City Hall Holds Historic Pride Flag Raising

City Hall Holds Historic Pride Flag Raising

On Monday, August 17, the City of Santa Barbara marked a historic milestone with its first Pride Flag Raising at City Hall, a celebration of community and visibility. The Pride Flag now flying at City Hall reflects the City's commitment to inclusion, equality, and support for LGBTQ+ residents.

Community members, local leaders, elected officials, and partner organizations gathered side by side to launch Santa Barbara Pride Week and to celebrate LGBTQ+ joy. Their presence honored the years of advocacy and dedication that have helped make Santa Barbara a place where LGBTQ+ community members feel valued and safe.

The ceremony was held in partnership with Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF), PFLAG Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network (SBTAN), Planned Parenthood, and the Gold Coast AIDS Quilt Project. Together, these partners helped recognize the Pride Flag as a powerful symbol of visibility and celebrate the strength of the local LGBTQ+ community.

On July 28, 2026 the City of Santa Barbara approved a resolution authorizing the display of the Pride Flag at City Hall for the month of August 2026 in recognition of Santa Barbara Pride. July 28 Council Agenda Report.

On June 9, 2026, the City of Santa Barbara proclaimed June as Pride Month, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and equality. The proclamation honors the LGBTQ+ community, celebrates progress, recognizes the contributions of local advocates and organizations, and encourages residents to participate in Pride events, learn about LGBTQ+ history, and stand as advocates and allies. This commitment is reflected in the City's longstanding support for the annual Pride Festival, returning Saturday, August 22, to Chase Palm Park Field. Proudly supported by the City of Santa Barbara, the free, all-ages festival features more than 70 vendors, live performances, and family-friendly activities.

Pacific Pride Festival
Saturday, August 22. 2026
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Chase Palm Park Field (323 E Cabrillo Blvd.)
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Pacific Pride Foundation has long been supported by the City of Santa Barbara through multiple grant programs that invest in community well-being and cultural vitality:

The City's Human Services Grant provides local non-profit organizations that deliver essential human services to low- and moderate-income residents. For more information, visit CDBG & Human Services (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CDBGprogram).

Through the Community Events & Festivals Grant, the City also supports public arts and cultural programming that reflects Santa Barbara's diverse community. Funded by the City and administered by the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, the Cultural Arts Grant Programs support nonprofit arts and culture programming within city limits. For more information, visit Office of Arts and Culture's City Grants.

To learn more about the Pacific Pride Foundation and the festival, visit Pacific Pride Foundation.