Welcome to this week's Santa Barbara Spotlight! From the city's first-ever Art Book and Print Fair to Anne Lamott at the Arlington, there's no shortage of culture to soak in. Plus, we've got the scoop on a hidden taco gem that locals love. Read on for the best of what's happening in our paradise this week...

- Santa Barbara Spotlight Team

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Santa Barbara to Host First-Ever Art Book and Print Fair, “Off Register”

Santa Barbara’s art community will gather for the debut of "Off Register," the city’s first Art Book and Print Fair, set for Saturday, November 16th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Community Arts Workshop on Garden Street. This free event will feature more than 60 artist exhibitors from California and beyond, showcasing a diverse range of printmaking and publishing arts, from prints and stationery to books and apparel.

Attendees will have the chance to meet artists and publishers directly, browse and purchase unique creations, and engage with hands-on activities like screen printing and RISO printing demonstrations. Alongside these interactive offerings, the fair will host symposium-style panels and live readings to spark conversation about contemporary print and publishing practices.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024

• Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Location: Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA

We Want The Funk: Two Years of Passion and Gratitude in the Funk Zone

We Want The Funk, a family-owned restaurant in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, celebrates its two-year anniversary, thanking the community for their support and looking forward to continuing to serve with passion. The Ellis family has found joy in connecting with patrons and is eager for many more years in the Funk Zone. See Instagram (link)

The City of Santa Barbara will begin construction on the Cliff Drive and Alan Road Multiuse Path and Crosswalk Safety Improvements Project on November 4, with expected completion by November 22. The project includes extending the multiuse path to Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, upgrading a pedestrian crossing beacon, and making an ADA-compliant ramp addition. (link)

LOCAL BITES

Hidden Gem Alert: East Beach Tacos

You've probably walked past this unassuming spot dozens of times while heading to the beach. Tucked away in the batting cages on Milpas, East Beach Tacos has been serving up some of the city's most innovative fish tacos for nearly a decade now.

What sets them apart? Start with their signature tempura-fried fish tacos, where perfectly crispy local catch meets Asian-inspired slaws and house-made sauces. The fusion doesn't stop there – their Asian street corn is a local legend, and the wasabi crema has developed something of a cult following among regulars.

While tourists flock to the State Street taco spots, locals know that some of Santa Barbara's best handheld creations are being served up right next to the crack of baseball bats. Plus, where else can you crush a few tacos while watching future baseball stars perfect their swing?

And yes, you can still grab batting practice after your meal – though maybe give those fish tacos a few minutes to settle first.

Location: 226 S Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (Inside the Batting Cages)

EVENTS

Tuesday, November 12th

General Trivia | 6:30–8:30 PM | Third Window Brewing | Free | Test your knowledge, win prizes, and enjoy brews with friends!

Sunset Sessions | 5:00 - 8:00 PM | Dusk Bar, 524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Weekly live music, drinks, and sunset vibes every Tuesday at Dusk Bar.

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, November 13th

Head Games Trivia Night | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Longoria On State, 732 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Live multimedia trivia with prizes. Teams up to 6. Arrive early for best seats.

Anne Lamott: Somehow: Thoughts on Love | 7:30 PM | Arlington Theatre | $32 - $57 (UCSB students $16) | Join Anne Lamott as she explores love, family, and resilience with her unique blend of humor and insight.​

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

Thursday, November 14th

Full Moon Energy Sound Healing | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Canary Hotel Rooftop, 31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA | Pricing (link) | Rejuvenate with sound healing under the full moon, featuring crystal bowls and chimes.

Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert | 6:30 PM | Arlington Theatre | $42 - $62 (UCSB students $16, Youth $27) | Enjoy Disney’s Encanto with live Latin rhythm band accompaniment. Pre-show music and free dance class at 5:30 PM.

Friday, November 15th

Salsa Social | 8:00-11:00 PM | Brazilian Cultural Arts Center, Santa Barbara | Dance to live Salsa beats with Hector Sanchez. Fun, music, and new moves await!

