Labor Day weekend may signify the unofficial end of summer, but it’s also usually the start of a month of some of the best weather for al fresco, well … doing just about anything in Santa Barbara — and that certainly includes outdoor dining. The rooftop at the Kimpton Canary is a fun place to enjoy the sunshine and 360-degree views of the ocean, mountains, and downtown, but it’s only open to non-hotel guests for special events. Lucky for us, several of those take place this weekend.
On Labor Day (Mon., Sept. 4), it’s “Sun’s Out, Buns Out” time with a barbecue featuring live music from Lindsey Marie, lovely libations, and Finch & Fork Chef Nathan Lingle’s “everything in a bun” menu, which includes summer favorites such as a classic Maine lobster roll for $22, as well a number of “on a bun” options ($10-$14), including an Alle-Pia fennel sausage and pepper roll, Hebrew National hot dogs, and a special vegetarian pulled-jackfruit roll with carrot slaw and BBQ sauce. All are served with house-made potato chips, which I can personally vouch for the delicious addictiveness of! (Entrance is free, but you can reserve a spot at Eventbrite.com.)
Uncle Uncle (left) and Val-Mar Records perform on the rooftop of the Canary on September 2. | Credit: RG Photography
The rooftop is also open for fun on Saturday, September 2, from 6-10 p.m. for a party featuring Val-Mar Records and the popular band Uncle Uncle. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Drinks and a shaved ribeye cheese or Holy Cow grilled cheese will be available at the bar for an additional fee.
In addition, Sunday, September 3, is a Sip N Swirl evening on the Kimpton Canary rooftop featuring Fess Parker Winery from 6-8 p.m. The $25 ticket price includes charcuterie and a cheese board, wine-tasting with members of the Fess Parker family and live music with Lindsey Marie.
See eventbrite.com/d/ca–santa-barbara/finch-and-fork for tickets to all of these events.