Things to do in Santa Barbara in April and May (part of May anyway)
The sun is out, the sky is bright, and everyone wants to be outside. Here are some events Santa Barbara offers in April and the beginning of May 2025.
Santa Barbara Fair and Expo April 24-27 AND May 2-4, 2025
Every year, you’re either stoked for the fair or dreading it. It’s back again at Earl Warren Fairgrounds on April 24-27 AND May 2-24, 2025. For more info, visit the website.
My little nugget at The SB Faire – way back when.
Earth Day April 26-27, 2025
Did you know that Earth Day originated in Santa Barbara in April 1970? Yup, SB is the home to the original Earth Day. This year, the Earth Day Festival is on April 26-April 27, 2025, at Alameda Park and Alice Keck.
Santa Barbara Culinary Experiences May 12-18, 2025
As I have mentioned before, we are proud to be part of the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience this year. It will take place all over Santa Barbara County from May 12 to 18. Don’t forget to check out our three special tours and all the other events offered here.
iModannari Street Painting Festival Memorial Day Weekend
iModannnari happens every year on Memorial Day weekend. Beautiful chalk art (I mean like spectacular), food, and many other things to do that have been added throughout the years. I swear there was not as much to do at the event when I was a kid. iModannnari takes place May 24-26, 2025. To check out all the events happening, check out the website.
51st Summer Solstice Celebration June 20-22, 2025
Summer Solstice Parade and Celebration are coming in hot June 20-22, 2025. I’m super excited to see the theme and all of the things that the artistic beings come up with this year. There is a Parade. It is almost always late, and by the time it starts, it is hot AF. Why are parades always during the hottest time of day? Anyway, check out the happenings for Summer Solstice here.
June 28, 2025: The Santa Barbara Lavender Festival
I have been to most of Santa Barbara’s events, but this is one I haven’t been to, and I love Lavender. Maybe this year, I will actually make it. Find out more about the event here.
Santa Barbara Roar and Pour at the Santa Barbara Zoo May 3, 2025
Nothing to do with Roar & Pour other than this adorable giraffe is (or was) at the SB Zoo.
SB Roar and Pour is happening at the zoo on May 3, 2025. It is a kid-free event that lets parents get wild at the zoo. More about the event here.
Santa Barbara Polo kicks off the season on May 4, 2025
Santa Barbara Polo is coming in hot and definitely a fun thing to do in Santa Barbara. The season begins May 4 and goes through the summer. Check out the match schedule here.
The Illuminate Film Festival May 1-4, 2025
The New Vic Theatre is hosting the Illuminate Film Festival on May 1-4, 2025. I have no idea WTF this film festival is. I have never been to it, and honestly, I will probably forget to look at the website. But for those of you who are interested, here is the link to the website.
UPDATE: I did remember to click on the link (like 5 seconds after I said I probably wouldn’t) and I will tell you what – the movies look AWESOME.
The Gem Faire at Earl Warren
I LOVE the Gem Faire. I have only been once as an adult and a lot as a kid. Super fun and sometimes sparkly. Happening at Earl Warren on May 23-25, 2025, not when the fair fair is happening.
Mother’s Day painting in the vineyard May 11, 2025, at Sunstone Winery
The title literally gives you all of the info that you need. To sign up and read more about what you get to do with the moms, click here.
Every day is a wonderful day for a walking food & drink tour. Book your private tour today!