Santa Barbara Events Calendar
The Santa Barbara events calendar is always brimming with eclectic and entertaining events just moments from our Santa Barbara luxury hotel. Stay at Spanish Garden Inn when in town to attend any of these popular events:
| January February March |
April May June |
July August September |
October November December |
Year Round Events
Whale Watching in Santa Barbara
Year Round | Waterfront / Multiple Locations | Learn More
See majestic gray whales and humpback whales as they make their yearly migration along the Western coast.
Farmer's Market
Tuesdays and Saturdays | Downtown | Website
Open rain or shine, the Santa Barbara Farmer's Market strives to bring fresh, local agricultural products to the community.
First Thursdays
First Thursday of Every Month | Various Downtown Venues | Website
This recognized program showcases downtown arts, culture and entertainment on a monthly basis, and is free from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Every Sunday | Cabrillo Boulevard | Website
The only continuous, non-juried arts festival of original drawings, paintings, graphics, sculpture, crafts and photography in the world runs every Sunday and on select holidays.
Lotusland Tours
February - November | Lotusland | Website
A one-of-a-kind botanical garden known for its stunning settings and creative displays. Tours offered twice daily, Wednesday through Saturday, between February 15 and November 15. Reservations required.
January
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
January 24 – February 3 | Multiple Locations | Website
Well known as the preeminent Oscar® film festival.
Film Feast - "A Fish Called Wanda"
January 24 - February 3 | Enterprise Fish Company | Website
During the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Enterprise Fish Company is offering a special meal for two in homage to the film "A Fish Called Wanda." Book our "Film Feast" package.
February
Santa Barbara Brazilian Carnival
February 2, 9-10 | Multiple Venues | Website
Every day of this 3-day, multi-venue celebration of Brazilian culture brings an entirely different experience. Attend a Carnival Queen Contest, learn about Brazilian travel, taste the cuisine and fall in love with the music.
A Wine Fantasy in February
February 15 - 18 | Multiple Venues | Website
Sample the best pours that the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country has to offer. Your passport includes one-time tastings at 14 top wineries, plus hors d'oeuvres and a logo glass to keep.
March
International Orchid Show
March 8 - 10 | Earl Warren Showgrounds | Website
Enjoy beautiful blooms, informative potting demos and flowers and art for purchase.
Taste of Solvang
March 13 - 17 | Multiple Locations | Website
Join the town of Solvang in celebrating their vibrant food heritage. Events include wine tours, Chef's Walk, dessert reception, beer and wine tasting, and more.
April
Santa Barbara's Birthday & Founding Day
April 20 | El Presidio | Website
An entire community comes together to celebrate this special day in Santa Barbara history.
Earth Day
April 20 – 21 | Alameda Park | Website
A fun and informative festival promoting sustainability and green-living practices.
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
April | Earl Warren Showgrounds | Website
Indulge in delicious carnival fare and check out the thrilling National and Amateur National Horse Shows.
Sea Festival & Annual Nautical Swap Meet
April | Harbor | Website
Celebrate Santa Barbara's maritime history with crafts, demos, sing-a-longs and so much more.
Jewish Festival
April 28 | Oak Park | Website
Join in the celebration of Santa Barbara's Jewish community and Israel's Independence Day.
May
Cinco de Mayo
May 5 | Multiple Locations
Lively events will be held city-wide in recognition of Mexican heritage and pride.
Classic & Hot Rod Car Show
May 18 - 19 | Downtown Santa Barbara | Website
Check out over 350 hot rods, classic cars and performance vehicles on State Street between Micheltorena and Gutierrez.
I Madonnari
May 25 – 27 | Santa Barbara Mission | Website
A dramatic Italian street painting festival featuring large pastel works brought to life on the pavement.
June
Ocean Awareness Festival
June | Stearns Wharf / East Beach & Ty Warner Sea Center | Website
Take part in a responsible day of ocean awareness and smart environmental practices.
