2023 is underway and there is already so much to look forward to here in Santa Barbara. In a short time, one of our favorite annual cultural traditions will take place, and the months following will bring forth amazing opportunities to dance, eat, and laugh at highly anticipated local events. For some travel inspiration, we put together a brief guide to five events that you won’t want to miss in Santa Barbara in 2023.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
February 8-18
The Santa Barbara Film Festival will soon embark on another stretch of screenings of promising new features, shorts, and documentaries. This is one of the best events for independent cinema in the country, and it includes filmmaker seminars, industry mixers, and tons of new, promising works.
Riviera Theatre. Santa Barbara, CA
Lucidity Festival
April 7-9
Lucidity Festival bills itself as an “open-source transformational arts and music festival”. It’s been successfully gathering artists and fans for over a decade now. In addition to jam band performances, the festival will feature workshops, local food, art installations, galleries, storytelling, and more. Whether you want to check out the whole festival, or just grab a day pass for some dancing and fun during your April stay in Santa Barbara, Lucidity promises to be an interesting and memorable event.
Live Oak Campground. Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival
June 24
Santa Barbara’s best restaurants, vineyards, and wineries will have their tastiest dishes and drinks on display during this highly anticipated gathering. There will be dishes from local favorites like Finch & Fork, Bibi Ji, and Cuyama Buckhorn, as well as wines from Lo-Fi Wines, Fiddlehead Cellars, and Andrew Murray Vineyards among many more distributors and winemakers. Tasting interesting varietals and unique creations of local businesses while getting a first-hand introduction to SoCal’s famous food scene makes this event a can’t-miss.
2559 Puesta Del Sol. Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara National Horse Show
July 5-8
Talk about tradition—this year will mark the 103rd installment of the Annual Santa Barbara Horse Show. This exhibition of world-class horses in an array of competitions is one of the top events in Santa Barbara in 2023.
Earl Warren Showgrounds. Santa Barbara, CA
The Holiday Season in SB
December
For those looking to escape the cold, the holiday season in Santa Barbara is truly fun and festive. From sing-a-longs at local theaters to the annual Santa Barbara Harbor Parade of Lights, December brings plenty of cheerful events to get you in the holiday spirit. Check out our guide to this most recent holiday season in SB to learn more.
Holiday Guide. Santa Barbara, CA