With an ideal climate year round, Santa Barbara enjoys a myriad of cultural and recreational happenings year round. Whether you are whale watching in spring or picking raspberries in midsummer Santa Barbara plays host to a virtual panoply of events for all ages.

 

Cultural Calendar:

Yearly Annual Events      
         
Seasonal Fall Winter Spring Summer
         
Monthly January February March April
  May June July August
  September October November December
 

ANNUAL

Historic Downtown Walking Tour
An easy stroll lets you experience Santa Barbara's past. Led by trained docents, the tour focuses on significant historic buildings, architectural styles, landscaping, and our rich cultural past. Walking shoes and a hat are recommended. Meet on the steps of City Hall, de la Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara.
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Phone: (805) 965-6307 Website: www.afsb.org

Ongoing -- Backstage Tours at The Lobero Theatre
The Lobero offers free docent guided tours upon request. Get the inside scoop on what happens behind the scenes of California's oldest, continuously operating theatre. Tour takes approximately 50 minutes and is a great alternative lunchtime activity. 33 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara.
Daily. Phone: (805) 966-4946 x 613 Website: www.lobero.com

Sundays -- Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
The show is now the only continuous arts festival of original drawings, paintings, graphics, sculpture, crafts, and photography in the world. Approximately 300 Santa Barbara County resident artists display their own works in an informal atmosphere under the palms of Chase Palm Park. All items are original art, created by the artists you meet. The show is held on all Sundays and holidays.
Time: 10:00 AM until Dusk Phone: (805) 897-1982

Saturdays -- Horse Whisperer Demonstrations
Monty Roberts, modern day horse whisperer & NY Times best selling author of “The Man Who Listens to Horses,” trains horses in their own language and a non-violent method he calls Join-Up®, allowing him to achieve in 30 minutes, without the use of violence, what can take traditional cowboys 3 weeks.
Time: 2:00 PM Phone: (805) 688-6288 Website: www.montyroberts.com

Saturdays -- The Grapevine
The first and only radio show dedicated exclusively to the Santa Barbara county wine industry on AM1290 KZBN Radio out of Santa Barbara. The Grapevine is hosted by Gabe Saglie. This live program features local vintners, merchants, chefs, and wine events. Tune in on your drives!
Time: Noon - 1:00 PM The Grapevine GrapeLine: (805) 453-1209

Daily -- Santa Barbara Sailing Center
Choose from whale watching expeditions, Channel Island getaways and sailing for individuals or couples! We have a great number of boats to choose from. Call for information.
Time: Varies Phone: (805) 962-2826 Website: www.sbsail.com

 

SEASONAL

Fall

October - January -- Bits 'N Spurs
Looking at the "Bits n' Spurs" of early California, the Santa Barbara Trust For Historic Preservation presents the 3rd installment in a series of annual exhibits featuring local ranching culture. At Casa De La Guerra, 15 East De La Guerra Street. Phone: (805) 965-0093 Website: www.sbthp.org

Winter

November - March -- Santa Barbara Fisherman's Market
Come down to the Santa Barbara Harbor at the Breakwater and buy fresh fish, crab, or lobster right off the decks of the fishing boats. Fresher seafood cannot be found! Saturday mornings only.
Time: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM Phone: (805) 965-8112

Spring

February - November -- Family Tours at Lotusland Garden
Family tours for all ages are offered the first Thursday morning of each month at 10:00 AM, and the third Thursday afternoon of each month at 1:30 PM (except between November 15 and February 19). Family tours are child and parent friendly and are separate from regular adult tours. Adult members $15 or use admission passes; children under ten $8; children under two free. Call for reservations from 9:00 AM - Noon, Monday - Friday.
Phone: (805) 969-9990 Website: www.Lotusland.org

February - May -- Gray Whale Watching
Take a whale watching cruise to the Channel Islands. Along the way see many gray whales in their natural habitat. Please call the Santa Barbara Sail Center for more information on location and other details. Phone: (805) 962-2826 Website: www.sbsail.com

Summer

Wednesdays -- Sunset in the Park Mixer
Each month during the summer, Elings Park hosts a no-cost mixer for all to enjoy. There are a variety of delectable treats and beer and wine to enjoy from the lovely and scenic decks of Godric Grove. Join us each Wednesday through September. Godric Grove in Elings Park, Santa Barbara.
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Phone: (805) 569-5611 Website: www.elingspark.org

Third Thursday of Every Month -- NIGHTS
If you want to unwind after work and enjoy a varying mix of music, performances, special activities, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, come to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) the thrid Thursday of every month. Tickets, which include admission, entertainment, and hors d’oeuvres are only available the evening of the event.
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Phone : (805) 963-4364 Website: www.sbmuseart.org

