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
City of Santa Barbara Exploring a Downtown Holiday Night Market
The City of Santa Barbara is exploring the possibility of hosting a festive Downtown Holiday Night Market on Friday, December 11, and/or Friday, December 18. The proposed event would bring holiday cheer to downtown, increase foot traffic, and showcase local businesses through extended store hours, pop-up spaces, food, entertainment, and festive activities.
Downtown businesses are encouraged to share their interest by November 9. If your business may wish to participate, please email Kaitlin Mamulski at kmamulski@santabarbara.gov with your business name, primary contact person, and potential participation ideas.
Business feedback will help the City determine the event's feasibility and next steps.
Halloween Market
Celebrate Halloween at Farmer & The Flea Market on Saturday, October 31, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at El Presidio! Explore over 60 vendors offering vintage finds, unique treasures, and handmade goods while enjoying live music, delicious treats, kid-friendly crafts, and a costume contest. Meet adorable rescue dogs, bring the whole family (including your four-legged friends), and enjoy a festive day of Halloween fun!
Enjoy free country line dancing lessons with Christy Grant in front of Best BBQ and Apna Indian Kitchen (716 State St.) this last Wednesday of October at 6:00 PM, followed by open social dancing. Due to last week's rain, there will be one more session next Wednesday, November 4.
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!
This First Thursday, November 5th, Santa Barbara-based nonprofit Unite to Light is bringing The Power of Possibility to downtown Santa Barbara — a free evening of light, art, music, and community at the San Marcos Courtyard on State Street, from 5:00–8:00 PM.
As they celebrate 15 years of getting solar lights and chargers to people living without reliable electricity around the world, they're inviting local downtown businesses to join them as Community Partners and help spread the light throughout State Street. Participating businesses will receive a Unite to Light solar lantern and small window sign to display in their storefront in the weeks leading up to November 5th, along with event information for customers.
Interested in becoming a Community Partner? Contact Anna at events@unitetolight.org to sign up.
SB Bubbly Lounge (23 E. De La Guerra St. Suite 100) | October 1-31, 12:00 PM |Learn More
Red Wine Tasting Flight
Jamie Slone Wines (23 E. De La Guerra St.) | October 1-31, 12:00 PM |Learn More
Flag Program
This Week's Flag
United Way of Santa Barbara County actively engages with its diverse network of community partners, supporters, and volunteers to identify and address evolving, systemic challenges in its core focus areas of Academic Achievement, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Since 1923, United Way has been at the forefront of our community's needs as a dedicated partner, building brighter futures for thousands of children, individuals, and families countywide.
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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