Oct 08 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
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 10Aspire Dance Studio5700 Corsa Ave., Suite 106Westlake Village, CAInformation and registration: voicesrockcalifornia.com
Oct 09 Friday
A story that has stirred hearts for generations is coming to the stage in Thousand Oaks.
This October 9 – 18, experience the passion, power, and unforgettable music of Les Misérables. From the soaring anthem "One Day More" to the heartfelt ballads "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," and "Bring Him Home," this epic tale of love, sacrifice, redemption, and revolution remains one of the most celebrated musicals of all time.
Oct 10 Saturday
The community is invited to experience the Cal Poly Pier Open House in Avila Beach from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the university’s pier acquisition. Enjoy touch tanks featuring marine creatures, view tiny marine species through microscopes, and learn about local marine environments and the scientific studies conducted by Cal Poly students and faculty.
For more information, go to: https://marine.calpoly.edu/pier-open-house.
Native Plantpalooza & Eco Fest is a free, family-friendly outdoor event where the Conejo Valley community learns about native plants, water-wise gardening and more sustainable living. It provides inspiration for attendees to protect our environment and be good stewards of our open space. The event includes a variety of eco-themed exhibitors, including native plant vendors, beekeepers, wildlife rehab specialists and herpetologists. Experts speak on topics including native wildlife, drought-resistant gardening, firewise gardening and supporting monarchs through growing milkweed.