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Gladwin Planetarium Summer Shows, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.©

  • By Alison Plummer

The Summer calendar is packed with events and festivals on California’s Central Coast.

Enjoy seasonal events in June with art shows, exhibitions including the fascinating “How Forever Works”, and a tempting lineup of festivals from wine at the Santa Barabara Wine Festival to the fragrant lavender festival. In July, enjoy the immersive annual Carmel Bach Festival and the Hop ‘N Barley craft beer festival. In August save the dates for Spanish “Fiesta” and the Greek Festival,

 

Events on California’s Central Coast: Worth planning around

 

Ink Works ’26
To June 28, 2026, Paso Robles

Head to Studios on the Park’s central Atrium this month to view a collection of imaginative and skilled original prints by the local artists of Central Coast Printmakers. Also check out the acrylic works of featured resident artist Gisele D. Thompson, displayed in Studios’ front window.

Pinot and Paella Festival
June 7, 2026, Paso Robles

21st Annual: Hosted by Jack’s Creek Cellars, it’s a chance to taste and celebrate some of the regions’ Pinot Noirs, paired with creative paella dishes from local chefs. Cast your votes for the winning recipe, and enjoy the live music.

How Forever Works
June 13 – August 15, 2026, Santa Barbara

At the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara Art Gallery, this exhibition features photographic assemblages and camera-less works by Jacqueline Wood, whose photographic practice explores memory, perception, and the emotional resonance of found imagery. Working with aged photographs, worn and marked by time, she preserves them while reconfiguring them.

Yosemite Sierra Artists Exhibition 
June 15 – July 6, 2026, Oakhurst

Shown at the Yosemite Gateway Art Center, this annual exhibition features the original works of Yosemite Sierra Artists members. The mixed media show includes painting, sculpture, photography, woodcuts, and lithographs. Works by other artists are accepted depending on category and exhibit space available.

Summer Solstice Parade
June 19 – 21, 2026, Santa Barbara

One of the largest art events in Santa Barbara County, with costume parade, performances, and more. Begins Friday with a ticketed concert event with delicious food and merchants.

Summer Shows, Gladwin Planetarium
From June 21 -September 8, 2026, Santa Barbara

The Gladwin Planetarium at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History presents its program of exploration into the constellations and planets visible in Santa Barbara in summer, and invites you to contemplate black holes and exoplanets! Choose from three shows on weekdays and four on weekends.

Santa Barbara Wine Festival
June 27, 2026, Santa Barbara

This wine event is a much-loved tradition, held for over three decades at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Sip wine from a commemorative wine glass‌ and enjoy the wineries and food purveyors set across the Museum’s outdoor spaces. Ticket proceeds helpto support the museum’s education programs.

Santa Barbara Lavender Festival 
June 27, 2026, Santa Barbara

The Great Meadow at Santa Barbara City College is the venue for this fragrant arts and crafts festival based on lavender themes with merchandise from artisans, local lavender farms, and small business owners. 

Carmel Bach Festival
July 11-25, 2026, Carmel-by-the-Sea

89th Annual: Immersive experience themed “The Nature of Sound” celebrating the works, inspiration, and ongoing influence of Johann Sebastian Bach.  Fans enjoy two weeks of concerts, recitals, master classes, lectures, and open rehearsals, integrating music, education and ideas.

Hop ‘N Barley Festival
July 11, 2026, Santa Cruz

This annual craft beer and BBQ festival is held at Scotts Park, with beer and cider tastings from over 40 breweries and cideries. Enjoy live music on two stages, food from the BBQ, tacos, brick oven pizza, and many vegetarian options. Classic cars are also a feature.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta
August 5-9, 2026, Santa Barbara

Love the parades, carnivals, rodeos, music, dance performances and more. This week celebrates the history, customs, and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers that comprise the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara. Explore the mercados, taste authentic treats, and revel in the time-honored traditions of “Fiesta”.

Santa Barbara Greek Festival
August 15-16, 2026, Santa Barbara

52nd Annual: Moving to a new venue at Chase Palm Park this year, the festival offers Greek dance lessons, music, the oh-so-tempting food plus Greek wine and beer! The 4 Greeks will energize the atmosphere with their vibrant music.

 

Full Calendars of Events

Central California

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