Top 9 Things to Do This Weekend in Santa Barbara

When: October 17, 2026 at 12 P.M. - 4 P.M.

Where:  Firestone Estate | 4875 Foxen Canyon Road Santa Ynez, CA 93441

In its 42nd year, the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival is truly the Original Santa Barbara Wine Festival.

On October 17, the festival takes place at Firestone Estate in Santa Ynez, offering an unforgettable day celebrating the region’s world-class wine and cuisine. Taste wines from 70+ local wineries, sample dishes from 20+ regional restaurants and food purveyors, and enjoy live music while taking in the scenic surroundings. Chat with winemakers and winery owners, and don’t miss the always-popular Bubble Lounge featuring some of Santa Barbara County’s best sparkling wines.

When: October 17, 2026 at 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Where: Santa Barbara Harbor | Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Savor the abundance of the Santa Barbara Channel at the 2026 Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival! During this annual event, attendees get the opportunity to meet the fishermen who catch and harvest the high-quality, fresh-off-the-boat seafood sourced sustainably from local waters. Dig into some of Santa Barbara’s specialties, including freshly caught lobster and sea urchin (uni) prepared before your eyes. Visit specialty food booths for fish tacos, oysters, mussels, barbecued albacore, fresh crab, clam chowder, seafood paella and more.

Stay a little longer and enjoy all that Santa Barbara has to offer with these hotels, resorts and vacation rentals.

This event is presented by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants.

When:  October 17, 2026 at 7 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Where:  Chase Palm Park | 323 E Cabrillo Blv Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Named “One of 9 American Centuries to Master” by Outside Magazine, Ride Santa Barbara 100 is a premier century ride brought to you on California’s Central Coast. RideSB100 offers five choices of world-class cycling for beginner to advanced riders: a 34-Mile Route with oceanfront views and serene back roads, a 100-Mile Route.

Route highlights include scenic Santa Barbara waterfront, the foothills of Carpinteria and Montecito, and the flatland’s of Goleta before finishing back at Chase Palm Park.

All riders receive a commemorative T-shirt, bike bottle, sponsor goodies, generous aid station support, and a post-ride meal.

When:  October 18, 2026 at 11 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
Where:  Santa Barbara Botanic Garden | 1212 Mission Canyon Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Gather in Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s cozy Backcountry Hawk’s Nest Library for a special bilingual storytime presented by Godmothers, featuring a read-along of Heidi Moreno’s Luna Oscura in both English and Spanish.

The heartwarming story follows Luna, a black cat ostracized by the other cats in her forest because of superstitious beliefs. With the help of her companion, Toad, Luna sets out to find her forever home and discovers friendship, belonging and the magic within herself along the way.

Families are invited to enjoy the story together, with lemonade and cookies provided while supplies last.

This storytime is part of the Garden’s Free Community Days, with free admission for everyone every Sunday in October. Advance reservations to the Garden are required.

When:  October 18, 2026 at 11 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Where: El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park | 123 East Canon Perdido Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Celebrate Santa Barbara’s AAPI communities, cultures and history at the 17th Annual Asian American Neighborhood Festival! Held in the heart of the Presidio Neighborhood, this free, family-friendly outdoor event features live performances, walking tours, artisan vendors, hands-on activities and educational booths.

What to Expect:

Live traditional and contemporary performances

Cultural crafts and hands-on activities for all ages

Local Asian American artisan vendors and food trucks

Exhibits, demonstrations and guided walking tours sharing Asian American history in Santa Barbara

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the George H. Griffiths and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation.