The Santa Barbara Harbor Festival & What You Need to Know
Did you know that the Santa Barbara Harbor lands over 10 million pounds of seafood each year? That gives us over 10 million reasons to celebrate! Whether you are looking for a family-friendly outing or a last-minute weekend trip, the Santa Barbara Harbor Festival is a fantastic way to celebrate the over 100 fishermen who work hard to bring us some of the greatest seafood in the nation!
About the Festival
Each year in the second week of October, Santa Barbara kicks off the opening of commercial lobster season with the Seafood & Harbor Festival. The event draws thousands of people each year. The festival is presented by the City, Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, Inc., Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants’ Association, and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.
What to Expect
At 10:00 a.m., the festivities begin with an opening ceremony and live music. Afterward, guests are invited to enjoy a variety of activities, games, and amazing food, including freshly caught fish, seafood dip, specialty foods, and more! You will have the unique opportunity to meet the fishermen of the Santa Barbara Harbor, ask questions, and learn more about where your food comes from! In addition to a variety of featured foods and restaurants, you will also find amazing shopping opportunities, including silver and pearl jewelry, handmade candles, boutique clothing, home decor, and more. The festival is seven hours long and lasts until 5:00 p.m.
Helpful Information
- The 2018 Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 13 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Harbor Way, Santa Barbara. Get there early so that you don’t miss any of the live music and entertainment.
- The festival is free, so bring the entire family! However, over 14,000 people attended the 2017 festival. Therefore, it is recommended to keep pets at home.
- If you are attending the festival, take advantage of everything else that Santa Barbara offers! Our Cheshire Cat Inn packages and specials are a great way to do it!
Where to Stay
The Santa Barbara Harbor Festival is only two miles away from The Cheshire Cat Inn, making it the perfect place to stay and celebrate! Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, our inn is in the middle of all the best things to do and see!
When you stay in any of our beautiful accommodations, like the Mock Turtle Room, you can always look forward to the best amenities, special packages, and top-notch service. Convenient parking at our inn is always included with your stay, and after a day well-spent on the Santa Barbara Harbor, we invite you to join us back at the inn for our complimentary wine tasting hour! If you are ready to plan your next Santa Barbara getaway, check our availability and book your stay today! Your Southern California vacation awaits!