Live Oak Music Festival
June 14 – 16 | Live Oak Camp | Website
An eclectic weekend of live music encompassing all genres – folk, blue grass, gospel and more.
Lompoc Valley Flower Festival
June | Ryon Park, Lompoc | Website
For unique shopping, carnival fun and a lively parade, this 5-day event is a true celebration of life.
Summer Solstice Festival
June 21 – 23 | Alameda Park, Parade is on State Street | Website
A themed festival celebrating the summer solstice with a breath-taking parade and lively festival fun.
July
4th of July Fireworks: Santa Barbara
July 4 | Waterfront / West Beach
Relax on the warm Santa Barbara beachfront as a fabulous 4th of July fireworks display fills the sky.
Independence Day Celebration
July 4 | Multiple Locations | Website
Say, "Happy Birthday, America!" at any number of goings-on city-wide.
Pacific Pride Festival
July 13 | Leadbetter Beach | Website
A fantastic opportunity for the Santa Barbara community to unite in celebration of each and every member.
Santa Barbara French Festival
July 13 - 14 | Oak Park | Website
France comes to life in Santa Barbara during Bastille Weekend.
California Wine Festival
July 18 – 20 | Chase Palm Park/ Soccer Field | Website
Live music and delicious varietals in the golden California sun.
Greek Festival
July 27 – 28 | Oak Park | Website
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smell of traditional Greek culture at this weekend long festival.
Fiesta – Old Spanish Days
July 31 – August 4 | Multiple locations | Website
Celebrate Santa Barbara's rich traditions and physical beauty with the Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
August
Woodies Car Show
August 17 | Santa Barbara City College | Website
Sponsored by the Santa Barbara Woodie Club, check-out "Woodies at the Beach," a Friday night soirée, and Sunday breakfast.
September
Taste of the Town
September 8 | Riviera Park | Website
Santa Barbara's premier food event featuring the tastiest offering of top restaurants and wineries.
ArtWalk
September 21 – 22 | Natural History Museum | Website
A breath-taking display of works created in the theme of "Parks & Landmarks of Santa Barbara County."
Fall Plant Sale
September 27 - October 31 | Multiple Locations | Website
Delight in the blazing colors and heady scents of the Fall Plant Sale.
Lemon Festival & Car Show
September 28 – 29 | Girsh Park | Website
Delicious food, family fun and tons of thrilling entertainment and activities make this a one-of-a-kind Goleta event.
October
Epicure.sb: A Month to Savor Santa Barbara
October | Multiple Locations | Website
A month-long community wide celebration of all things food and drink.
Avocado Festival
October 4 – 6 | Carpinteria | Website
Enjoy live music and delicious avocado-centric cuisine. A weekend of "Peace, Love and Guacamole."
Harbor & Seafood Festival
October | Santa Barbara Harbor | Website
Delight in the freshest seafood selections of Santa Barbara and numerous maritime related demonstrations.
Old Time Fiddlers Convention & Festival
October | Rancho La Patera & Stow House | Website
For the 41st year in a row, the festival has hosted top-notch Old-Time musicians for contests and camaraderie.
Halloween Safe Trick or Treat Downtown
October 31 | Downtown Santa Barbara | Website
All treats and no tricks at this family-friendly Halloween event.
November
Empty Bowls Lunch
November | Rockwood Women's Club | Website
Help support a great cause and fight to end hunger at the annual Empty Bowls Lunch.
Veterans Day Parade
November 11 | State Street
Stand in recognition and commemoration of the fallen and those who risk their lives each and every day for our freedoms.
December
Downtown Holiday Parade
December | Downtown Santa Barbara
Join us for a dazzling parade and joyous celebration of holiday cheer.
Santa Barbara Motorcycle Toy Run
December | Multiple Locations
Help make the holidays a little easier for those less fortunate while enjoying a beautiful day-time ride.
Harbor Parade of Lights
December | Santa Barbara Harbor
This lively event starts at Santa's Village on City Pier and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the water.