The very best in cultural and entertainment activities.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta

Santa Barbara's rich heritage comes alive during the first week in August with the music, dance, and pageantry of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the granddaddy of city celebrations, reaching back to 1925.

The 5-day party opens with La Fiesta Pequena - the little festival - on the steps of the Old Mission Santa Barbara, with traditional flamenco and folklorico dance performances.

Santa Barbara has a variety of hotel accommodations for event-goers to choose from, including many with seasonal offers so you can fiesta all weekend long.

Viva la Fiesta!

-July 30th - August 3rd-

Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest

Come celebrate the art of cinema at the historic Alhecama Theater in downtown Santa Barbara for the Second Annual Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest! Enjoy a weekend of a wide range of films all produced by an impressive selection of independent and youth filmmakers.

The festival is a great reason to visit the city and experience its vibrant culture and arts scene. With its diverse selection of films and networking opportunities, the Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest is a great event that celebrates the art of filmmaking.

- September 19th - 21st - Recurring Daily -

HOWL: Harvest Moon

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 Harvest Moon. Let your crazy out and vibe to Val-Mar Records spinning vinyl, play some classic board games and get lost in the experience.

This is a free event, but feel free to RSVP and follow Hotel Californian on Instagram for the latest news and highlights.

-October 6th - 5:00 - 10:00pm -

Boo at the Zoo

With six nights of "spell-a-bration," there's plenty of time to get into the Halloween spirit as the Zoo offers safe trick-or-treating and "monster-ous" thrills and chills.

As one of Santa Barbara's most beloved Halloween happenings, Boo at the Zoo, held on on Oct. 18-20 & 25-27, features trick-or-treating, Zoo Train rides, a hay bale maze, creepy-crawly animal encounters, mad science experiments, bounce houses, dancing, and more! Tasty treats and booo-zy adult beverages are available for purchase.

-Boo at the zoo will be held Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26- 5:00 - 8:00pm-