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The Santa Barbara Symphony delivers artistic excellence, outstanding music education stewardship and programming, and community collaboration – all through symphonic music. Under the artistic leadership of Maestro Nir Kabaretti as Music & Artistic Director since 2006, The Symphony is one of the region’s premier cultural institutions. Through his charismatic leadership, this globally admired conductor and Santa Barbara resident invigorates audiences and musicians alike through his passion, creativity, and vast experience. As the only music education program tied to a symphony orchestra in the region, The Symphony serves more than 2,000 students annually throughout Santa Barbara County. While The Symphony continues to evolve, its mission to bring joy, engagement, and connection remains steadfast pillars and were evident in the organization’s ability to thrive during the pandemic including the historic announcement that board chair Janet Garufis and President & CEO Kathryn R Martin join Nir Kabaretti in making a five-year commitment to serve in their roles.
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Established in 1984, Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery is one of the largest and most important galleries between Los Angeles and San Francisco. We organize nationally important exhibitions in our expansive downtown gallery. With an inventory of over 3,000 paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints and sculptures, Sullivan Goss is the primary West Coast gallery positioned to help build private and public collections of important American art.
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Santa Barbara Trapeze Company is Southern California’s premier flying trapeze school, but it’s not just a circus school – it’s a space where you come and find out who you are, and what you are made of; you will leave feeling confident & courageous! Combining aerial arts + fitness + adventure + pure fun, SBTC classes offer something special for everyone. Most people find that they come for the flying but leave with much more. A 2 hour high energy workout that will catch you by surprise (literally) From stuck to soaring – timid to adventurous- tired to inspired! You come for the thrill, but stay for the journey! SBTC’s Open Level Trapeze Class is perfect for all skill levels to try something new and take a dive into the world of aerial fitness. ZERO experience is necessary! Our experienced coaches will guide you all the way through. Get ready for a sweat sesh, bring all the good vibes, and get ready to take flight!
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Held every Sunday year-round and on Saturdays of major holiday weekends, the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show highlights more than 200 of the amazing local artists and artisans who call Santa Barbara home. From original drawings and paintings to sculptures, pottery and photography, nearly every medium of art is represented here. The show lines Cabrillo Boulevard betweenStearns Wharf and Calle Cesar Chavez, making it the perfect weekend outing by the beach for families vacationing in Santa Barbara. HISTORY OF THE SANTA BARBARA ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW The Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show was established in 1965 as a way for local artists to display their work. This piece of living history was inspired by sidewalk art shows in Europe, as well as the “Jardin del Arte” in Mexico City. Today, it provides visitors with an incredible opportunity to peruse one-of-a-kind, handmade treasures created by local Santa Barbara artists while also enjoying the beauty of the destination. Soak up the sunshine as you walk and explore the hundreds of pop-ups sharing beautiful keepsakes and handmade items, which make wonderful gifts and Santa Barbara memorabilia. ADMISSION & HOURS Admission to the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show is free. The show begins at 10 a.m. and ends around dusk. Artisans will begin packing up their tents and tables as it gets dark. HOW TO GET TO THE SANTA BARBARA ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Coming from the south, exit Cabrillo Boulevard off the 101 freeway. Take Cabrillo Boulevard toward State Street, and you will begin to see the artist tents along the sidewalk on your left side. Street parking is available along Cabrillo Boulevard or in the multiple public lots near State Street, Stearns Wharf and East Beach. Coming from the north, exit the 101 freeway at Castillo Street, and turn right toward the ocean. Turn left onto Cabrillo Boulevard and head toward State Street. Street parking will be available on your right, as well as in the public lots along State Street, Cabrillo Boulevard and Stearns Wharf. Public parking is free all day on Sundays. Every other day, public parking is free for the first 75 minutes, and then $1.25 every hour after that.
