Events in Santa Barbara County today

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel transforms its space into an open mic where travelers and locals can share music, poetry, stories, comedy, dance, speeches, and more. A keyboard and guitar are provided, and performers are welcome to bring their own instruments or simply support the crowd. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a fire pit to gather around and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. It is low pressure and community focused, centered on good energy and great company.

The Santa Barbara City Firefighters 23rd Charity Golf Classic brings the community together for a day of golf, camaraderie, and giving. As the flagship fundraiser for the Santa Barbara City Firefighters Association, the tournament welcomes residents, local businesses, and Fire Department personnel to rally behind charitable causes. It serves as the cornerstone of the association’s charity fund, generating support for a broad range of community initiatives and nonprofit partners.

Cross a creative task off your list in a relaxed, supportive studio setting. Bring a nearly finished piece to polish up or finally dive into a long-awaited idea, then settle into the EE Makerspace for a friendly co-working style session with tea and cookies. Participants ages 13 and up have access to shared work tables, upcycled materials, and tools such as a laser cutter, a Cricut, sewing machines, a serger, basic hand tools, glue guns, a tracing table, a soldering iron, and block printing tools. General admission is $15, and advance registration is recommended. Workshop participants may also arrive ahead of the session for an exclusive pre-workshop offer at Art From Scrap that includes a free bucket of bulk materials and 50% off all non-bulk items, a handy way to gather treasures for your project.

Part of National Earth Science Week, this hands-on program invites all ages to explore how geologic and topographic maps reveal the landscape. Try your hand at coloring a geologic map and team up to complete a geologic map puzzle. Activities are included with Museum admission, and Members receive free admission.

Jon McLaughlin performs in a show open to all ages. Dinner service is available in the stage room.

An evening of sacred kirtan with touring sadhaka and bhakti artist Jordan Loder unfolds at Santa Barbara Yoga Center, inviting inner calm, healing, music, and communal song. This stop is part of his 49-date Singing Our Hearts Wide Open tour across the United States, Canada, and Hawaii. Centered on call-and-response chanting, the gathering offers a gentle space to breathe deeply, release what no longer serves, share both laughter and tears, sing together, and connect with community. Jordan spent close to a decade on the road supporting artists including Snatam Kaur, Deva Premal and Miten, Ajeet, Simrit, and Adam Bauer as a tour manager and sound engineer. He now shares his own devotional music, continuing the tradition as he travels. His kirtan is known for tenderness, authenticity, and introspection, nurturing a sense of deep healing and genuine togetherness. With an easy lightness and a childlike sense of wonder, the music points toward a feeling of spiritual unity. Professional sound, ambient lighting, and projected lyrics support the experience, shaped by more than two decades of production work behind the scenes for renowned artists. GuruGanesha of Spirit Voyage Music has praised his approach for transmitting unconditional love and devotion and for opening the door to an ecstatic encounter with the universal spirit. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, offering room to open the heart and build lasting connections through the healing power of chant.

Ingrid Michaelson brings her Cozy Fall Trio Tour to Lobero Theatre with Allie Moss and Hannah Winkler. The GRAMMY and Emmy nominated artist is celebrated for a soulful folk pop sound. She releases music on Cabin 24 Records, the label she founded, including the studio album For the Dreamers. Her catalog includes gold and platinum singles like The Way I Am, Girls Chase Boys, and You and I.

This cycling event in Santa Barbara showcases the American Riviera with sweeping ocean views and the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop. Participants can select a 100 mile century, two 100 kilometer options that include a climbing-focused route featuring the Gibraltar climb and a coastal alternative, as well as a 34 mile course. On the route, riders will find supported aid stations and on course mechanical assistance. The start and finish are at Chase Palm Park, followed by a post ride celebration in the Vendor Village with food, beverages, and live entertainment. The event supports MOVE Santa Barbara County in promoting safer streets and expanded cycling opportunities.

In Orcutt, a fall artisan faire brings together more than forty local makers, artists, creatives, and young entrepreneurs for a community-focused day with a fun spooky twist. Attendees can browse handmade and one of a kind creations, discover art from local talent, and pick up cozy seasonal goods, all while enjoying live music. The event spotlights small businesses and kid vendors, encouraging connections with the people behind each piece and celebrating the craft in a warm, welcoming marketplace.

The Westmont Golf Classic is moving to Santa Barbara Golf Club. The event will take place at this new location.

Yu-Gi-Oh returns to Metro Entertainment, a destination for comics, games, toys, and more. Tournament play is back, and OTS packs are part of the experience.

Close out the Summer Concert Series with a high energy performance by The Nombres. This free show invites the crowd to dance, sing along, and savor one last evening of summer vibes. A cash bar will be available with beer, wine, seltzers, and nonalcoholic options. Guests may bring their own snacks, but outside alcohol is not permitted. The concert takes place in the Koch Courtyard at the Carpinteria Arts Center, offering a lively setting to celebrate the season’s finale.

MUNA brings the Gets So Hot Tour to Santa Barbara Bowl, featuring hemlocke springs as the special guest. The show is presented by Goldenvoice and AEG Presents.

After the all Gaucho reunion, continue the celebration at the after party at Soho Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara. Connect with fellow attendees and wrap up the occasion together.

This memorial open and masters track and field meet at Westmont College honors Beverly Lewis and celebrates competition across age groups.

In Orcutt, families can enjoy a Halloween themed celebration filled with fairytale vibes and a hint of spooky fun. The experience includes character performances, meet and greets, a costume parade, a mini dance party, photo opportunities, and a special craft activity reserved for VIP guests. Characters set to appear include Cinderella with her stepsisters Drizella and Anastasia, Belle and Gaston, Ariel and Vanessa (Ursula), the Sanderson Sisters, and the Pumpkin King with Sally. Ticket options are offered for an Adult and Child pair. VIP admission is $75 and includes the full two hour experience plus the VIP craft, while General Admission is $50 and covers the final hour. Capacity is limited, and costumes are encouraged.

An Ohlone Indian and a Franciscan friar come together for a thoughtful conversation about Junípero Serra’s role in California history, presented at the Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library. Featuring Andy Galvan and a special guest, the program offers perspectives informed by lived heritage and religious tradition. Part of an educating conversation series, the format begins with expert insights drawn from deep knowledge, then opens to a lively exchange with attendees. Light refreshments will be available. Andy Galvan is a descendant of the Ohlone Indians of the San Francisco Bay Area. He has served as Curator of Old Mission Dolores since 2004, previously led the California Mission Studies Association before its merger into the California Missions Foundation, is a founding member of that foundation, received the Knox Mellon Lifetime Achievement Award in April 2026, and is President Emeritus of the Ohlone Indian Tribe. Admission is $30 for the public and $25 for members, with proceeds supporting the work of the Archive-Library. RSVP is required. Facebook RSVPs are not counted, and a ticket purchase is needed to confirm attendance. Friends of the Archive-Library is a paid membership program that provides access to research space and additional benefits.

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel hosts a relaxed community potluck that brings together locals and international travelers. Participants share favorite dishes, sweet or savory, around a communal table and connect over travel stories, laughter, and moments of gratitude. The setting is simple and welcoming, with a laid back hostel atmosphere in Santa Barbara. Everyone is welcome, and bringing something to share helps create a global spread. It is a friendly space to meet new people, be present, and enjoy good food in good company.