Those who have journeyed to Santa Barbara at any time of the year are well aware of its stunning year-round weather. However, seasoned travelers of the region know that September stands out as one of the most ideal months to experience The American Riviera®. With fewer crowds, an idyllic climate and a plethora of events and festivals to enjoy, it’s needless to say that September in Santa Barbara provides an unparalleled vacationing experience. From exhilarating outdoor escapades to captivating live performances, continue reading to unveil the abundance of Santa Barbara fun in the fall.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Enjoy Mah Jongg, harbor views and friendly competition at the third annual Tiles on Deck at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum on Sept. 2. The afternoon includes lunch, game play for all skill levels and prizes after each round, with proceeds supporting the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs and community initiatives.
The Santa Barbara Studio Artists’ 2026 Open Studios Tour returns on Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5-7). For four memorable days, artists, gallery owners and art students will open their studios for patrons to discuss and appreciate the art pieces displayed in each gallery along the way. This well-known, highly anticipated event is one of the largest along the Central Coast, so be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about some incredible work in sunny Santa Barbara. For additionally enticing activities happening Labor Day Weekend, view our complete guide.
On Sept. 12-13, discover the unique charm of the Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival, a vibrant coastal event cherished for its local artist collaborations, green initiatives, and inclusive appeal to sea glass enthusiasts, collectors and admirers.
This year, the Goleta Lemon Festival will fall on Sept. 26-27 for a family-friendly weekend at Girsh Park packed with games, a bounce house, obstacle courses, pie-eating contests, a classic car show and more. Goleta boasts plenty of other activities, too — just try these five other fun things to do in The Good Land.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
There are countless ways to spend an extended weekend in the Santa Barbara South Coast, but this Labor Day Weekend and beyond, get inspired to spend it outdoors. Start your morning with a hike at Inspiration Point or a bike ride on a postcard-perfect bike route. For more ways to hit the great outdoors, read this three-day guide for nature lovers for unforgettable ways to revel in Mother Nature’s beauty.
At this time of the year, the sunsets make for a picturesque view of an iconic Santa Barbara golden hour. Experience the magic of the evening glow during a sunset kayak with Cal Coast Adventures, Paddle Sports Center or Santa Barbara Adventure Company, a cruise at sea with SunSwept Sailing, Santa Barbara Sailing Center or Celebration Cruises, dinner on the patio at one of these Santa Barbara restaurants on the beach or a picnic on the sandy shores of Butterfly Beach.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
September in Santa Barbara has a star-studded lineup of performances all month long. Cozy up at the intimate Lobero Theatre, a historic, Spanish Revival-style venue known for its intimate setting, superior acoustics and diverse range of shows, maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement and arts education. See performances from Roger Daltrey (Sept. 1), The Billie Holiday Project (Sept. 5), Roger McGuinn (Sept. 12), The Papas and Mamas: Tribute Band (Sept. 16), Cowboy Junkies (Sept. 20), A.J. Croce (Sept. 23), Two Legends. One Night: The Tina Turner/Rod Stewart Tribute (Sept. 26), Judy Collins (Sept. 27) and Marty Stuart (Sept. 29).
Sept. 11, experience Fleetwood Mac’s iconic music in a candlelit concert at the Music Academy of the West. Surrounded by hundreds of candles, talented musicians perform reimagined arrangements of beloved classics and fan favorites in an intimate setting.
The Santa Barbara Bowl is a large, open-air amphitheater nestled in a picturesque hillside of east Santa Barbara, renowned for hosting a wide range of concerts in its scenic, outdoor setting. The roster is not shy of amazing shows, either, including Santana (Sept. 12-13), Earth, Wind & Fire (Sept. 18), Freya Skye (Sept. 19), Brandi Carlile (Sept. 20) and Alabama Shakes (Sept. 25).
BOOK YOUR STAY
Extend your stay (and your dollar) in the Santa Barbara South Coast with a third night free. It’s easy: When you book two nights at participating hotels, your third night is on us. A well-deserved three-day trip to Santa Barbara is calling your name, because two days just isn’t enough. With deals like these, a vacation to The American Riviera® is an easy choice. You’ll thank us later.