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For a firsthand look at one of the country’s most beautiful public buildings, look no further than the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Designed in the Spanish-Colonial style and completed in 1929, the fully operational Courthouse is an iconic Santa Barbara landmark with its distinctive four-faced clock tower, red tile roofs, elegant arches and verdant sunken garden and grounds. Through the self-guided tours, visitors can get a visual history lesson from the elaborate hand-painted murals, marvel at ornate wrought-iron chandeliers and climb to the top of the clock tower for an incredible panoramic view of Santa Barbara and beyond. Courthouse Hours and Free Tours Enjoy 360-degree views of the Santa Barbara skyline atop the famed Santa Barbara County Courthouse Clock Tower, now open and accessible to the public. Tour the iconic mural room during your visit, which highlights Santa Barbara’s rich past and roots in Chumash, Spanish, Mexican and immigrant cultures. Free one-hour tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and weekends and court holidays (except Christmas Day) at 2 p.m. (no reservations required). Tours begin in the beautiful Mural Room on the second floor where a trained docent will guide visitors through the building and gardens highlighting the history of the landmark with a focus on the artisans, architects and community leaders who brought it to life. Special group tours and guided group visits to the Bisno Schall Clock Gallery are also available by reservation. For more information about Special Tours, email tours@sbcourthouse.org, and for the Clock Gallery, email clock@sbcourthouse.org. Visitors are subject to security screening at entrances. Please visit the Docent Council website for additional details. Santa Barbara Courthouse Weddings The Santa Barbara Courthouse is one of the city’s most popular wedding venues and has even been the backdrop for famous celebrity weddings like Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s 2022 ceremony. Couples can opt for a smaller, more intimate ceremony at the Hall of Records. Here, the guest limit is eight people, including children and photographers. Ceremonies at the Hall of Records take place outside the archway door, framed by lush palm trees. The Mural Room, aptly named for the larger-than-life murals depicting scenes of Santa Barbara’s history painted on all four walls, makes for a unique setting for a ceremony of up to 100 guests. The courthouse is also surrounded by several garden and lawn spaces, including the Sunken Garden, Palm Terrace, Fiesta Stage, Bird of Paradise and Rotunda Lawn. These spaces must be reserved as one and can accommodate anywhere from 15 to 250 guests. For more information on garden weddings at the courthouse, visit the County of Santa Barbara website. Tips for Your Visit The Courthouse is located in downtown Santa Barbara, close to shopping, dining and other interesting cultural attractions. There is a parking lot conveniently located across from the Courthouse on Anacapa Street where the first 75 minutes are free. Bring along a picnic to enjoy beneath the palms in the lovely and meticulously maintained sunken garden. The Courthouse closes at 5 p.m., and visitors are not admitted after 4:30 p.m., so be sure to plan for enough time to see the Clock Tower—the 360-degree view of Santa Barbara is a can’t-miss. The top of the tower is accessible by both stairs and an elevator. Don’t forget to look up when touring the various rooms of the Courthouse! Gorgeous details are everywhere, including the ceiling in the Mural Room, which is just as intricately painted as the walls. In the Clock Gallery, the ceiling is decorated with the exact constellations from the night sky when Santa Barbara was named in 1602, complete with sparkling fiber optics. Visitors can also get an inside look at the Clock Tower in the Bisno Schall Clock Gallery. Climb the tower stairs to see the mechanisms of the huge clock, installed in 1929, still ticking. Surrounding the clock is an impressive 60-foot mural depicting the history of timekeeping. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a working courthouse. Be prepared to go through a security checkpoint prior to entering. Please note that selfie sticks are prohibited.
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Established in 1984, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery has become a premier destination for contemporary art collectors and enthusiasts. Its stunning collection of paintings adorning the gallery walls offers a captivating experience and stands as one of the most exciting contemporary art collections in the United States. In addition, our commitment to established and emerging contemporary artists sets us apart, fostering a dynamic artistic community and establishing us as a vital cultural hub in the city and beyond. As passionate advocates for emerging artists, we are dedicated to providing a platform for their creativity. Situated near the vibrant Funk Zone, our gallery is an essential destination for anyone exploring and celebrating the arts. Since assuming ownership, we have prioritized reestablishing a solid connection with the local community through engaging events and exhibitions. We want the gallery to be an inclusive space for all. Therefore, besides our physical presence, we have expanded our online platform to provide an interactive and authentic experience. We aim to create a portal that transcends traditional boundaries through videos showcasing the artists, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creative process, and personal connections with the artists. As curators of this intimate gallery, we strive to create a space that highlights the beauty of each artwork. Through careful rotation and the clever use of lighting, we emphasize the uplifting and sensory appeal of the pieces. Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is renowned for its contemporary focus and exhilarating art. With vibrant pops of color and diverse mediums, from magazine cutout collages to works incorporating natural materials like string and concrete, we aim to represent artists who live and breathe their art, passionate about sharing their unique stories. Our vision for Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is to become a creative hub that offers educational and interactive experiences through community outreach. We will host many events and exhibitions, providing opportunities for art enthusiasts to connect with the artists and fostering a strong sense of community in Santa Barbara. Furthermore, we will continue to explore diverse artistic mediums, constantly pushing the boundaries of art-making. Join us at Elizabeth Gordon Gallery and immerse yourself in a world of contemporary art. Experience the joy, creativity, and boundless possibilities our gallery offers.Established in 1984, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery has become a premier destination for contemporary art collectors and enthusiasts. Its stunning collection of paintings adorning the gallery walls offers a captivating experience and stands as one of the most exciting contemporary art collections in the United States. In addition, our commitment to established and emerging contemporary artists sets us apart, fostering a dynamic artistic community and establishing us as a vital cultural hub in the city and beyond. As passionate advocates for emerging artists, we are dedicated to providing a platform for their creativity. Situated near the vibrant Funk Zone, our gallery is an essential destination for anyone exploring and celebrating the arts. Since assuming ownership, we have prioritized reestablishing a solid connection with the local community through engaging events and exhibitions. We want the gallery to be an inclusive space for all. Therefore, besides our physical presence, we have expanded our online platform to provide an interactive and authentic experience. We aim to create a portal that transcends traditional boundaries through videos showcasing the artists, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creative process, and personal connections with the artists. As curators of this intimate gallery, we strive to create a space that highlights the beauty of each artwork. Through careful rotation and the clever use of lighting, we emphasize the uplifting and sensory appeal of the pieces. Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is renowned for its contemporary focus and exhilarating art. With vibrant pops of color and diverse mediums, from magazine cutout collages to works incorporating natural materials like string and concrete, we aim to represent artists who live and breathe their art, passionate about sharing their unique stories. Our vision for Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is to become a creative hub that offers educational and interactive experiences through community outreach. We will host many events and exhibitions, providing opportunities for art enthusiasts to connect with the artists and fostering a strong sense of community in Santa Barbara. Furthermore, we will continue to explore diverse artistic mediums, constantly pushing the boundaries of art-making. Join us at Elizabeth Gordon Gallery and immerse yourself in a world of contemporary art. Experience the joy, creativity, and boundless possibilities our gallery offers.
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Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has evolved to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology and anthropology. Newly renovated in 2018, the museum sits on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. At the museum, guests can learn about the unique and diverse natural history of Santa Barbara via a wide range of indoor and outdoor exhibits. They can also explore nature in the Museum Backyard or drive over to the museum’s nearby Sea Center on Stearns Wharf to get up-close with local marine life. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITS The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History preserves extensive natural history collections of approximately 3.5 million objects used for research ranging from anthropology to zoology. Every year, they discover and describe new species, investigate past and current changes in our natural environment, and assist in projects of environmental conservation and restoration. Exhibits reflect the biodiversity and native culture of the Santa Barbara region including Mammal Hall, Bird Hall, Chumash Life, Gem & Minerals, and Earth Sciences. The Museum has the only planetarium on the Central Coast and offers free shows daily. Engaging outdoor exhibits include the Museum Backyard and Nature Club House, and Prehistoric Forest which features animatronic dinosaurs. THE SEA CENTER AT STEARNS WHARF Located on Santa Barbara’s historic Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is an immersive and interactive aquarium that showcases marine life from the Santa Barbara Channel. The center houses several permanent exhibits, including the recently updated Dive In: Our Changing Channel exhibit, as well as events and educational programming throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the Marine Mammal Mezzanine to view life-size models of a gray whale mother and calf, set against incredible views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History hosts a wide range of educational programs, including daily or week-long camps and classes. Open to ages 4–12, these programs offer children a unique opportunity to build connection with nature and empower their STEM skills by exploring and learning about bugs, fossils, marine animals and more. Camps and classes are available to both locals and visitors. Explore the museum’s current educational offerings here. TICKETS AND PARKING The museum is open Wednesday–Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For expedited entry, the museum recommends purchasing tickets in advance here. Vehicle parking at the museum is free and there are several free bike parking spaces near the blue whale skeleton. Visitors to the Sea Center can park on Stearns Wharf for free for the first 75 minutes. For directions to both the Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center, visit the museum’s website.
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Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC), a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), is Santa Barbara’s sole professional Equity theater company. ETC is committed to producing the highest professional quality theater in Santa Barbara, employing accomplished professional actors and stage managers. In its inception in 1978, ETC was the Ensemble Theatre Project and called Trinity Episcopal Church its home. As its popularity grew, ETC moved to the historic 140-seat Alhecama Theatre, a more traditional theatrical setting that hosted its productions for a quarter of a century and still provides rehearsal space today. Set on becoming a cultural-programming cornerstone in Santa Barbara, ETC undertook the $12.6 million purchase and renovation of the Victoria Hall Theater, leading to the reimagined 300-seat New Vic Theatre that serves as its resident stage and hosts other artists representing dance, music, film, and lectures. ETC’s success has been built upon its tremendous stability with only four executive leaders: Joseph Hanreddy (1978-1985), Robert Grande Weiss (1985-2006), Jonathon Fox (2006-2023) and Scott DeVine (2023- ). In addition, the company benefited from the contributions made by Jill Seltzer (2016-2021), who served as managing director, a role DeVine assumed when joining in 2022. HOURS The theater is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1-5 p.m and opens one hour before curtain on performance days. TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT When visiting the Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC), parking is a breeze with convenient options such as Lot 5, accessible via Chapala Street (1200 block) and Lot 6 (Granada Garage) from Anacapa Street (1200 block). These lots are just a short walk from the theater and fall within the Downtown Public Parking District. Your first 75 minutes are complimentary, and each additional hour or part thereof is only $3. Patrons with disabilities can enjoy the first 2.5 hours for free; simply present your placard. After 6 p.m., street parking throughout downtown Santa Barbara is also free. For evening performances, the parking lot located off 100 West Victoria offers complimentary parking after 6 p.m., conveniently situated behind the Louise Lowry Davis Center.
