Monthly Events Calendar

HOWL: Flower Moon

Djinn at the Hotel Californian

Expect the unexpected during each new full moon with inventive cocktails. With personalized Tarot card readings and Runes readings, there’s no telling what exciting experiences will unfold during the Flower Moon. Let your crazy out and vibe to Val-Mar Records spinning vinyl, play some classic board games and get lost in the experience.

This is a free event, but feel free to RSVP and follow Hotel Californian on Instagram for the latest news and highlights.

The Santa Barbara Literary Festival

Various Participating Venues

The Santa Barbara Literary Festival brings together readers and writers of every genre for two days of storytelling and inspiration. The festival features panels, workshops, pop-up events, and social gatherings that connect established authors, emerging voices, and passionate readers in an intimate setting that celebrates the literary arts.

C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Happy Tails Celebration

Cabrillo Pavilion

Celebrate C.A.R.E.4Paws at the Happy Tails Celebration at Santa Barbara’s seaside Cabrillo Pavilion. This uplifting event benefits Central Coast animals and pet families in need, featuring a vegetarian dinner by Whiskey ’N Rye, drinks on the oceanfront terrace, live and silent auctions, and “happy tail” stories from the families served, all supporting pets to stay safe, healthy, and with the people who love them.

Art in Service of the Land

UCSB Library - Mountain Gallery

This collaborative exhibition explores the intersection of art and environmental stewardship, highlighting efforts to conserve the Devereux Slough and the surrounding North Campus Open Space. Through landscape paintings and nature-inspired works, artists from the Oak Group capture the beauty and ecological richness of these restored habitats, showing how art can document, interpret, and inspire care for the natural world.

Presented in partnership with the UCSB Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration and Coal Oil Point Reserve, the exhibition reflects a shared commitment to protecting local ecosystems. Since 1986, the Oak Group has combined art and conservation, raising awareness and funds for open space preservation through plein air exhibitions that celebrate California’s landscapes.

Blue Man Group

Granada Theatre

Mixing art, music, comedy and state-of-the-art technology, this show encourages you to reconnect with your inner (and outer) child and see the world through a new perspective. Three bald and blue men explore cultural norms with wide-eyed wonder, poking fun at collective quirks and reminding everyone how much they all have in common. The real goal of any Blue Man Group show is to celebrate all that is in common as human beings—to celebrate curiosity, creativity, and need for community.

James Taylor And His All-Star Band

Santa Barbara Bowl

A familiar and well-loved presence on this stage, James Taylor returns this May with James Taylor and His All-Star Band for a warm, soulful evening at the Santa Barbara Bowl. With his timeless voice, legendary catalog, and the unmistakable ease he brings to every performance, Taylor sets the tone for a night of classic songs and feel-good storytelling beneath the Santa Barbara sky.

Flight of the Conchords

Santa Barbara Bowl

Laugh, sing, and groove with Flight of the Conchords, the Emmy-nominated duo behind the hit HBO series that followed their hilarious adventures in New York City. Known for their Grammy-winning EP The Distant Future and a string of inventive albums, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement blend sharp wit, offbeat humor, and surprisingly catchy songs in a one-night-only performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Their live shows have sold out across the US and UK, making this a rare chance to see the Conchords’ signature mix of music and comedy in person.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

Music Academy of the West

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never before in Santa Barbara. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Adele at Music Academy of the West, performed under the gentle glow of candlelight.

The tentative program includes:

Hello
Rumour Has It
Make You Feel My Love
Water Under the Bridge
Oh My God
Someone Like You
Send My Love (To Your New Lover)
Chasing Pavements
Skyfall
When We Were Young
Set Fire to the Rain
Easy On Me
Rolling in the Deep
Performed by the Vapour String Quartet.

Mother’s Day Weekend Painting

Rock 12 Distillery

Are you looking for something unique to do in Santa Barbara County to celebrate the special mom in your life?  Why not join Art Spot on Wheels at the picturesque Rock 12 Distillery Orchard to grab a cocktail and a paintbrush?!

This painting classes provides a beautiful, stress-free environment that will both inspire your creative spirit and indulge the wine-lover in you. Don’t consider yourself an artist just yet? Don’t worry. Their trained artist will walk you through the entire painting process step-by-step. No previous painting experience necessary. You’ll be amazed at what you can create in just a few hours- even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush in your life!

Ticket includes a classic Rock 12 Tasting (3 whisper pours of your spirit of choice, followed by a seasonal cocktail) and all the supplies necessary to create your landscape painting.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Mar Monte

Mar Monte Hotel

Mother’s Day brunch at Mar Monte Hotel is a wonderful way to show appreciation for the most important woman in one’s life. Embark on an oceanfront experience at costa Kitchen & Bar an ambience designed event for a memorable celebration of motherhood.

