Community Calendar

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.

Voices Rock Adult Choir Comes to Westlake Village

Love to sing? Voices Rock California is launching a new no-audition adult rock and pop choir at Aspire Dance Studio in Westlake Village.

Led by vocalist and music educator Savannah Koenig, Voices Rock welcomes experienced singers as well as people who haven’t sung in years or aren’t sure they consider themselves singers. No auditions and no need to read music. Just come sing, meet people and have fun.

Thursdays, 7:45–9:00 p.m.
Beginning September 10
Aspire Dance Studio
5700 Corsa Ave., Suite 106
Westlake Village, CA
Information and registration: voicesrockcalifornia.com

Join us October 1-31, 2026 for an entire month of BRAND NEW vegan options all over Santa Barbara, CA!
During this time, restaurants throughout the Santa Barbara area will feature special vegan menu items. Diners have the opportunity to go out, enjoy meals, review/rate menus, and post photos of the delicious vegan meals they have ordered.

To view a list of current participants/menus visit veganchefchallenge.org/santabarbara

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.

Under the oaks, for four days in October, the Ojai Storytelling Festival brings some of the country’s most gifted storytellers to Ojai for a weekend of unforgettable live performances that are funny, moving, surprising, and wonderfully human.

If you've never been to a storytelling festival before, imagine a stand up comic, a TED talk, and campfire stories all rolled into one perfect weekend.vvThe weekend includes family-friendly events, adults only Naughty Tales, a free Thursday night concert at Sam’s Place, Saturday’s Story Shop Boutique, and special opportunities for kids, including free admission for children on Saturday from 10am-6pm.

Whether you’re a lifelong story lover or have never been to a storytelling festival before, this is one of those Ojai experiences you’ll be talking about long after the last story ends.

Hours:
Oct. 22: 1-10 pm
Oct. 23: 9:30 am-10 pm
Oct. 24: 8:30 am-10:30 pm
Oct. 25: 9-1 pm

Join us October 1-31, 2026 for an entire month of BRAND NEW vegan options all over Santa Barbara, CA!
During this time, restaurants throughout the Santa Barbara area will feature special vegan menu items. Diners have the opportunity to go out, enjoy meals, review/rate menus, and post photos of the delicious vegan meals they have ordered.

To view a list of current participants/menus visit veganchefchallenge.org/santabarbara

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.

Come have fun and show off your creativity! We will be chalk-painting sections all around the Buellton Library. Open to kids and adults, artist and non-artists alike! No experience required! This is a community event. Any level of artists and anyone wanting to participate. Everyone is welcome!

The theme is BOOKS! A book cover, a book title, a scene from a book, spines of books, etc. GET CREATIVE! Art will remain on display for 1 week after. We will be supplying each spot a box of limited colored basic chalks, but you may also bring your own washable chalk/chalk paint.

There is no registration fee PER SPOT, the registration is paid for by the Arts & Culture Foundation. Since there will be only 30 squares available (approx. 3' x 3') – registration will be on a first come, first registered basis.

Kindly No dogs at the event to preserve the artwork.
& our bookstore will be OPEN for the day during the event.

Light refreshments will be available.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Buellton Library and the City of Buellton's Arts & Culture Program.Register by 10/20/26 - Additional parameters and details are on the registration form at the link below.

REGISTRATION LINK:
https://forms.gle/VxAJonyW7cMGfZPAA

THRILLER 2026
Saturday, October 24th
Halloween Dance Party 2:00pm / Thriller Performance 3:00pm

Join us…undead or alive!

Every year, World Dance for Humanity hosts Santa Barbara’s Thriller event, a FREE family-friendly dance party and performance. It's part of “Thrill the World,” a global event that happens each year on the Saturday before Halloween. On that day, about 100 dancing Zombies will rise up at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens, casting away inhibitions to create a SPOOKTACULAR community experience!

The frightful festivities begin with a community dance party, where you can join in the fun! See dances honoring the legacy of Tim Curry and the Rocky Horror Picture Show and dance along with other spooky-time favorites, all culminating in our THRILLER finale!

Donate to become an event sponsor - all proceeds go to our Nicole Greenwood Rwanda Education Fund.

More info: https://worlddanceforhumanity.org/thriller/

Experience the Thrills at North Fork Ranch's Haunted Hayride!

A Day of Fun Turns Into a Night of Terror! ONE DAY ONLY

Come join us at North Fork Ranch for an unforgettable day filled with exciting vendors, delicious food and drinks, live music, and festive autumn magic. But as the sun sets, prepare yourself for a chilling adventure unlike any other.

Step onto the Haunted Hayride and brace yourself for the eerie journey through Quarantine Zone 7, where zombies, walkers, and Wildlings roam. After Surviving the mayhem, dare to enter the Barn to witness CirqueSanity's Haunted Acrobatic Cirque Show “Field of Forgotten Whispers”, where haunting performances will leave you spellbound.

From harvest-time fun under the autumn sky to heart-pounding thrills after dark, North Fork Ranch promises unforgettable memories. Come for the festival, stay for the fear!

Get your tickets now for a night you won't soon forget!