Updated August 2023
The end of summer definitely does not signal the end of fun things to do. With all of the amazing fall festivals near Santa Barbara CA, it seems like there are even more activities! We will break it down for you so you don’t miss anything. But don’t wait too long to book your stay at The Eagle Inn; you will want a comfortable place to land after a fun day at the festivals.
There are festivals this year to satisfy almost anyone’s interests; from amazing seafood, to film, to wine, and lemons.
Santa Barbara Studio Artists’ Open Studio Tour
September 1-4, 2023
Various locations,
Opening Night’s Reception at the Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St, Santa Barbara
Tour 28 artists’ studios over Labor Day Weekend during the Open Studio Tour. This is a unique opportunity to meet the artist, see their work, and gain insight into the creative process.
Santa Barbara Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival
September 9-10, 2023
Elks Lodge #613, 150 Kellogg Ave, Santa Barbara
Come to one of only two festivals on the West Coast spotlighting hand-made, ocean-themed art and sea glass jewelry. The Santa Barbara Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival is the perfect place to find a celebration of all things beachy!
Margaritas Y Más Festival
September 23, 1 pm – 4 pm
Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd, Santa Barbara
Margaritas Y Más Festival is the place to try tastings of tequila and mezcal either in a signature cocktail or unadorned. There will be multiple purveyors from Mexico and elsewhere, along with food available from food trucks, jumbo lawn games, and live music.
Goleta Lemon Festival
September 30 & October 1, 2023, starting at 10 am
Grish Park, Goleta
You may ask, why a lemon festival? Goleta’s streets and hillsides are lined with lemon trees as a result of the work of Edgar Stow of Rancho La Patera. He realized that the Goleta climate was perfect for this tart citrus fruit. This year, for the 30th year, the town of Goleta has celebrated its lemons with the Lemon Festival. There are numerous vendors with differing treats, all containing lemon. There is a lemon pie eating contest and a Classic Car and Street Rod show (no lemons allowed here). Stroll through the arts and crafts vendors, and listen to live music.
California Avocado Festival
October 6-8, 2023
Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve, Carpinteria
The California Avocado Festival not only celebrates the healthy and beloved fruit but is one of the largest free music festivals, with over 75 acts on four stages.
Santa Barbara Vintner’s Festival
October 14, 2023
Vega Vineyard and Farm, Buellton CA
The Santa Barbara Vintner’s Festival is the largest wine tasting in Santa Barbara. The main event is on Saturday, October 8, with the Grand Tasting under numerous tents. You may taste wines from over 50 wineries, along with food purveyors and lots of live music.
Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
October 21, 2023, starting at 10 am
Harbor Way, Santa Barbara
Come to the Santa Barbara Harbor and Seafood Festival and see tall ships, Coast Guard cutters, along with fire boat demonstrations. Enjoy the bounty of the sea with lobster, crab, oysters and prawns, sea urchin uni, albacore BBQ, clam chowder, seafood tacos, and gumbo! If, for some reason, you don’t care for seafood, there will be roasted corn, strawberry shortcakes, and hotdogs. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is sponsoring a special wine and seafood pairing created by four local chefs.
Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival
November 1-5, 2023
New Vic Theatre, 33 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival returns with four days of films celebrating Jewish filmmakers from the US, Europe, and Israel. There is a mix of documentaries, short films, comedies, and dramas, with awards!
Fall has amazing weather, sunny beaches, and all of these fall festivals near Santa Barbara CA to enjoy. Make sure you book your stay at The Eagle Inn and save plenty of time to relax in your private casita. Life doesn’t get much better than this!