Experiment Weekend Planned for Downtown, April 19-21

Santa Barbara, California - In partnership with The Arts Fund and Downtown Santa Barbara, the City is pleased to present Experiment Weekend from April 19-21 featuring a series of demonstration projects to re-energize the downtown corridor. This event is an opportunity for the community to experience a new design for one weekend only. Attendees are encouraged to fill out an online survey at the events to share their reactions and feedback.

According to Mayor Cathy Murillo, "We've received so many suggestions in the past year and we'll test some of them out this weekend. There's something planned for everyone to enjoy."

"We're pleased to bring accessible, immersive and interactive installations to our

community and grateful to be part of an experiment that will impact the future of downtown," said Jamie Dufek, President of The Arts Fund.

Carrie Kelley, Executive Director of Downtown Santa Barbara, said, "Come downtown to eat, shop, and enjoy our downtown."

Schedule of Activities

• Friday, April 19, 8:00 p.m. - Midnight, State Street Underpass FLOW Presented by The Arts Fund Local artists will illuminate the State Street Underpass with a light art exhibit. Don't miss this exciting debut of a new art experience downtown. Enjoy dinner at a downtown restaurant and then ride the electric shuttle for free to the Underpass for light installations and music. DJ set by Party Proper Productions.
  Featured Artists: Kym Cochran, Alan Macy, Carlos Padilla, Marco Pinter, Tai Rodrig, Jonathan PJ Smith, Ethan Turpin, Tim Wood
  For descriptions of the light art exhibits curated by The Arts Fund:  Featured Light Art Exhibits 
  For road detour information: Road Detour Starting Friday from 2 PM to 2 AM
  

• Saturday, April 20, 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., 400-500 Blocks  B(Eats) on the Street Enjoy music, art activities, and food from downtown restaurants under the canopy of trees on State Street, where a pedestrian promenade will be created for the day. Families will enjoy painting large coloring book walls, chalk drawing, basketball hoops, and a petting zoo on State Street. Enjoy the Paint and Sip wine garden, ping-pong, and dance classes. Santa Barbara Woodie Club will display classic cars. The Arts Fund presents interactive light art installations in the evening hours. 
  For descriptions of the light art exhibits curated by The Arts Fund:  Featured Light Art Exhibits
  Mention "Experiment Weekend" at participating restaurants for a 10% discount on your food purchase (not applicable to alcohol). Restaurant Discounts
  

• Pop-Up Showcase Opens Friday, April 19 at 429 & 430 State Street Presented by Pop-Up Town Local entrepreneurs will fill vacant spaces on State Street for one month. Shop for handcrafted items and learn about local startup companies.
  For pop-up store details, music schedule, and event information, visit the City's website at: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Experiment
  *Special Thanks to Sponsors*: The Arts Fund, Santa Barbara Beautiful, Bella Vista Designs, Oniracom, and Party Proper Productions, Wildcat Lounge and Little Kitchen.
  *Media Sponsors*: Independent, Voice Magazine, Noozhawk.
  This event was made possible with generous support from the following partners: Downtown Santa Barbara, Pop-Up Town, MTD, Santa Barbara Woodie Club, Berkshire Hathaway, Pintard Group, KimbaKata Productions, COAST, and Samy's Camera.