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With its white adobe walls and red-tiled roof, the iconic Casa de la Guerra is the foremost place to learn about Santa Barbara’s Mexican period (1821-1848). This important historic landmark was built between 1818 and 1828 for José de la Guerra, fifth comandante of the Presidio, and served as the hub of social, cultural and political life in Santa Barbara. It was restored to its original appearance by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) in the 1990s. Through exhibits and period-furnished rooms, visitors are invited to learn about three generations of the de la Guerra family, life in early 19th-century Santa Barbara, and the mostly Chumash laborers who kept the household running. Continue your journey at the diverse historical sites, shops, wineries and restaurants of the surrounding Presidio neighborhood. Tours and Admission Casa de la Guerra is open Thursday-Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (62+) and free for children 16 and under, SBTHP members and SNAP/EBT and CalFresh cardholders. Entry also includes admission to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. For more information or to schedule a guided tour, call (805) 965-0093. Hourly parking is available in the parking lot at 115 East Canon Perdido Street, just two blocks away. Visitors can pay for their parking through the paybyphone.com app. Events at Casa de la Guerra With a host of events and festivals throughout the year, Casa de la Guerra’s legacy as a community gathering place continues today. Check the SBTHP calendar for lectures, exhibits and other events during your visit. Casa de la Guerra is also a popular site for weddings and other private events. Explore the Presidio Neighborhood Centrally located in Santa Barbara’s Presidio neighborhood and Museum Mile, Casa de la Guerra is a great jumping-off point for discovering the city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. Two blocks away is El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, the site of Spain’s fourth and final fortress in California. Admission is free with your ticket to Casa de la Guerra. Other must-see cultural sites nearby include the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This vibrant neighborhood is famed for its independent shops, restaurants and wineries, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to meander.
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Walk the halls of history at one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic sites, Old Mission Santa Barbara. With its grand bell towers, lush gardens and views of the San Ynez mountains and Pacific Ocean, the Mission is one of the city’s most picturesque landmarks. Known as “Queen of the Missions” for its exceptional beauty, the Santa Barbara Mission was founded by the Spanish Franciscans in 1786. More than 200 years later, it is still a home to the Franciscan Friars and welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world annually. The Mission also serves as home base for Saint Barbara Parish, which operates under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library, a separate Franciscan-sponsored non-profit, and a Novitiate program, which provides the first year of education for Friars in training from across the United States. History comes alive with a multi-language audio tour of the inner garden, 1820 church, historic cemetery and museum. Out front, you can admire the graceful architecture while exploring the rose garden, olive grove, and remnants of the old aqueduct systems and outbuildings. Old Mission Tours and Hours The Mission is open for self-guided tours daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $15.00 for adults, $13.00 for seniors 65+, $13.00 for active military, $10.00 for youth 5-17 and free for children 0-4. Hour-long docent-guided tours are available Friday and Sunday at 12:00 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am, but are subject to change due to Masses, weddings and funerals. Private tours and school tours are available by advance reservation for groups of 10 or more. Tips for Your Visit If you’re visiting over the Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy stunning outdoor artwork during the annual I Madonnari Street Painting Festival. Artists transform the pavement of the Mission Plaza with 150 vibrant, large-scale pastel chalk masterpieces during a three-day festival that includes food, wine, beer and live music. The Mission’s cemetery and mausoleum provide interesting historical context and are worth a look. Buried behind the church tower is the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, upon whom author Scott O’Dell based his main character in the classic children’s novel Island of the Blue Dolphins. Stroll across the street from the Mission to the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden, a wonderland of more than 1,500 rose plants. Spring is the best time to see the roses in their full glory, although they often bloom longer because of the region’s extended growing season. You’ll also be at a great vantage point to view and take photos of the Mission’s façade or explore remnants of the old aqueduct. Note that because the St. Barbara Parish is housed at Old Mission Santa Barbara and is an active parish, the church is not open for tours during Masses, weddings, and funerals. The Saint Barbara Parish is run separately from Old Mission Santa Barbara. For Parish information and Mass Schedule, please check their website at: https://www.saintbarbaraparish.org/
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