June - August -- Mysteries of Mars at Gladwin Planetarium
The Red Planet. The show includes spectacular images from various NASA expeditions to Mars: Viking I and II, Mars Pathfinder and the Sojourner missions. This show includes a guided tour of the night sky. At the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta de Sol Road, Santa Barbara. Phone: (805) 682-4711 Website: www.sbnature.org

July - August -- Pick Your Own Berries
Pick your own raspberries and blackberries at the Morrell Nut & Berry Farm. 1980 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang. Phone: (805) 688-8969

 

MONTHLY

JANUARY

Hang Gliding and Paragliding Festival
Contact: Fly Above It All
Phone: (805) 965-3733 Website: www.flyaboveall.com

Wild Weekends at the Natural History Museum
Families looking for things to do on weekends in Santa Barbara can go wild with "Wild Weekends" at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, now through the end of January. Each Saturday and Sunday the Museum will be alive with fun and interesting demonstrations and learning experiences. Located at 2559 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 682-4711 Website: www.sbnature.org

FEBRUARY

Fantasy Wedding Faire
Earl Warren Showground
U.S. Hwy 101 at Las Positas
Phone: (805) 963-8862

MARCH

Santa Barbara International Orchid Show
Earl Warren Showground
U.S. Hwy 101 at Los Positas
Phone: (805) 967-3361 Website: www.sborchidshow.com

Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Several locations, most near downtown.
Phone: (805) 963-0023 Website: www.sbfilmfestival.org

Santa Barbara Whale Festival
Two full days of fun, food, art and crafts! There will be entertainment for the entire family - whale watching tours, whale information stations, diving demonstrations, a children's carnival, rubber duck race, and more!
Stern’s Wharf - At the south end of State Street Website: www.sbwhalefestival.com

Kite Festival
Kite lovers share their passion at this event, which has been in existence for over 15 years.
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Dr. Phone: (805) 967-4511, x106

APRIL

Garden Egg Hunt at Children’s Festival
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Rd
Phone: (805) 682-4726 Website: www.sbbg.org

Jewish Festival
Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Ave
Phone: (805) 957-1115 Website: www.sbjf.org

Presidio Days
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
123 E. Canon Perdido St
Phone: (805) 966-9719 Website: www.sbthp.org

Spring Plant Sale
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Rd
Phone: (805) 682-4726 Website: www.sbbg.org

Santa Barbara Fair and Expo
Traditional Country Fair
Earl Warren Showground
Phone: (805) 687-0766

MAY

Family Service Agency's Children’s Festival
Alamdea Park West
Micheltorena and Anacapa St
Phone: (805) 965-1001 Website: www.fscares.org/spotlight

Cinco de Mayo
Various locations
Phone: (805) 965-8581

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting
Mission Santa Barbara
2201 Laguna St.
Phone: (805) 569-3873 Website: www.imadonnarifestival.com

JUNE

Jose Cuervo Volleyball Tournament
East Beach
Phone: (805) 564-5422

Santa Barbara Writers Conference
Phone: (805) 684-2250 Website: www.sbwc.org

Summer Solstice Celebration
State St and Alamdea Park
Phone: (805) 965-3396 Website: www.solsticeparade.com

Chinese Festival
Food, culture, and art from China
Phone: (805) 964-0038 Website: www.chinesefestival.com

Big Dog Parade and Canine Festival
Dogs and their owners woof it up.
Website: www.bigdogs.com

Semana Nautica
Athletic competitions on land and in the water through the months of June and July
Phone: (805) 965-0509 Website: www.semananautica.com

Red, White & Blues Festival
Join Richard Longoria Wines and Buttonwood Farm Winery for our 6th annual concert in the vineyard. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes, because bluesman Finis Tasby and his six-piece band and Special Guest Catalina Eddy deliver the real deal. At Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA
Phone: (805) 688-3032 for tickets

JULY

California Outrigger Champions
Off Leadbetter Beach
Phone: (805) 962-9700

French Festival
Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Ave
Phone: (805) 683-4492
Website: www.frenchfestival.com

Greek Festival
Celebrating Greek culture with food, music, and art.
Phone: (805) 683-4492

Santa Barbara National Horse and Flower Show
One of the top U.S. equestrian events, in conjunction with a flower show
Earl Warren Showground
Phone: (805) 687-0766

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate International Orchid Fair
50 guest orchid vendors
At the Horse and Flower Show
Phone: (805) 967-1284 Website: www.sborchid.com

