Events & Activities in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a hub for unique festivals, lively events, rich cultural traditions, and so much more. It’s what draws locals and guests back to its heart year after year. No matter the time of year, there are things to do in Santa Barbara that cater to every mood, personality, and pace.
If you’re wondering what to do in Santa Barbara, we have more than enough events, activities, and other fun stuff to fill your itinerary for your upcoming trip and future getaways.
There are day-long extravaganzas to weekend-long celebrations. You’ll find annual events with decades of history, as well as new and modern happenings that keep Santa Barbara an innovative and contemporary destination.
Many of the major events and activities that have come to define Santa Barbara include:
- Arts and Culture: With the city’s picture-perfect weather, there are plenty of outdoor events, including film festivals, theater productions, gallery exhibitions, and open-air concerts.
- Culinary Scene: Santa Barbara is a premier wine destination, with several nearby wineries and regional wine-tasting events. Don’t overlook the city’s unique food trucks and high-end farm-to-table cuisine.
- Long-lasting Traditions: Santa Barbara loves a city-wide celebration. Look for colorful parades and energetic dancing that honor the region’s heritage.
- Outdoors & Wellness: From beachside yoga to stunning hiking trails, Santa Barbara offers plenty of local experiences that will heal your soul and fuel your well-being.
This page offers an overview of Santa Barbara’s events and activities as well as a reference for future happenings in the city. Check back often—seasonal highlights are always changing.
If you’d like to speak with someone right away about events and activities to do in Santa Barbara, please call us at 805-617-0438.

