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 LECTURE
Santa Barbara Water History and the Mission Tunnel
by Hugo A. Loaiciga, Ph.D.
Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 6 p.m.
The Alhecama Theatre • 215A East Canon Perdido Street
Take a deep dive into Santa Barbara’s water history! Join us on Thursday, October 23rd at 6:00pm for a talk by UCSB Geology Professor and Hydrologist, Dr. Hugo Loaiciga.
Discover how flow reduction rendered Santa Barbara’s Gibraltar Reservoir and Mission Tunnel water systems obsolete, after reliably providing the city with water for most of the 20th century. Hear about the City’s recent water provision solutions, including Cachuma Lake, seawater desalination and wells. Consider future water challenges Santa Barbara will face and some possible pathways forward.
Hugo Loaiciga, Ph.D, is an expert in Hydrology, especially in the subjects of groundwater hydrology, hydrogeology, water resources systems, and applied mathematics. Dr. Loaiciga applies numerical, statistical, and field methods to answer complex problems involving the interactions between surface water, groundwater, and human activities. A professor in the Department of Geography, Dr. Loaiciga also serves as Director of UCSB’s Hydrology Laboratory. He has published 433 archival papers and received several awards for his research and work.
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.
Ready to Join Us?
Become a member today and take part in deepening the legacy of Santa Barbara through place, story, and community.