Hey 805 Buzz fam! 🌴 It's your sunny sidekick here, rounding up the week's vibes like we're sharing secrets over acai bowls at Backyard Bowls. With Halloween creeping closer and that perfect fall crisp in the air (but still beach-ready temps), we've dug deep into the web, X chatter, and local calendars to spotlight events, tunes, and a special dose of quirky goodness for Oct 14-20. From reggae rhythms to mystical rituals, Santa Barbara's serving up eclectic fun—let's get into it!
Kick Off the Week with Live Music & Performances
The beats are bumping this week, with everything from reggae legends to classical swells. Whether you're chilling outdoors or cozying up in a theater, here's the lineup to soundtrack your days: sbbowl.com
Good Vibes
Pro tip: If you're near State Street, keep tickling those Pianos on State keys (ongoing through Oct 19)—spontaneous jams are popping up everywhere!
Gretchen Peters at Lobero Theatre (Oct 15, 7:30 PM): This Grammy-winning songwriter brings her heartfelt country-folk tunes—think storytelling gems perfect for a midweek unwind. Tix via lobero.org.
Rebelution Good Vibes Cali Tour with Pepper, The Elovaters, Aurorawave, and DJ Mackle (Oct 16, 5:00 PM) at Santa Barbara Bowl: Reggae royalty under the stars! Gates open early for tailgating vibes—grab tickets at sbbowl.com before they sell out.
Fleetwood Mask: Fleetwood Mac Tribute (Oct 17, 8:00 PM) at Lobero Theatre: Channel your inner Stevie Nicks with this spot-on recreation of Mac's magic—rumors are it'll be a dreamy night. Details at lobero.org.
Philharmonia Orchestra with Santtu-Matias Rouvali (Oct 20, 7:30 PM) at The Granada Theatre: Epic classical vibes featuring works from Beethoven and more— a grand way to wrap the week. Tix at granadasb.org.
Fun Events & Festivals to Fill Your Calendar
This week's packed with community flavor, from wine sips to seafood feasts. Get out there and mingle, 805 style!
Seafood vibes
Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival (Oct 18, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM) at the Harbor: Free entry to this waterfront bash! Chow down on fresh uni, paella, fish tacos, and more from local boats, plus live music, free boat rides on Lil’ Toot, and museum discounts. Sea-to-table heaven—don't miss the filleting demos!
41st Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival (Oct 18, 1:00-4:00 PM) at Vega Vineyard & Farm: Taste 50+ wines and bites from top purveyors in Buellton—think "sea-to-vine" pairings if you're hitting the harbor first. Tix at sbvintnersfestival.com.
Mission Creek Beer Festival (Oct 18, times vary) at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History: Artisan brews meet local eats in a "wild and wonderful" tasting journey—perfect for beer lovers exploring the nature of hops. Tix at sbnature.org.
Ride Santa Barbara 100 (Oct 18, early start): Pedal pros tackle a 100-mile coastal route with epic views—join if you're up for the challenge or cheer from the sidelines!
Ongoing: The Santa Barbara Vegan Chef Challenge runs all month—hit up local spots for creative plant-based twists and vote for faves!
Quirky Corner: Offbeat & Unusual Vibes
You asked for the weird and wonderful, so we scrubbed hard for those hidden gems that add a dash of eccentricity to your week. These aren't your standard fairs—think mystical meetups and crafty rituals that'll have you saying, "Only in SB!"
Cacao Connection!
Enhanced Embodiment Series: Cacao (Oct 17, time TBA): Dive into a heart-opening ritual honoring cacao—share stories, sip the sacred brew, and feel its energizing magic. Quirky communal vibes for connecting with others and this ancient plant spirit. Check details via local listings.
Tarot Workshop with Kristine Marie (Oct 17, time TBA) at Sorelle: Learn Tarot basics, from card meanings to intuitive reads, in a fun, guided session. Perfect for mystic-curious folks—unlock some personal insights with a side of enchantment!
Pumpkin Candle Pouring Workshop (Oct 16, time TBA) at Candle Bar 111: Craft your own scented candle in a pumpkin vessel (orange or black)—a seasonal twist on DIY that's equal parts cozy and kooky. Great for fall feels without the carving mess!
Boo at the Zoo (Starts Oct 17, recurring Fri-Sun through 26): Dress up and wander the zoo after dark with spooky lights, animal encounters, and treats. Quirky Halloween fun where critters meet costumes—family-friendly weirdness at its best!
Arts, Culture & Community Buzz
Keep the creative juices flowing with these cultural hits—ARTOBER might be wrapping, but the inspiration lingers.
Fareed Zakaria: What It Takes (Oct 16, 7:30 PM) at Arlington Theatre: The CNN host chats books and big ideas—thought-provoking for news junkies.
Knitting & Crochet Club (Oct 15, times vary) at Louise Lowry Davis Center: Cozy up with yarn enthusiasts for a casual craft sesh—free and welcoming!
Volunteer Gardening (Oct 15, 9:00 AM-5:30 PM) at Alice Keck Park: Get your hands dirty beautifying the gardens—community bonding with a green thumb twist.
Quick Community News Bites
34th Annual Senior Expo hits Oct 15—resources, fun, and freebies for our elders!
Heads up: Housing Santa Barbara seminars Oct 18 for community chats on local living.
That's the scoop for Oct 14-20, 805 crew! If we missed a hidden gem, reply or tag us—we thrive on your tips. Stay quirky, support local, and soak up that SB magic. What's your weirdest plan this week? 😎
Your 805 Buzz Editor