Santa Barbara Events

From beloved annual traditions to world-class cultural gatherings, Santa Barbara and the surrounding region offer a remarkable calendar of events year-round. This guide highlights the months each event typically takes place.

Please note: Event dates, schedules, and availability are subject to change each year. We recommend confirming dates directly with event organizers before making plans.
January
Winter

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
One of the top film festivals in the country, drawing Hollywood talent and international filmmakers downtown for 11 days of screenings, tributes, and panels. Typically runs late January into early February.
February
Winter

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Film Festival — Closing Events
The Film Festival typically extends into early February, culminating in awards ceremonies and special screenings. One of the most glamorous weeks on the Santa Barbara social calendar.
March
Spring

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Orchid Show International
One of the premier orchid shows in the country, held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Spectacular displays of rare and exotic orchids from growers around the world, with plants and supplies for sale.
April
Spring

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Lotusland Garden Tours Open 🔄 Recurring
Guided tours of this world-renowned 37-acre botanical estate in Montecito, open April through November. Advance reservations required — tours sell out early.
Santa Barbara Bowl Season Opens 🔄 Recurring
The legendary open-air amphitheater nestled in the Santa Barbara hills kicks off its concert season in April, running through October. World-class performers in one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in California.
Music Academy of the West — Spring Events 🔄 Recurring
World-class performances, master classes, and community events throughout the year at Hahn Hall and partner venues in Santa Barbara and Montecito.
Rancheros Visitadores Ride
One of California's oldest riding traditions — hundreds of horsemen ride through the Santa Ynez Valley over several days. A true piece of living California history, typically late April or May.
Earth Day & Coastal Cleanup Events
Community events celebrating Earth Day along the coast and in the hills, with volunteer cleanups, nature walks, and conservation fundraisers.
May
Spring

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival — Memorial Day Weekend
Artists from around the world create elaborate chalk murals in front of the Santa Barbara Mission over Memorial Day weekend. Held annually since 1987, benefiting Children's Creative Project.
Santa Barbara Culinary Experience
A celebration of Santa Barbara's extraordinary food and wine culture, with chef dinners, tastings, cooking demonstrations, and special events showcasing the region's world-class culinary scene.
Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival
A celebration of Santa Barbara County wine, with tastings, dinners, and winery events throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
June
Summer

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Summer Solstice Celebration & Parade
Santa Barbara's most beloved tradition — a free-spirited parade with elaborate floats, costumes, and performances through downtown, followed by a weekend festival in Alameda Park. Entirely volunteer-driven and non-commercial.
Lavender Festival
A fragrant celebration in the Santa Ynez Valley honoring the region's lavender harvest with farm tours, artisan goods, culinary demonstrations, and live entertainment amid blooming lavender fields.
Santa Barbara Wine Festival
A beloved outdoor wine festival showcasing the finest Santa Barbara County wines, with local food pairings, live music, and stunning views at one of the region's premier tasting events.
Outdoor Movies at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens 🔄 Recurring
Free outdoor film screenings on the lawn of the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens. Bring a blanket and enjoy movies under the stars in one of Santa Barbara's most beautiful settings.
Santa Ynez Rodeo
The Santa Ynez Valley's annual rodeo, celebrating the region's deep ranching heritage with bronc riding, roping, barrel racing, and Western-style festivities in the heart of wine country.
Music Academy — Summer Festival Begins 🔄 Recurring
The Music Academy of the West's acclaimed summer festival launches with an extraordinary lineup of young artists and world-renowned faculty performing chamber music, opera, and orchestral works.
July
Summer

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Fireworks over the harbor, live music at the beach, and community gatherings. Goleta and surrounding communities host their own parades and festivities.
Outdoor Movies at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens 🔄 Recurring
Free outdoor film screenings continue through July on the lawn of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Bring a blanket and enjoy movies under the stars.
Thursday Nights Concerts in the Park 🔄 Recurring
Free weekly concerts held on Thursday evenings throughout July at Chase Palm Park, featuring a diverse lineup of local and regional musicians. A beloved summer tradition for families and music lovers.
California Wine Festival
A premier seaside wine festival celebrating California's finest wines with tastings, gourmet food pairings, and beachfront entertainment in beautiful Santa Barbara.
Music Academy — Summer Concerts 🔄 Recurring
World-class performances, master classes, and community events throughout the year at Hahn Hall and partner venues in Santa Barbara and Montecito.
Santa Barbara Fiesta — Preview Events
Early Fiesta events begin in late July, with equestrian groups, dance troupes, and civic organizations starting their preparations and preview performances.
Santa Barbara County Fair — Santa Maria
Livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, local agriculture exhibits, and classic fair food. A beloved summer tradition for the entire county.
August
Summer

