Frequently Asked Questions

  • Rally4Kids 2026 takes place over two days. The rally is on Friday, October 9, 2026, and the gala is on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

  • The rally is $2,500 per car.

  • Rally registration includes entry to the rally plus gala admission for four people total: the driver, the navigator, and two additional guests.

  • Yes. Gala-only tickets are available for $400 per person.

  • Yes. A table of ten is $3,500.

  • The rally begins in downtown Carpinteria and ends at Hotel Cerro in San Luis Obispo.

  • 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.

  • Drivers will be able to choose from six departure times: 7:45, 8:05, 8:20, 8:40, 9:00, or 9:15 AM. Each group will include approximately eight to nine cars.

  • A breakfast will be served before departure, including pastries, coffee, juice, and a hot breakfast.

  • 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.

  • Yes. A gourmet mid-afternoon lunch will be served on the rooftop lounge at Hotel Cerro overlooking San Luis Obispo.

  • Yes, you’re welcome to stay overnight in San Luis Obispo. Our Rally4Kids room block at Hotel Cerro is sold out. Please contact the hotel directly to ask about availability outside the block, or book another hotel nearby.

    Accommodations are at your own expense. You can also return to Santa Barbara after the rally.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes. The rally is limited to 50 cars, so signing up early is encouraged.

  • The gala will be held at The Great Meadow at Santa Barbara City College, overlooking the channel and harbor.

  • The theme for this year’s gala is The Grand Tour Gala – an evening around the world.

  • Guests can expect an evening of food, music, dancing, an exciting live auction, beautiful views, and special performances. The event will feature culinary delights inspired by destinations around the world, bringing the spirit of The Grand Tour Gala to life.

  • 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.

  • Yes. The open-air setting is designed to showcase the cars that participated in the rally the previous day.

  • Rally4Kids supports the United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.

  • The current sponsorship opportunities are:

    Gala Sponsor - $20,000
    Champion Sponsors - $10,000 each, with unlimited availability and nine currently committed
    Rally Checkpoint Sponsor - $5,000, with one remaining

    Additional underwriting opportunities are available for Rally Hats ($2,500), Gala Ambiance - Decor ($3,000), Gala Ambiance - Flowers ($3,000), Champagne Greeter ($3,000), Gala Entertainment ($7,500), Dessert ($2,500), Driver Handbook Printing ($2,500), Gala Bar ($2,500), and Driver Bags ($1,000).

    The Title Sponsor and Rally Sponsor levels are sold out.

  • Yes. You can attend the gala by purchasing an individual ticket or a table, or you can support the event through sponsorship.

  • 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.

  • This year features a longer scenic drive ending in San Luis Obispo, with the gala taking place the following evening. Guests can arrange their own overnight stay in SLO or return to Santa Barbara after the rally. The Rally4Kids room block at Hotel Cerro is sold out.