Top 9 Things to Do This Weekend in Santa Barbara

When: April 18-19, 2026
Where: Various Locations Around Solvang | 1639 Copenhagen Drive Solvang, CA 93463 

Solvang Brick & Builds returns April 18–19, bringing a full weekend of hands-on creativity, expert craft, and brick-themed fun just a short, scenic drive from Santa Barbara. Professional builders, LEGO Master Builders, and enthusiasts from across the region gather in downtown Solvang for two days of imaginative showcases, friendly competition, and family-friendly activities.

The heart of the weekend is the Public Exhibition at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, where guests can explore an array of impressive builds, meet creators, and find inspiration in every corner. New for 2026, a dedicated Youth Builds Zone spotlights original creations by young builders ages 12–17, giving rising talent their own platform to share inventive MOCs with the public through advance registration.

Outdoors, the festivities spill into Solvang Park with kids’ build tents, a pro builder competition, live music, local vendors, and a lively beer garden—making it an easy day trip for families and fans. Visitors can also take part in the Brick Quest Scavenger Hunt by picking up a map, exploring participating downtown locations, and returning a completed map to the Solvang Visitors Center for a small keepsake.

General admission is $15 online for adults ($20 at the door) and $10 online for ages 6–17 ($15 at the door); children 5 and under are free. Exhibition hours run throughout the weekend, with scavenger hunt maps available at the Veterans Memorial Hall, Solvang Park, and the Solvang Visitors Center.

When:  April 18, 2026 at 11 A.M. - 12:15 P.M.
Where:  Santa Barbara Botanic Garden | 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
 
Give thanks to pollinators as Santa Barbara Botanic Garden discovers how to make an ideal garden for them. You’ll explore basic skills for building habitats and investigate which flowers pollinators like best.
This opportunity is great for children aged 8-13.

When: April 19, 2026 at 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Where: Camino Real Marketplace | Camino Real Marketplace Goleta, CA 93117

Sundays come alive with the Goleta Farmers’ Market, where seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and specialty items grown right in our backyard are on full display. Music and entertainment bring a cheerful Sunday energy to the market, making it a perfect stop for locals and visitors alike.

When: April 18-19, 2026 at 6 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Where: The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake | 2265 CA-154
Santa Barbara, CA 93105

A weekend of fishing, fresh air, and friendly competition unfolds at beautiful Lake Cachuma, where anglers of all ages gather for a multi-day celebration on the water. From kids casting their first line to seasoned pros chasing the biggest catch, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement as participants weigh in their fish for the chance to earn cash prizes and new gear. Raffles add to the fun, offering everything from tackle and gift baskets to lake cruises and local dining certificates.

The lakeside energy continues with arts and crafts, hands-on workshops, bait-making stations, live music at HOOK’d Bar & Grill, boat rentals, and access to biking and hiking trails that ring the shoreline. It’s all designed to support the mission of the Neal Taylor Nature Center, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring understanding and stewardship of the surrounding watershed.

General admission ranges from $35 to $50 depending on registration date. Ages 5 and up are eligible to participate in the fish-weighing contest. Online discounts are available in advance, and on-site registration is offered throughout the weekend.