In Santa Barbara, there’s always something to do, no matter the season.
Winter
January
The New Year begins with the much anticipated Hang and Paragliding Festival. It’s a little known fact that Santa Barbara’s geography is uniquely situated for the ultimate gliding experience.
*February *
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival draws popular celebrities from all around the world to red carpeted movie premiers and glamorous after-parties. Locals can join in the star-studded celebrations as well, attending showings of classic and recent films.
March
The International Orchid Show brings beautiful orchids and exotic flowers from all over the world.
Santa Barbara Whale Festival kicks off the whale watching season. Crowds gather downtown to catch the first glimpse of these migrating aquatic giants.
Also during Winter, locals head up to Ellwood Butterfly park which plays host to thousands of Monarch butterflies, typically from February to March.
Spring
April
The Kite Festival is a family favorite that entertains each year. Flyers can enter multiple competitions or just fly for fun.
Garden Egg Hunt and Children’s Festival, children hunt for decorated eggs at the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens.
Presidio Days celebrates the founding of Santa Barbara by the Chumash Indians. Dance and music performers entertain the masses.
Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival, a pleasure for wine connoisseurs as well as casual imbibers. Local wines and picnic lunches abound, along with live music and educational exhibits.
The Santa Barbara Fair and Expo doesn’t disappoint. The event brings ferris wheels and other exciting rides, carnival games, food and fun every year.
May
The Children’s Festival has pony rides, arts and crafts, food booths and more, a joy for Santa Barbara families.
I Madonnari takes place at the Mission each Memorial Day weekend. Artists create chalk masterpieces on the Mission’s sidewalk while onlookers marvel and attempt their own street paintings.
June
The Jose Cuervo Volleyball Tournament is a must for beach volleyball fans and sun worshippers.
Summer Solstice Celebration is a wild and informal parade and party centering in downtown Santa Barbara.
Summer
July
French Festival, enjoy a mini Eiffel Tower, handmade arts and crafts, accordion players and authentic crepes during this culture-filled day
Greek Festival, the best baklava this side of the the Mediterranean can be found at this lively ethnic festival.
Fourth of July is a night of plentiful beach front fireworks displays.
August
Fiesta: Old Spanish Days, a local favorite, this downtown-based event is a five-day long party, featuring parades, confetti, Mexican cuisine, crafts and lots of Tequila.
September
West Beach Music and Arts Festival is a relatively new addition to the Santa Barbara calender, but already a popular one. Famous musicians of all genres pack the sands in this weekend-long extravaganza.
October
Artwalk celebrates the many local artists that live and work in the community. View lovely pieces, discover new artists, eat, drink and enjoy.
The California Avocado Festival is a yummy event in which fresh avocados abound and the prize for “Best Guacamole” is sought after by all.
The Harbor and Seafood Festival celebrates the opening of lobster season by sharing seafood delicacies at the Santa Barbara Harbor. The event also features music, environmental exhibits and more.
November
Santa Barbara National Amateur Horse Show is a nationally acclaimed show that features future Olympic Equestrians.
December
Christmas Parade, a holiday staple. The parade brings holiday cheer all around downtown Santa Barbara; no Scrooges allowed.
Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace is the largest and most diverse folk art exhibit on the Central Coast.The show is great resource those looking for for unique, holiday gifts.
Parade of Lights, at the harbor, illuminated boats and firework displays will dazzle the eye and delight one and all.
These and more festivals make up Santa Barbara’s yearly calender, with new ones being added all the time. Beyond organized festivities, Santa Barbara offers plenty of other activities that are sure to thrill, any day of the year.
Theater anyone? The old-fashioned, Arlington and Granada theaters play host to multiple, concerts, films, guest speakers, musicals and other artistic performances each week.
Cultural attractions abound in Santa Barbara, and include art galleries and the Museum of Natural History. Lectures from such prestigious speakers as the Dalai Lama are another enriching local activity.
For animal lovers, the Santa Barbara Zoo is open all year long, and the aquarium on the State St. pier features a myriad of sea animals.
Sports fans will enjoy cheering one of the local college teams, UCSB, SBCC or Westmont to victory in soccer, football, and other athletic competitions.
As you can see, there’s always something to do in Santa Barbara; a lively Pacific Coast jewel where the sun shines 300 days out of the year and adventure is right around every corner.