Events in Santa Barbara
What’s Happening
From the sport of kings to fiery flamenco dancing, and from wine and food to film and live music, the Riviera Beach House is your home base to enjoy some of the best events in Santa Barbara.
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Santo Mezcal Happy Hour
Stop by Santo Mezcal every Monday through Friday, from 2pm to 5pm for special-price Margaritas (tequila or mezcal), as well as creative cocktails, select wines and beers, and a tasty appetizer menu to share…or not.
Date: Every monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday
Time: 2PM - 5PM
Take Me to Happy Hour!
Santo Mezcal Happy Hour
Funk Zone Live
Santa Barbara Funk Zone Live is a series of bimonthly arts, wine, dine and shop events taking place on the last Friday of every other month.
Dates:
May 31, 2024
July 26, 2024
September 27, 2024
December 6, 2024
Participating venues will be open 5PM - 8PM
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Funk Zone Live
First Thursday
First Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and venues offer free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. We hope you will join us to enjoy our beautiful downtown and all that it has to offer!
Location: State Street, Downtown Santa Barbara
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Riviera Beach House Art Gallery
Stop by RBH for drinks and browse our latest gallery exhibition.
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Riviera Beach House Art Gallery
Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Experience the creativity of local artisans at the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show! Held every Sunday year-round along Cabrillo Boulevard, this historic event features unique handmade creations from talented locals. Enjoy a scenic stroll by the beach and discover artistic treasures from 10:00 a.m. until dusk. Don’t miss this Santa Barbara tradition!
Date: Every Sunday from 09/08
Time: 10AM - 6PM
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Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Old Town Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market
Join us at the Old Town Santa Barbara Farmers' Market, where every week the freshest, most nutritious local produce is on display! Hosted by the SBCFMA, this vibrant community event strengthens ties with local farmers while celebrating the beauty of Santa Barbara’s great outdoors.
Date: Every Tuesday from 09/10
Time: 3PM - 7PM
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Old Town Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market
Downtown Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market
Stroll through colorful stalls, savor the seasonal harvest, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that makes this market a cherished part of our local traditions. Don't miss your chance to support local agriculture and take home the best of Santa Barbara's bounty!
Date: Every Saturday from 09/07
Time: 8AM - 1PM
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Downtown Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market
Margaritas y Más Festival
The 5th Annual Margaritas Y Más Festival returns to Santa Barbara, CA! This year we will be sippin’ margaritas into the sunset with a Western theme. So come dressed in your best western wear!
Shaken or Neat… the choice is yours! Enjoy UNLIMITED tastings of Tequila and Mezcal from Mexico’s Top purveyors along with other Mexican-inspired beverages and liquors. Savor mouth-watering food from Local Food Trucks (food sold separately), groove to Live Music, and let your inner kid out with our Jumbo Lawn Games!
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Margaritas y Más Festival
Goleta Lemon Festival
Come join us for a weekend of family fun, food, and entertainment in Goleta, CA! You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and a variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event on the Goleta coast. This weekend also includes the Goleta Fall Classic Car and the ever-popular ‘Safety Street.’ Don’t miss our pie-eating contests, and the arts and crafts vendors.
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Goleta Lemon Festival
California Avocado Festival
Join us for the California Avocado Festival in downtown Carpinteria from October 4th - 6th! Enjoy three days of Peace, Love, and Guacamole with 60 bands, 50 vendors, 15 food stalls, and numerous non-profits. The festival kicks off with a Locals Block Party on Friday from 1 PM - 10 PM, and continues Saturday from 10 AM - 10 PM and Sunday from 10 AM - 6 PM. All proceeds support the Carpinteria Education Foundation and Future Farmers of America. Don’t miss this celebration of community and avocado fun!
Date: October 04, 2024 - October 05, 2024 - October 06, 2024
Time: 1PM - 10PM
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California Avocado Festival
Slightly Stoopid
Goldenvoice presents Slightly Stoopid with special guests Tribal Seeds and Fortunate Youth on Sunday, October 6, 2024! Experience the fusion of rock, reggae, acoustic soul, hip hop, and more from Slightly Stoopid, a musical brotherhood since 1995. Gates open at 4:00 PM, with the show starting at 5:30 PM. Don’t miss this dynamic evening of diverse sounds and high-energy performances!
Time: 5:30PM - 11PM
Date: October 06, 2024
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Slightly Stoopid
Clairo
Goldenvoice presents Clairo on her Charm '24 Tour, with special guest Alice Phoebe Lou, on Monday, October 7, 2024! Enjoy an evening of captivating indie pop and soulful melodies, with Clairo's unique sound and Alice Phoebe Lou’s enchanting performance. Gates open at 5:30 PM, and the show starts at 7:00 PM. Don’t miss this magical night of music and artistry!
Time: 7PM - 11PM
Date: October 07, 2024
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Clairo
Omar Apollo
Experience an unforgettable night with Omar Apollo on his God Said No Tour, featuring special guest Kevin Abstract, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024! Immerse yourself in Omar Apollo's genre-defying sound and adventurous spirit. Gates open at 5:30 PM, with the performance starting at 7:30 PM. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a groundbreaking evening of music and creativity!
Time: 7:30PM - 11PM
Date: October 08, 2024
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Omar Apollo
Leon Bridges
Catch Leon Bridges with special guest Hermanos Gutierrez on Wednesday, October 16, 2024! Enjoy an evening of soulful music starting at 7:00 PM, with gates opening at 5:30 PM. This event supports THE BIG GOOD, a nonprofit founded by Leon Bridges and coach Gary Patterson to benefit local communities. Don’t miss this memorable night of music and impact!
