Whether you're planning a perfect mid-week happy hour, looking for live entertainment, or staying informed on local civic updates, we've got you covered. Here is what's happening around Downtown Santa Barbara this week.
District News & City Council Updates
State Street Master Plan
Last night, after a lengthy City Council meeting and a 5+ year community engagement process, the State Street Master Plan Vision Document was adopted by the Santa Barbara City Council. The design emphasizes flexibility through adaptive management, allowing the street to be opened or closed as needed, with specific hours of operation to be determined at a later date.
A meeting will be held to discuss the interim operations plan and what changes will be made before the Master Plan is implemented in late fall.
Thank you for all of your significant input and patience throughout this long and complicated process.
DSBIA is looking forward to working with our business community on the next steps. Much more to follow!
Salsa & Bachata Dance Nights are back in September!
Join us every Wednesday in September for free salsa and bachata lessons in front of M. Special and Downtown Eats (634 State Street), led by the amazing Brenda Ruiz from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by open dancing from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
This event is open to the public and free of charge. M. Special and new business Downtown Eats will offer food and drink specials throughout the evening.
1st Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and venues offer free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. We hope you will join us to enjoy our beautiful downtown and all that it has to offer!
Ready to Hang is a community-wide art show that brings together artists of all stripes for an art sale and party, building our creative community. It is one of the region's largest showcases of local art. The Community Arts Workshop is seeking all types of art - painting, print, fabric, photography, assemblage, clay, wood, and more!
This fall, State Street once again transforms into an open-air gallery and stage as Pianos on State celebrates its 17th year. From September 29 through October 19, 2026, the community is invited to experience this beloved interactive public art and music installation, where painted pianos become canvases for both visual art and spontaneous performance.
Paloma (702 Anacapa St.) | Wednesdays-Sundays, 4:00 PM |Learn More
Kids Eat Free
Paloma (702 Anacapa St.) | Sundays, 10:30 AM |Learn More
Labor Day Southern Brunch
Finch & Fork (31 W. Carrillo St.) | Sunday, September 6, 11:00 AM |Get Tickets
Live Each Hour Like It's Happy Hour
The Cruisery (501 State St.) | Sundays-Fridays, 3:00 PM |Learn More
Sparkling Wine Tasting Flight
SB Bubbly Lounge (23 E. De La Guerra St. Suite 100) | September 1-30, 12:00 PM |Learn More
Red Wine Tasting Flight
Jamie Slone Wines (23 E. De La Guerra St.) | September 1-30, 12:00 PM |Learn More
Flag Program
This Week's Flag
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) flags are flying downtown for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. TBCF advocates for families living in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties that have a child with cancer by providing financial, educational, and emotional support.
Our Clean & Safe Program continues to make a visible impact downtown. Our team is out daily, keeping the streets clean, welcoming, and well-maintained, to help create clearly defined, comfortable, and safe spaces for the community. These efforts not only improve the appearance of our public spaces but also enhance overall safety and the experience for everyone who visits, works, or lives downtown.
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