Labor Day Weekend in Santa Barbara
Make the most of the long weekend with our Santa Barbara Labor Day Weekend Guide! From local art and rooftop music to beach yoga, harbor adventures, and a quick escape to wine country, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate the final stretch of summer.
Santa Barbara Open Studios Tour
September 5–7 | 11 AM–5 PM | Various Locations Throughout Santa Barbara
Spend part of the long weekend exploring Santa Barbara's local art scene during the 25th Annual Santa Barbara Studio Artists Open Studios Tour. This self-guided experience gives visitors the chance to step inside the working studios of more than 20 local artists, see their latest pieces, and get a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. Studios throughout the area will be marked for the tour, making it a fun way to explore Santa Barbara while discovering local art along the way.
Labor Day Club Canary
September 5 | 6–10 PM | Kimpton Canary Hotel
Kick off Labor Day weekend above downtown Santa Barbara at Club Canary. The rooftop party features resident DJs Jack Roy and Larry Dance Jr., along with special guest Life on Planets, bringing a mix of R&B, bossa nova, reggae, and house music to the dance floor. Add sunset views over the city and you've got a lively way to start the holiday weekend. This event is 21+.
Labor Day Weekend BBQ at Mattei's Tavern
September 6 | 5–7 PM | Mattei's Tavern, Los Olivos
Take a scenic drive to the Santa Ynez Valley for Mattei's Tavern's Labor Day Weekend BBQ. The annual gathering celebrates the end of summer with a family-style barbecue, live music, and the relaxed atmosphere of California wine country. A cash bar will also be available throughout the evening.
Admission is $95 for adults and $45 for children ages 10 and younger. Advance reservations are required at least 48 hours before the event and are subject to availability.
Start Your Morning at the Saturday Fishermen's Market
Saturday | 6–11 AM | Santa Barbara Harbor
For a slower start to the holiday weekend, head down to the harbor for the Saturday Fishermen's Market. Local fishermen sell their catch directly to the public from City Pier, with the selection changing based on what's fresh and in season. Grab some local seafood, stroll through the harbor, and enjoy one of Santa Barbara's favorite Saturday morning traditions.
Yoga by the Sea
Saturday & Sunday | 10 AM | Cabrillo Pavilion / East Beach
Start your morning with a workout and an ocean view at Santa Barbara Beach Yoga. Their weekend outdoor classes combine movement, music, and Santa Barbara's coastline for an easygoing way to get outside before the rest of the day's festivities. Public classes are currently offered Saturdays and Sundays at 10 AM, with advance online registration required.
Catch a Santa Barbara Sunset From the Water
Few things feel more like summer in Santa Barbara than getting out on the water. Wrap up an afternoon with a sunset sail or harbor cruise and take in views of the coastline, Channel Islands, and Santa Ynez Mountains as the sun goes down. With several sailing and cruising options departing from the Santa Barbara Harbor, it's an easy addition to a long holiday weekend.
From art and live music to beach mornings, harbor sunsets, and a quick trip to wine country, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the final stretch of summer in Santa Barbara. However you spend the long weekend, we hope you have a happy Labor Day!
