Don't miss Santa Barbara in

November

Fall in love with November in Santa Barbara with activities for every traveler—the outdoorsy and active bunch, self-proclaimed foodies, live music- and entertainment-lovers—and everyone in between. Immerse yourself in the outdoors with a yoga and breathwork workshop on Stearns Wharf, browse antiques and vintage wares at the Santa Barbara Antique Decorative Arts & Vintage Show or spend the afternoon exploring (and sipping) at world-renowned vineyards within Santa Barbara wine country.

With so many ways to sip and savor your way through fall in The American Riviera®, these events and activities are sure to make for an unforgettable trip.

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EVENTS

There’s no shortage of local events happening, and November starts off strong with the Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival (Nov. 1-5) at The New Vic, which celebrates Jewish culture, history and identity through the art of film. Grab a post-movie bite at Santa Barbara Public Market from variety of different vendors featuring cuisines from Mexican, Japanese, Thai culture and so much more, or sit down and unwind with a signature cocktail at Benchmark Eatery

Runners from near and far travel to Santa Barbara to partake in the Santa Barbara Half Marathon (Nov. 5), featuring the 13.1-mile run and a 5K course—both of which start at the iconic Cabrillo Boulevard and end on State Street. This year, the event expands across the entire weekend with a “Golden Hour” warmup along the coast featuring live music (Nov. 3). Have kids in tow? Santa Barbara Half Marathon will host a “Family Day” festival with bubbles, face painting, games and more (Nov. 4) and a free children’s run (Nov. 5)—making it a fun, cardio-filled weekend for the whole family. Connect with your inner self this fall with a yoga and breathwork workshop (Nov. 12) hosted by Power of Your Om Yoga Studio on the iconic Stearns Wharf.

Gather on Nov. 11 at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara for the 78 Years of Diving & Discovery Gala to honor explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau’s remarkable 78 years of ocean exploration and commitment to the planet. Witness never-before-seen footage of Cousteau’s explorations, dance and exquisite food, all while supporting Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society’s mission to champion marine conservation. Throughout the weekend, guests will also enjoy an eco-hike and breakfast with Cousteau himself in addition to an ocean discovery cruise aboard popular whale watching boat, Condor Express.

Beginning Nov. 11, the popular holiday pop-up Miracle brings all things merry and bright to life inside Pearl Social. Step into a world of Christmas with cheery décor, interactive displays and one-of-a-kind festive cocktails. ZooLights is also making an anticipated return to the Santa Barbara Zoo starting Nov. 15 , where you’re invited to admire how art and light installations can merge to create a spectacular walkthrough experience in one of California’s most delightful zoos.

Explore vintage furniture and home décor from decades past at the Santa Barbara Antique Decorative Arts & Vintage Show and Sale at Earl Warren Showgrounds (Nov. 17-19), featuring pieces dating back to the 17th century in addition to rare mid-century gems. The monthly Farmer and the Flea Market is slated for Nov. 18, highlighting locally curated vintage clothing items, noteworthy handmade wares and unique flea market finds at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Close out the Santa Barbara Bowl concert season with shows from Billy & The Kids (Nov. 2) and Kenny Loggins (Nov. 4). SOhO Restaurant and Music Club is bustling with live music shows—featuring a wide variety of genres!—in November, beginning with Monophonics with Sextones (Nov. 9) and Stop Light Observations (Nov. 10).

Over at at the Granada Theatre, here are the shows and performances you don’t want to miss: Kristin Chenoweth takes the stage on Nov. 5 for an evening of modern tunes with a twist from the past. On Nov. 8 and 9 (respectively), enjoy the best of classical music with performances from Midori with Festival Strings Lucerne (Europe’s most distinguished string orchestra) and American Railroad: Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens, an ensemble originally conceived by none other than Yo-Yo Ma. Celebrate the music of Van Morrison with cover band Doublewide Kings and the Santa Barbara Symphony join forces on Nov. 11.

Sit back and enjoy an evening with pianist Sir Stephen Hough at Lobero Theatre on Nov. 16, Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited on Nov. 17 and James Garner‘s tribute to Johnny Cash on Nov. 30.

FALLING FOR LOCAL FOOD & WINE

Join Winemaker Greg Freeman and Executive Chef Travis Watson for a winemaker dinner with Santa Barbara County wines on Nov. 16 at Blackbird in the famous Hotel Californian. The evening begins with a meet-and-greet on the patio, followed by an innovative four-course meal made with fresh, local ingredients, each paired perfectly with a variety of local wines.

Keep your glass full all month long and let the professionals be your guide when you during a wine tour, where guests can taste Santa Barbara wine country’s best in vine (the region is best known for its chardonnay and pinot noir). Discover more unique ways to wine in Santa Barbara.

Embark on the three-and-a-half hour foodie adventure, Taste of Santa Barbara Food Walking Tour with Santa Barbara Tasting Tours, which makes stops at six different quintessential Santa Barbara restaurants, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the rich history of Santa Barbara and its culinary past.

Every Tuesday afternoon, Bouchon Santa Barbara Chef Greg Murphy hosts a Farmers Market Foodie Stroll and Gourmet Dinner, where guests are guided in selecting farm-fresh ingredients for a three-course meal prepared by the chef himself at the restaurant. (Bonus: The meal is paired with local wines, as well.) Tour Santa Barbara’s famed Funk Zone during a Funk Zone Food & Photo Takeout Tour with Eat This, Shoot That! Food and Drink Tours, which includes stops at eight different tasting locations (think: artisan bites, seafood, local wine, authentic Mexican food, etc.) with a knowledgeable tour guide. 

GIVING THANKS

Celebrate the holiday of giving thanks, seaside. Make your Thanksgiving unforgettable this year with these Thanksgiving menus and events in Santa Barbara.

Want more inspiration for your next trip? Check out these epic outdoor fall activities in Santa Barbara.

Featured November Events


Santa Barbara Half Marathon

Nov. 3, 2024

Location: Cabrillo Blvd

Are you ready for your medal? Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the third annual Santa Barbara Half Marathon! Enjoy picturesque views while you run with course options of a13.1 mile distance, a 5K (3.1 miles) as well as kids fun run set…



Howl: Beaver Moon

Nov. 15, 2024

Time:

Expect the unexpected during each new full moon with inventive cocktails by legendary mixologist Devon Espinosa. With personalized Tarot card readings and Runes readings, there's no telling what exciting experiences will unfold during the…



Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov. 24, 2024

Time:

This Thanksgiving, enjoy seasonal wine country cuisine in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara at Bouchon. Enjoy a three-course meal featuring holiday favorites include Bouchon’s mouth-watering Roast Turkey Feast, featuring white and dark…


 

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