Frequently Asked Questions
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Rally4Kids 2026 takes place over two days. The rally is on Friday, October 9, 2026, and the gala is on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
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The rally is $2,500 per car.
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Rally registration includes entry to the rally plus gala admission for four people total: the driver, the navigator, and two additional guests.
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Yes. Gala-only tickets are available for $400 per person.
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Yes. A table of ten is $3,500.
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The rally begins in downtown Carpinteria and ends at Hotel Cerro in San Luis Obispo.
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The route is approximately 225 miles and is designed to cover some of the most scenic roads in California, with none of it on Highway 101.
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Drivers will be able to choose a preferred start time at 7:45 AM, leaving in groups of about eight cars every 15 minutes.
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A breakfast will be served before departure, including pastries, coffee, juice, and a hot breakfast.
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Yes. There will be several planned stops where participants can stretch their legs, enjoy the scenery, and take part in games for a chance to earn the title of Rally Champion.
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Yes. A gourmet mid-afternoon lunch will be served on the rooftop lounge at Hotel Cerro overlooking San Luis Obispo.
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Yes. Participants will have the option to stay overnight at Hotel Cerro and continue the festivities that evening, though the hotel stay is at their own expense. Guests can also choose to drive back to Santa Barbara afterward.
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No. The driver’s meeting will take place on the morning of the rally. Decals and instructions will be available for pickup a few days before the event, and help will be available that morning if needed.
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Holding the rally the day before the gala allows for a longer and more interesting drive, a better lunch experience, less rushing at the end of rally day, and an easier schedule for the club staff to manage.
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Yes. The rally is limited to 50 cars, so signing up early is encouraged.
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The gala will be held at The Great Meadow at Santa Barbara City College, overlooking the channel and harbor.
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The theme for this year’s gala is Pearl of the Adriatic.
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Guests can expect an evening of food, music, dancing, an exciting live auction, beautiful views, and special performances. The event will feature food stations inspired by countries throughout the Adriatic region.
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Gala attire ranges from elevated casual to black tie, so guests are encouraged to wear whatever feels most comfortable within that range. For inspiration, please take a look at the photos and videos from previous events.
Please note that the gala takes place on a lawn, so wear high heels at your own risk.
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Yes. The open-air setting is designed to showcase the cars that participated in the rally the previous day.
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Rally4Kids supports the United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.
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The current sponsorship opportunities are:
Presenting Sponsor, Chevron – $25,000, sold out
Rally Sponsor – $20,000, sold out
Gala Sponsor – $20,000, available
Champion Sponsors – $10,000 each
Rally Checkpoint Sponsors – $5,000 each -
Yes. You can attend the gala by purchasing an individual ticket or a table, or you can support the event through sponsorship.
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Each rally registration includes gala admission for four total guests. Additional guests can attend by purchasing gala tickets at $400 per person, or by purchasing a table of ten for $3,500.
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This year is more of a destination-style weekend, with a longer scenic rally route, a finish in San Luis Obispo, an optional overnight stay, and the gala moved to the following evening to create a more relaxed and memorable overall experience.