Welcome to the very first issue of Santa Barbara Spotlight! We’re thrilled to have you with us as we kick off this journey to uncover the best of Santa Barbara. Each week, we’ll bring you curated picks of local events, exclusive deals, hidden spots, and much more. Whether you're here for the food, the beach, or the vibrant local scene, Santa Barbara Spotlight will be your go-to guide for everything that makes this city special. Let’s dive into our debut issue—there’s so much to explore!

- Santa Barbara Spotlight Team

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Michael Towbes Library Plaza Hosts Grand Opening Festival with Music, Dance, and Community Fun

The Michael Towbes Library Plaza in Santa Barbara will host a grand opening festival on Sunday, November 3, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live performances, library tours, food trucks, nonprofit booths, and free books. Highlights include performances by local cultural groups and activities for all ages, celebrating the Library Plaza’s renovation and its role in fostering community connection and learning. Learn More (link)

Lama Dog Opens Spacious New Tap Room and Bottle Shop in San Roque

Lama Dog’s new Uptown Tap Room + Bottle Shop offers Santa Barbara's San Roque neighborhood a spacious, family-friendly destination with 30 rotating taps, a larger patio, and on-site dining from Sama Sama. The location at 3435 State Street invites visitors to enjoy craft beers, wines, and an easy-going atmosphere for gathering with friends and family.

EVENTS

Tuesday, October 29th

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt | Tuesday October 29 - Sunday November 3 | 10am - 8pm | Santa Barbara | Self-guided scavenger hunt adventure through Santa Barbara's historic sites and landmarks.

Bilingual Songs & Stories for Kids | 11:00am - 11:30am | MLK Jr. Room, Eastside Library, 1102 E. Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Engage in bilingual songs, rhymes, and stories for early childhood literacy and social skills.

Trivia Night @ Draughtsman Aleworks | Weekly on Tuesdays | 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Draughtsman Aleworks, 53 Santa Felicia Dr, Goleta, CA | Free | Enjoy trivia with prizes, food vendors, and team fun.

Head Games Trivia Night | Weekly on Tuesdays | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co, 137 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Join for multimedia trivia fun, prizes, and team competition in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

Wednesday, October 30th

Trunk or Treat | 5:00pm - 7:30pm | Spencer Adams Parking Lot, 1235 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Join for candy, costumes, and decorated trunks at this family-friendly Halloween event!

Open Mic Night | 8:30pm - 11pm | The Cruisery | Free | Local performers share their talents at this weekly open mic event.

Thursday, October 31st

SANTA BARBARA HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL | 7:00 PM | EOS Lounge | From $18.98 | Halloween-themed bar crawl through multiple venues.

Santa Barbara Halloween Party | 7:00 PM | The Anchor Rose | From $33.85 | Halloween party featuring DJ Scott Topper.

Friday, November 1st

Death at the Disco | 6:00 PM | Canary Hotel | From $23.18 | Murder mystery disco party event.

2024 Santa Barbara County Green Business Celebration | 4:00 PM | Community Environmental Council | Free | Celebration of local green businesses.

Wine Down 2024 | 6:00 PM | The Arlington Theatre | From $135.23 | Wine tasting event at historic Arlington Theatre.

Bingo After Dark - B.A.D. Friday | 9:00 PM | The Cruisery | Free | Late-night bingo event with entertainment.

Drop-In Meditation: Robert Rauschenberg Autobiography | 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Santa Barbara Museum of Art Galleries | Free with Museum Admission | Join a mindful session exploring Rauschenberg’s works, with meditation and discussion, open to all experience levels.

Saturday, November 2nd

Mission Creek Beer Festival | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History | Enjoy craft brews, live music, and food pairings supporting museum programs.

Santa Barbara Mural Bike Ride | 1:00 PM | Ortega Park | Free | Guided bike tour of local murals.

November 2024 Improv Show | 8:00 PM | Jefferson Hall | From $10.00 | Live improvisation comedy show.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan | 7:30pm | The Granada Theatre | $109 / $79 / $49 | UCSB Arts & Lectures presents "13 Tongues," an evocative dance piece blending Taiwanese folklore with immersive multimedia.

Sunday, November 3rd

Michael Towbes Library Plaza Opening - Plaza Palooza | 12pm - 4am | Santa Barbara Public Library | Price not listed | Grand opening celebration of the new library plaza.

Santa Barbara Half Marathon presented by HOKA | 7:00am | Cabrillo Blvd & State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Ticketed | Run 13.1 scenic miles along Santa Barbara’s waterfront, through downtown, and down historic State Street.

SBVA Singer Showcase | 7pm - 8:30pm | SOhO Restaurant and Music Club | $10 | Local singers perform in showcase event.

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