Spring Happenings in Santa Barbara

March 1, 2024

We are feeling the transformation from Winter to Spring, moving into a garden party of sunny days, lush greenery, pastel colors and dewy mornings! The longer days and warmer weather are delightful in Santa Barbara. This vibrant city is ready to welcome visitors from all over, offering many exciting new restaurants and events. Discover the captivating lineup of what Santa Barbara has in store for you this spring.

Spring is Hatching, check out what’s going on around town!

Women Winemakers Events; Celebrating International Women's Day

March 6-10, 2024

“International Women’s Day has been celebrated on March 8th worldwide since 1909, with a focus on working women’s achievements and issues. In a working environment that sees about 10% of the global wine industry as female lead winemakers, Karen Steinwachs, co-founder of the annual Women Winemakers Celebration, said, “Santa Barbara County sees a much higher percentage of women winemakers than most regions in the world – with nearly double the average. We work hard, but also like to play hard and give back to the community, so we are thrilled to continue to celebrate our industry and region at this annual celebration.””

“The four-day celebration will bring together a varied sampling of the County’s female winemakers in a show of support for each other, and other working women, world-wide; those who toil and labor while honing and elevating their craft in their workplace, while also balancing work-lives with family and community service.”

Photo and information courtesy of Santa Barbara Women Wine Makers

The 76th Annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

March 8-10, 2024

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious orchid shows in the United States, reflecting the rich agricultural and orchid-growing history of Santa Barbara County. Visitors from all over the world return each March to delight in our grand orchid displays installed by local, national and international artisans and orchid enthusiasts. Exhibits of orchid art, photography and floral arrangements, in addition to a comprehensive workshop and demonstration schedule, provide visitors with a rich and unique orchid experience.

Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara -The American Riviera

805 Night Market

March 16-17, 2024

Location: Earl Warren Showgrounds

Get Tickets Here

Experience the pulsating heart and vibrant energy of the 805 Night Market, set amidst the iconic backdrop of the renowned Earl Warren Showgrounds this October. As dusk settles, the showgrounds will come alive, transforming into a nocturnal oasis that captures the essence of the 805 region's rich culture, tantalizing flavors, and diverse entertainment offerings.

Photo and information courtesy of 805 Night Market

The Great Easter Egg Hunt at Rosewood Miramar Beach

Date: April 9th, 2023

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

Location: Rosewood Miramar Beach

The Great Easter Egg Hunt returns to Miramar! This year, Rosewood Miramar Beach is hosting two Easter Egg Hunts on their scenic event lawn. The first hunt, designed for children aged 6 and under, will commence at 10 AM, followed by a second hunt for kids aged 7 and up at 11 AM. Bring your whole family to celebrate Easter on the American Riviera, and don’t miss the chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself! Please note that reservations are required for this event.

Photo and information courtesy of Rosewood Hotels

The Great Egg Hunt at Elings Park

April 8 from 9am to 12pm

Elings Park offers an expansive view of Santa Barbara, and what better than to get the whole family out in the fresh spring air for an Easter egg hunt? Come out and enjoy the sunshine, music by Bonnie, Lily Sky and Santa Barbara Face Painters, Luna’s Jumps and two Easter bunnies! This year there will be 20,000 candy-filled eggs for kids ages zero to 10. The event starts at 9am and the first egg hunt will begin at 10 a.m.

Cost: Admission is free. Pre-paid VIP parking is $20 and general parking is $10.

Photo and information courtesy of Santa Barbara - The American Riviera

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival

April 27 - 28, 2024

Explore two days dedicated to stepping into climate leadership. Join in on conversations with climate leaders, get into the groove with musical performances and art contests, build community and connect with eco-minded exhibitors, and learn how you can lean into climate action. This festival is the longest-running and most consistently held public Earth Day celebration in the U.S. and is thought to be one of the largest on the West Coast. The festival will be featuring sustainable, local foods, a beer and wine garden, and over 200 eco-conscious exhibitors.

Free Admission.

Photo and information courtesy of Santa Barbara - The American Riviera

I Madonnari

May 2024

Also known as the Italian Street Painting Festival, Santa Barbara hosts "I Madonnan" every Memorial Day Weekend, right in front of the Santa Barbara Mission. Various local artists display 150 large pastel images scattered throughout the Mission plaza. Admission is free and the festival benefits the Children's Creative Project, a nonprofit arts education program of Santa Barbara County.

Free Admission.

Photo and information courtesy of the Children's Creative Project

Santa Barbara Bowl

Visit Website for Concert Dates

Discover the iconic Santa Barbara Bowl, nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara. Since 1936, this outdoor music venue has enchanted audiences with its scenic beauty. With a seating capacity of up to 4,562, every section offers a fantastic view for dancing and enjoying the show. As you enter through the corner of Milpas and Anapamu Streets, immerse yourself in the charm of the oak trees and shaded paths that lead to the intimate venue at the base of the Riviera neighborhood.

The Santa Barbara Bowl presents a lineup of incredible concerts and performances, with an average of 27 shows from April to November. With perfect weather and ocean views, it's the ideal setting for live entertainment. Before the show, savor the panoramic ocean view and breathtaking sunset while ordering food and drinks from the various concession stands. This stunning amphitheater invites you to rock out to live music, enjoy side-splitting comedy sets, and witness captivating performances. Renowned artists like Jack Johnson, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, and The National hold the Bowl in high regard, often returning for multiple performances.

Prices Vary.

Check out the New and Notable Restaurants in Town!

Lilac Montecito

"Lilac Montecito offers an elevated dinner experience inspired by European and Californian cuisine and featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in a full-service, fine-dining atmosphere. We offer a fresh, delicious take on some of our favorite classic entrees. We also offer a wine list carefully curated by our in-house level-3 certified sommelier as well as some familiar desserts, sourced from our pâtisserie downtown."

Photo and information courtesy of Lilac Montecito

Azul Cocina Artesanal & Catina

“Azul Cocina and Cantina delivers Mexican cuisine and mixology with the finest locally sourced ingredients from Santa Barbara County. Our mission is to deliver an exceptional authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern contemporary twist on flavors and traditions, led by Executive Chef Manny Diaz. Taste the revitalization of Upper-State Street Santa Barbara with lively offerings, fresh local ingredients and incredible seasonal dishes. Pair your cuisine with a unique one-of-kind crafted selection of Tequila and Mezcal flavored cocktails or choose from our array of seasonally selected wines.”

Photo and information courtesy of Azul Cocina SB

Gala

"An eclectic mix of our favorite dishes! Small bites, main courses, seafood specials and a great steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Chilled oysters with an apple cucumber mignonette. Smash wagyu burger or a duck confit. Lot's of cocktails with fresh juices and house infused liquors. Local and Spanish wines. Craft beers. Lively atmosphere with cozy indoor seating and a beautiful patio with heaters."

Photo and information courtesy of Gala

In The News!

The Biltmore: Re-Opening

After a four-year closure and numerous renovations, The Four Seasons Resort will be opening in phases, with phase one opening planned for May 31.

The Biltmore “is planning to partially reopen on May 31. In what he called a soft opening, Mark Lloyd, a private land-use agent for The Biltmore, said the resort’s main buildings will be open and operational as well as 55 guest rooms. […] The resort’s main buildings—A and B, which house the resort’s main lobby, retail space, a restaurant, a bar, a banquet hall and a newly added theater—are all expected to be operational for phase one.” Moreover, “The resort is working on plans to add two swimming pools to the property.”