Summer Solstice Celebration Seeks Artists and Creative Leaders for 2026 Season

New 'Pass the Hat' coordinator/artist-in-residence role to reimagine fundraising as interactive street theater

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A striking, abstract composition of bold, jagged shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast red and white, capturing the energy and creativity of a community arts festival.The Summer Solstice Celebration's call for creative leaders and artists promises to infuse the 2026 event with vibrant, community-driven energy.Santa Barbara Today

The Summer Solstice Celebration, Santa Barbara County's largest arts event, is hiring for its 2026 season, including a new opportunity for a Pass the Hat coordinator/artist-in-residence to transform fundraising into high-energy, interactive street theater. The organization is also accepting proposals for artist-in-residence stipends to create parade floats or ensembles.

Why it matters

The Summer Solstice Celebration is a beloved annual event that draws over 100,000 attendees and engages hundreds of local artists and community members. The new creative leadership roles and artist-in-residence opportunities will help shape the 2026 celebration and continue the event's tradition of showcasing Santa Barbara's vibrant arts and culture.

The details

The paid Pass the Hat coordinator/artist-in-residence role will design and direct a Donation Solicitation Performance Troupe (DSPT) that will blend improv, comedy, and audience engagement to inspire generosity while entertaining crowds during Solstice events. Additional seasonal positions include registrar/volunteer coordinator, assistant registrar, volunteer coordinator, and workshop assistant. The organization is also accepting proposals for artist-in-residence stipends to create parade floats or ensembles.

  • The Summer Solstice Celebration takes place annually in Santa Barbara, California.
  • The 2026 season is currently being planned.

The players

Summer Solstice Celebration

Santa Barbara County's largest arts event, drawing over 100,000 attendees and engaging hundreds of artists and community participants each year.

Justin Gunn

Board president of the Summer Solstice Celebration.

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What they’re saying

“'Blending improv, comedy, and audience engagement, the troupe will inspire generosity while entertaining thousands during Solstice events.'”

— Justin Gunn, Board president

“'This is not your typical fundraising role. It's performance, direction, and community connection rolled into one, where the art of the ask becomes part of the one big show.'”

— Justin Gunn, Board president

What’s next

The Summer Solstice Celebration is currently accepting applications for the 2026 season, including the new Pass the Hat coordinator/artist-in-residence role and other seasonal positions. The organization is also reviewing proposals for artist-in-residence stipends.

The takeaway

The Summer Solstice Celebration's new creative leadership opportunities and artist-in-residence program will help shape the 2026 event, continuing the tradition of showcasing Santa Barbara's vibrant arts and culture while also reimagining fundraising as interactive street theater.