Sep 04 Friday
The beloved Malibu Chili Cook-Off® returns Labor Day Weekend for four days of chili, live music, family entertainment and community celebration. Presented by Aviator Nation with 100% of net proceeds benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, the event features the legendary chili competition, carnival rides, skate competition, local food vendors and the debut of the new Aviator Nation Dreamland Stage with live entertainment throughout the weekend.
After a one-year hiatus following the devastating Southern California wildfires, the event returns as a celebration of resilience and community connection. Guests can sample chili, cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award and enjoy activities for all ages. Returning award-winning chili vendors include Duke’s Malibu, Irv’s Burgers and Pickles & Peas. New to the chili vendor lineup are Tacos 1986, Dreamland Chili and Clark’s Malibu Oyster Bar, with more to be announced leading up to the event.
Happens on the following Dates:Sep 4, 2026, 4:00pm to 10:00pmSep 5, 2026, 1:00pm to 10:00pm Sep 6, 2026, 1:00pm to 10:00pm Sep 7, 2026, 1:00pm to 8:00pm
Sep 05 Saturday
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.
Sep 06 Sunday
Since our founding in 1932, collecting and preserving the material and written history of the Santa Barbara area has been at the core of our institution’s purpose and that task is on-going to this day. Every year the Historical Museum adds to the ever-growing collections to better illuminate and share this rich history.This exhibition highlights just some of the gifts we have added in recent years thanks to the generosity of our community.
Through May 2026
Free AdmissionOpen Wednesday-Sunday 12:00-5:00pm, Thursday 12:00-7:00pm
Santa Barbara Historical Museum136 E De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara 93101www.sbhistorical.org805-966-1601
ImageOur Lady of Atocha, c. 1800Collection Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Sep 07 Monday
Sep 08 Tuesday
Sep 09 Wednesday
Sep 10 Thursday
The once-a-year annual Mary Jane McCord Planned Parenthood Book Sale is returning to the Earl Warren Showgrounds from September 11-21, 2025, hosting 200,000 gently used books as well as puzzles, games, vinyl records, CDs, and DVD’s. Admission is FREE for the week except for Opening Night. Opening Night takes place September 11th and gives eager attendees first pick for a $30 ticket. The inventory is replenished every day, and the already low prices are reduced by 50% on the final day. Funds raised support PPCCC’s six health centers across the Central Coast. For tickets, event details, sale hours, and sponsorship opportunities, visit booksale.ppcentralcoast.org or call (805) 722-4690.
Sep 11 Friday