The brunch is thoughtfully curated by Executive Chef Sean Conway with an extensive menu that includes a variety of dishes, including steak, oysters and eggs benedict, and nostalgic favorites such as Cinnamon French Toast and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. The restaurant also offers a range of beverages, including cocktails and mocktails. Book a table in advance to spend an incredible afternoon honoring Mom with quality time and a delicious meal. 

Includes complimentary valet parking. Indoor/outdoor seating available.

Celebrate Bird Month at the Garden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

May is Bird Month at the Garden! Visit the Santa Barbara Audubon Society’s table for invaluable bird-watching tips and insights on cultivating a native plant garden to attract birds. Engage with experts passionate about avian conservation and learn how to create a bird-friendly habitat in your own backyard.

Tabling dates and times are as follows:

• May 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• May 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• May 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Kimchi Making Class

Rincon Hill Farm

Join Chef Daniel Kim of Monte’s at Rincon Hill Farm to learn how to make traditional korean kimchi. Chef will go through all the steps needed to make your very own kimchi at home using techniques he learned from the kimchi masters in Korea. Guests will receive their own step by step guide to making kimchi, as well as bring their freshly made kimchi home as a takeaway.

A portion of the proceeds from this will benefit the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. 

Sips, Sights, & a Touch of Julia Child Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Company

Step aboard for a charming city adventure inspired by the spirit of the beloved culinary icon Julia Child. This delightful tour blends the best of Santa Barbara’s scenic beauty with a dash of culinary flair, creating an experience that’s equal parts sightseeing and savoring.

As we roll through the most picturesque parts of Santa Barbara, you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views, historic landmarks, and a few stories along the way — all with a lighthearted nod to Julia’s love of food, flavor, and joie de vivre. Along the journey, we’ll make a curated stop to enjoy a sip or bite, celebrating the simple pleasure of good food and great company.

A portion of the proceeds from this will benefit the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. 

Dreams in the Bloom Gala

Ginny & Tim Bliss Estate

Save the date as Family Service Agency presents the Dreams in the Bloom Gala, honoring Ron Werft and Marni & Michael Cooney at the beautiful Ginny & Tim Bliss Estate. This floral-inspired evening invites locals and visitors to enjoy signature cocktails, light bites, engaging activities, and a lively auction filled with unique experiences. Guests can also explore the always-popular wine wall, returning as a highlight of the night.

While the evening celebrates 125 years of Family Service Agency, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House By the Park, it’s designed as a vibrant, feel-good night out—bringing people together to enjoy an unforgettable Santa Barbara experience while supporting programs that strengthen the region.

Farm Tour & Golden Hour at Folded Hills

Folded Hills Estate Tasting Room and Winery at the Homestead

Grand Wine Tasting

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Paella & Pintxos: A Live Spanish Culinary Experience

Loquita Santa Barbara

Join Executive Chef Cristian Granada and the team at Loquita for an immersive evening celebrating the flavors of Spain. Guests are invited to arrive 30 minutes early to engage with the chef, ask questions, and learn more about the paella-making process, while also enjoying a build-your-own pintxos experience. The evening will then feature a live paella demonstration highlighting locally sourced Central Coast seafood, alongside a curated tasting of pintxos and their regional variations. This experience reimagines classic Spanish bites with seasonal California ingredients, house-made conservas, and Loquita’s refined culinary approach.

A portion of the proceeds from this will benefit the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.

​​​​​​​Wine & Walking Tour in the Funk Zone

Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone on a guided walking tour with Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours.

Guests stroll through one of the city’s most dynamic districts while enjoying curated wine tastings at hand-selected tasting rooms, delicious small bites, and engaging historical insights along the way. Your knowledgeable local guide handles all reservations and timing, so you can focus on sipping, sampling, and soaking in the art, culture, and culinary energy of downtown Santa Barbara.

The Wine & Food Walking Tour includes:

• Curated wine tastings at two boutique Funk Zone tasting rooms
• Small bites featuring local flavors
• Knowledgeable guide and pre-arranged reservations
• Insider recommendations for dining and exploring Santa Barbara

Toddler Tuesday

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Hand-Bound Leather Journal Workshop

Explore Ecology Makerspace

Join guest artist Julia Bickford as she guides you through the steps to bind and embellish your own leather journal. Come away with a beautiful blank book to fill with your own thoughts and designs.

This event is for ages 13+ and all tools and materials provided.