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Santa Barbara Fiesta (Old Spanish Days)
Santa Barbara's grandest celebration — five days in early August featuring the Dignatarios ceremony, the historic parade (the largest in the western US), Noches de Ronda at the courthouse, and flamenco dancing. A vibrant celebration of the region's Spanish and Californio heritage.
Santa Barbara Pride Festival
A vibrant Pride celebration in Alameda Park and along State Street, featuring entertainment, community organizations, and family-friendly festivities.
Greek Festival
A beloved community celebration of Greek culture, cuisine, and tradition, featuring authentic food, live Greek music and dancing, cultural exhibits, and a warm, festive atmosphere.
Santa Barbara Indie Film Festival
A showcase of independent films from emerging filmmakers, highlighting innovative storytelling and diverse voices in a more intimate festival format.
Music Academy — Closing Concerts 🔄 Recurring
The Music Academy of the West's summer festival concludes with gala closing performances, celebrating another extraordinary season of classical music in Santa Barbara.
September
Fall

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Studio Arts Tour
A self-guided tour of working artists' studios throughout Santa Barbara County, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the opportunity to purchase original works directly from local artists.
Santa Barbara International Surf Film Festival
Celebrating surf culture through film, featuring screenings of surf films from around the world, filmmaker Q&As, and a celebration of the sport's deep connection to Santa Barbara's coastal lifestyle.
Goleta Lemon Festival
A cheerful community festival honoring Goleta's citrus heritage with lemon-themed foods, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and family activities celebrating the region's agricultural history.
Pier to Peak Half Marathon
One of the most challenging and scenic road races in California, running from Stearns Wharf up to La Cumbre Peak, with stunning ocean and mountain views along the route.
October
Fall

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
A beloved waterfront celebration at the Santa Barbara Harbor with fresh local seafood, live entertainment, boat tours, and exhibits highlighting Santa Barbara's fishing heritage.
Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival
A celebration of Santa Barbara County wine with tastings, winery events, and harvest celebrations throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley during the autumn crush.
Palm Tree Festival
A vibrant festival set against Santa Barbara's iconic palm-lined backdrop, featuring live music, arts, and community celebration.
Carpinteria Avocado Festival
A beloved community celebration in downtown Carpinteria honoring the avocado with guacamole contests, live music, arts and crafts, and culinary delights celebrating Carpinteria's agricultural heritage.
Boo at the Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo's beloved Halloween tradition — trick-or-treating along the zoo paths, costume contests, decorated habitats, and family-friendly spooky fun throughout October.
Santa Barbara Bowl — Final Concerts
The Santa Barbara Bowl's season wraps up through October with some of the year's most sought-after performances under the open sky as the evenings grow cooler.
November
Fall

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Santa Barbara Half Marathon
A scenic race through the streets and coastline of Santa Barbara, drawing runners from across California for a stunning course that showcases the city's beauty.
Lotusland Benefit Events & Garden Tours
Ganna Walska Lotusland hosts its annual benefit events and special tours in November, showcasing the extraordinary succulent and cycad collections in their fall splendor.
December
Winter

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Downtown Santa Barbara's monthly art walk, held the first Thursday of every month. Galleries, studios, and venues along State Street open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community.
Santa Barbara Boat Parade of Lights
Decorated boats light up the Santa Barbara Harbor in a festive nautical parade, viewable from the breakwater. One of the most magical evenings of the year and a cherished community tradition.
Lotusland Winter Garden Tours
Special winter tours of Ganna Walska Lotusland, showcasing the extraordinary succulent and cycad collections. Advance reservations required.
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Santa Barbara rings in the new year with festive fireworks over the harbor, with celebrations at restaurants, hotels, and venues throughout the city welcoming the year ahead.
Year-Round
Recurring Events

The events below are recurring — they happen regularly throughout the year. Events marked with 🔄 Recurring in the monthly sections above also fall into this category.

🎨
1st Thursday Art Walk — Every Month 🔄 Recurring Monthly
Held the first Thursday of every month — a beloved Santa Barbara tradition exploring downtown galleries, studios, and creative spaces. A wonderful way to connect with the local art scene year-round.
Saturday Farmers Markets 🔄 Every Saturday
Every Saturday morning on Santa Barbara Street near Cota, the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market brings together local growers, farmers, and artisan producers. One of the finest markets on the California coast.
Outdoor Movies at the Courthouse 🔄 Summer Series
Free outdoor film screenings on the lawn of the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens throughout the summer. Bring a blanket and enjoy movies under the stars in one of Santa Barbara's most beautiful settings.
Music Academy Summer Concerts 🔄 Summer Season
World-class performances, master classes, and community events at Hahn Hall and partner venues throughout the summer festival season in Santa Barbara and Montecito.
Lotusland Tours 🔄 April–November
Guided tours of this world-renowned 37-acre botanical estate in Montecito, open April through November. Advance reservations required — tours sell out early.
UCSB Arts & Lectures 🔄 Annual Season
An extraordinary season of world-class performing arts, dance, theater, film, and lectures at UCSB and venues throughout Santa Barbara.
Lobero Theatre Events 🔄 Year-Round
California's oldest continually operating theater presents a diverse season of music, dance, comedy, theater, and special events throughout the year in an intimate, historic venue on Santa Barbara's cultural row.
Santa Barbara Bowl Season 🔄 April–October
The legendary open-air amphitheater nestled in the Santa Barbara hills hosts world-class performers from April through October. One of the most beautiful concert venues in California.