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America 250

Stars & Stripes, Santa Maria Style!

Get ready to celebrate, Santa Maria! In honor of America’s historic 250th anniversary, the City of Santa Maria, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, Downtown Fridays, and our incredible community partners are thrilled to present "Stars and Stripes, Santa Maria Style." We are bringing our community together all summer long with a lineup of patriotic programs designed to showcase our local pride. Dive into our Community Calendar to find local patriotic events throughout June and July, show off your civic pride in our Home Yard Decorating Contest, or nominate your favorite local nonprofit for a chance to win a $250 Giveaway. It all leads up to a spectacular culminating celebration during Downtown Fridays on July 3rd, featuring an unforgettable, patriotic drone light show!

Explore below to find all the details on how you can participate, win, and celebrate with us.

America 250 Graphics

$250 Nonprofit Giveaway

The Santa Barbara Foundation is proud to celebrate 250 years of America by inspiring generosity and community impact through a special raffle giveaway benefiting Santa Maria Valley nonprofits. Ten raffle winners will each receive the opportunity to direct a $250 charitable gift to a nonprofit organization of their choice. Please use this form to nominate a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Santa Maria Valley and share why their work inspires you. Each form submitted equals one raffle entry. There is no cost to enter. Ten (10 ) winners will be announced at the July 3rd Downtown Friday's event after which a $250 gift will be made in each winner's name by the Santa Barbara Foundation to the nonprofit they nominated.
Through this raffle, we hope to encourage philanthropy in our community while highlighting the important work local nonprofits do every day.
Submit Your Nomination

Downtown Fridays Patriotic Celebration & Community Done Show

When: Friday, July 3rd | Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Drone Show to follow!)

Join us for a special milestone celebration as we honor America’s 250th anniversary right here at Downtown Fridays! Alongside all your favorite weekly food trucks, local vendors, and family fun, we have a fantastic main stage lineup to keep the energy high all night long.

Bring your patriotic spirit and the whole family for an unforgettable evening!

downtown fridays logo

Main Stage Schedule

  • 5:30 PM – Event Kicks Off! Explore the market, grab some food, and find your spot by the stage.

  • 5:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Santa Maria Cheer Team Kickstarting the night with high-energy routines! Special thanks to Maya for Sponsors the Cheer Team performance.

  • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Orcutt Jazz Enjoy smooth, local jazz sounds to set the evening mood. Proudly sponsored by New Life Bath and Painting.

  • 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | America250 Ceremony Join the Mayor and local leaders at the stage for a special commemorative ceremony honoring this historic national milestone.

  • 7:20 PM – 8:30 PM | ECO Band (Bilingual Performance) Get ready to dance! ECO Band takes us home with a dynamic, two-part set: English hits from 7:20 to 8:00 PM, followed by a Spanish set from 8:00 to 8:30 PM.

  • 8:30 PM | Grand Finale: Drone Light Show! Look up! As the main event wraps up, stick around for a spectacular, high-tech drone light show illuminating the night sky in celebration of America250.

Admission is FREE! Come early to grab a great spot and celebrate our community, culture, and history.