1st Thursday was started by the Downtown Organization (DO) in February 2007 and has since significantly grown in popularity and visibility in the community and beyond. 1st Thursday offers locals and visitors the opportunity to tour downtown galleries and art venues for free in a relaxed and social environment on the first Thursday evening of each month. In addition to the exhibits, performances and programs at the various venues, the DO enhances the evening’s experience with live, interactive, educational and seasonal presentations outdoors, along State Street, giving 1st Thursday goers added entertainment while strolling between the various venues.
As a participant in 1st Thursday your organization receives many benefits provided and coordinated by the DO. These benefits currently include:
Marketing and Advertising
Monthly-
Your name, address, website and current event description included in 3,500 Passport brochures
Opportunity to include a picture of featured event. Photos are NOT guaranteed. Your venue noted by number or letter on the map inside the Passport Passports on display and distributed at over 50 participating venues, hotels, the Visitors Center, the Downtown Organization, the Conference & Visitors Bureau and on MTD downtown electric shuttles
Your name, address, website link and current event description included on the 1st Thursday website with downloadable Passport at www.santabarbaradowntown.com (averaging 2,700 page views per month)
Your business name, address, website and current event description included in a full page/full color 1st Thursday ad in SB Independent (40,000 distribution)
Opportunity to be mentioned in the 1st Thursday Press Release highlighting each months activities and select venues distributed to over 80 press outlets in the tri-counties and southern California
Included in a 1st Thursday email send to over 400 subscribers Efforts to reach out to the community through various social media platforms including
Facebook and Twitter.
On Going-
1st Thursday included on the DO Home Page under Special Events (averaging 28,500 hits per month)
1st Thursday included on the DO Calendar of Events web page (averaging 3,500 hits per month)
1st Thursday included on the DO Calendar of Events in a bi-monthly online newsletter 1st Thursday included in over 50 community calendars throughout the tri-counties 1st Thursday highlighted in annual Downtown Map & Guide (150,000 distributed)
Administrative-
Opportunity to obtain a Special One Day Event Permit* endorsed by the Downtown Organization, to serve alcoholic beverages during 1st Thursday
Event coordination of deadlines, descriptions and forms by DO staff Production and distribution of all marketing and promotional material by DO staff Event and marketing assistance available by DO staff Provide 1st Thursday Destination signage 1st Thursday info via phone, in person or email Participants right to use 1st Thursday logo and name in marketing and advertising
Additional-
DO provides 3-5 additional monthly activities and performances to enhance the evenings experience with live music, interactive activities and performances outside, along State Street
DO continues to support the 1st Thursday program with funds and staff to enhance the Cultural Arts District and encourage both locals and visitors to come downtown and experience everything Downtown Santa Barbara has to offer
Annual Commitment Benefits-
Option for discounted participation fees Option for flexible payment plan Listing in additional 1st Thursday advertising (where applicable)
Sponsorship Opportunities-
As a 1st Thursday participants, you have the opportunity to sponsor the passport cover. Sponsorship is an additional $300.00 per month and will be on a first come, first served basis.
Image, credits and venue name will be on the 1st Thursday passport cover (3,500 distributed)
Published in the Santa Barbara Independent ad Image, credits and venue name will be listed in the 1st Thursday official e-mail
to subscribers. (480+)
For more information contact: Kate Schwab, Marketing Director kschwab@sbdo.org or 805-962-2098 ext 22
st Thursday Monthly Theme Concepts
In an effort to help create some direction for future 1st Thursday events, we would like to present the option to have each venue theme their featured artist and activities around the themes listed below. This is optional and participating venues are still welcome to feature artists and activities that do not relate to the themes listed below.
January 3rd- Film/Cinema (Santa Barbara International Film Festival
February 7th- Love/ Romance
March 7th- Dance & Rhythm
April 4th- Poetry (Poetry Month)
May 2nd- Transportation
June 6th- Summer Solstice (Solstice Celebration)
July 4th- CANCELED DUE TO HOLIDAY
August 1st- Fiesta (Old Spanish Days)
September 5th- Shop Spree
October 3rd- Cuisine & Libations (epicure.sb)
November 7th- Music (New Noise Festival and Conference)
December 5th- Happy Holidays!