As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and in Santa Barbara, the truth in that phrase is undeniable. Spring welcomes not only a bounty of wildflowers and lush greenery that unfolds across the expansive mountain enclave, but also a variety of performances and festivals to elevate your visit.
Don’t let a gray morning fool you — by afternoon, it’s sunshine and mild temperatures most days. From spring festivals and live performances to food, wine and outdoor adventures, May offers plenty of ways to experience Santa Barbara at its best.
SPRING BITES & DELIGHTS
It’s time to get wild at the Santa Barbara Zoo! Roar & Pour is one of the zoo’s signature wine-tasting events, where attendees can sample local wines while viewing the animal residents in their outdoor habitats. This unique experience allows visitors to explore the zoo after hours and catch the sun setting over the Pacific with a glass of pinot noir in hand.
The highly anticipated Santa Barbara Culinary Experience also returns in May. Inspired by the legendary Julia Child, the weeklong celebration features chef-driven dinners, tastings, tours, classes and other events showcasing the depth and diversity of Santa Barbara County’s culinary scene.
Santa Barbara’s farmers markets are a snapshot of the region at its most vibrant. Just-picked produce, flowers and local goods converge in open-air settings across the city.
If you’re celebrating Mother’s Day in our slice of the Central Coast, there are plenty of ways to make mom feel loved with these thoughtful Santa Barbara-inspired gifts.
POLO IN PARADISE
Bring out your finest sun hats, dresses and seersucker coats, because Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s Sunday Polo Season kicks off in May. Nestled in the foothills of Montecito, watch the thrilling sport from the grandstands and graze on snacks under shaded awnings. Take in the pristine grass and stunning mountain views while sipping champagne and cheering on the players.
ART & CULTURE IN BLOOM
The Santa Barbara Literary Festival gathers writers and readers for a weekend of storytelling, conversation and creative exchange. Panels, hands-on workshops and other events offer rare opportunities to engage with established literary voices and rising talent.
The fan-favorite I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival returns Memorial Day weekend. Watch as talented artists transform the pavement in front of Old Mission Santa Barbara with colorful chalk artwork (madonnari means “street painter” in Italian). Artists representing a wide range of local organizations paint throughout the weekend and visitors can admire their gorgeous creations, as well as get a peek at the art process. Make a day of it and pack a picnic to enjoy in the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden afterward — and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.
Starting in May, Butterflies Alive! returns to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Step into an open-air pavilion filled with fluttering butterflies in a lush garden setting. Then, explore oak-shaded trails and creekside paths that connect exhibits on regional wildlife, geology and Chumash culture.
There are plenty of other signature festivals to attend in Santa Barbara — discover more iconic festivals to plan for during your next trip to The American Riviera®.
LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Musical performances and productions come alive at venues across the Santa Barbara South Coast throughout the spring. At the historic Granada Theatre, catch a concert, comedy show or touring production. In the hills of the Riviera, Santa Barbara Bowl pairs breathtaking views of the Pacific with an outdoor concert season that’s in full swing by May. Check out these other venues to see live music in Santa Barbara.
