Chillin’ in Isla Vista

Back for another round this year is Chilla Vista, a student-organized one day festival that encompasses music, art, workshops, community outreach and sustainability into one open-hearted experience.

Held on June 3 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Anisq’oyo’ Park in Isla Vista, the festival delivers a deeper message than the normal I.V. raucous revelry. The idea at work here is to bring the true community of Santa Barbara together, including students, faculty, and residents from Goleta, Santa Barbara and beyond.

Music will be provided on solar-powered stages by local and visiting bands like Ambidextrous and Blue Turtle Seduction. Activities include everything from free henna tattoos and yoga to healing massages and belly dancing. Tables will be set up by health education groups like Students Teaching Alcohol and other Drug Responsibility, and there’s even a kid’s area for younger festival-goers to enjoy.

Entrance to the fun is completely free, and sustainability is the theme of the day. On-site recycling and composting is provided, and you just might want to pick up an organic cotton, fair-trade t-shirt as a memento. All ages and walks of life are welcome to share in the music and sun. True, parking is tough, so why not breathe in that spirit of sustainability and consider the bus. For more info on the festival and the UCSB class that started it all, check out the official website.