Independence Day Celebrations
Various Locations
Website: www.spiritof76sb.org
Website: www.sparklesb.org

Santa Barbara National Horse Show
Earl Warren Showground
Phone: (805) 965-0509 Website: www.earlwarren.com

Stow House Old Fashioned 4th
Goleta hosts the All-American fun day at a historic location
Phone: (805) 964-4407 Website: www.goletahistory.org

4th of July Parade
This annual event attracts up to 20,000 spectators, and includes marching bands, equestrian participants, military marching groups and a spectacular array of antique military vehicles as well as classic automobiles. Please call for additional information.
Phone: (805) 961-2581

AUGUST

Old Spanish Days- “Fiesta”
Various Locations
Enjoy a five-day celebration of Santa Barbara's Spanish heritage, including parades, rodeo, Mariachi Festival, El Mercado, and more. Various locations in downtown Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 962- 8101 Website: www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org

Concerts at Alameda Park
Come spend a delightful Sunday afternoon at Alameda Park, and enjoy a 19-year Santa Barbara tradition. Contemporary Jazz with the Tom Buckner Band. Location: Alameda Park, Micheltorena and Santa Barbara Streets, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 897-1982

Concert at Chase Palm Park
The Les Rose Swing Jazz Ensemble. Calling all swing dancers—come jump, swing and boogie to the big band sounds of a class act. Along with piano, drums, bass and a full horn section, you’ll be tapping your toes and stomping your feet when this band starts to wail! Join us on the great meadow at Chase Palm Park. Bring your friends, your family, a picnic dinner, and your dancing shoes! Cabrillo Boulevard at Calle César Chávez (Salsipuedes).
Phone: (805) 897-1982

Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta Mercado
A variety of authentic Mexican delicacies is the highlight of this quaint neighborhood celebration. There will also be games and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, corner of Montecito and Nopal Streets, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 965-4060

Fiesta Parade
Join us for the annual Fiesta Parade at noon on State Street from Cabrillo Blvd. to Sola Street!
Phone: (805) 962-8101

Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
Featuring Mariachi de America, Mariachi Los Caporales, Mariachi Mujer 2000, Mariachi Las Tapatias, Ballet Folklorico Festival, and special guests Manuel Vargas & Rhonda Garcia.
Phone: (805) 962-7411

Children's Fiesta Parade
Enjoy the Children's Fiesta Parade at 10:00 AM on State Street from Victoria to Ortega.
Phone: (805) 962-8101

Shakespeare Santa Barbara
The Bard returns to the courtyard of the historic Casa De La Guerra with Shakespeare Santa Barbara’s production of one of his most outrageous comedies. Pack your blankets, dust off the picnic basket, and come join us for an enchanted evening of wine and laughter beneath the stars! August and September.
Phone: (805) 966-1279 www.shakes-sb.com

Santa Barbara Home and Garden Show
P. S. Productions sponsors the 15th Annual Santa Barbara Home & Garden Show at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 929-1903

SEPTEMBER

Oktoberfest
Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Ave
Phone: (805) 967-6422

Santa Barbara International Jazz Festival
Leadbetter Beach
Phone: (800) 480-FEST

CALM Antique Show
Antiques and decorative arts
Earl Warren Showground
Phone: (805)898-9715 Website www.calmantiquesshow.com

Taste of the Town
Come taste Santa Barbara! An abundance of rich flavors awaits you at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Town. Over 60 outstanding restaurants and wineries will delight you with fantastic food and fabulous wines. Riviera Research Park Gardens (across the street from the El Encanto Hotel), Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 892-5556

A Taste of a Wine Country Wedding
The first ever "mobile" bridal fair will showcase Santa Barbara wine country as an ideal setting for weddings and receptions. Guests planning a wedding will tour the valley's finest venues, admire spectacular floral arrangements, and sample everything from hors d'oeuvres, a gourmet luncheon and fashion presentation to wedding cake.
Phone (805)-688-2934

Old Town Harvest Festival
Take an informal tour and discover the treasures of Old Town Santa Barbara, then join us for a fabulous final party with great music, delicious food, and featured beverages. Downtown Santa Barbara, Old Town district (State Street, from Gutierrez to Ortega Streets).
Phone: (805) 962-2098 ext. 22

Santa Barbara American Heart Walk & Run
Get a team together for the 13th Annual Santa Barbara American Heart Walk and raise funds and awareness in the fight against heart disease & stroke. Live entertainment, Health Fair, fun & educational Kid's Zone, and good times & prizes for the entire community! Fess Parker's Doubletree - Outdoor Plaza del Sol.
Phone: (805) 963-8862

