Next Month in Santa Barbara | Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Spring is in full swing with activities for the entire family—almost as plentiful as the poppies that blossom on nearby Figueroa Mountain. As the birthplace of the modern environmental movement and Earth Day in 1969, Santa Barbara pulls out all the stops to celebrate Mother Earth this month. From horseback riding, biking and hiking amongst the wildflowers to getting out on the water in a kayak or on a paddleboard, choose from a variety of healthy outdoor adventures. Feel the gentle spring breeze and savor the region’s bounty with an al fresco dining experience or wine tasting along the Urban Wine Trail.

Explore the Santa Barbara South Coast at your leisure and choose from 20 local accommodations offering a third night free when you book a two-night stay. With so many outdoor adventures to experience and epic shows to see this April, do yourself a favor and stay an extra night.

EARTH DAY 2026

Santa Barbara proudly retains the title of “birthplace of Earth Day,” and there is no shortage of ways you can show your gratitude for the planet. Honor our home and learn more about how we can help heal Mother Earth at one of the west coast’s largest and longest-running Earth Day celebrations, the 2026 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, where you can converse with impactful climate leaders, boogie to musical performances, admire local art installments, connect with eco-conscious exhibitors — all while learning how to combat climate change.

You can also discover ways to eat and drink green by visiting farm-to-table and vegan/vegetarian restaurants or sipping sustainable wines from local vintners. If you feel like bringing Santa Barbara back to your home kitchen, see these five plant-based recipes curated by chefs that helm the kitchens at some of Santa Barbara’s most beloved restaurants.

Parks and gardens burst with vibrant colors this time of year, so take your lunch to one of the many shady spaces in town and listen to the soothing buzz of insects and singing birds. Enjoy live music and picnic in the garden at the ethereal Lotusland; the peaceful escape will bring you gratitude for our planet and inspiration for the future.

And finally, while visiting don’t be afraid to pay it forward (eco-style) and pick up a piece of trash or two from the beach. Santa Barbara hosts many organized beach cleanup efforts, but you can make any day spent by the sea a beach cleanup day.

SPRING INTO arts, culture & events

Perched in the Santa Barbara foothills, overlooking downtown and the expansive ocean, Santa Barbara Bowl’s highly anticipated 2026 concert season is in full swing. The intimate 4,500-seat outdoor amphitheater is simply a breathtaking venue. Before dancing the night away, take the opportunity to sip on a pre-show drink on the upper terrace, featuring a 270-degree sunset view of Santa Barbara. First up in April is Disclosure (April 7 and 8), then David Byrne (April 14), followed by Charlie Puth (April 25). Be sure to check the scheduled lineup as more concert dates are announced!

Santa Barbara lights up with more show-stopping performances throughout April, and the marquees are just the beginning. At iconic venues scattered around downtown, catch live performances from Donavon Frankenreiter (April 2), New York Philharmonic String Quartet (April 2 ad 3), Ralph Barbosa (April 9) and Hadestown (April 28 and 29).

April 10-12, La Piazza brings the spirit of Italy to Santa Barbara with a free, three-day celebration of music, food and culture at the Santa Barbara Public Library and locations across the city. Expect live performances, pasta workshops, tastings and family-friendly activities inspired by Italy’s rich culinary and musical traditions.

On April 18, the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance brings Wine & Fire On the Road to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for an afternoon celebrating the acclaimed wines of the Sta. Rita Hills. Taste newly released chardonnays and pinot noirs from over 20 wineries alongside wood-fired bites, educational seminars and live flamenco set against the historic Casa Covarrubias courtyard.

Discover your next favorite restaurant in town during Santa Barbara Restaurant Week between April 24 through May 3, where all participating restaurants will be presenting exciting and unique prix fixe menus. With so much to savor, be prepared to head home with a full belly and a happy heart.

April 23-26 (and May 1-3), Santa Barbara Fair & Expo at Earl Warren Showgrounds welcomes the whole family to experience thrilling carnival rides, live music, games, farm animals and perhaps the star of the show: the can’t-miss fair food.

On April 25, the fourth annual Natural Coast Wine Festival highlights and honors wineries and winegrowers dedicated to sustainable viticulture, low-impact winemaking and socially responsible practices across California’s Central Coast. These producers craft wine with integrity, respecting the land and leading the industry toward a more sustainable future.