes at Casa de la Guerra, where the community gathers to enjoy festive food, music, and a vibrant evening market curated by Mujeres Makers Market. This celebration honors the spirit of hospitality and togetherness that has defined the neighborhood for generations.
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