A Brush with Beauty: Your Guide to Santa Barbara's Upcoming Art Events

Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sparkling Pacific, Santa Barbara isn't just a haven for sun-seekers; it's a vibrant canvas for artists and art lovers alike. The American Riviera® boasts a rich cultural tapestry, and this season is overflowing with opportunities to immerse yourself in its creative spirit. From weekly open-air markets to exclusive museum exhibitions, here is your curated guide to the awesome art events coming up around Santa Barbara.

Can't-Miss Recurring Events

These regular events are the heartbeat of Santa Barbara's local art scene.

• First Thursday Art Crawl: Experience the pulse of downtown Santa Barbara's art scene every first Thursday of the month from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This self-guided tour is the perfect way to explore a multitude of galleries and venues, often featuring new exhibitions, live music, and a chance to mingle with the artists themselves. The journey officially kicks off at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

  
  

  • Find out more here: Downtown Santa Barbara 1st Thursday

  
  

• Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show: A beloved local tradition for over 50 years! Every Sunday (and on Saturdays of major holiday weekends) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Cabrillo Boulevard transforms into a bustling promenade of creativity. Stroll along the waterfront and discover unique, handmade treasures from local artisans.

  
  

  • Plan your visit: Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

Mark Your Calendars: Special Events & Festivals

These one-time events and annual festivals are highlights of the season.

• Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Santa Barbara - The 2025 Art Awards: On Sunday, July 13th, join the MCA for a celebratory evening at The Arts Terrace in Paseo Nuevo. This special event honors the incredible creativity of local and national artists while supporting the museum's vital programs.

  • Get your tickets: MCASB Upcoming Events

• Art Foundation of Santa Barbara - 2025 Annual Members Art Exhibition: Witness the diverse talents of the Art Foundation's members at their annual exhibition. The opening reception is on Friday, July 11th at 5:00 PM.

  • Learn more: Art Foundation of Santa Barbara 2025 Member Art Exhibit

• Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour: Ever wanted a peek inside an artist's creative space? From August 30th to September 1st, this self-guided tour offers a rare and intimate opportunity to visit the private studios of artists from Montecito to Goleta.

  • Map your tour: Santa Barbara Studio Artists

• Old Spanish Days Fiesta - Arts & Crafts Show: As part of the city's biggest celebration, the Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show (July 30 - August 3) is a vibrant marketplace brimming with beautiful work.

  • Explore Fiesta: Old Spanish Days Fiesta

• Santa Barbara Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival: A truly unique festival celebrating the treasures of the sea and the art they inspire. While the exact September date is yet to be announced, this is a must-attend for ocean lovers and art collectors.

  • Stay updated: Santa Barbara Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival

• SCAPE - "Fall Show Nature's Palette": Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment (SCAPE) will hold their beautiful fall show on September 12th and 13th at the Music Academy of the West.

  • Event Details: SCAPE Events

Ongoing Museum Exhibitions

Immerse yourself in world-class art at Santa Barbara's renowned museums.

• Santa Barbara Museum of Art:

  
  

  • "Vian Sora: Outerworlds" (through September 7th): Don't miss this mid-career survey of the internationally celebrated abstract painter.

  • See what's on: SBMA Exhibitions

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History:

  • "Butterflies Alive!" (through September 1st): Walk through a lush garden filled with hundreds of live butterflies.

  • "Drawn from Nature: The Maximus Legacy" & "Fashion Fatale" (through September 7th): Explore the legacy of a famed nature artist and the complex history of feathers in fashion.

  • Discover more: SBNature Exhibitions

• California Nature Art Museum:

  • "Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone" (through August 31st): A stunning artistic exploration of the iconic national park.

  • "Wild in California" (opens September 20th): A new exhibition celebrating the state's diverse wildlife.

  • Plan your visit: Cal Nature Art Museum Exhibits

• Santa Barbara Historical Museum:

  • "Project Fiesta!" & "The Story of Santa Barbara": Delve into the rich history of the community, from its Chumash roots to the celebrated Old Spanish Days.

  • Step back in time: Santa Barbara Historical Museum Exhibitions

Whether you're a lifelong art aficionado or simply looking to add a splash of culture to your Santa Barbara visit, the coming months are brimming with inspiration. Get out there and experience the creativity that makes this city shine!