3. Summer Solstice

The Buzz -- Folks from all around Santa Barbara anticipate this festival, which kicks off summer with a huge celebration. In May, local residents become involved in building and designing the floats, which, on the first Saturday after the summer solstice, electrify State Street in a riot of color and spectacle. Following the parade, the festival moves to Alameda Park and features live music, children's activities, crafts, terrific food, and artistic expression of all sorts. The event usually pulls in more than 100,000 visitors.