Santa Barbara Book & Author Festival
Santa Barbara's historic De la Guerra Plaza will come alive with the 6th annual Santa Barbara Book & Author Festival. Thousands of families and friends will gather to hear talks by celebrated authors, engage in thought-provoking panel discussions, attend book signings, and view more than 60 exhibitors offering books for sale.
Phone: (805) 962-9500 Website www.sbbookfestival.org

United Day of Caring
Santa Barbara County United Way's Day of Caring is an opportunity to help local United Way services with your time and energy on a September Saturday morning. You and several hundred of your neighbors will be volunteering to help local programs do a variety of tasks such as repairing wheelchair ramps, painting over graffiti, organizing inventory, gardening and general cleaning. Page Youth Center, 4540 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 965-8591 Website www.unitedwaysb.org

Los Alamos Old Days Parade
The public is invited to participate in the 58th annual Los Alamos Old Days Parade. Parade begins downtown at Main & Bell Streets and proceeds west to St. Joseph Street.
Phone: (805) 344-5080

Casablanca Ball
Camel rides, belly dancers, henna artists, water pipes and exotic merchants are all there to charm and amuse guests. The Society Orchestra plays for dining and dancing pleasure and costumed waitstaff serve a sumptuous five-course feast. And of course, Rick's wouldn't be Rick's without the Casbah Casino...so come play and enjoy. Proceeds benefit Transition House's Children's Programs.
Website: www.transitionhouse.com

Crush Party at Gainey Vineyard
Make your reservations early for our most popular event of the year. Celebrate the Art of Winemaking with us for an afternoon/evening of Grape-Picking in the Vineyard, Barefoot Grape Stomp, Hayrides through the Vineyard, Barrel-Tasting with the Winemaker, Santa Ynez-Style Tri-Tip & Chicken Barbecue, Live Music & Dancing. Gainey Winery, Santa Ynez.
Phone: (888) 424-6398 Website: www.gaineyvineyard.com

Depot Day at the South Coast Railroad Museum
Depot Day is held each fall to commemorate and celebrate the preservation of Goleta Depot. Depot Day, which is made possible by members and friends, is also the museum's main annual community fundraiser. Enjoy a silent auction, $1 train rides, music, and barbecue. 300 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta.
Phone: (805) 964-3540 Website: www.goletadepot.com

OCTOBER

Artwalk
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol
Phone: (805) 682-4711 Website: www.sbnature.org

Fall Plant Sale
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Rd
Phone: (805) 682-4726

Fiesta Italiana
Serra Hall & Garden
Los Olivos St. and Garden St
Phone (805) 564-5418

Old Time Fiddler’s Convention
Live music and contest outdoors.
Phone: (805) 964-4407

Fiesta City Cat Show
Competition among the cats—certain to be the season’s meow.
Phone: (805) 687-0766

California Avocado Festival
The Avocado Festival has evolved into one of the largest festivals in California with three days of terrific food, music, and family fun. Ongoing events include three live music venues staging performances by over 60 bands. The Avocado Expo Tent will be offering art and recipe contests. Over 70 Arts & Crafts Vendors will be showing between 7th and 8th street. Head to 6th Street for the kid's block party.
Phone: (805) 684-0038 Website: www.avofest.com

Feast on the Bayou- Benefit for the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
A Big Easy Supper. Enjoy an afternoon of cool jazz, while raising funds to support the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission's Drug and Alcohol Recovery Program. Historic Rancho Dos Pueblos in Goleta.
Phone: (805) 966-1316 x108 Website: www.sbrm.org

Autumn Arts Grapes and Grains Festival
The festival will have something for everyone: entertainment stages featuring bands throughout the day, wine and beer tasting, a chalk art expose, food booths, fine arts and crafts, a fine art show, children's activities, puppeteers, a petting zoo, community resource displays, various art demonstrations, and hands-on children's art projects. McClelland Street, Santa Maria.
Phone: (805) 925-2403

Celebration of Harvest - A Passport Weekend
Each Passport holder is given a logo glass and is able to taste wine on a complimentary basis at all the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association wineries for 3 days in October. Additionally, participating wineries will highlight barrel tastings, new release tastings, library offerings, food tastings, and entertainment.
Phone: (805) 239-8463

Barbara Ireland Walk for the Cure
Participate in a 13-mile walk to raise awareness of breast cancer and to generate funds for the research directed by the Susan Love MD Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Chase Palm Park Pavilion, Santa Barbara.
Website: www.susanlovemd.org

