2018 Santa Barbara Jewish Festival

Marking 31 years, the Santa Barbara Jewish Festival is the Central Coast’s largest community-wide Jewish cultural festival and joyous celebration of Israel’s Independence Day (Yom Ha’Atzmaut). It will be held on Sunday, May 6th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Plaza del Mar, 23 W. Castillo Street. This is the second year at our new location, tucked in a beautiful historic park with majestic palm trees just near the harbor and beaches.

Organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Jewish Festival welcomes everyone, comprising of thousands of visitors each year, to experience, share and celebrate the best of Jewish heritage—live music, Israeli dancing, artisan and info vendors, family and children’s activities, local community organizations, and of course…delicious Jewish food!

No Jewish Festival would be complete without entertainment. Headlining entertainment includes performances and music by a new Jewish musical super group, the Red Sea Rhythm Rockers; the Jewish Community’s living cantorial legend – Cantor Mark Childs, which he performs with the Rhythm Rockers and leads Congregation B’nai B’rith’s choirs. Kalinka has been a mainstay, offering first rate klezmer, gypsy and Israeli dancing collaborative hits! Don’t miss Fred’s virtuoso clarinet solos! The Festival will include Congregation B’nai B’rith Youth Ruach Dancers and Youth Choir. Israeli Dancing is led by seasoned instructors and will collaborate a set with Kalinka. Plus, plenty of Children’s Area Activities, YAD (Young Adult Division) beer/wine garden activities and a special celebration of Israel at 70. Everyone is welcome to join the dancing, no experience required! The Jewish Festival will be emceed by the extraordinary Mashey Bernstein.

Back by popular demand, Sababa It’s All Good Catering will offer fresh falafel plates with their famous hummus, pita, and various Israeli + Mediterranean salads. There will also be delicious McConnell’s Fine (and Kosher!) Ice Cream, Purely awesome Pure Order beer and select fine wines, and more. The festival is free of charge and everyone in the greater community is welcome to join, and experience Jewish culture.

Special thanks go to the 2018 Jewish Festival sponsors including Montecito Bank and Trust, Jano Graphics, Bright Event Rentals, Spark Creative Events, McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream, the Community Shul of Montecito and Santa Barbara, Camp Haverim, Congregation B’nai B’rith, Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, Union Bank, Sababa Catering, Sonrisa Enterprises, Entertainment Earth, Jack’s Bagels & Bistro and many more