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.
April
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 2024
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 2024 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.
Santa Barbara Zoo is hosting Earth Day at the Zoo to educate visitors on the impacts of climate change. 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 2024 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 Social Distortion and Bad Religion (April 10), then Willie Nelson (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 Broadway show Little Women at Granada Theatre (April 10 and 11), Fleetwood Mask at Lobero Theatre (April 26) and poetry and conversation from renowned poet Amanda Gorman at Arlington Theatre (April 30).
Discover your next favorite restaurant in town during Santa Barbara Restaurant Week between April 26 through May 5, 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 25 through May 5, 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.
Featured April Events

Celebrating Cinematic Arts: Gustavo Arellano on Gabriel Figueroa
During Santa Barbara International Film Festival (February 4th - 15th), El Encanto is launching a cinematic speaker series, where guests and locals alike can participate in intimate and engaging discussions with interesting thought leaders in the…

Painting in the Vineyard
Are you looking for something unique to do in Santa Barbara County Wine Country? Why not join us at the picturesque Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang to grab a glass of wine and a paintbrush?! You’ll spend the afternoon sipping delicious wine and…

Bruce Cockburn
Lobero LIVE presents Bruce Cockburn on Thursday, April 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM. For 50 years, the Canadian musical legend has been capturing in song the essence of human experience – while fiercely striving to make it better. His guitar playing,…

Brahms’ Requiem
It was a work Brahms labored over for a dozen years. Consoled by the psalms, the gospels, and the prophets, he set their words to his music. Music that would be his grandest. Perhaps even his greatest. Nir Kabaretti is…

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
Explore two days dedicated to stepping into climate leadership. Join in on conversations with climate leaders, get into the groove with musical performances and art contests, build community and connect with eco-minded exhibitors, and learn how to…