Solvang Chamber of Commerce
Santa Ynez Valley merchants will welcome the fall season by kicking off the annual Scarecrow Fest and contest on Oct. 1. Throughout the month, residents and visitors can stroll the village to check out creative scarecrows from local businesses and organizations and vote for their favorites. The month-long celebration concludes on Halloween with the announcement of the annual Harvest Cup winner, honoring the most impressive community creation.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Known for their powerhouse blend of soul, rock, and vintage R&B, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats deliver an electrifying live show full of raw emotion and irresistible grooves. With hits like “S.O.B.” and “You Worry Me,” the band has earned a loyal following and critical acclaim for their high-energy performances and heartfelt songwriting. Don’t miss this soulful night under the stars at the Santa Barbara Bowl.
Linden Avenue
Carpinteria
The California Avocado Festival welcomes everyone to 3 days full of Peace, Love and Guacamole. This year there will be 60+ bands, 3 stages, 50 arts & crafts and commercial vendors, 15 delicious food vendors and over a dozen non-profits will be on site for you to help support. The event showcases the endless ways to eat an avocado and attendees can also enjoy other various local vendors and plenty of live entertainment in the heart of the neighboring town of Carpinteria.
The festival will be held on Friday, Oct. 3rd (1 pm to 11 pm), Saturday, Oct. 4th (10 am to 10 pm) & Sunday, Oct. 5th (10 am – 7 pm)
Rancho La Patera & Stow House
Celebrate one of the West Coast’s longest-running traditions at the 53rd Old-Time Fiddlers’ Festival. The day is packed with toe-tapping performances, an epic fiddle contest, instrument “petting zoo,” artisan vendors, and hands-on workshops in fiddle, banjo, singing, and more. This year’s lineup features Suzy & Eric Thompson, The Horsenecks, Skillet Licorice, and the Clinton Davis Stringband, with additional jams and workshops to be announced. A family-friendly favorite, the festival promises a lively mix of music, community, and fun for all ages.
Dogs and outside alcohol are not allowed.
Lobero Theatre
Graystone Productions presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 7:30 PM. The band has been tearing it up on live stages across the globe since 1972. In essence, it’s their inimitable down-home sonic style that helped make the MTB the first truly progressive Southern band to grace this nation’s airwaves. Their mighty music catalog, consisting of more than 20 studio albums and a score of live releases, has racked up multi-platinum album sales many times over.
Djinn at the Hotel Californian
Expect the unexpected during each new full moon with inventive cocktails by legendary mixologist Devon Espinosa. With personalized Tarot card readings and Runes readings, there’s no telling what exciting experiences will unfold during the Harvest Moon. Let your crazy out and vibe to Val-Mar Records spinning vinyl, play some classic board games and get lost in the experience.
University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Nicholas van Hoogstraten, author of Broadway Poster Art: 1945–1969, explores the vibrant advertising art of Broadway’s golden age. Attendees will see rare poster designs, artist progressions, and hear behind-the-scenes stories of designers, illustrators, and photographers.
The lecture complements the exhibition Broadway Posters from the Golden Age: Selections from the Richard C. Norton Musical Theater Poster Collection, on view October 7–December 5.
08 Colin Hay
Lobero Theatre
Lobero LIVE presents Colin Hay on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM. Singer-songwriter Colin Hay is beloved for his intimate, confessional live shows. The artist has had a prolific career, both as the lead singer and principal songwriter for the GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum selling band Men at Work, and a solo career that spans more than 25 years and 15 albums. His extraordinary new solo album, Now And The Evermore, is a defiantly joyful celebration of life and love, one that insists on finding silver linings and reasons to smile. Featured Sponsor: Boone Graphics.
Camino Real Cinemas
Experience an exciting celebration of nature and outdoor adventure brought to life through film. Featuring outstanding works from national and international filmmakers, the festival captivates and inspires audiences with compelling stories that showcase the beauty, diversity, and importance of the natural world. All proceeds support NatureTrack and its mission to foster a lifelong fascination with nature and inspire respectful stewardship of the natural world.
Lobero Theatre
Spanish Guitar Entertainment presents BENISE – 25 Years of Passion! on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM. “The Prince of Spanish Guitar” launches his 25th Anniversary Tour. Armed with his Spanish guitar and a stage full of musicians and elaborately choreographed dancers, Benise takes the audience on a musical journey through Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Parisian Waltz, exotic drumming, and more!
