This weekend in Santa Barbara, CA

The Santa Barbara Golf Classic is an open stroke play event in a two-person better ball format, set up for both men and women golfers. Teams will compete in a fun, scenic round at Santa Barbara Golf Club, with one championship flight plus several net flights, including a women’s net flight. Registration includes the green fee, cart fee, range balls, prize fund, and a tee prize. Golfers must be at least 18 years old and have a maximum handicap of 18.

A relaxed meet-up at Porsche Santa Barbara pairs coffee and car culture with a technology-focused talk. Attendees can connect with fellow enthusiasts and take part in an informative session that complements the casual cars and conversation format. The gathering centers on community, learning, and the shared enjoyment of automotive topics.

Explore watercolor by creating a scenic piece with guidance from Lorraine. The session takes place at Goleta Presbyterian Church. Most supplies will be provided, and participants should bring their own brushes and a container for water. Advance registration is required. The cost is 20 dollars for members and 25 dollars for nonmembers.

Settle in for a short, ocean themed storytime inside the Dive In exhibit, where Sea Center staff and volunteers share engaging tales of the sea. The program welcomes all ages and is especially enjoyable for children 10 and under. The session lasts about 15 minutes. Participation is included with regular Sea Center admission, and members attend at no additional cost. All areas of the Sea Center are ADA accessible.

The 29th edition of the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival takes place at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Tickets are available for purchase.

A Singles Pickleball Mixer invites local singles to connect through friendly games and easy conversation. The focus is a fun, natural, pressure-free way to meet people, with no awkward speed dating and no endless swiping. Expect pickleball, laughter, and plenty of chances to chat courtside. New players are fully supported with instruction provided and loaner paddles available, so first-timers can jump in with confidence. All skill levels are welcome. Whether seeking a relationship, new friends, or simply a different kind of night out, this mixer offers an active, social setting away from the apps.

Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments have returned to Metro Entertainment, a destination for comics, games, toys, and more. The competition includes OTS packs and brings together the local Yu-Gi-Oh community.

Come watch the August 2026 Long Form Pony Show, an in-person improv showcase where long-form indie teams take the stage, show off their stride, and compete to be named the audience favorite. It’s a friendly laugh-off for both green teams and seasoned performers, with only one team taking home Best in Show. Children 12 and under are free.

At the Palmer Observatory at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the observatory opens the building and its roof for stargazing through a 20-inch telescope. Museum Astronomy Programs staff and members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit guide views of the Moon’s craters, nebulae, distant galaxies, and more. This recurring monthly event is free and welcoming to all, with no tickets or registration needed. Plans depend on the weather, so cloudy or rainy conditions may lead to cancellation. Start times vary throughout the year, with winter offering earlier evenings that work well for kids, and the later part of the night is typically calmer for those who stay.

Experience ocean-themed storytelling as Sea Center staff and volunteers share tales of the sea in the middle of the Dive In exhibit. This 15-minute storytime welcomes all ages and is especially engaging for children 10 and under. Participation is included with Sea Center admission, and members are free. All Sea Center spaces are ADA accessible.