About 90 miles up the coast, the historic Santa Barbara Botanic Garden marks its 100th anniversary this October with a month-long public celebration. As the first garden in the country dedicated exclusively to native plants, the garden offers a lovely opportunity to honor and learn all about California’s natural landscapes.
Guests can enjoy free admission every Sunday (October 4, 11, 18, and 25), featuring themed programming, sunset yoga, a bring-your-dog week, and more.
Here’s a closer look…
Centennial activities at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Guests can take advantage of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s free admission on Sundays by making a reservation online.
Each Sunday kicks off a different themed week throughout the month, as outlined below.
Oct. 2-10: Music & Art Week
Free admission on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- Oct. 2 (6-9pm): Silent Disco in the Redwoods, a 21+ ticketed event with DJ Darla Beas. Tickets include two drinks from Third Window Brewing and Lumen Wines
- Oct. 4 (10:30am and 2pm): Music in the Garden with Cody Westheimer
- Oct. 4 (11am-2pm): Community Paint Party in the Garden with artist Michael Matheson, to paint the “100” sign
- Oct. 6 (4-5pm): Sound Bath + Reiki Healing with PALMA Collective
Oct. 11-17: Health & Wellness Week
Free admission on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Oct. 15 (5pm): Sunset Yoga at the Garden on the lawn of the Pritzlaff Conservation Center.
- Oct. 17 (8:30am and 9:30am): Bond with Nature exercise classes with Bond Fitness
Oct. 18-24: Youth & Family Week
Free admission on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
- Oct. 18 (11am and 2pm): Storytime with Godmothers, led by author & illustrator Heidi Moreno at 11am and actress and author Sarah Wright Olsen at 2pm
- Oct. 23 (5-7pm): All Hallows Evening Family Night with trick-or-treating and holiday crafts
- Oct. 24 (10am-11:30am): Storytime at Elings Park with the Santa Barbara Public Library
Oct. 25-31: Bring Your Dog to the Garden
Free admission on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
- Oct. 25 (2pm): Halloween Pooch Parade with Therapy Dogs of America, plus competitions and prizes
- All week: Free Garden bandanas and treats for all dogs (while supplies last)
“Garden to Glass” cocktails citywide
Beyond the Garden, nine Santa Barbara establishments will serve limited-edition botanical cocktails throughout October under the “Garden to Glass” program. Each drink draws on the flavors and aromas of California native plants, and $1 from every cocktail sold goes directly to the Garden’s conservation and education work.
Participating “Garden to Glass” locations are Barbareño, Bistro Amasa, Convivo, La Paloma, Little Dom’s, Monte’s, The Good Lion, The Lark, and Third Window Brewing.
🌐 Learn more: SBBotanicGarden.org