Sipping on the Sea – Luna Hart & Piazza Family Wines

Santa Barbara Sailing Center/Double Dolphin Cruises

Gem Faire

Earl Warren Showgrounds

Shop your way through the largest gem, jewelry and bead shows in the United Sates, featuring quality gems, beads, crystals, minerals, findings and earth treasures. Discover fine jewelry, costume jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, sparkling crystals, gold & silver, tools, jewelry supplies and boxes. 

While there, be sure to enter for a chance to win cool prizes, with drawings every hour. 

The event hours are as follows:
Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Mission plaza using pastels on pavement to create 150 vibrant and colorful, large-scale images. The Santa Barbara I Madonnari Street Painting Festival presents the rare opportunity to view artists of all ages create street paintings ranging from classical to original images. The annual, three-day festival is held on the Memorial Day Weekend at the Old Mission Santa Barbara. 

Goleta Certified Farmers’ Market

Camino Real Marketplace

Creating Community Through Books: 20 Years of UCSB Reads

UCSB Library - Ocean Gallery

Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.

Old Town Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market

Old Town Santa Barbara

Every Tuesday, the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market fills the 600–800 blocks of State Street with fresh, local produce, flowers and artisan goods. Live music and entertainment set a lively scene, inviting a weekday escape amid the charm of Old Town State Street.

Sip, Science, Art! – Sharks

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. - Buellton

JAWS – friend or foe? Learn the truth about sharks, and their beauty and importance in healthy ecosystems.

Grab some Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. apps & brews, and enjoy a 60min lecture presented by a local scientist, artist, or nature expert. Q&A to follow! Sip, Science, Art! talks will be offered once per season, if there is sufficient interest. If you want to see this happen more often, show up to show your support! This offering is FREE, and registration is not required.

About the Artist
Richard Salas (askphotography.com) is a California native and graduate from Brooks Institute of Photography, where he was mentored by Ernest Brooks II and first introduced to diving and underwater photography. He has authored several coffee table books, including Sea of Light: Underwater Photography of California’s Channel Islands, Blue Visions: Underwater Photography from Mexico to the Equator, and Luminous Sea: Underwater Photography from Washington to Alaska. Richard’s mission is to take the viewer through a marine biosphere where humanity’s impact is an undeniable force.

Sewing & Mending Club

Explore Ecology Makerspace

Discover the joy of creating and repairing with the welcoming community at the Explore Ecology Makerspace. Whether you’re a seasoned sewing enthusiast or just beginning your sewing journey, this monthly club is the perfect place to bring your projects to life.

Every month, you’re invited to come to this workshop with your sewing ideas, projects, or mending needs. The Makerspace is equipped with 12 sewing machines and a wide array of materials to fuel your creativity. Plus, the knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer guidance, tips, and tricks to help you bring your vision to reality.

From crafting personalized garments to reviving old favorites through expert mending techniques, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with this supportive community by your side.

Join in for an afternoon of creativity, camaraderie, and crafting excellence.

This club is for ages 13+.

British Beat: The Legends of 60s British Rock

Lobero Theatre

Relive the solid gold hits of the swingin’ ‘60s with West Coast Performing Arts Concerts’ British Beat: The Legends of 60’s British Rock. Get ready for a night that explodes with the sound, style, and spirit of the most revolutionary decade in music history. This powerhouse tribute event delivers hit after hit – performed with stunning authenticity, soaring vocals, and the unmistakable swagger of the era’s greatest groups. $49 – $69

Saturday Fishermen’s Market

Santa Barbara Harbor

At the Saturday Fishermen’s Market, fishermen sell directly to the public at City Pier every Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., year-round. Find the perfect catch then take it to the fillet booth and let the experts get it ready to take home in no time. Come find locally caught seafood at the Santa Barbara Harbor, from rockfish, sea bass, black cod, and halibut to abalone, mussels, ridgeback shrimp, a variety of crab, and lobster, depending on the season.

Sunset Sessions featuring Audio Pool + Traveler

Hotel Californian

A staple of the Santa Barbara music community, Audio Pool brings a refined blend of deep grooves and melodic textures shaped by years behind the decks. Their sets move with intention—balancing laid-back rhythms with moments of uplifting energy. 

Opening the evening, Traveler sets the tone with a blend of melodic grooves and warm, atmospheric selections. Known for crafting smooth, flowing sets that ease you into the moment, Traveler brings the perfect energy to start the night as the sun begins to dip.

An intimate setting, a trusted local selector, and a sunset that never disappoints. Grab your friends and join in for an unforgettable evening above the Santa Barbara coastline.