Santa Barbara Bowl
Grammy-nominated sister trio HAIM brings their infectious blend of indie rock, pop, and R&B to the Santa Barbara Bowl. Known for their tight harmonies, catchy hooks, and dynamic stage presence, HAIM delivers a captivating live experience filled with hits from their acclaimed albums.
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
Plan a visit to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for a Sunday match, where ladies don their finest hats and gentlemen dress to the nines to watch the thrilling equine sport. Revel in the speed and agility of both the jockeys and horses, and graze on a tasty charcuterie platter under shaded awnings. The pristine grass and stunning mountain views make an unforgettable backdrop to gaze at while sipping champagne and cheering on the players. This event is for ages 21+.
Santa Ynez Valley Grange
At Apples to Zucchini Cooking School they believe that sharing family dinners is an integral part of childhood. Working together with meal planning and cooking in the kitchen is where relationships are built and strengthened across generations. Cooking together is not only a way to model nutritious food choices, and build self-esteem, but is also just plain fun! They will surprise you each class with a new recipe. Join Chef Bethany Markee with the Santa Ynez Valley Grange and discover ways you can involve children of all ages.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Join MOXI weekly for Toddler Tuesdays for a quieter morning at the museum with no scheduled field trips. Tuesday mornings are now for our tiniest tinkerers and explorers with rotating monthly themes, special activities, and modifications to our exhibits to make them more accessible to little ones. Take this time to play, discover and interact with exhibits alongside your toddlers.
Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative
A favorite event in Santa Barbara, Pianos on State is a collaborative and interactive musical experience that takes place during Arts and Humanities month in October. Each piano becomes its own piece of art as local Santa Barbara artists create individual looks.
Pianos will be available for musical exploration, impromptu play, and group performances morning, afternoon, and evening. Amateur, professionals and public musicians are invited to sit down and play!
The Arlington Theatre
Host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, Washington Post columnist, and five-time New York Times bestselling author, Fareed Zakaria brings his global perspective to a timely and thought-provoking talk. Known for his ability to distill complex issues with clarity, Zakaria explores the political, economic, and cultural forces shaping our future and what it takes to adapt in a rapidly changing world. Presented by Arts & Lectures, this event also marks the inaugural Roman Baratiak Endowed Lecture.
Santa Barbara Zoo
With six nights of “spell-a-bration,” there’s plenty of time to get into the Halloween spirit as the Zoo offers safe trick-or-treating and “monster-ous” thrills and chills.
As one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved Halloween happenings, Boo at the Zoo, held on on Oct. 17-19 & 24-26, features trick-or-treating, Zoo Train rides, a hay bale maze, creepy-crawly animal encounters, mad science experiments, bounce houses, dancing, and more! Tasty treats and booo-zy adult beverages are available for purchase.
18 Mission Creek Beer Festival
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
The Mission Creek Beer Festival is back—and this year, it’s all about flavor. Explore The Flavor Field Guide, an immersive tasting journey through four zones: Bitter, Sweet, Sour & Salty, and Umami & Beyond. Sip limited-edition beers, savor local food pairings, and discover the science behind every taste with festival collaborator Zach Rosen, Certified Cicerone®.
Lobero Theatre
John Waters is finally coming clean, so to speak, and his all-new, secret-sharing, one-man crackpot comedy show dares to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the filthy truth. It’s an endless bag of trans-gressive and hetero-nonaggressive twisted tales that will warm the dark little hearts of non-binary brats all over the world. Over-sharing? You bet. Too much information? Maybe so, but airing his dirty laundry makes Waters feel clean. He’ll talk to you straight even when he’s definitely not.
Lion's Tale
Don’t let the Monday blues get you down! Lion’s Tale, a Good Lion Hospitality owned bar, is going to be hosting Vinyl Vices partnering with Proper Productions every Monday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Along with this, there will be All Day Happy Hour, so take your time and get down to these old-school classics and modern R&B mixes. Featured menu items include Pimm’s Cup ($11), with Pimm’s, London Dry gin, cucumber, ginger, lemon and a touch of absinthe, or dig into fan favorites like the Café Frites ($14) with shoestring fries served with café de Paris butter sauce, fresh parsley and filet mignon bites.
