Are you bored of spending so much of your vacation in restaurants? Tired of all the talk of local wineries and hiking trails? We love all those things — obviously — but sometimes you need to shake it up a little. We thought we’d round up some of the slightly more adventurous and unusual events coming up here in August.
So you’ve been to Stearns Wharf, the botanical gardens, the zoo. Eaten at nearly every 4-plus-starred place on Yelp. You’ve sipped your way through most cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay produced this side of the Mississippi. What else can you do? Well, let’s get excited, because there’s so much more still happening this summer.
The Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival, August 5, 2017.
Hosted at the Santa Barbara Bowl (1122 N. Milpas Street), this year marks the 22nd annual blowout of headliners like Pedro Fernandez, Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Mariachi Los Reyes, Mariachi Herencia de Mexico. Not familiar with the sound of mariachi? Here’s a little taste of what’s to come. Check out sbbowl.com for all the details.
Adventure Sea Cave Kayaking, every day.
The Santa Barbara Adventure Company has your back when you want to hit the water. No swimming required. (Though it might be helpful to know how…in case you capsize.) The kayak crew meets on Santa Cruz Island every morning, but spaces do fill up! Contact them ahead of time to make sure you have a spot. They’re offering $55 2-hour kayak “fun paddle” sessions this month, or $10 off kayak tours booked at least two weeks in advance (use discount code CHI2WEEKS at checkout). You’ll need to get on a ferry from Ventura Harbor by 9. Let us know, and we can help you get there.
Pacific Pride Festival, August 26, 2017.
While the term “adventurous” doesn’t really fit here, this is a great opportunity to connect with a very supportive community you might not usually have access to — wherever you’re coming from. Beyond the great entertainment and vendors lined up for this big day in Chase Palm Park, the festival is a time to be visible, celebrate, and feel safe. Find out more information on the festival’s website.
Nite Moves fitness meetups, August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2017 (every Wednesday).
Want to keep up with your fitness while out of town? Or maybe you do live in Santa Barbara, and are just looking for something new. Nite Moves provides a weekly chance to walk, run, swim, and/or party (after the exercise, of course) — all in a comfortable, friendly group. Make sure to register online ahead of time if you want to compete.
