Best Bet for the Kids
Boo at the Zoo
October 18th – 20th and 25th – 27th
5pm to 8pm
The Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo undergoes a spooky transformation for three enchanting evenings of safe, traffic-free trick-or-treating, delivering monstrous thrills and chills to all who attend. This captivating event features a Trick-or-Treat Trail, whimsical Boo Choo Choo train rides, spine-tingling Creepy Crawly encounters, captivating Spooky Storytelling sessions, and engaging Goblin Games, among other delights. Boo at the Zoo stands as the region's most beloved family Halloween festival, drawing families from across the tri-county area to partake in the festive fun.
The Best Local Pumpkin Patches
Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch
September 30th to October 31st
Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 7pm
Oct 31st, noon to 5pm
Lane Farms has all the essentials to usher you into the Halloween spirit, featuring hayrides, farm animals, tractors and farm equipment, educational displays, a challenging corn maze, and, of course, a wide selection of pumpkins to choose from. It's also the perfect backdrop for capturing those Instagram-worthy, festive fall photos. From September 30th to October 31st, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable afternoon of autumn activities suitable for the entire family. And the icing on the pumpkin spice cake? There's no cost for admission.
Big Wave Dave's Pumpkin Patch
September 30th to October 31st
10am to 9pm, Closing 6pm Halloween Day
Located at La Cumbre Plaza, this local gem is the ideal destination for selecting the perfect pumpkin or charming gourd. Beyond the bountiful pumpkin offerings, the patch offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, plus ample photo opportunities and a wide variety of harvest-themed decorations, including squash, ornamental gourds, corn stalks, and hay bales, to bring the spirit of the season to your home. The best part? Admission is free.
Best Local Tradition of Spontaneous Art and Music
Pianos on State
October 1st – 20th
Downtown Santa Barbara
Play – Listen - Enjoy
Pianos on State is more than just an annual event; it's a celebration of the intersection of art and music, a testament to the power of spontaneity and the joy it brings to people's lives. To celebrate 15 years, Pianos on State organizers will be curating musical performances by students during the two-and-a-half-week public art installation. This unique initiative will transform State Street into an impromptu concert hall, inviting everyone to become a performer or an audience member. The idea behind Pianos on State is simple yet profound: to reintroduce music and art into people's daily routines. As individuals go about their business shopping, dining or simply strolling down the street, they'll encounter colorful pianos in unexpected places.
Best Festivals
California Avocado Festival
October 4th – 6th
Downtown Carpinteria
Friday, 1pm to 10pm – Locals Block Party
Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday 10am to 6pm
Prepare to embark on a three-day journey filled with Peace, Love, and Guacamole at the California Avocado Festival, a celebration like no other. Located in downtown Carpinteria, this festival is one of the largest FREE music festivals in all of California. One of the standout features is music, with over 60 bands slated to perform on three stages. Each stage offers a distinct vibe and musical experience, ensuring that there's something for everyone. But the California Avocado Festival isn't just about the music; it's a feast for all your senses. With 50 arts & crafts and commercial vendors, you can explore a world of creativity and craftsmanship. And of course, what's a festival without delicious food? You're in for a treat with 15 mouthwatering food vendors serving up avocado-infused dishes and other delectable treats. From avocado toast to guacamole burgers, your taste buds are in for a wild ride.
Santa Barbara Vintner’s Festival
October 19th
1pm to 4pm
Vega Vineyard and Farm in the Santa Ynez Valley
Celebrating its 40th year, the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival proudly stands as the Authentic Santa Barbara Wine Festival. Indulge in the flavors of wines crafted by 50+ wineries while savoring the diverse regional cuisine presented by numerous restaurants, accomplished chefs, and food artisans. Engage with winemakers and vineyard proprietors and gain insights into why Santa Barbara County was crowned the Wine Region of the Year for 2021 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Don't miss the Bubble Lounge, where you can savor the finest sparkling wines the region has to offer, all while enjoying live music and immersive culinary and viticulture demonstrations.
Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
October 19th
10am to 5pm
Harbor Way at the Santa Barbara Harbor
Indulge in the abundance of seafood from the Santa Barbara Channel at the annual Harbor & Seafood Festival. Locals and visitors are in for an interactive day meeting the fishermen who catch and harvest our delicious, high-quality, fresh-off-the-boat seafood sourced sustainably from local waters. This event is your chance to dig into some of Santa Barbara’s specialties, from freshly caught lobster and sea urchin to fish tacos, oysters, mussels, barbecued albacore, fresh crab, clam chowder, seafood paella, and more. Yum!
Don't be scared to move to or within any of the Santa Barbara area communities this month. Along with the exciting Santa Barbara events in October 2024, I have several outstanding propertylistings on my comprehensive website. And if you need to help selling your existing property, I’m happy to assist. Please call me at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com for a free consultation regarding selling and buying. Have a safe and happy Halloween!
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