Thursday, November 5, 2026 · 5–8 p.m.
San Marcos Courtyard · 1129 State Street, Santa Barbara
A free evening on State Street celebrating 300,000 solar lights: light installations, live music, and light-based art to make on your own and as a community.
The courtyard is free and open to everyone. Tickets include dinner and two drinks, and fund solar lights.
The evening
In November the sun sets just after 5 p.m., the hour 1st Thursday begins. For more than fifteen years Unite to Light has put solar light into the hands of families, students, midwives and first responders. On November 5 we celebrate in public, with the city that made it possible.
Work by Santa Barbara light artists across the San Marcos Courtyard.
The first 100 people can make a free sun attachment for their Luke Light. Everyone can add to a shared art project at the Explore Ecology table.
Music through the evening from the courtyard stage.
Illuminated, dedicated tables for our sponsors to relax and enjoy the event from the VIP area.
See the solar lights and chargers we ship to 80+ countries, and send one yourself.
Every ticket includes dinner and two drinks. Drinks by The House of Beau and Draughtsmen Aleworks (21+).
Sponsors
Community partners
Event details
Walk in from State Street behind Mosaic. It’s the courtyard in front of CorePower Yoga, directly across from the Museum of Art.
Sponsorships
Sponsor packages for businesses and teams. Custom packages are welcome.
Funds 100 solar lights
Funds 250 solar lights
Funds 500 solar lights
Funds 1,000 solar lights
Funds 2,500 solar lights
Every $10 sends a light
Every sponsor level includes your logo on this page, printed materials and on-site signage; your logo projected in light during the event; recognition in our marketing, social media and newsletter; a mention in our outreach to Santa Barbara media; and a written impact summary of the lights funded in your name.
Community partners
Community Partners carry the evening into their storefronts and networks in the weeks before November 5.
Questions
The courtyard is free and open to everyone from 5 to 8 p.m. Early bird pricing is $45 until October 30. After October 30, tickets are $60. Tickets include dinner and two drinks. Every ticket funds solar lights.
Yes, the whole family is welcome. Drinks are served to guests 21+ with valid ID.
Downtown Santa Barbara’s free monthly art walk, with galleries and venues along State Street open from 5 to 8 p.m.
Unite to Light is a registered 501(c)(3). The portion of your ticket or sponsorship above the value of dinner and drinks is tax-deductible, and your GiveLively receipt shows that amount.
Email events@unitetolight.org or call (805) 617-0590.