Indy40 Fest! - SB Independent Newspaper’s 40th Anniversary

​Come celebrate 40 years of the Santa Barbara Independent at Indy40 Fest, a free community block party in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara!

​The celebration takes place on the parade grounds at the historic Presidio, with live music, festival areas, special Independent merchandise and even a chance to step into your own Independent cover.

​Saturday, August 29, 2026
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Free!

​📍 El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
123 E. Canon Perdido Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Festival time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
independent.com/indy40fest

​🎶 Live Music

​There will be live music throughout the day from Roll-N-Rock 805, featuring Bradberri, East Valley Road, The Bad Neighbors and student performers.

​Bradberri is an award-winning local dance band that plays favorite dance music spanning the last 50 years — a fun mix designed to get people up and dancing!

​📰 More to Explore

​The celebration extends throughout the surrounding Presidio neighborhood and downtown. Participating businesses will have lunch offerings, tastings, mini-deals, samples, giveaways and other fun surprises throughout the day.

​Inside the historic Presidio Chapel, there will be journalism panels and a reunion lounge, where guests can mix and mingle with current and former Independent staff.

​🚗 Parking

​Public hourly parking is available in the adjacent parking lot at: 115 E. Canon Perdido Street. There is also additional public parking in downtown Santa Barbara.

​👋 Meet Up with Spunky Seniors!

​Ronnie Mellen will host this event for Spunky Seniors and meet everyone at the Presidio chapel entrance at 1:00 PM.

​RSVP required at luma.com/spunkyseniors if you would like to meet up and enjoy the celebration with Ronnie so she knows who to look for. 
You are also welcome to arrive earlier to explore the festivities and then meet Ronnie and the group at 1:00 PM.

​Come enjoy an afternoon of live music, dancing, food, Santa Barbara history and community fun while helping the Santa Barbara Independent celebrate 40 years!