Best Bets
Friday, May 9
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)
Michael Buble
Grammy and Juno award-winning jazztastic singer and pianist brings his energy and charm for two performances at the Bowl. Buble has been touring the globe continuously for the last five years, putting his charismatic spin on classic standards
7:30 p.m., Santa Barbara Bowl ($63 - $99)
Victory
American premiere of Athol Fugard's play about three lives in post-apartheid South Africa.
8 p.m., Lobero Theatre ($18 - $50.50)
Esperanza's Box: Stories of Hope
Presented by City at Peace, Santa Barbara
8 p.m., Center Stage Theater ($8 - $15)
So Long and Thanks for all the Shows
A goodbye bash for Anna Zamir, who has booked the SOhO shows for the last several years
9 p.m., SOhO ($12 - $15)
Saturday, May 10
Andraab Textiles Trunk Show
Hosted by the Santa Barbara Vedanta Society
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Vedanta Society, 925 Ladera Ln.
Saturday on the Green
The Govenor has declared this day "Lawn Bowling Day!" There will be free food and drinks, free lessons in bowling and lots of fun for the whole family!
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., S.B. Lawn Bowls Club, 1216 De la Vina St. (Free)
Ojai Renaissance Pirate Faire
Special Event
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Ojai. (Free - $15)
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)
World Fair Trade Day
Organizers will distribute free Fair Trade coffee, chocolates and gifts all day!
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Arcobaleno Trade
UCSB Dance Team's 4th Annual Benefit Concert
Raffles, performances by Vocal Motion, Naked Voices, Urban, and Black Reign. Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund!
1 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($7 - $12)
Rock in Peace
Seven-hour music festival showcasing Ventura County favorites Dr. Surf, Hindu Kush, Char-man, Krusader, Shades of Day and PeaceBomb as well as the San Francisco-based group Golden Animals
2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Libbey Bowl ($8)
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)
Opening Reception for Brett Leigh Dicks
For his photography exhibit People Photographing on display through May
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Samy's Camera (Free)
Beaumont-Potter International Family Art Show
With handmade jewelry by Mom (Julie), plein air and abstract paintings by Dad (Chris) and abstract expressions from Malakye (Child)
3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 2318 Chapala St.
Hugs for Cubs Benefit Show
Featuring music by Say No More, Kill Ugly Radio, and Loomis
7 p.m., Jensen Guitar & Music Co. Mainstage Venue ($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)
Victory
American premiere of Athol Fugard's play about three lives in post-apartheid South Africa.
8 p.m., Lobero Theatre ($18 - $50.50)
Diavolo
Dancers, gymnasts, actors and athletes perform with oversized, surrealistic sets, structures and machinery...
8 p.m., The Granada ($30 - $55)
Esperanza's Box: Stories of Hope
Presented by City at Peace, Santa Barbara
8 p.m., Center Stage Theater ($8 - $15)
Salute to the Arlington
The Santa Barbara Symphony plays a final concert before moving to the Granada
8 p.m., Arlington Theatre ($18 - $59)
The Johnny Starlings and The Donner Party
Live music from local bands
8 p.m., Muddy Waters Cafe ($7)
Sunday, May 11
Come Jump with Us Mothers Day Spring Horse Show
Santa Ynez Valley Pony Club
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Shepherd Ranch, 1399 W Hwy. 154, Santa Ynez. ($10 - $15)
Andraab Textiles Trunk Show
Hosted by the Santa Barbara Vedanta Society
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Vedanta Society, 925 Ladera Ln.
Ojai Renaissance Pirate Faire
Special Event
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Ojai. (Free - $15)
Victory
American premiere of Athol Fugard's play about three lives in post-apartheid South Africa.
2 p.m., Lobero Theatre ($18 - $50.50)
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)
Salute to the Arlington
The Santa Barbara Symphony plays a final concert before moving to the Granada
3 p.m., Arlington Theatre ($18 - $59)
Monday, May 12
Joel Meyerowitz
Award-winning photographer gives visual presentation commemorating fifth anniversary of 9/11.
8 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($10 - $12)
Tuesday, May 13
Jeffrey Sachs and Greg Mortenson
Director of The Earth Institute, special adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs
7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Arlington Theatre ($11)
Wednesday, May 14
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.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m., 1259 Veronica Springs Rd. (Free)
Social Game Night
Play social games while making new friends!
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fleischmann Auditorium ($10 - $15)
Made in L.A.
Almudena Carracedo exposes the plight of sweatshop workers.
7 p.m., MultiCultural Ctr. (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 15
Maritime Medley
Free Family Days, Every third Thursday
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., S.B. Maritime Museum (Free)
Over Rainbows and Down Rabbit Holes
Part of SBMA's Nights.
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., S.B. Museum of Art ($20 - $35)
Charles Fernald: Guiding Light of Santa Barbara
Lecture by Daniel Alef, award-winning novelist and syndicated columnist
5:30 p.m., S.B. Historical Museum ($25 - $35)
S.B Songwriter Showcase
With Nathan McEuen, Rikka Z, and Ballard and Cicero.
7 p.m., Jensen Guitar & Music Co. Mainstage Venue ($5 - $10)
An Evening with John Cleese
Hilarious comic discusses his life and career, with a special screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail
7:30 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall ($10 - $20)
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
The Wedding
Hilarious musical comedy directed by John Blondell.
4 p.m., Center Stage Theater ($14 - $20)
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
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)
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)
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
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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