Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara: October (2023)

It’s finally time to break out your favorite sweater again because Fall is officially here! We welcome with great delight cooler days that are perfect for hiking, camping, wine tasting, and more. Here’s how you can catch us hanging out around Santa Barbara this October:

Visit a Pumpkin Patch
WHEN: Every day in October
Get in the Fall-spirit by visiting a pumpkin patch. Here are a couple of options in town:
• Big Wave Dave – La Cumbre Plaza in the Macy’s parking lot
• Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch – 308 S. Walnut Lane, Goleta, CA 93117

Ultimate Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Select days in October
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
This epic, full-day adventure is our longest kayak tour and is only available through the fall! Guests will kayak in and out of scenic sea caves and through giant kelp forests in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world. — Book Now

37th Annual California Avocado Festival
WHEN: October 6th – 8th
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
The California Avocado Festival is one of the largest free music festivals in California with over 75 acts on four stages. The event showcases the endless ways to eat an avocado and attendees can also enjoy other various local vendors and plenty of live entertainment in the heart of the neighboring town of Carpinteria. 

Harvest Season Santa Ynez Wine Tour
WHEN: Every day in October from 10 am to 5 pm
WHERE: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Harvest season is during September and October in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Join us for a wine tour during this beautiful and festive time of year! — Book Now

39th Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
WHEN: October 14th
TIME: 12-4 PM
WHERE: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Taste wines from 50+ wineries and savor regional cuisine from dozens of restaurants, chefs, and food producers. 

First Thursday Art Walk
WHEN: October 5th
TIME: 5-8 PM
WHERE: Participating galleries and venues, The Visitors’ Center, hotel concierge desks, host table on State Street, and the Downtown Santa Barbara office located at 27-B East De La Guerra Street
1^st Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and venues offer free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists’ receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. We hope you will join us to enjoy our beautiful downtown and all that it has to offer!

Harbor Wildlife Kayak Tour
WHEN: Every day in October
TIME: Departing at 10 AM and 1 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Join us for a relaxing introduction to kayaking where we’ll take a 2-hour paddling adventure around the Santa Barbara shoreline. This tour is the perfect half-day activity and a great introduction to the exciting sport of sea kayaking. Fun and affordable for the whole family! This tour has a 2-person minimum and the tour may be canceled if less than 2 people book on any tour date. — Book Now

Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
WHEN: October 21st
TIME: 10 AM-5 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
This is your opportunity to meet all the local fishermen who catch fish in the area! Come to various food booths like fish tacos, oysters, mussels, barbecued albacore, fresh crab, clam chowder, and seafood paella. There will be live music as well!