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.

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.

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.

Guided tours of this world-renowned 37-acre botanical estate in Montecito, open April through November. Advance reservations required — tours sell out early.

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.

World-class performances, master classes, and community events throughout the year at Hahn Hall and partner venues in Santa Barbara and Montecito.

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.

Community events celebrating Earth Day along the coast and in the hills, with volunteer cleanups, nature walks, and conservation fundraisers.

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.

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.

A celebration of Santa Barbara County wine, with tastings, dinners, and winery events throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fireworks over the harbor, live music at the beach, and community gatherings. Goleta and surrounding communities host their own parades and festivities.

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.

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.

A premier seaside wine festival celebrating California's finest wines with tastings, gourmet food pairings, and beachfront entertainment in beautiful Santa Barbara.

World-class performances, master classes, and community events throughout the year at Hahn Hall and partner venues in Santa Barbara and Montecito.

Early Fiesta events begin in late July, with equestrian groups, dance troupes, and civic organizations starting their preparations and preview performances.

Livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, local agriculture exhibits, and classic fair food. A beloved summer tradition for the entire county.

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.

A vibrant Pride celebration in Alameda Park and along State Street, featuring entertainment, community organizations, and family-friendly festivities.

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.

A showcase of independent films from emerging filmmakers, highlighting innovative storytelling and diverse voices in a more intimate festival format.

The Music Academy of the West's summer festival concludes with gala closing performances, celebrating another extraordinary season of classical music in Santa Barbara.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A vibrant festival set against Santa Barbara's iconic palm-lined backdrop, featuring live music, arts, and community celebration.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ganna Walska Lotusland hosts its annual benefit events and special tours in November, showcasing the extraordinary succulent and cycad collections in their fall splendor.

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.

Special winter tours of Ganna Walska Lotusland, showcasing the extraordinary succulent and cycad collections. Advance reservations required.

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.