Peña Flamenca la Maria | 6:30-8:00 PM | Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 East De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA | Pricing (link) | Experience a live flamenco jam with music and dance by renowned artists.

Bingo After Dark - B.A.D. Friday | 9:00 PM | The Cruisery | Free | Join Bear Cave Productions for a lively comedy bingo night featuring cash prizes, gift cards, surprise performances, and themed activities. Perfect for a fun evening out with friends​

Saturday, November 16th

Salsa Workshop | 12–1:30 PM | 5370 Hollister Ave, Goleta | $25 | Focus on body movement and partner work in a welcoming dance community! Instagram video (link)

The Good Good Show | 7:30 - 9:00 PM | Night Lizard Brewing Co., 607 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | $10 (link) | Santa Barbara’s top monthly comedy show with comedians from Conan, HBO, and more. 21+

Santa Barbara Plant Festival | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Fox Wine Co., 120 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Enjoy plants, wine, and local vendors. Pets welcome!

November 2024 Long Form Improv Show | 8:00 - 9:30 PM | Jefferson Hall, 1525 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA | $10 (Free for kids under 12) | Four improv teams bring you an evening packed with laughter.

Laughin' in Santa Barbara Comedy Show | 7:30 - 9:30 PM | Topa Topa Brewing Co., 120 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA | Pricing (link) | Outdoor comedy night with top comedians from Netflix and Comedy Central. 21+

Sounds on State | Saturdays | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Paseo Nuevo, 651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Weekly live music at Center Court near Captain Fatty’s Beer Garden. Enjoy local sounds in the heart of downtown.

Sunday, November 17th

UCSB Chamber Choir Wine Pour | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | 112 E Yanonali St, Santa Barbara, CA | Pricing (link) | Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of choir performances paired with exquisite wine and small bites.

Parallel Stories: Breaking the Cycle / Rewriting the Story | 2:30 PM | Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Tickets (link) | Artist Narsiso Martinez and writer Alex Espinoza explore themes of identity, family, and place through narrative art and storytelling.

French Connections | Sunday, November 17 | 3:00 PM | Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA | $42 - $205 (link) | Pianist David Greilsammer conducts the Santa Barbara Symphony in works by Rameau, Ravel, Haydn, and Milhaud.

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LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Thursday, November 14th

21 Thursdays @ Backstage | 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Backstage Kitchen & Bar, 409 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | College night with country pop line dancing, DJs, and a mechanical bull every Thursday.

Main Phase + Aiden Roth | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Danish producer Main Phase brings UK bass culture with jungle, dubstep, and 2-step. 21+ event.

Friday, November 15th

Live Music with 12 Rods | 7:00 - 9:30 PM | Fox Wine Co., 120 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA | Pricing (link) | Enjoy a night of rock with 12 Rods, plus food, wine, and beer on the outdoor patio.

Adam Pits + Huntrillin & Claire Z | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | $6.18 (link) | Dance the night away with Adam Pits' debut performance and local support from Huntrillin and Claire Z. 21+ event.

Saturday, November 16th

Yammagucci + Bawab | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | $6.18 (link) | Experience electronic artist Yammagucci’s unique sound, blending sub-genres for a captivating set. 21+ event.

Santa Barbara Music Club Free Concert | 3:00 PM PST | First United Methodist Church, 305 E Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Organist Tom Mueller performs works by Bach, Bonnal, Reimann, and his own compositions on the church’s renowned organ.

Sunday, November 17th

Aprés Ski Disco House Party | November 17 | 7–10 PM | Canary Rooftop | $23 | Groove to disco house beats, enjoy drinks, and show off your ski style! Buy Tickets (link)

LP Giobbi - Way Back Home Tour | 8:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | $32.14 (link) | Join LP Giobbi for a high-energy set combining DJ, piano, and activism. 21+ event.

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