Top 9 Things to Do This Weekend in Santa Barbara

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Are you looking for a weekend getaway filled with sun, sand, and fun? Tucked away on the stunning California coast, Santa Barbara offers a variety of activities and events to suit any taste. In this weekend guide, we will highlight some of the must-see events and attractions in Santa Barbara to help you make the most of your visit. 

Wine tasting glasses filled with white and red wine on a table decorated with autumn leaves. Wine tasting glasses filled with white and red wine on a table decorated with autumn leaves.

Santa Barbara Fall Tasting Festival

When: November 7, 2026 at 2 P.M. - 5 P.M.

Where:  Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History | 2559 Puesta Del Sol Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Celebrate the flavors of the season at the inaugural Santa Barbara Fall Tasting Festival, a new outdoor culinary experience for curious minds and locovores aged 21 and up. Join Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for an afternoon of seasonal abundance as you support the community in one of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful natural settings.

Enjoy tastings of wine, craft beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and inspired food offerings from a diverse lineup of regional producers. Pair exceptional flavors with discovery as you meet the makers and learn more about the stories, science, and regional traditions behind what you taste.

This is a celebration with purpose: proceeds support the Museum’s science and nature education programs for children, helping inspire the next generation of scientists and stewards.

Ornate theater auditorium with red seats, decorated balconies, and stage lights. Ornate theater auditorium with red seats, decorated balconies, and stage lights.

Opera Santa Barbara: Rigoletto

When: November 7, 2026 at  7:30 P.M.

Where: Lobero Theatre | 33 E Canon Perdido St Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Experience Verdi’s Rigoletto, a masterwork of drama, soaring melodies, and intimate heartbreak, brought vividly to life by Opera Santa Barbara’s powerful voices and storytelling. The historic Lobero Theatre offers warm acoustics and a charming downtown setting, perfect for a night of thrilling opera.

Showtimes are as follows:

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 2:30 PM

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Classic cars parked in a row, including red sports cars and blue and green vintage coupes. Classic cars parked in a row, including red sports cars and blue and green vintage coupes.

Santa Barbara Invitational Concours

When:  November 7, 2026 at 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Where:  Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club | Montecito, CA 93013

Experience Europe on The American Riviera® at the inaugural Santa Barbara Invitational Concours, a two-day celebration of collector automobiles, luxury lifestyle experiences, coastal hospitality, and automotive culture at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Set against sweeping ocean and mountain views, the weekend brings together distinguished collector cars, gourmet food and beverages, exclusive lounges, and curated experiences designed for enthusiasts, collectors, and newcomers alike.

The weekend will feature:

Concours Sunset Soirée – An elegant evening of cocktails, culinary offerings, luxury showcases, and automotive culture as the sun sets over the coast. Saturday, November 7 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Santa Barbara Invitational Concours – Stroll the concours field and admire an exceptional collection of collector automobiles while exploring luxury displays, featured marques, automotive memorabilia, and the prestigious awards presentation. Sunday, November 8

Riviera Cigar & Tasting Lounge – A premium hospitality experience featuring curated tastings and cigars in an exclusive lounge setting. Sunday, November 8 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | VIP Access Required

Sports Motor-Cave – Explore a showcase of high-performance automobiles, luxury lifestyle brands, and automotive culture. Sunday, November 8

Tea, Torque & Tiaras – A refined gathering celebrating style, community, and a shared appreciation for exceptional automobiles. Sunday, November 8

American Patron Circle VIP Weekend Package – Enjoy elevated access to the Concours and exclusive hospitality experiences throughout the weekend. November 7–8

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, automotive enthusiast, or simply appreciate exceptional design and craftsmanship, the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours offers a memorable weekend celebrating some of the world’s finest automobiles in one of California’s most spectacular coastal settings.

Visit the event website for complete schedules, ticket options, and additional weekend experiences.

Eggs Benedict with hollandaise, ham, chives, parsley, and radishes on a white plate. Eggs Benedict with hollandaise, ham, chives, parsley, and radishes on a white plate.