The Arlington Theatre
With a career spanning over five decades, Boz Scaggs remains a master of laid-back cool. Known for iconic hits like “Lido Shuffle” and the Grammy-winning “Lowdown,” Scaggs blends pop, soul, and blues with signature elegance. His smooth vocals, smoky guitar work, and enduring stage presence continue to captivate audiences. From early collaborations with Steve Miller and Duane Allman to recent critically acclaimed albums, Scaggs brings depth, intimacy, and style to every performance — a can’t-miss evening that’s sure to sell out.
The Arlington Theatre
Blippi is hitting the road with the brand-new Join the Band Tour! In this live musical experience, Blippi, Meekah, and their band of dancing, singing friends explore the world of music — from rhythms and sounds to instruments — all set to fan-favorite hits. Kids are invited to sing, dance, and play along in this interactive, high-energy show that’s fun for the whole family.
Please note: This performance features flashing lights, haze (fog), and confetti. Children under 2 may sit on a parent’s lap without a ticket; ages 2 and up require a ticket.
The Arlington Theatre
Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning artist Lila Downs brings her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence to a vibrant celebration of Día de Muertos. Raised between Minnesota and Oaxaca, Downs weaves traditional Mexican and Mesoamerican music with folk, jazz, blues, and original songs in a deeply personal tribute to the Day of the Dead. Joined by mariachis and dancers, this festive evening evokes the rich spirit, color, and cultural depth of Día de Muertos on both sides of the border.
The Arlington Theatre
Beloved icon of ranchera and Latin pop, Pedro Fernández is bringing his timeless voice and heartfelt hits to Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre. With a career spanning decades, his music continues to captivate audiences with emotion, tradition, and charm.
Elings Park
Fields of Funk is back for their fifth annual Halloween themed celebration at Elings Park! This year the utopian day festival will feature: two stages for live music performances, food trucks, clothing vendors, art installations, a full bar, and silent disco. Bring some lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the day grooving on the field surrounded by the ocean breeze!
Costumes are encouraged.
This event is for ages 21+.
Lane Farms
From a twisting corn maze to tractor rides and barnyard animals, Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch packs all the fall fun into one stop. Guests can wander rows of pumpkins, explore vintage farm equipment, and enjoy educational displays that bring the harvest season to life. With pumpkins galore and plenty of charm, this local favorite is a Santa Barbara tradition that never goes out of style.
Explore Ecology Makerspace
Turn up the spookiness just in time for Halloween! Join EE Makerspace Coordinator Andrew Baker for their Mixed Media Ghost Stories Workshop and craft your own eerily illuminated ghost story using weird and wonderful vintage finds. All materials and tools will be included. This event is for ages 13+.
Spots are limited. Reserve your seat today!
Don’t miss this chance to craft something spooky, magical, and completely unique!
La Cumbre Plaza
Browse the selection of pumpkins, squash, ornamental gourds, colorful Indian corn, corn stalks and hay bales for all your cooking, baking, carving and decorating needs. This pumpkin patch has everything you’ll need to decorate for Halloween to Thanksgiving! While there, don’t forget to pick up your carving kits, candles & stencils to help make your decorations complete. Bring the whole family and enjoy kids activities and festive family photo opportunities.
At participating local businesses
Join the fun with this month-long celebration of new vegan dishes all over Santa Barbara! Returning for its second year in a row, businesses across the region will showcase exciting special vegan menu items for an entire month, giving everyone the opportunity to explore creative plant-based dishes crafted by talented local chefs.
Music Academy of the West
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Santa Barbara. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Adele at Music Academy of the West under the gentle glow of candlelight.
The tentative program includes hits performed by Vapour String Quartet:
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
For ages 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Participating Bars
2025 participating bars & specials coming soon!
Join the biggest Halloween event in Santa Barbara! Your Zombie Crawl Halloween bar crawl map will lead you to the best Halloween celebrations on State Street. Rally a group of friends, come in costume, and bounce from bar to bar visiting multiple Halloween parties in one night. Check out the lineup below!
Your Zombie Survival Kit Includes:
~ ALL ACCESS TICKET TO 10+ BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS ~
~ FREE WELCOME SHOTS AT SELECT VENUES ~
~ ALL DAY / ALL NIGHT DRINK SPECIALS ~
Maureen has been around the industry for a lifetime. Her business is based on the core values and ethics taught to her at a very young age: integrity, honesty, and great communication.
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