Issue #016

Good morning, Santa Barbara! Santa Barbara is pouring it on this week with rare wines by the ocean, rooftop reggaeton, open mic nights, art shows, and a community 5K that ends with tacos and craft beer. Whether you're looking to dance, sip, sing, or just soak up the summer vibes, there’s something for everyone.

Keep reading to see the full lineup of events, local news, and insider picks to make the most of your week.

Santa Barbara Spotlight Crew

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

🍷 Sun, Sips & Seaside Vibes: Santa Barbara’s 2025 Wine Festival Is Almost Here!

Get ready to raise a glass—Santa Barbara’s signature summer wine event is uncorking a weekend of unforgettable experiences this July. The 2025 California Wine Festival returns on July 18–19, blending world-class wine with oceanfront breezes, gourmet bites, and live music in one of the most stunning coastal settings in California.

Start your weekend on a high note with Friday night’s Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting, an exclusive evening of top-shelf wines and curated cuisine at the scenic Carousel House in Chase Palm Park. It’s your chance to try limited-edition vintages and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts—all while the sun dips behind the Pacific.

Then, dive into the main event on Saturday, where over 200 California wineries, breweries, and artisan food makers take over the park’s oceanside lawn. Think endless tastings, beachy vibes, and upbeat live music—all just steps from the sand.

Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just looking for a fun summer outing, this festival delivers the ultimate blend of sun, flavor, and coastal charm.

👉 Click Learn More to grab your tickets and see what’s pouring.

Mid-Summer Community Run Brings Fitness, Fun, and Philanthropy to Goleta

The Santa Barbara Running Association is inviting residents to lace up their sneakers for the Mid-Summer Miles Community Run, happening Tuesday, July 22, at the Deckers Brand Showcase in Goleta. This casual 5K event combines community spirit with charitable giving, fitness, and a festive post-run celebration.

Set to begin at 5:30 p.m., the run is open to all experience levels and offers more than just exercise. Participants will enjoy complimentary tacos from La Unica and locally crafted beer from Draughtsman Brewing Company after crossing the finish line.

Beyond the fun, the event has a strong community impact. Organizers will collect gently used men’s and women’s clothing to benefit Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine, a nonprofit providing healthcare to the underserved. Runners are also encouraged to support Plastic Free July by picking up any trash or recyclable bottles they see along the route.

Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes in a raffle sponsored by notable brands and wellness organizations including HOKA, Voli Wellness, Restore Santa Barbara Half Marathon, Acorn & Oak, Heeluxe, and Schwartz Sport Massage.

The run will take place at Deckers Brand Showcase, located at 6601 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Learn More Here

EVENTS

FEATURED EVENT

Casa Agria Hosts Western-Themed Dance and Fire Flow Event

Boots on Fire is a Western-themed line dancing and fire flow event happening on July 19 from 5–10 PM at Casa Agria, located at 418 State Street, Santa Barbara. Open to guests 18 and older, the evening includes drink specials and discounts through the Umi App. Attendees can expect a high-energy mix of dancing, fire performances, and community fun.

Tuesday 7/15

Open Mic Night | 7–11 PM | 609 State | Free | New stage and sound! Signups at 6 PM. Bring your talent to the spotlight.

Wednesday 7/16

Line Dance Night with DJ Rick | 7:00 PM | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club | $15 (here)| Dance lessons at 8 PM, full bar, food specials, 18+ event.

Roy Orbison Returns | 7:00 PM | Lobero Theatre | Tickets (here) | Tribute show of Roy Orbison’s greatest hits by Wiley Ray & The Big O Band.

Thursday 7/17

Spoken Threads | 6pm – 8pm | Old Town Coffee, Goleta | Free | Share your story or listen. Enjoy drinks, dinner, and support migrant neighbors with donations.

90s Night Karaoke | 8:00 PM | Whiskey Richards | Free | Sing iconic 90s hits, dress up, and party like it’s 1999!

College Night | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge | Free | Dance all night with Thiiirdeye Beats, Manny, and more. 21+ only.

The Last Decade | 7:30 PM | SOhO | $12 online / $15 door | Y2K dress code. Lizardsmouth, The Cherry Club, Uncle perform.

Friday 7/18

MDNT Reggaeton Takeover | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge | Free | MDNT returns with a high-energy reggaeton night. 21+ only. Don’t miss the heat!

Caamp Afterparty ft. Deadset 805 | 10:30 PM | SOhO Music Club | $10 | Live show, discounts for Caamp fans, plus ticket raffle giveaway!

Sabor Nights | Every Friday | 8:30PM–12:30AM | Café La Fonda, 129 E Anapamu St. | $18 class & social / $10 social only | Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, and Latin beats all night.

Saturday 7/19

Mind the Gap | 10 AM–7 PM | Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St, SB, CA | Free | Art market, gallery, live painting, music, food, and more to benefit families.

Booties + Brews | 12PM–1PM | Captain Fatty’s| $10 | Girls-only workout followed by drinks and bites. Build strength, stay for happy hour.

Siempre Viene La Luz | 2pm and 6pm | Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo | $30 (here) | 5th annual student showcase directed by Alda Elizabeth. Flamenco spirit shines bright.

Validation 3YR Anniversary | 7:00 PM | Validation Ale | Free | Live music by False Puppet, special beer, new food, and fun CarnivALE games.

T-Pain’s Greatest Hits | 7PM–11PM | Fox Wine Co. | Free | Celebrate T-Pain’s iconic tracks—dance, sing, and vibe to timeless hits all night.

8,000+ & Stumped | 8:00 PM | 10 Refugio Beach Rd | Free | Adventure and resilience come alive in two captivating short documentaries by the beach.

Peter & the Wolf | 11:00 AM | Lobero Theatre | Tickets (here) | Bilingual family concert of Prokofiev’s tale with live narration, music, and pre-show instrument fun.

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