Time: 7PM - 11PM
Date: October 16, 2024
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Leon Bridges
Annual Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
Join us for the Santa Barbara Seafood Festival! Enjoy fresh lobster, sea urchin, and a range of seafood dishes including fish tacos, oysters, and seafood paella. Meet local fishermen and savor sustainably harvested seafood. Presented by the City of Santa Barbara with the Commercial Fishermen and Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants. Don’t miss this celebration of local flavors!
Time: 10AM - 5PM
Date: October 19, 2024
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Annual Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
Sofi Tukker The BREAD Tour
Get ready for an incredible night with SOFI TUKKER on Thursday, November 7, 2024, as they bring The BREAD Tour to town! Experience the GRAMMY-nominated duo’s most daring and infectious album yet. Gates open at 5:30 PM, with the show starting at 6:30 PM. Don’t miss this chance to see SOFI TUKKER’s electrifying performance live!
Time: 6:30PM - 11PM
Date: November 07, 2024
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Sofi Tukker The BREAD Tour
Thanksgiving Weekend Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Join us for the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show this Thanksgiving Weekend! Established in 1965, this unique festival features around 150 local artists showcasing original art including drawings, paintings, sculpture, and photography. Each piece is made by Santa Barbara County artists. Enjoy an informal setting where you can meet the artists and see their work up close. Don’t miss this chance to explore and buy truly original art!
Time: 10AM - 6PM
Date: November 30, 2024
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Thanksgiving Weekend Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Christmas Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Join us for the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show on the Saturday before Christmas! On December 21, 2024, from 10:00 AM until dusk, discover a vibrant display of local art and crafts along Cabrillo Boulevard, from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. Find unique holiday gifts and enjoy the creativity of local artisans in a festive atmosphere. Don’t miss this special event!
Time: 10AM - 6PM
Date: December 21, 2024
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Christmas Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Join us for the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival from Tuesday, February 4th to Saturday, February 15th, 2025! This premier event showcases the best in film with a diverse lineup of screenings, panels, and special events. Experience the excitement of discovering new films and engaging with industry talent in the heart of Santa Barbara. Don’t miss this iconic celebration of cinema!
Date: February 04, 2025 - February 15, 2025
Learn More40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival
39th Santa Barbara Kite Festival
Save the Date for the 39th Santa Barbara Kite Festival on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 11 AM - 4 PM! Held on the Great Meadow at Santa Barbara City College, this family-friendly event features vibrant kites and community fun. Join Kite Master Rakesh Bahadur and Festival Director David Hefferman for a memorable day of flying kites and creating family traditions. Don’t miss this beloved annual festival!
Time: 11AM - 4PM
Date: April 13, 2025
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39th Santa Barbara Kite Festival
Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
Save the Dates for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival on April 26 and 27, 2025! As one of the largest and longest-running Earth Day events on the West Coast, this festival attracts national media and local crowds. Join us for a weekend celebrating sustainability with engaging activities and exhibits. Don’t miss this iconic environmental celebration!
Date: April 26, 2025 - April 27, 2025
Learn MoreSanta Barbara Earth Day Festival
Taste of Santa Barbara
Save the Dates for ‘Taste of Santa Barbara’ from May 12-18, 2025! This week-long culinary celebration, inspired by Julia Child’s love for Santa Barbara’s food scene, features the best local food and wine. Experience a variety of delicious events throughout the county. Don’t miss this indulgent celebration of Santa Barbara’s finest flavors!
Date: May 12, 2025 - May 18, 2025
Learn MoreTaste of Santa Barbara
California Wine Festival
Don’t miss the ultimate California wine festival on July 18-19, 2025! Savor hundreds of top California wines, gourmet food samples, and lively music. Discover new favorites and pair them with fresh appetizers like artisan breads, cheeses, and olive oils. Enjoy a sun-soaked afternoon of wine, food, and fun at this premier event!
Date: July 18, 2025 - July 19, 2025
California Wine Festival
First Thursday Art Walk
First Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and venues offer free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. We hope you will join us to enjoy our beautiful downtown and all that it has to offer!
Location: State Street, Downtown Santa Barbara
Learn MoreFirst Thursday Art Walk
Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
Save the Dates for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival on April 26 and 27, 2025! As one of the largest and longest-running Earth Day events on the West Coast, this festival attracts national media and local crowds. Join us for a weekend celebrating sustainability with engaging activities and exhibits. Don’t miss this iconic environmental celebration!
Date: April 26, 2025 - April 27, 2025
Learn MoreSanta Barbara Earth Day Festival
Seaside Sock Skating
Get ready to kick off your shoes and glide across a specialty tile floor that feels just like ice—without the cold! Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, this frictionless experience offers endless fun for all ages.
Sock skating is included with your museum admission. (Just don't forget your socks!)
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Seaside Sock Skating
Holiday Tree Lighting
Join us to kick off the Holidays! Celebrate with Hot Chocolate, Carolers, and Santa lighting the Tree! And don’t forget your letters to mail to Santa.
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Holiday Tree Lighting
38th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights
Mark your calendars to get in the holiday spirit Santa Barbara style and head down to the Waterfront for an afternoon and evening of fun at the 38th Annual Parade of Lights!
The parade will be capped off by a brief fireworks show. Best viewing locations for the boat parade and fireworks include Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach, and East Beach.
Dec. 8, 2024
5:30 p.m.
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