Oct 28 Wednesday
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.
Oct 29 Thursday
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
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 10Aspire Dance Studio5700 Corsa Ave., Suite 106Westlake Village, CAInformation and registration: voicesrockcalifornia.com
Oct 30 Friday
Little ones ages infant to 5 years old and their parents/caregivers are invited to the Yarrow Family YMCA Halloween Playdate on Friday, October 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The free event is open to all YMCA members and nonmembers. Kids are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes. They can show off their costumes in a Halloween parade, participate in a Halloween dance party, and play and participate in lots of enrichment activities. Honey Cup Coffee will also be available for purchase during the event. To register, go to https://bit.ly/4rVmILm. For more information, contact Cassidy Chernoff at cchernoff@sevymca.org.
Oct 31 Saturday
Nov 01 Sunday