Hometown Central Coast — October 23 to 25, 2026
Halloween takes the evenings this weekend, and the days stay easy: a 737 tug-of-war at the airport and watercolor downtown on Saturday, a free Día de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, and one good reason to drive to Ojai. All times Pacific. Check the organizer's page before you leave; availability can change.
The Shortlist
1. Boo at the Zoo, after dark
Friday through Sunday, October 23–25, 5–8 PM — Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Niños Drive
The weekend's main Halloween event: costumes, trick-or-treating, games, and a dance floor, in the dark, at the zoo. Ideal for ages 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Evening admission is separate from daytime entry, members save $5 on the regular event ticket, and tickets are nonrefundable. The animals will not be visible; this one is about the party, not the exhibits.
Zoo details and tickets: https://www.sbzoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo
Prefer daylight? Daytime Boo runs daily through October 31, 10 AM–3 PM, with a scavenger hunt, costume parade, and hay maze included in regular admission; face painting is extra. On October 23–25 the Zoo closes at 3:30 PM and clears the grounds before the evening event, and a daytime ticket does not carry into the night.
2. Plane Pull at Santa Barbara Airport
Saturday, October 24, 10 AM-2:45 PM — Atlantic Aviation, 1503 Cook Place
The fifth annual Plane Pull: teams of 10 to 25 haul an Alaska Airlines 737, all 140,000 pounds of it, 20 feet against the clock, raising money for Alpha Resource Center. Competing takes a team and a fundraising commitment ($100 per person; $50 in the school and disability divisions), but spectators get in free, with a festival area on the airfield. For kids who love airplanes, there is nothing else like it this fall. Ideal for ages 4+. Tentative schedule: registration at 10 AM, opening ceremony at 10:30 AM, first competitive pull at 10:45 AM, and awards around 2:45 PM.
Airport announcement and team registration: https://flysba.santabarbaraca.gov/news/plane-pull-returns-sba-october-24
Day’s schedule via the Independent: https://www.independent.com/events/5th-annual-plane-pull/
3. Día de los Muertos Family Day
Sunday, October 25, 11 AM–4 PM — Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State Street
Free, and the strongest family pick of the weekend: altars by student and community groups, art-making across the galleries and Front Terrace, and the Calenda to close the afternoon. Gather on the Front Terrace at 3:30 PM; the procession departs at 4 PM for De La Guerra Plaza. Ideal for ages 3+.
Museum details: https://www.sbma.net/learn/kidsfamilies/ffd
4. Chemistry Weekend at MOXI
Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25, 10 AM–3 PM — MOXI, 125 State Street
Cyanotype sun prints and slime, then the rest of the museum. Activities are included with admission: $25 for ages 13+, $20 for ages 2–12, free for members and children under 2. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Ideal for ages 4+.
Weekend calendar: https://moxi.org/calendar/chemistry-weekend/
5. Cookout and Book Fair
Saturday, October 24, noon–4 PM — Central Library, Michael Towbes Upper Plaza, 40 E. Anapamu Street
Food, live music, a children's play area, and free school supplies, hosted by Healing Justice Santa Barbara. A relaxed midday anchor downtown. Ideal for ages 2+. The listing does not specify admission or food pricing, so check with the organizer rather than assuming the afternoon is free.
Library listing: https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov/event/back-school-black-family-cookout-book-fair-33500
Parents' Night Out
Music & Meditation — Friday, October 23, 2 PM, Weinman Hall. A Friday matinee rather than a night out: live music and guided meditation in a 70-seat hall. $30 general, $45 patron; remaining seats are not confirmed. Also running November 13 and December 11.
Tickets: https://musicandmeditationsb.com/tickets-2/
Whale of a Celebration — Friday, October 23, 6:30–9 PM, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Fleischmann Auditorium, 2559 Puesta del Sol. Sean Hastings on whale conservation, and filmmaker Adam Ernster with a new film on changing whale behavior in the channel just offshore. The museum lists tickets at $81.88; remaining seats are not confirmed. Ideal for ages 16+.
Museum event and booking: https://www.sbnature.org/visit/calendar/9298/whale-of-a-celebration
Coastal Clambake and Sauvignon Blanc — Sunday, October 25, 4–6 PM, Kimpton Canary rooftop, 31 W. Carrillo Street. A family-style seafood dinner timed for late afternoon. $75 per person, taxes and gratuity additional; reservations required and the organizer describes seating as limited. Remaining inventory is not confirmed. Ages 21+.
Hotel details: https://www.finchandforkrestaurant.com/special-events
Flamenco Intimo — Sunday, October 25, 7 PM, Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Covarrubias Adobe. An intimate flamenco performance in the adobe courtyard; the organizer describes tickets as very limited. The listing does not state a price, so check the booking page before you go.
