Mid-October (10 AM – 5 PM)
Santa Barbara Harbor, Santa Barbara, CA
Fresh From the Boat
The Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival celebrates the start of local spiny lobster season and spotlights the fishermen who work the Santa Barbara Channel. The 22nd annual festival took place Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and drew seafood lovers of all ages down to the working waterfront. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
What to Eat
- Fresh lobster & crab: Often cooked right on the dock.
- Uni (sea urchin): Santa Barbara is famous for its sweet, high-quality uni — you can taste it straight from the shell. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- Grilled shrimp, oysters, clam chowder, fish tacos, and more coastal comfort food.
More Than Food
This is not just a tasting event. Visitors can meet local fishermen, step onto commercial boats, listen to live bands, and learn about sustainable local fisheries. There are also craft beer tents and oceanfront picnic spots with harbor views. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
Good to Know
- Cost: Admission is free. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
- Family-friendly: Kids love seeing real working boats and gear up close.
- Parking: The harbor lots fill up quickly by late morning. Consider rideshare or parking downtown and walking the waterfront toward the harbor.
Official Info
City Waterfront & Event Updates: City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
Category: Events
Tags: Seafood, Harbor, Family-Friendly, Local Fishermen, Fall