Best Bets
Friday, May 16
SBCC Mobile Media Summit
Learn about emerging mobile media technology, network with industry leaders. Enjoy appetizers, drinks and music.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m., SBCC (Free)
Margo Chase
Lecture from the Executive Creative Director of Chase Design Group of Los Angeles, working with Fortune 500 companies such as Target and Starbucks. Reception followed by a presentation.
6 p.m., Contemporary Arts Forum ($10 - $30)
The Velveteen Rabbit
The playful, innocent and magical imagination of children is brought to life in Ojai Art Center Theater’s production of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” on stage from May 9 to 18 with both matinee and evening performances.
7 p.m., Ojai Ctr. for the Arts ($5 - $12)
Book-Signing and Chat with Bill Carter
Author of Red Summer: The Danger, Madness, and Exaltation of Salmon Fishing in a Remote Alaskan Village
7 p.m., The Book Loft
Hi'iaka: Journey of a Goddess
A performance in the ancient hula tradition
7:30 p.m., The Victoria Hall Theater ($10 - $20)
The Wedding
Hilarious musical comedy directed by John Blondell.
8 p.m., Center Stage Theater ($14 - $20)
Saturday, May 17
Central Library Book Sale
One-day sale of old, rare and valuable books – all items priced to sell.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The S.B. Public Library
Operation: Prom Dress
Attention high school seniors! Come to the prom dress boutique and borrow a prom dress! Over 400 beautiful dresses available in all sizes.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1259 Veronica Springs Rd. (Free)
The Velveteen Rabbit
The playful, innocent and magical imagination of children is brought to life in Ojai Art Center Theater’s production of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” on stage from May 9 to 18 with both matinee and evening performances.
2 p.m., Ojai Ctr. for the Arts ($5 - $12)
Newspaper Columns That Got Me In Trouble
led by Starshine Roshell
2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Vista del Monte ($2 - $5)
The Velveteen Rabbit
The playful, innocent and magical imagination of children is brought to life in Ojai Art Center Theater’s production of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” on stage from May 9 to 18 with both matinee and evening performances.
7 p.m., Ojai Ctr. for the Arts ($5 - $12)
Laka is the Forest: Hula and the Environment
A dance-illustrated lecture by Hula master Kehaulani Kekua
7:30 p.m., Fe' Bland Theater ($5 - $15)
The Wedding
Hilarious musical comedy directed by John Blondell.
8 p.m., Center Stage Theater ($14 - $20)
Sunday, May 18
10th Annual Pearl Chase Society Historic Homes Tour
Featuring Six Homes Built During 1903 – 1930 with a Wide Variety of Architectural Styles
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., ($45 - $70)
Extravaganza ‘08
with Nas, Hellogoodbye, Saosin, Blue Scholars, and Out of State
1 p.m., Harder Stadium, UCSB Campus. (Free)
The Velveteen Rabbit
The playful, innocent and magical imagination of children is brought to life in Ojai Art Center Theater’s production of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” on stage from May 9 to 18 with both matinee and evening performances.
2 p.m., Ojai Ctr. for the Arts ($5 - $12)
22nd Annual Young Soloists Showcase
The Granada Music & Arts Conservatory and SAGE Publications present this annual concert featuring gifted young musicians who have earned the honor of appearing with a professional orchestra.
3 p.m., The Granada ($10 - $25)
Lisa See
Bestselling author of Peony in Love reads from recent work.
3 p.m., The Victoria Hall Theater ($8 - $10)
Taxi to the Dark Side
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Taxi to the Dark Side explores the systematic use of torture and other harsh interrogation techniques sanctioned by the Bush Administration in the war on terror.
4:30 p.m., Ojai Playhouse (Free - $8)
International Museum Day
Local area museums and cultural organizations are celebrating International Museum Day and invite the community to join them!
Time TBA, (Free)
Monday, May 19
Things Differently – The Dalai Lama and Our Divided World
Lecture by Santa Barbara resident and best-selling author and travel writer Pico Iyer
8 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($8 - $10)
Tuesday, May 20
Bike To School Day
On May 20 over twenty elementary and secondary schools in Goleta, Santa Barbara and Montecito will participate in Bike to School Day. The event encourages children to use a bicycle to get to and from school on this celebrated day.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Montecito schools
Mark Morris Dance Group
Returning to Santa Barbara for the first time in 20 years!
8 p.m., The Granada ($20 - $45)
Wednesday, May 21
Sister Christine Bowman Book-Signing and Discussion
Sister Christine is Director of Human Resources and grant writer at St. Vincent’s in Santa Barbara, CA which provides transitional housing and services for single Moms in a welfare to work program and an early learning center.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Feed My Sheep Bookstore, 4141 State St.
Robert Swan
Internationally renowned polar explorer and environmental advocate Robert Swan brings his 5-year, worldwide sailing expedition and lecture series, the Voyage for Cleaner Energy, to Santa Barbara!