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flamenco-intimo-tickets-2002608260215
Melissa Etheridge: RISE — Friday, October 23, 7:30 PM, Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido Street. A major touring musician in one of Santa Barbara’s most intimate historic theaters. A strong concert-night choice. Check the official box office for current seats and prices.
Lobero calendar: https://www.lobero.org/whats-on/monthly-calendar/?lMonth=10&lYear=2026
Haunted Hotel Heights — Friday, October 23, 6–10 PM, Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown, 1601 State Street. A 21+ Halloween rooftop party with cocktails, sunset views and live DJs. One themed cocktail is included. Advertised pricing is $25 early bird or $30 at the door; remaining availability is unverified.
Event page: https://santabarbaraca.com/events/haunted-hotel-heights/
Fortune Feimster — Saturday, October 24, 5 PM and 8:30 PM, Lobero Theatre. The comedian brings the Takin’ Care of Biscuits tour to Santa Barbara for two Saturday performances. A particularly strong date-night alternative to Halloween parties. Verify remaining tickets for each performance separately.
Lobero calendar: https://www.lobero.org/whats-on/monthly-calendar/?lMonth=10&lYear=2026
Fields of Funk — Saturday, October 24, Noon–10 PM, Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road. A 21+ Halloween music festival with three stages, live performances, art installations, food trucks, vendors and a silent disco. The current official ticket page lists general admission Tier 2 at $77.02 including fees; other admission options are available. Parking is limited, and the organizer encourages ridesharing.
Tickets: https://fieldsoffunk.ticketsauce.com/e/fields-of-funk-santa-barbara-2026/tickets
Santa Barbara Symphony Opening Weekend — Saturday, October 24, 7:30 PM or Sunday, October 25, 3 PM, The Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street. GRAMMY-winning pianist Michelle Cann performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. There are pre-concert talks before both performances. An excellent adults-focused cultural pick; current seats and prices are unverified.
Concert page:https://thesymphony.org/concerts-events/orchestra-concerts/rachmaninoffs-second-concerto/
The Broader Roundup
Explore Together: Watercolor Shapes — Saturday, 10–11:15 AM, Central Library, Island Room. A free session with SBMA teaching artist Jason Summers, geared to preschool and early-elementary children. Note the venue: this one is at the library, not the museum. Ideal for ages 3+.
Ojai Storytelling Festival — Saturday, October 24. Start with Morning Medley at the Ojai Art Center Patio, 113 S. Montgomery Street, 10–11:15 AM ($30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 children under 16; confirm the total at checkout), then walk to Libbey Fountain for Lipbone Redding's free mini-concert, 1:15–1:45 PM, canceled if it rains. Separate events; choose one or make a day of both. Seating is first come, first served. Ideal for ages 6+.
Official festival schedule: https://ojaistoryfest.org
Whale Watching with Condor Express — Sunday, October 25. The on-the-water half of Whale weekend, run by Condor Express: the organizer quotes $150 for the cruise, or $200 combined with Friday's museum evening. Departure time and remaining seats are not confirmed; check the booking page.
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-whale-of-a-celebration-tickets-1992457033623
Wild West Harvest Fest — Sunday, October 25, 4:30–7 PM, Southcoast Church, 5814 Cathedral Oaks Road, Goleta. A free community harvest festival with a mechanical bull, line dancing, a petting zoo, bounce houses, games, and free food. Cowboy hats encouraged. Ideal for ages 2+.
Church events page: https://southcoastchurch.org/events
Ventura Brick Convention — Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25, 10 AM–1 PM or 2–5 PM sessions, Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Boulevard, Ventura. A substantial LEGO fan event with interactive building areas, creative displays and specialty vendors. Each day has two separate three-hour sessions. The Fairgrounds lists $15 admission and $10 parking. The organizer warns that sold-out sessions will not offer door sales; current availability must be checked.
Event site: https://www.brickconvention.com/ventura
Vent’Anni: 20 Vintages at Grassini Family Vineyards — Sunday, October 25, Noon–4 PM, Grassini Family Vineyards estate, 5775 Genuine Risk Road, Santa Ynez. A special 20th-harvest celebration with rare library wines, current releases, live music and Santa Maria-style barbecue. Food service is scheduled for 12:30–3 PM. A particularly worthwhile destination-wine outing; ticket tiers and remaining capacity need checking.
Event page: https://www.visitsyv.com/event/ventanni-celebrating-our-20th-harvest/
Buellton Literary Chalkfest — Saturday, October 24, Buellton. Registration for the 30 free art squares closed October 20; the festival itself runs Saturday, and the finished squares are the show.
