The Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival, now in its third year, takes place over two days at Lobero Theatre. This event honors the area’s deep surfing heritage and the varied approaches of the filmmakers, artists, board shapers and surfers who pioneered the sport. Attendees can enjoy an array of surf exhibitors, local craftspeople, live music, tasty food and artisanal beverages.

Celebrate Juneteenth at the annual Santa Barbara Block Party in the Funk Zone. The celebration will spotlight local Black artists, business owners, and performers, with plenty of free food, dancing and singing for all to enjoy.

Photo credit: @juneteenthsb via Instagram

The Summer Solstice Parade and Festival is a highlight in Santa Barbara County, drawing people from all over the world. This vibrant celebration, now in its 50th year, features stunning artwork, elaborate costumes, and lively performances. It takes place every year on the weekend closest to the summer solstice and offers a fun-filled lineup with a special concert, delicious food and local vendors.

Don’t miss the second annual Santa Barbara Lavender Festival held at Santa Barbara City College. This unique, free arts and crafts festival showcases creativity with a focus on lavender and lavender-themed works. Featuring contributions from over 75 local artisans, lavender farms, and small business owners, it’s a celebration of community and craftsmanship.

The Santa Barbara National Horse Show at Earl Warren Showgrounds is a major and beloved city tradition. The event is divided into two main competitions: the Multi-Breed Show from July 3-7 and the Hunters & Jumpers from July 10-14. Together, these shows draw over 150 competitors. Besides the competitions, attendees can enjoy numerous other activities such as Picture Perfect Pony Photo Opportunities, guided tours of the facility, various food vendors and more.

If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day, Santa Barbara’s waterfront is the place to be. Enjoy a day full of festive, family-friendly activities including free live music and dance performances on the beach, courtesy of the PARC Foundation. The highlight of the day will be a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display by Garden State Fireworks, sponsored by the City’s Waterfront Department.

Photo credit: Fritz Olenberger

The California Wine Festival, spanning two days, features an array of wineries showcasing their best at Chase Palm Park. The event begins with a wine tasting and educational seminar on Friday evening. Saturday’s activities move beachside, offering tastings of over 250 wines from 70 wineries, alongside food from top chefs and various vendors. Highlights include a barbecue competition among Santa Barbara’s finest chefs and pop-up shops to explore, all enhanced by the ocean breeze.

The Santa Barbara Antique, Decorative Arts & Vintage Show and Sale at Earl Warren Showgrounds is a premier event for antiques, vintage items and decorative arts on the West Coast. With over 60 top dealers from across the nation, the showroom offers a vast selection of goods ranging from the 17th century to the mid-20th century. Explore an eclectic mix of items including Tiffany pieces, furniture, jewelry, paintings, silver, China, pottery, lighting, textiles, Native American and vintage fashion, oriental rugs, mid-century modern pieces and many other rare finds.

Each August, which is Santa Barbara’s official Pride Month, the Pacific Pride Foundation hosts the annual Pacific Pride Festival at Chase Palm Park. This all-day celebration honors the LGBTQ+ community from Santa Barbara and beyond. With around 30 vendors, attendees can explore a variety of booths offering local food, crafts, and information from organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. This event is a highlight of Santa Barbara’s Pride celebrations.
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.

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.

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 Cage the Elephant (July 3), Ziggy Marley (July 21), Rebelution (Aug. 14 and 15) 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. The summer lineup features local vendors like High Seas Mead, Topa Topa Brewing, Fess Parker Winery and more.
Cost: $85/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: Included in museum admission.

Photo by: @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 $30/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: $85/person