7 p.m., Buchanan Hall, UCSB. (Free)
Nite Moves
1k Ocean Swim, 5k Run, Aquathlon (Swim and Run), Kids Sand Sprint, live bands, and prizes!
5 p.m., Leadbetter Beach ($22 - $27)
Stimulating Springtime Speakers and Community Mural Project
Special guests every week to spur the intellectual, emotional, and physical spirit of Isla Vista
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Eclectic IV (Free)
Thursday, May 22
Discussion and Book-Signing of Solving the Shakespeare Mysteries
Led by historian and author Helen Heightsman Gordon.
1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Maravilla Senior Living Community (Free)
Divas for a Cause
Special night to benefit Girls, Inc. of Santa Barbara
7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Girls, Inc., 531 E. Ortega St. ($30 - $35)
Charles Simic
United States Poet Laureate gives a free reading from his collections and newest work.
8 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall (Free)
Friday, May 23
Courthouse Jazz Series
Every fourth Friday through September
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., S.B. Court House (Free)
Angels in the Dust
Documentary Screening, with an opening discussion from filmmaker Louise Hogarth
7:30 p.m., Center of the Heart
The Wedding
Hilarious musical comedy directed by John Blondell.
8 p.m., Center Stage Theater ($14 - $20)
Saturday, May 24
I Madonnari Festival
Three-day festival with entertainment, food, music, and childrens activities
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Old Mission Santa Barbara (Free)
The Wedding
Hilarious musical comedy directed by John Blondell.
4 p.m., Center Stage Theater ($14 - $20)
The Big Lebowski
Carp Flicks, an outdoor movie event!
7:30 p.m., 855 at the Arts Ctr. ($5)
Sunday, May 25
SCAPE Art Along the Creek: Restoring Land, Restoring Lives
Take a short stroll along beautiful Mission Creek and enjoy the work of some S.B.'s leading artists in a sylvan setting.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mission Canyon Rd. and Mountain Dr. (Free)
I Madonnari Festival
Three-day festival with entertainment, food, music, and childrens activities
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Old Mission Santa Barbara (Free)
4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days
Ojai Film Society Screening
4:30 p.m., Ojai Playhouse (Free - $8)
27th Annual Bach By Candlelight Concert
Featuring award-winning violinist Alexander Eisenberg.
5:30 p.m., Presidio Chapel ($20 - $25)
27th Annual Bach By Candlelight Concert
Featuring award-winning violinist Alexander Eisenberg.
5:30 p.m., Presidio Chapel ($20 - $25)
3 Cities: 3 Choreographers
An evening of evocative contemporary dance exchange.
7:30 p.m., Center Stage Theater ($15)
Monday, May 26
SCAPE Art Along the Creek: Restoring Land, Restoring Lives
Take a short stroll along beautiful Mission Creek and enjoy the work of some S.B.'s leading artists in a sylvan setting.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mission Canyon Rd. and Mountain Dr. (Free)
I Madonnari Festival
Three-day festival with entertainment, food, music, and childrens activities
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Old Mission Santa Barbara (Free)
Tuesday, May 27
Tommy & the Hip-Hop Clowns Master Krump Class
Tommy the Clown, former drug dealer, gang member, and prisoner, is now world famous "clown" dancer and is coming to Santa Barbara to help at-risk youth!
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Harding School, 1625 Robbins St. (Free - $25)
Third Annual S.B. Human Rights Film Festival
Featuring 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days and The Violin.
7 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($8 - $10)
Tommy & the Hip-Hop Clowns Master Krump Class
Tommy the Clown, former drug dealer, gang member, and prisoner, is now world famous "clown" dancer and is coming to Santa Barbara to help at-risk youth!
7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Veterans Memorial Building (Free - $25)
Third Annual S.B. Human Rights Film Festival
Featuring 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days and The Violin.
9 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($8 - $10)
Wednesday, May 28
Scholarship Foundation of S.B. Awards Ceremony
Honoring students of S.B. county with $8.5 million in scholarships and loans!
3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., S.B. Court House
Third Annual S.B. Human Rights Film Festival
Featuring Taxi to the Dark Side and Hot House.
7 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($8 - $10)
Live to Dream
An Independent Series for poetry and short-story reading for people ages 21 and up
8 p.m., Elsie's Bar
Rickie Lee Jones
The new album is her first for New West Record and it's beauty and soul satisfying as well as sonically unique.
8 p.m., SOhO ($35 - $45)
Third Annual S.B. Human Rights Film Festival
Featuring Taxi to the Dark Side and Hot House.
9 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($8 - $10)
Nite Moves
1k Ocean Swim, 5k Run, Aquathlon (Swim and Run), Kids Sand Sprint, live bands, and prizes!