Festival details: https://sites.google.com/view/fobl-buellton/events
Cold Spring School Fall Festival — Friday, October 23, 2:30–5:30 PM, Cold Spring School, 2243 Sycamore Canyon Road, Montecito. A neighborhood fall tradition with games, rides, a pumpkin patch, cake walk, food and seasonal treats. The school welcomes its community and friends. Check ticket and wristband arrangements before attending; admission pricing has not been confirmed.
School event page: https://www.coldspringschool.net/article/3167671
Hocus Pocus on the Rooftop — Friday, October 23, 7 PM, Paseo Nuevo, South Side Parking Garage rooftop. A free outdoor showing of Hocus Pocus, with complimentary popcorn. Bring blankets, chairs and an extra layer for the evening. Free admission is advertised; current RSVP availability is unverified.
Event page and RSVPhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/spooky-movie-nights-tickets-2001671431134
Off Register Art Book & Print Fair — Saturday, October 24, 10 AM–5 PM, Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden Street. A free, unusually good creative outing with more than 70 artists and exhibitors, live printing demonstrations, hands-on zine and button making, music and food vendors. Suitable for families, teens and adults who like art and making things.
Event site: https://www.offregistersb.org/
Halloween Hullabaloo at The Post — Saturday, October 24, 11 AM–2 PM, The Post, 1801 East Cabrillo Boulevard. A daytime Halloween outing with pumpkin decorating, face painting for kids, spooky treats and complimentary mini trick-or-treat totes. Food and drink pop-ups are also planned. The organizer has not specified admission or reservation requirements.
What’s on: https://thepostmontecito.com/pages/whats-on
Thriller at the Courthouse — Saturday, October 24, 2 PM, Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street. A free Halloween dance party hosted by World Dance for Humanity, culminating in a synchronized Thriller performance at 3 PM. Costumes welcome. A particularly fun option for families with kids who love dancing.
Event page: https://www.worlddanceforhumanity.org/thriller
Downtown Trick-or-Treat — Saturday, October 24, 3–6 PM, Downtown Santa Barbara. Dozens of downtown businesses will distribute treats and goodies, with participating storefronts identified by orange window signs. An easy continuation after the courthouse dance party, or a standalone Halloween afternoon.
Event page: https://www.downtownsb.org/do/downtown-santa-barbara-trick-or-treat
Looking Ahead
MOXI Potions and Slime Workshop — Monday, October 26, 9 AM–3 PM. A full day of experiments on a school in-service day; enrollment is restricted to grades 1–4. $110 members, $125 nonmembers; extended care 8 AM–5 PM for $30 more. Check your own school calendar before booking; remaining spaces are not verified.
Workshop details: https://moxi.org/calendar/
Poison Garden Murder Mystery Dinner Party — Friday, October 30, 6:30–9 PM, The Steward, Santa Barbara. A Halloween-weekend parents' night out: prix-fixe buffet, cash bar, no refunds. Tickets $103.22 on the organizer's page; remaining inventory is not confirmed.
Mystic Nights at Hotel Californian — Saturday, October 31, 5–9 PM, Mirador Rooftop, 36 State Street. The Halloween-night rooftop party: Moroccan-inspired décor, cocktails, and a costume contest with a complimentary one-night stay as the prize. General admission $35 in advance, $45 on the day.
Reader perk: Hotel Californian gave Hometown readers $10 off a ticket with the code ALLSIGNS.
Tickets: https://hotelcalifornian.ticketsauce.com/e/mystic-nights
Paderewski Festival — November 6–8, Paso Robles. Three days of concerts, lectures, and wine around the pianist-statesman's Paso Robles years, with the gala concert in San Luis Obispo on Saturday night.
Festival details: https://www.travelpaso.com/events/annual-events-and-festivals/paderewski-festival/
Botanic Garden Fall Plant Sale — Saturday, November 7, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Timed entry: a member preview runs 9–11 AM with a free reservation, and the public sale follows from 1 PM in reservable one-hour windows, one vehicle per slot. Reserve early; the Garden closes the nursery November 4–6 to prepare.
Sale details: https://sbbotanicgarden.org/classes-events/fall-plant-sale-2026/
Already Sold Out
The Botanic Garden's All Hallows Evening (Friday, October 23, 5–7 PM) and Free Community Day (Sunday, October 25, 10 AM–5 PM) are both marked sold out by the Garden. Keep an existing reservation if you hold one; do not plan on walk-in admission.
All Hallows Evening: https://sbbotanicgarden.org/classes-events/all-hallows-evening-new-casitas-opening-2/
Free Community Day: https://sbbotanicgarden.org/classes-events/free-community-day-october-25/
What time is the plane pull? Can’t find it anywhere
Gavin, Thank you for the recommendation !!