Michelin Chef Series at Bacara

When: November 7, 2026 at 5 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara | 8301 Hollister Ave. Goleta, CA 93117

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara welcomes Chef Rachel Haggstrom of MICHELIN Green Star-awarded The Restaurant at JUSTIN for the Bacara Signature Chef Series. Enjoy an intimate multi-course dinner at Lulio, thoughtfully paired with JUSTIN wines, along with a hosted reception and exclusive opportunity to meet the chef and explore her sustainability-focused culinary philosophy.

Plant nursery with colorful flowers on display and aloe plants in the foreground Plant nursery with colorful flowers on display and aloe plants in the foreground

Fall Plant Sale 2026

When:  November 7, 2026 at 1 P.M. - 3 P.M.
Where: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden | 1212 Mission Canyon Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Fall is the perfect time to introduce California-native plants into your home garden. Shorter days, cooler weather and winter rains help roots grow deeper, giving plants time to become established before the hot, dry summer months.

Shop an expanded selection of California-native plants during the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s annual fall plant sale. Garden staff and volunteers will be available throughout the day to help with plant selection, share gardening tips and assist with transporting plants to your vehicle. The Nursery will also be restocked hourly with additional native plants.

Garden Members receive early access from 9–11 a.m. and a 10% discount. The Nursery opens to the general public beginning at 1 p.m.

Advance reservations are required, with each reservation providing one parking space and one hour to explore and shop the Nursery. Admission to the Garden is not required to attend the sale.

Due to anticipated crowds, only service animals are permitted during this event.

Runners cross a street, photographed from pavement level with pronounced motion blur. Runners cross a street, photographed from pavement level with pronounced motion blur.

Santa Barbara Half Marathon

When:  November 8, 2026
Where: Cabrillo Blvd | Downtown Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Are you ready for your medal? Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the fourth annual Santa Barbara Half Marathon, one of California’s most scenic running events. Whether you’re taking on the 13.1-mile half marathon, enjoying the 5K, or cheering on a young participant in the Kids Fun Run, this event offers an unforgettable race experience along the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline.

The course showcases some of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks, featuring stretches along Cabrillo Boulevard, the vibrant downtown corridor of State Street, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. From first-time runners to experienced racers chasing a personal best, the Santa Barbara Half Marathon provides a welcoming and energetic atmosphere for participants of all ages and abilities.

After crossing the finish line and collecting your finisher medal, the celebration continues at the Funk Zone Finish Line Festival. Meet up with family and friends, enjoy live music, grab a drink in the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. beer garden, and explore offerings from local vendors and businesses. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s popular Funk Zone district, the post-race festival is the perfect place to relax, celebrate your accomplishment, and soak in the coastal atmosphere.

Friends and family share a picnic meal at an outdoor table. Friends and family share a picnic meal at an outdoor table.

Know Thy Farmer Lunch with Finley Farms at Pico

When:  November 8, 2026 at 1 P.M.
Where: PICO at the General Store | 458 Bell St. Los Alamos, CA 93440

Finley Farms is back at Pico! Join owners, Johanna and Chris, at Pico Los Alamos for an intimate three-course lunch celebrating the connection from farm to table. The meal will feature a thoughtfully crafted menu by Pico chef Kali Kopley, organic seasonal produce from Finley Farms, and wine pairings from Lumen Wines as winemaker Will Henry guides guests through each pour. Come sip, savor, and meet the farmers behind the meal.

Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Thai meal with white rice, green curry, stir-fried noodles, and soup Thai meal with white rice, green curry, stir-fried noodles, and soup

Na Na Thai Pop Up at Vic’s Wine Bar

When:  November 8, 2026 at 5 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Where:  Vic's Wine Bar | 1801 E Cabrillo Blvd Suite B Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Vic’s Wine Bar is teaming up with Santa Ynez Valley favorite, Na Na Thai, for a one-day-only pop-up on Sunday, November 8! Stop by for bold, spicy Thai flavors paired with a perfectly chilled glass of crisp wine. This special collaboration kicks off at 5 p.m. at Vic’s Wine Bar at The Post Montecito and continues until sellout!

Fresh tomatoes held above a farmers market display of vegetables and herbs. Fresh tomatoes held above a farmers market display of vegetables and herbs.

Goleta Certified Farmers’ Market

When: November 8, 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.

We hope you enjoyed our weekend guide and have a fun-filled weekend ahead!

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