Santa Barbara Experiment Continues

Release Date: April 25,2019

The city of Santa Barbara’s “experiment” to boot cars from the 400 and 500 blocks of State Street paid off in terms of large crowds and enthusiasm, but it’s not over yet.

More than 20 pop-up shops are sharing a space at 429 and 430 State St. The pop-ups will be open through the end of May, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

The stores will feature a variety of handcrafted items.

The stores open at 429 State St. include LUNA Sandals; MANU, an online lifestyle brand; and Aroma Freedom Emotions/Essential Oils/Psychology. At 430 State St. are The Montecito Candle Company, Colibri Handmade Bags & Accessories from Latin America, and Qashi Handmade Chumash Abalone & Pearl Jewelry.

"Pop-ups bring traffic downtown and give businesses a chance to get noticed," said Aleqwel (a Chumash name which means "maker") Mendoza. "It's also a showcase to help entrepreneurs get noticed long term."

Mendoza is the founder of PopUp Town. 

For a full list of Pop-Up businesses, click here.

The Pop-Ups were installed last week when the city kicked off its Santa Barbara Experiment, which brought music, food, games and arts to the downtown.