5 p.m., Leadbetter Beach ($22 - $27)
Stimulating Springtime Speakers and Community Mural Project
Special guests every week to spur the intellectual, emotional, and physical spirit of Isla Vista
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Eclectic IV (Free)
Thursday, May 29
Third Annual S.B. Human Rights Film Festival
Featuring Persepolis and War/Dance.
7 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($8 - $10)
Third Annual S.B. Human Rights Film Festival
Featuring Persepolis and War/Dance.
9 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($8 - $10)
Friday, May 30
Designing for Peace!
Weekend workshop with an introduction to permaculture. Facilitated by Loren Luyendyk with Special Guests.
Time TBA, Orella Ranch, Gaviota. ($150)
Saturday, May 31
Oil in the Channel: Contentious Solutions
This Town Hall meeting will focus on the natural oil seeps within the Santa Barbara Channel. A panel representing diverse viewpoints will address the environmental impacts of the oil seeps and what approaches, should be considered to minimize impacts
3 p.m. to 5 p.m., S.B. Museum of Natural History (Free)
Island Wishes
Benefit Show for Hospice of Santa Barbara
8 p.m. to 10 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($5 - $7)
The Mother Hips and Mama's Cookin
Live music. The Mother Hips latest album Kiss The Crystal Flake reintroduced the world to The Mother Hips own brand of California rock, blending a natural psychedelia with their own 21st century musicianship and songwriting.
9 p.m., SOhO ($13 - $15)
Sunday, June 1
African Dinner
Pacific Crepes and African Catering present an evening of West African food prepared by Senegalese native Bara Fall.
6 p.m., Pacific Crepes ($30)
Monday, June 2
The Rainbow Room Drag Revue and Dance Party
A Pacific Pride Foundation Benefit
7:30 p.m., SOhO ($10 - $15)
Wednesday, June 4
Live to Dream
An Independent Series for poetry and short-story reading for people ages 21 and up
8 p.m., Elsie's Bar
Nite Moves
1k Ocean Swim, 5k Run, Aquathlon (Swim and Run), Kids Sand Sprint, live bands, and prizes!
5 p.m., Leadbetter Beach ($22 - $27)
Stimulating Springtime Speakers and Community Mural Project
Special guests every week to spur the intellectual, emotional, and physical spirit of Isla Vista
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Eclectic IV (Free)
Thursday, June 5
Sunday, June 8
EDC's Annual Auction and Environmental Hero Awards
This year's heroes include Lt. Gov. John Garimendi, musician Jack Johnson and his wife Kim, and our first youth award to the Tree Amigos!
2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Stow House ($100)
Wednesday, June 11
Nite Moves
1k Ocean Swim, 5k Run, Aquathlon (Swim and Run), Kids Sand Sprint, live bands, and prizes!
5 p.m., Leadbetter Beach ($22 - $27)
Stimulating Springtime Speakers and Community Mural Project
Special guests every week to spur the intellectual, emotional, and physical spirit of Isla Vista
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Eclectic IV (Free)
Thursday, June 19
Maritime Medley
Free Family Days, Every third Thursday
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., S.B. Maritime Museum (Free)
Friday, June 20
Summer Solstice Kick-Off Celebration
Festival featuring music, dance and performance with food booths, fine art and crafts. Beer and wine garden! Kids festival Saturday only!
4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Alameda Park (Free)
Saturday, June 21
Summer Solstice Parade and Celebration
Parade begins at noon, Kids Celebration from 12noon-6pm
Noon to 8 p.m., Alameda Park (Free)
Sunday, June 22
Remember When…
As part of its goal to Leave No Child Inside, the Museum is offering a new program series Remember When… specifically designed for mature adults and the young people in their lives.
2 p.m., S.B. Museum of Natural History
Wednesday, June 25
Live to Dream
An Independent Series for poetry and short-story reading for people ages 21 and up
8 p.m., Elsie's Bar
Friday, June 27
Courthouse Jazz Series
Every fourth Friday through September
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., S.B. Court House (Free)
Saturday, June 28
Seymour Duncan Garage Sale
Don't miss this rare opportunity to buy guitars, amps, guitar parts and more from the man himself!
8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5427 Hollister Ave.
Thursday, July 17
Maritime Medley
Free Family Days, Every third Thursday
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., S.B. Maritime Museum (Free)
Friday, July 25
Courthouse Jazz Series
Every fourth Friday through September
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., S.B. Court House (Free)
Thursday, August 21
Maritime Medley
Free Family Days, Every third Thursday
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., S.B. Maritime Museum (Free)
Friday, August 22
Courthouse Jazz Series
Every fourth Friday through September
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., S.B. Court House (Free)
Thursday, September 18
Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale Opening Night Reception
For a $25 admission, book lovers and collectors can enjoy wine, appetizers and other refreshments while browsing through thousands of titles for all ages and interests.
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Earl Warren Showgrounds ($25)
Friday, September 26
Courthouse Jazz Series
Every fourth Friday through September
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., S.B. Court House (Free)
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