August brings some of the Santa Barbara South Coast’s best weather and some of its best events. Start the month off strong with Old Spanish Days Fiesta, one of the area’s most popular festivals, join the Pacific Pride Foundation’s beachside Pride celebration or take part in the city’s annual triathlon. The American Riviera® is teeming with activities during the month of August, so we’re here to help you plan in advance for a perfect stay.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Old Spanish Days Fiesta is the event locals and visitors wait for all year, featuring live performances, traditional cuisine, multiple mercados (markets) and dancing. The highlight of the event is the spectacular Desfile Histórico (historical parade), featuring hundreds of horses, floats and bands along scenic Cabrillo Boulevard.
Free Summer Cinema, a program presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures, is one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved summertime traditions. Head to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse’s Sunken Garden to catch an outdoor screening before the summer series comes to a close.
Santa Barbara’s craft beverage scene meets the open water during Sipping on the Sea, a monthly tasting cruise aboard the Double Dolphin. Come aboard and sample a curated selection of local beer and wine as the coastline drifts by at sunset.
The annual Pacific Pride Festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community of Santa Barbara and beyond each August. Enjoy local food, artisan goods and a lively celebration of community and Pride at this popular event.
Revered as one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country, the Santa Barbara Triathlon returns each August. Events combine swimming, cycling and running, with courses showcasing views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Barbara coastline.
KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
What better time for you and the family to experience an outdoor adventure in one of California’s most unique enclaves? For vacation inspiration, look to this three-day Santa Barbara guide curated specifically for families.
Dive into a thrilling surf session (or lesson) with Santa Barbara Surf School or Surf Happens Premier Surf School. Enjoy a leisurely picnic at one of these popular beaches. Lace up your hiking boots and conquer scenic trails offering panoramic views of the coastline. Or, just enjoy a beachfront meal at these Santa Barbara restaurants. For more ways to enjoy some fun in the sun, explore this guide to family-friendly outdoor activities in Santa Barbara.
Step inside the butterfly pavilion at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for an up-close encounter with tropical butterflies during Butterflies Alive! Watch these colorful creatures flutter through the immersive garden setting and learn about their life cycle and behavior. The seasonal exhibit continues through the summer.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
There’s no shortage of exhilarating concerts to attend in August — especially at the open-air Santa Barbara Bowl in east Santa Barbara. This iconic amphitheater boasts a stacked lineup of touring artists throughout the summer season.
In downtown Santa Barbara, the Granada Theatre hosts an array of performances, while the iconic Lobero Theatre provides an intimate setting for live music and performing arts. Both theaters are historic landmarks that double as breathtakingly beautiful venues — step inside and see for yourself.