The Dolphin Derby Details
Admission is Free. Bring a Friend!
The Dolphin Derby Festival in Santa Barbara is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise Charitable Foundation, benefiting local nonprofits and international humanitarian causes.
Beer and Wine Garden:
🍺🍷 Beer and wine will be served from Noon to 5 PM — you must be 21 or over with valid ID.
🎟️ Each beer or wine is just $7 a ticket, so grab yours and enjoy a cold one while you soak in the fun!
💦 And if you're looking for something extra special, don’t miss out on the Dolphin Splash — our signature drink — just $10 a ticket!
Dolphin Adoptions:
🏁 Every race has cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
🎉 All adopted dolphins are entered for a chance to compete in the Grand Prize Race, where someone’s going to win $2,500!
Food Trucks:
🦞 First up — straight from the East Coast — it’s Cousins Maine Lobster! Treat yourself to a lobster roll or some delicious lobster tacos. It’s seafood done right!
🌭 Craving a classic? Head over to Connie’s Hot Dogs for the all-American favorite. From chili dogs to classic dogs, Connie’s has something for everyone!
🍧 And to cool things down, don’t miss Kona Ice! Shaved ice in every flavor you can imagine — perfect for a summer day like today!
Race Schedule:
📍 1:10, 2:10, 3:10, and 4:10 — regular races
🎨 The 4:10 race is extra special — it’s our Kids’ Race, featuring dolphins that were decorated by the kids themselves!
🎉 The Grand Prize Race is at 4:45, where one lucky winner will win $2,500!
Race Prizes:
🏁 For Race 1, winners will get:
🥇 1st place – $75
🥈 2nd place – $50
🥉 3rd place – $25
🏁 Race 2 prizes get even bigger:
🥇 1st – $150
🥈 2nd – $100
🥉 3rd – $75
🏁 Race 3 is where it really starts to heat up:
🥇 1st – $250
🥈 2nd – $200
🥉 3rd – $150
🌊 And then — the Sweepstakes Grand Prize Race!
🥇 1st place wins a whopping $2,500!
🥈 2nd gets $300
🥉 3rd gets $250
🎨 And for our creative young racers in the Kids Race, we’ve got some awesome prizes too:
🥇 1st place – Two tickets for a Coastal Cruise on the Double Dolphin
🥈 & 🥉 2nd and 3rd – Tickets to MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation!
Rotary Information Booth
🌍 Be sure to stop by the Rotary Info Booth! You’ll find out what Rotary is all about, when local clubs meet, and how you can get involved.
💙 Plus, you’ll see how events like the Dolphin Derby help fund important community service projects right here at home and around the world.
Non-Profit Booths
While you’re enjoying the fun, be sure to visit the amazing nonprofit booths! These organizations are doing incredible work in our community, and we’re proud to have them at the Dolphin Derby.
🎨 Say hello to the Grace Fisher Foundation, bringing inclusive arts and music programs to life.
🌿 Stop by the Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council and learn how they’re protecting and restoring our local waterways.
💛 Visit the Unity Shoppe, a longtime local treasure supporting families in need.
🌱 Dive into environmental education with Explore Ecology — fun for all ages!
🏕️ Check out Troop 26 – Scouting America and learn more about youth leadership and outdoor adventure.
⚽ And don’t miss the Boys & Girls Club, empowering kids through after-school programs, sports, and more.
Take a stroll, learn something new, and show some love to the nonprofits that help our community thrive!
More fun and games
“Looking for even more fun between the dolphin races? We’ve got plenty of activities for all ages!
🎯 Test your aim at the Corn Hole and Horseshoe games — challenge a friend or start your own tournament!
🎨 And don’t miss Face Painting — it’s perfect for kids and kids at heart. Stop by and get decked out with some colorful designs!
Dog friendly:
🐾 Just a quick reminder to please keep all dogs on a leash and be sure to clean up after them so everyone can enjoy the day safely and comfortably.
Donations Welcome:
🐬💙 The Adoption Booth is also accepting donations of any amount — every dollar helps fund the service projects that make a big impact locally and globally.
DJ Darla Bea
🎶 Spinning the perfect soundtrack for today’s fun is none other than, DJ Darla Bea — bringing the beats and keeping the vibes high all day long!
Whether you're dancing, racing, or just soaking it all in —she will be there to keep the good times rolling
What the Dolphin Derby is for
When you support the Dolphin Derby, you're helping the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise fund hands-on service projects for underserved youth, at-risk individuals, and environmental programs — both locally and globally.
🌍 Over the years, the Rotary Foundation has donated over $400,000 to causes like:
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Providing 12,000+ dictionaries to local 3rd graders
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Supplying computers to La Cuesta grads
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Supporting families at Transition House & more
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Training residents to use lifesaving Naloxone
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Funding youth programs in education, nutrition, the arts & the environment
Sponsor Recognition
We want to take a moment to give a huge thank you to the incredible sponsors who make the Dolphin Derby Festival possible!
🌴 First, a big shout-out to our ISLAND SPONSORS — the top-tier supporters keeping us afloat:
Cox and Minno Rugged Tablets
We appreciate their leadership and generous support!
🌊 Next up, our CHANNEL SPONSORS — thank you to:
Arlington Financial Advisors
Nasif Hicks Harris & Co. LLP
and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation
Their support helps power meaningful community impact!
🌅 Our COASTAL SPONSORS bring the spirit of giving to the shoreline — thank you to:
Alpha Fire Unlimited
BenchmarkPortal
Judith and Paul McCaffrey
edhat
Kathy Scroggs
and The Point Market
We’re so grateful for their partnership!
🏖️ And, our SHORELINE SPONSORS — thanks to:
American Riviera Bank
Karen Y. Kawaguchi
Kirk and Jann Greene
Lily Carey
Montecito Bank & Trust
SAMsARA Wines
Santa Barbara Sailing Center
Smith & Ortiz
and The Brewhouse Santa Barbara
👏 — their generosity is what keeps this event running!

