Sip your way through over 30 breweries and vendors as you roam the Santa Barbara Zoo’s hilltop grounds with ocean views. General admission includes unlimited tastings and a souvenir glass, with pub bites and merchandise available for purchase.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Santa Barbara’s annual Juneteenth Santa Barbara Block Party at Plaza del Mar. This nationwide holiday welcomes everyone to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The Juneteenth celebration will honor local Black artists, business owners, performers and organizations, highlighting free food, dancing, spoken word, singing and more.

Photo credit: Jon Dixon

Drawing visitors from all around the world, the Summer Solstice Parade and Festival is one of the largest art events in Santa Barbara County. Spectators can expect to see vibrant displays of artwork, costumes, performances and more. Each year, this free festival is held the weekend on or after summer solstice, featuring special concert event, delicious food and local merchants.

Catch the third year of the Santa Barbara Lavender Festival, which takes place at Santa Barbara City College. This unique (and free!) arts and crafts festival will celebrate creativity through the artistic expression of lavender and lavender themes, featuring works from over 75 local artisans, lavender farms and small business owners.

It wouldn’t be Fourth of July in Santa Barbara without watching the annual fireworks display by the sea. Each year, the City of Santa Barbara regales locals and visitors alike with an epic night time firework performance along the waterfront, accompanied by a series of festive events to celebrate Independence Day at Stearns Wharf, including a historical cannon firing, face painting, live music and more.

Wineries large and small will show off their wares at the outdoor California Wine Festival. This two-day event kicks off on Friday evening with an educational seminar that compliments a reserve and rare wine tasting. On Saturday, the festivities move beachside for a showcase of over 250 wines from 70 different wineries, and the offerings of noted chefs, food purveyors and wine-related vendors. Enjoy tri-tip from top Santa Barbara-based restaurants as local chefs compete for best barbecue! As the cool ocean breeze wafts the sweet tang of barbecue through the beer tents, grab a plate and browse the various pop-up shops throughout the festival.

Santa Barbara’s rich heritage comes alive the first week of August with the music, dance and pageantry of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the granddaddy of city celebrations, reaching back to 1925. Mark your calendars for the first week of August and heed this guide for the ultimate Fiesta experience.

The eagerly anticipated Santa Barbara Greek Festival is back for its 51st year this June, promising an unforgettable cultural celebration and debuting a new venue: Chase Palm Park. Prepare for an extraordinary event this year, where The 4 Greeks will energize the atmosphere with their vibrant music. Envision yourself enjoying a chilled Greek beer in one hand and a delicious gyro in the other, fully immersed in the infectious ambiance.

The Pacific Pride Foundation hosts its annual Pacific Pride Festival at the end of each August — which is Santa Barbara’s official Pride Month — featuring an all-day event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community of Santa Barbara and beyond, at Chase Palm Park. With roughly 30 vendors in attendance, explore booths featuring local food, artisans and organizations championing LGBTQ+ rights at this popular Santa Barbara Pride celebration.

Photo credit: @kao_wonder via Instagram

Each Labor Day weekend, the Santa Barbara Studio Artists’ Open Studios Tour makes its return, offering a celebrated chance to meet some of the area’s most talented artists and see their creative processes up close.

Pints for the Park is back, serving up craft beer, cider, wine and kombucha from over 20 local purveyors at Elings Park. Sip, snack and shop while enjoying food trucks, live music from DJ Darla Bea, lawn games and lounge areas. Admission includes a souvenir glass, with all proceeds supporting the largest privately funded park in the U.S.

Santa Barbara, a hub for artisans, makers and designers who cherish local craftsmanship, offers the perfect setting to celebrate art made from the ocean’s natural treasures. The Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival is your one-stop-shop to find beautiful sea glass jewelry and discover ocean-themed art inspired by this coastal paradise. It’s a wonderful opportunity to shop for unique gifts and enjoy the artistic creativity of the region.

The 5th Annual Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival honors the city’s deep surf roots and the artists, filmmakers, shapers and surfers who shaped its story. Catch two days of screenings and celebrations at the historic Lobero Theatre.

A quintessential summer getaway to Santa Barbara always includes listening to live music and entertainers under the stars at the intimate Santa Barbara Bowl. With 4,500 seats, each view provides an ocean view set in the foothills of Santa Barbara’s Riviera neighborhood. This year, catch shows like Lake Street Dive (June 28), Father John Misty (July 24), Shakey Graves & Trampled by Turtles (Aug. 22), Goo Goo Dolls (Sept. 6) and more.

Photo credit: @killdevilfalls via Instagram

The artists of Santa Barbara gather together each Sunday to line Cabrillo Boulevard from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez at 10 a.m. until dusk. Featuring all original artwork by local artists, this show is the only continuous, non-juried arts festival of original drawings, paintings, graphics, sculpture, crafts and photography in the world. You’re going to want extra space in your suitcase to bring one-of-a-kind treasures and souvenirs for loved ones back home.
Cost: Admission is free

Photo credit: Jay Sinclair

Take advantage of a beloved local tradition: The free outdoor cinema series presented seasonally by UCSB’s Arts & Lectures on Friday evenings. The Summer Courthouse Film Series features films from across the decades and is set in the courthouse’s sunken gardens, with the architectural landmark building adding drama to the picturesque backdrop. As early as noon on film days, attendees can save a spot with a picnic blanket or low-back chairs on the Santa Barbara Courthouse lawn. Guests are also encouraged to bring food and beverages to enjoy with the film and a cozy layer is recommended to stay warm after the sun goes down.
Cost: Admission is free

Set sail with the fresh ocean breeze and a chilled glass of local libations at Sipping on the Sea. Every third Thursday from May through October, Double Dolphin features a local winery or brewery representative to pour tastings and educate on their selection of local sips. Bask in the golden glow of a famed Santa Barbara sunset near the end of your two-hour excursion.
Cost: $101.68 per person (21+ only)

The butterflies have returned to Sprague Butterfly Pavilion! Take a peaceful stroll through the lush enclosed garden and learn about local and exotic varieties of butterflies this summer. This is the perfect summer activity for all ages and is a beautiful extension to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, teeming with rich knowledge of the area. 
Cost: $3 per person in addition to museum admission.

Photo credit: @michellelaurenphotography via Instagram

Plan a visit to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for a Sunday Polo match, where ladies don their finest hats and gentlemen dress to the nines to watch the thrilling equine sport. Revel in the speed and agility of both the jockeys and horses, and graze on a tasty charcuterie platter under shaded awnings—and maybe even catch a glimpse of Prince Harry on the field. The pristine grass and stunning mountain views make an unforgettable backdrop to gaze at while sipping champagne and cheering on the players.
Cost: Tickets start at $35 per person.

Waves of music! Join Santa Barbara Sailing Center for a unique experience aboard the Double Dolphin. This 50-foot cruising catamaran sets sail every Friday evening between Memorial Day and October for a “Music on the Water” Sunset Cruise. See some of Santa Barbara’s local musicians perform while enjoying the sunset and soaking up the majestic views of the Santa Barbara coastline. Some of annual local lineup includes artists Justin Claveria, Ross Harper and David Segall. 
Cost: $101.68 per person.