When: January 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Where: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History | 2559 Puesta Del Sol rn Sprague Pavilion Santa Barbara, CA 93105

As part of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s two-part January program, acclaimed Zapotec-American textile artist Porfirio Gutiérrez leads an immersive weekend workshop focused on the ancestral art of natural dyeing. Set within the Museum’s oak woodland landscape along Mission Creek, this hands-on experience invites participants to learn traditional cochineal dye techniques rooted in Zapotec knowledge and practice.

Over two days, participants will receive in-depth instruction on mordanting wool, grinding cochineal insects, preparing dye vats, and creating their own cochineal-dyed wool scarf to take home. Alongside technical instruction, Gutiérrez shares the deeper cultural significance of cochineal—once associated with ritual, medicine, and divinity in Mesoamerican societies—offering context grounded in his lineage from the Zapotec civilization that helped develop this globally influential dye tradition. This intensive workshop provides both practical skills and a meaningful connection to living Indigenous knowledge systems.

Advanced registration is required.

When: January 24, 2026 at 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.
Where: Santa Barbara Public Library | 40 E. Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Led by Kristen Koeller from The Reading League, this engaging session offers an accessible overview of how reading skills develop and how families can help children thrive at every grade level.
Workshop highlights include:
How the brain learns to read
Key milestones by age and grade
What effective reading instruction looks like
Resources from The Reading League Compass
Supporting literacy at home
Understanding assessments and dyslexia
The workshop is designed especially for parents and caregivers and emphasizes practical, real-world strategies to support strong literacy. Bonus: Families attending will also receive a free brand-new book as part of the Reading Is Fundamental giveaway (while supplies last).

When: January 24, 2026 at 7:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
Where: Lobero Theatre | 33 East Canon Perdido Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Experience an electrifying night of blues-rock with legendary guitarist Billy F Gibbons and The BFG Band. Best known as the driving force of ZZ Top, Gibbons brings his unmistakable tone, gritty vocals, and signature swagger to the Lobero stage for an unforgettable live performance.
He’s joined by powerhouse drummer Chris “Whipper” Layton—the cornerstone backbeat of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble—and Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin on Hammond B3, a standout of the Texas blues scene.

 Together, they deliver raw blues energy, soulful grooves, and virtuosic musicianship. Get ready for deep cuts, crowd favorites, and serious guitar wizardry from one of the greatest living blues-rock icons.

When: January 24, 2026 at 6 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Where: La Lieff Wines | 210 Gray Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93101

This Saturday, Wasted Potential Comedy is taking over La Lieff’s tasting room for another standup show, and a quick heads up… their last show sold out.
Hosted by Riley Jane, the night features Unpaquito, Kiki Anderson, and Bryan Burris, with Tarvaris Smith headlining. Tarvaris is a nationally touring comedian with credits including Laugh After Dark on Amazon Prime, Don’t Tell Comedy, and festivals all over the country. Sharp, fast, and very funny.

They’re performing inside the tasting room, so no need to layer up… unless you want to. Tickets are limited so grab yours now before they’re gone!

When: January 24, 2026 at 2 P.M.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara | 8301 Hollister Ave. Goleta, CA 93117

The Ritz-Carlton Late Checkout retail collaboration arrives at Bacara this January, bringing an exclusive pop-up experience for guests, visitors and locals alike. Join Bacara for the launch on January 24 and explore a curated collection designed to celebrate this iconic brand initiative. With limited quantities available, once these coveted pieces are gone, they’re gone — making this a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity. They are thrilled to bring this elevated retail moment to this coastal destination.

When: January 25, 2026 
Where: Santa Barbara Museum of Art | 1130 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

This fall, visitors can experience two major exhibitions showcasing Impressionist and 19th-century art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art traces the origins of the Impressionist movement through works by Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, Morisot, and others who helped shape modern art. Alongside it, Encore: 19th-Century French Art from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features more than 40 works from the Museum’s own collection, offering a visual journey through Paris, the French countryside, and beyond. Together, these exhibitions highlight both the artistry and the lasting cultural impact of the period.

When: January 25, 2026 at 2:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Where: Yoga Soup | 28 Parker Way Santa Barbara, CA 93101

In this three-hour therapeutic workshop, Suzanne Marlow combines Yin Yoga, meditation, and guided psychological inquiry to support emotional regulation and self-understanding. Through slow somatic opening, mindful attention practices, and reflective inner work, participants learn to notice patterns, soften protective responses, and cultivate insight with compassion. This workshop is ideal for anyone navigating stress, life transitions, or seeking deeper clarity and self-awareness.

When: January 25, 2026 at 2 P.M. - 6 P.M.
Where: Menchaca Chocolates | 4141 State Street E-1 Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Arrive at this little, half-way underground chocolate factory, snuggled back in the corner of El Mercado. You will be offered an apron and proceed over to an old cabinet where you will see examples of the wooden Chocolate Box Projects available for you to make. Then you will receive your blank box and be guided to either the Art Bar or the Chocolate and await further instruction.
You will then spend your time Making Chocolate inside and embellishing (painting) your box container outside. It’s self-paced so enjoy getting into it!
Before coming please reserve a specific project or better yet… simply choose “Seat Reservation Only” and then choose your project when you get to the factory.

If you choose the “Seat Reservation Only” option of $34, that will cover the “2 Bar” activity. If you choice any other project the $34 will be credited towards that project.

When: January 25, 2026 at 4 P.M. - 6 P.M.
Where: Paloma | 702 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Sip on $10 margaritas, $8 well cocktails, beer and wine specials, and tasty small bites — the perfect reason to stop by!