Join SBTHP and the Santa Barbara AAPI Solidarity Network on Saturday, February 21st to celebrate and ring in the Lunar New Year at SBTHP’s 2026 YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE FESTIVAL!   

Come help us celebrate and commemorate Santa Barbara’s rich, diverse AAPI communities, cultures & history! This is a free, family-friendly event; ALL are welcome. 

Festival Activities & Offerings: 

• - Learn how to play MAHJONG!  Enjoy free hands-on lessons led by expert players. 

• Already got the skills? Come and compete at your level! 

• - Support local AAPI artisans & small businesses at our YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE MARKET 

• - Take a guided walking tour of historic Chinatown 

• - Explore SBTHP’s Nihonmachi Revisited exhibit 

• - Stay until dusk for a special Lion Dance performance by Camarillo Kung Fu & Lion Dance Association

• - Grab delicious Asian cuisine from local AAPI-owned food trucks  

Festival General Information:  

• When: Saturday, February 21, 2026 – 3:00-7:00pm  

• Where: El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park - 123 E. Canon Perdido St. 

• Free parking (follow “Event Parking” signs) 
  

SBTHP Membership Perk:
Enjoy 10% off at Easy Thai Street Food and Three Pickles Deli , as well as 50% off food at The Pickle Room! To receive your discounted meal tickets, be sure to visit our welcome booth. Interested in becoming a member? Learn more at sbthp.org/membership!

YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE 

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

3:00 PM - FESTIVAL OPENS TO PUBLIC

• LEARN how to play mahjong in the Presidio Chapel. 

• ENJOY free family-friendly Lunar New Year arts & crafts and facepainting

• SHOP local at the outdoor Fire Horse Makers Market 

• EAT at local Asian food trucks & nearby Neighborhood restaurants 
  

4:00 PM - PRESIDIO NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORY - WALKING TOUR

• DISCOVER Santa Barbara’s Chinatown & Nihonmachi history on a free, guided tour with SBTHP Executive Director, Dr. Anne Petersen.

5:00 PM - TAI CHI - GROUP PERFORMANCE & DEMONSTRATION

• EXPERIENCE a local student group’s special Tai Chi dance performance and form demonstration in front of the Presidio Chapel. 

5:45 PM - LUNAR NEW YEAR LION DANCE PERFORMANCE

• CELEBRATE the 2026 Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse with a special lion dance by Camarillo Kung Fu & Lion Dance Association! 

7:00 - FESTIVAL ENDS

Thank you to our sponsors!