Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Take in a riveting collection of work by photographer and environmentalist Chuck Graham, who documents the recovery of the island fox, the smallest fox species in North America. Photo Courtesy of Chuck Graham.

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, Lompoc. Purple prevails for the perennial plant at this working farm with fragrant blooms galore. Enjoy a wreathmaking class, a lavender distillation demonstration by the farm’s distiller, a pop-up market with local food vendors and […]

Central Coast locations. The hills, vineyard, pier, ranch, chapel, and synagogue are alive with the sound of music at this multi-experience Festival Mozaic extravaganza. Under the direction of conductor Scott Yoo, events include orchestral performances, Baroque music, family concerts, chamber […]

Paso Robles Event Center. Get a load of the livestock at this bustling rural expo with a rodeo, craft demos, agriculture and horticulture exhibits, arts and crafts, monster trucks, a tractor parade, carnival rides and games, and performances by country […]

Chase Palm Park, Santa Barbara. Spend the day beachside and partake of fine wines and craft beers complemented by top eats from local food purveyors and barbecue competitors rustling up their best. Also enjoy Caribbean beats courtesy of Upstream. Photo […]

Demetria Estate in Los Olivos provides a perfect spot to enjoy wine, dinner, and a screening of Napoleon Dynamite. Photo Courtesy of Zach Brown.

Tequila, tacos, tunes, and a terrific performance by Lil’ Kim trip the light fantastic at Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Berniece Bennett Park, Westlake Village. In the cool, cool, cool of the evening bring a picnic or buy goodies from on-site food trucks and settle back to watch free concerts featuring, respectively, modern country music by Rebel Heart, the Smooth […]

Camarillo Ranch House sets the scene for live music, boutique shopping, and samplings from Ventura County eateries at a fundraiser for local charities. Photo Courtesy of Alejandra Scott Photography.

Santa Barbara’s history is recreated at a citywide fiesta with parades, an arts and crafts show, rodeos, a Mexican market, and live performances. Photo by Fritz Olenberger, Courtesy of Old Spanish Days.

Ventura County Fairgrounds. Themed “Waves of Fun,” this year’s beachside bash shells out lots of old-fashioned hoopla: a carnival with thrill-aminute rides and classic games, inventive foods, kooky contests, livestock shows, rodeos, and a Grandstand Concert Series. Photo Courtesy of […]

Carpinteria State Park. Play a round of beer pong at this ocean-side craft beer festival—the largest of its kind on the Central Coast. More than 75 breweries participate as well as makers of ciders, kombucha, and wines. Proceeds benefit the […]

Classic and antique trucks and cars are on view for oohing and aahing at Atascadero Lake Park.

Museum of Ventura County's Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula. Indulge in fresh summer selects from Babé Farms, Farmivore, Driscoll’s berries, McGrath Family Farm, Pyramid Flowers, Transmission Brewing, Ojai Jelly, Friend’s Ranch Ojai, and other Central Coast purveyors at an outdoor feast […]

Enjoy a golden hour runway, estate wines, and curated style by Wildflower Women. Sip, savor, and connect—all in support of Transitions Mental Health Association.

Sunken Gardens, Atascadero. Since the Central Coast is the center of the state’s cider industry, samplings should be primo when 30-plus producers dispense their finest at this unique tasting event that also features food and craft vendors, local bands, and […]