Goleta Valley Cycling Club People Powered Ride
The Goleta Valley Cycling Club invites you to the 25th Annual People Powered Ride. The three rides tour the scenic Santa Barbara County wine country and surrounding hills. The start/finish is at the Firestone Meadow near the intersection of Foxen Canyon and Zaca Station roads, four miles north of Los Olivos.
Phone: (805) 968-3143 Website: www.goletabike.org

Paso Robles Harvest Wine Tour
Join us at Meridian Vineyards on Saturday as we celebrate the 2004 harvest. Listen to live music as you stomp away at a good old-fashioned grape stomp! On Sunday, we will be hosting a gourmet brunch overlooking the vineyards from 10 AM - 1 PM. Be sure to enjoy our specialty, Sassy Sangrigio! 7000 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
Phone: (805) 239-8463

Goleta Valley Lemon Festival
Don't miss Goleta Valley's biggest celebration. Held on the grounds of Girsh Park, the festival has something for everyone: listen and dance to live bands; sample the world's best lemon meringue pie and other lemon treats; and watch authentic blacksmith give a demonstration. It's fun for the whole family. Girsh Park, 7050 Phelps Road, Goleta.
Phone: (800) 646-5382 Website: www.goletavalley.com

Santa Barbara MS Bike Tour & Fest
The Santa Barbara Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society invites you to participate in our 12th Annual Bike Tour & Fest for multiple sclerosis. Ride 12, 30, 60, or 120 miles and raise money to fight the devastating effects of MS. After the ride, enjoy great entertainment by local acts and incredible food provided by La Salsa. Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 682-8783

Santa Barbara United Way Red Feather Ball
The Annual Red Feather Ball underwrites Santa Barbara County United Way's Linkage Programs - a unique collaboration that teams 53 existing public and private services to solve local community problems. Currently, there are 10 Linkage projects under way. Dinner, dancing and silent auction are among the festivities. Coral Casino, 1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 965-8591 Website www.unitedwaysb.org

Downtown Trick-or-Treat
Downtown Santa Barbara’s retailers and restaurants welcome costumed children and their families to State Street in search of goodies at the annual Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treat. State Street, from Gutierrez to Sola Streets, including adjacent side streets and Paseo Nuevo Mall.
Phone: (805) 962-2098 x23

Evening for Peace
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation is pleased to announce its 21st Annual Evening for Peace. This year, the Foundation will honor Walter Cronkite with its Distinguished Peace Leadership Award. Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 965-3443 Website: www.wagingpeace.org

NOVEMBER

Santa Barbara National Amateur Horse Show
Ear Warren Showground
Phone: (805) 687-0766 Website: www.earlwarren.com

Santa Barbara News Press Half Marathon
Leadbetter Beach
Phone: (800) 482-8326 Website: www.newspress.com/halfmarathon

DECEMBER

Christmas Parade
State St.
Phone (805) 962-2098

Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol
Phone: (805) 682-4711 Website: www.sbnature.org

The Nutcracker
Arlington Theater
1317 State St.
Phone: (805) 963-4408
Solvang Winterfest
Various Venues
Phone: (800) 468-6765

Parade of Lights
This local marine celebration floats a parade of watercraft decorated with holiday lights from East Beach to the Harbor.
The Waterfront at Stearns Wharf
Phone: (805) 564-5520

Downtown Holiday Parade
This special ‘Holiday Magic’ parade will feature more than 2,500 participants including the Holiday Prince & Fairy, community performance groups, marching bands, local celebrities, holiday floats, a celebrity Grand Marshal and, of course, Santa! Downtown Santa Barbara- State Street, from Sola to Cota Streets.
Phone: (805) 897-1982

Holiday Party
Join Father Christmas and his Court of Renaissance musicians, dancers, jugglers and puppeteers for an evening of entertainment for the young and young-at-heart. A bountiful holiday buffet, wassail, and boundless Yuletide Cheer await you! Prepaid reservations required. Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 East De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 966-1601

Girls Inc. Holiday Boat Parade
Enjoy the best indoor view of the Santa Barbara Boat Parade of Lights, along with festive food, wine tasting, fabulous music and a silent auction. Cabrillo Arts Pavilion, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 963-4757 x16 Website: www.girlsincsb.org

Celebrate the Holidays at the Stow House
Stow House tours, Santa and his reindog, children's activities, refreshments, country store, holiday craft sale, and an old-fashioned bake sale. Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Rd., Goleta.
Phone: (805) 964-4407 Website: www.goletahistory.org

Holiday Open House at Meridian Vineyards
Meridian Vineyards will be celebrating the holidays with lots of holiday cheer, and wine and food samples. We also have a variety of gifts perfect for friends and family. Meridian Vineyards, 7000 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
Phone: (805) 226-7133 Website: www.meridianvinyards.com