Since March of 2020, we have been challenged and reshaped -- as a community and individuals -- by our experiences living through the COVID-19 pandemic and renewal of abolitionist and anti-racist activist movements. Amidst the shift to remote learning and working, UCSB Library’s Special Research Collections initiated two ongoing projects: the Santa Barbara Black Lives Matter Community Archives and the COVID-19 Community Archives.

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the long-awaited re-opening of the exhibit, Mermaids: Visualizing the Myths and Legends through Photography, 16 images printed on canvas by Ralph Clevenger and friends. Originally scheduled to open on April 22, 2020, the exhibit was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic closures. Now, thanks to the generous support of Mimi Michaelis, the Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation, and the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation the exhibit will be open to the public from November 11, 2021, through April 30, 2022. There will also be mermaid photo opportunities at the museum by appointment on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 11:30am-12:30pm and 1-2pm, $10 for museum members and $30 for non-members.

Solvang, California Announces Preliminary Plans for Annual “Solvang Julefest”: Modified Holiday Season Celebration to Run November 27, 2021 through January 1, 2022 in Santa Barbara County Wine Country

Enjoy local music performers throughout the season

The community is invited to join in this inspiring and meaningful celebration – it’s free! The Living Nativity will be held for 3 nights: December 20, 21st and 22nd from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 305 E Anapamu (corner of Garden and Anapamu) Free parking onsite, enter from Garden St.

The Good Good Show is a monthly stand up comedy show featuring the best comedians working today!

One hour Sound Bath featuring vocal toning, crystal sound bowls, chimes, hang drum, & more! (Featuring local musicians Danielle Elese + Mendeleyev)

The Santa Barbara Symphony returns to its beloved New Year’s Eve tradition to dazzle audiences with the music of Gershwin and other celebratory symphonic favorites, on Friday, December 31 from 8:30pm-10:00pm at the Granada Theatre. Guests will also enjoy a champagne pour and festive party hats!

Hello 2022! Bob Bernhardt returns to host an evening of Gershwin and other symphonic celebration favorites. Join baritone Cedric Barry, pianist Natasha Kislenko, and the full orchestra to ring in the New Year. This is your chance to sing-along with The Symphony!

New elementary band program starting in January

The Abstract Art Collective (AAC) is pleased to announce its 10th Year Anniversary Show January 3 - 30, 2022 at REH GraySpace Gallery in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.