During the month of April, Spring is in full bloom in Santa Barbara, and events for the whole family are almost as plentiful as the poppies that blossom on Figueroa Mountain. Soak up some rays at the 49th Annual Earth Day Festival, and catch your favorite band performing at one of California’s most incredible music venues. Sip beer from all over the coast, or spend the day at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Here’s a list of activities and events happening in Santa Barbara during the month of April:
SANTA BARBARA BOWL
The Santa Barbara Bowl’s jam-packed 2019 Concert Season will kick off during the month of April, including performances by Blood Orange + Christine and the Queens (April 18), Zedd (April 19) and The 1975 (April 21). Perched in the Santa Barbara foothills, overlooking downtown and the expansive Pacific Ocean, the intimate 4,900-seat outdoor amphitheater is simply an unforgettable venue. Snag a pre-show drink on the upper terrace and relish in the sunset-drenched vista before dancing the night away. The Santa Barbara Bowl is nearby a myriad of late-night food joints should the urge strike post-concert. Learn More
EL DÍA DEL NIÑO
Join the Santa Barbara Zoo in celebrating “El Día Del Niño” (Day of the Child), April 7, 2019, with Spanish-language music, a children’s talent show, delicious food, and fun for all. Entrance to the event is free with zoo admission, so you and your little ones can experience the entire zoo tour in addition to the festivities. Peruse the exotic animal enclosures, learn about wildlife conservation and make lasting memories at the Santa Barbara Zoo this April. Learn More
BUCKLES ‘N’ BREWS INVITATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL
Saddle up Santa Barbara! In its third year, the Buckles ‘N’ Brews Invitational Beer Festival, April 20, 2019, is a showcase of over 30 select craft breweries and wineries at the recently renovated Santa Barbara Carriage Museum. Explore the vintage carriage displays while sipping on cold beer, and bop along to live music from local talent all afternoon. Participating breweries include the likes of M. Special Brewing Company, Lucky Dogg Winery, Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Institution Ale Co., Ballast Point Brewing Company, and more. Learn More
49TH ANNUAL SANTA BARBARA EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
Known as the birthplace of Earth Day, you can expect Santa Barbara to pull out all stops for the 49th Annual Earth Day Festival, April 27-28, 2019. Established back in 1970, the free weekend-long festival is held every April with two full days of entertainment, education and community-building as well as a beer and wine garden featuring local libations for the public to partake in. Don’t miss the ‘Homegrown Roots Zone’ that connects attendees with local farmers, food and beverage artisans, and craftspeople selling their wares. Come celebrate our beautiful planet with friends, family, and neighbors. Learn More
SANTA BARBARA FOUNDING DAY FESTIVAL
Commemorate 236 years of rich history at the Santa Barbara Founding Day Festival, April 27, 2019. Held at the origin of Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, the festival is an opportunity to experience life in late-1700s Santa Barbara through colonial cooking, pottery making, heritage gardening, Chumash storytelling, archaeology, and more. Bring the whole family to enjoy an afternoon of living history stations, exciting stage performances, and educational tours that examine the history and culture of California. Learn more
HIKING IN SANTA BARBARA
As the fragrant, colorful wildflowers start to bloom all over Santa Barbara’s statuesque mountains and beachside enclaves, no time is better than April to explore the area’s beautiful landscape and hike to new peaks. Discover hundreds of different species of flora and breathe in the fresh spring air as you traverse the trails that span across the Santa Ynez Mountains. Santa Barbara’s vast terrain offers numerous hikes with varying degrees of difficulty, so there is always a path that fits your speed. Or, if leisurely strolls are more your style, head over to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for a refreshing walk through the vivid greenery. Learn More