Jul 21 Tuesday
Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.
The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.
This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.
Jul 22 Wednesday
Jul 23 Thursday
Join us for the Designing Futures Teen Art Show, a free community event showcasing and selling original artwork created by local artists ages 10–18. Designing Futures is a free summer entrepreneurship program that teaches young artists how to build a creative business by exploring branding, pricing, marketing, and professional presentation. The Teen Art Show is the culmination of the program, where participants will exhibit and sell their work to the public for the first time.Visitors can browse a variety of original artwork while supporting emerging artists from across Conejo Valley. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Paths Through Time: Historic Trails of Santa Barbara County and Their Influence on Modern Life is the next topic in the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History’s Talk & Talkback Speaker Series. Mark Wilkinson, director of the Santa Barbara Trails Council, will dive into historic trail networks, beginning with Indigenous routes and continuing through Spanish and early American corridors. He’ll then discuss how the past and present connect through recreation, conservation, and community involvement.
The 2026 Talk & Talkback Speaker Series is hosted by the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. Paths Through Time: Historic Trails of Santa Barbara County and Their Influence on Modern Life will be held on Thursday, July 23 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the museum, 956 Maple Ave. in downtown Carpinteria. The talk is free for members of the museum and $10 per person for visitors. No rsvps required. Ticket sales at the door.
For more information on the Talk & Talkback Speaker Series, volunteering at the museum, or other questions, call (805) 684-3112, email info@carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org, or visit carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org/events.
Jul 24 Friday
Jul 25 Saturday
North America’s largest award-winning interactive true crime murder mystery dinner show invites you into a night of laughter, mystery, and audience-driven intrigue. Enjoy a full dinner while a hilarious crime unfolds around you—but stay alert. The culprit is hiding in plain sight, and before the night is over, you could find yourself named a Prime Suspect. Now playing at Los Robles Greens - Sunset Ballroom in Thousand Oaks, CA, this murder mystery dinner experience is unlike traditional dinner theater.
Our professional actors are not in costume and are secretly planted among the guests, creating a modern, social, and highly interactive evening. Each ticket includes our signature live murder mystery show, a complete dinner, waitstaff gratuity, and plenty of unexpected twists. Reserve your tickets now and crack the case before it’s too late. Planning a group celebration or private event in Thousand Oaks? We specialize in custom private shows for companies, parties, and organizations of nearly any size—hosted at our public venue or brought directly to your location. Perfect for team outings, corporate events, and unforgettable celebrations.
Jul 26 Sunday
The Guadalupe Buddhist Church is having its annual Obon Festival on Sunday July 26 from 12 to 6 PM. It will be held at the Santa Maria Veteran’s Memorial Building, 313 W. Tunnel in Santa Maria CA. Obon is a Japanese tradition where they celebrate the ancestor’s spirits returning to their homes and reuniting with their loved ones. This year’s celebration includes traditional Obon Dances, Martial Arts demonstrations, Bonsai instruction, and popular Taiko Drumming. There will be delicious foods including chicken teriyaki dinners, sushi, bbq kushiyaki, udon and more. The event will also feature a raffle drawing, arts and crafts vendors and children activities.