Enjoy art, music, and film on May 2nd with the 1st Thursday ArtWalk and enjoy free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, and more. We hope you will join us to enjoy our beautiful downtown and all that it has to offer and support these local businesses and artists.

This 1st Thursday enjoy the following entertainment:

800 Block, in front of Bryant & Sons:

Live music from The Coveralls.The Coveralls are a local “cover band” spanning the regions of Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Combin - ing reggae vibes, country rhythms, rock riffs, and hip hop grooves, The Coveralls masterfully interpret con - temporary hits and classic legends.

Abstract Art Collective’s “Surviving to Thriving” exhibit benefitting Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, will debut at May's 1st Thursday and run through May 30th. TBCF offers hope and support to families facing the terrible journey of childhood cancer. AAC will celebrate TBCF’s work by raising funds through art sales.

We are featuring Rachel Burnett's 841. A surfboard-stealing otter ignites a media frenzy around the globe, sparking a widespread discourse and placing her freedom into question. Showtimes 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm. Runtime: 18 mins

Michael Drury, a UCSB Alumni,has been painting for over 52 years. Many of those years were spent painting side by side with longtime friend Ray Strong. Drury, Original member of The Oak Group, has an excellent eye for observing detail in his paintings of Nevada, Santa Barbara and the California Coastline

Abstract artist Francis Scorzelli presents COLOR INTERACTION. His large-scale artwork is energetic and complex, a result of countless layers and time-consuming processes. Enjoy live music by guitarist David Pat, who specializes in Bossa Nova and Spanish influences of South America, while sipping local wine by Stolpman Vineyards.

SBVA returns to LASB for yet another beautiful & thought-provoking exhibition from May 1 through June 30, 2024. SBVA is a non-profit organization of active Santa Barbara artists who meet together socially to produce and celebrate art and to exhibit their original works in diverse media. The SBVA artists developed camaraderie and nurtured a common bond and passion for viewing and creating personal art. Opening reception on May 2, 22024, between 5 - 8pm with some live music, food & wine. Come experience the magic thereafter between Wed - Fri, 12 to 7p, Sat - Sun 12 - 7p. Appointments welcome.

domecíl hosts the incredible work of Santa Barbara ceramicist Burt Horowitz. Don’t miss his life-like sculptures which serve to incite an emotional response.

Come celebrate the release of Christina Vo’s dual memoir My Vietnam, Your Vietnam, co-authored by her father, Nghia M. Vo. Enjoy an evening of convergence over the art of storytelling through book and song - sharing Vietnamese experiences of healing and hope. We will be connecting over conversation, followed by an intimate musical performance by Linda Sao of See Night.

SPRING FLING: With both exuberance and reflection, Spring has made a showy entrance into 10 West Gallery. Ten abstract/contemporary Santa Barbara area artists featuring new paintings, photography, stitched collage, stone and bronze sculpture. April 3 – May 12. Image: Carol Paquet, Breathwork for Plants, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches.

Join us for a celebration of the season with our new exhibition WONDERLAND, inspired by the sights and sounds of Spring and featuring work by Roland Petersen. Also on view, Phoebe Brunner: Westward, The Land Is Bright, and The Spring Salon.

Join SBMA for Pop-Up Opera on the Front Terrace at 5 pm. Later, dive into the enchanting melodies of Quire of Voyces in Ludington Court at 6:30 pm. Then, enjoy Family 1st Thursday and Teaching Artist-led activities from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Afterward, explore the galleries until 8 pm. All free!

The Silver Lining presents Kiva Sensoria. UNLEASH YOUR INNER SENSES. Marlyn Daggett, Kenji J. Fukudome, Lisa Trivell,Philip Jolles, Heritage Valley Goods, Pali Wine, Cutler's Distillery, Surf Rock Acoustic Band, Nibs, and Sober drink offerings for further delight.

Members of the Santa Barbara Art Association exhibit their original artwork here. Artist of the Month is Sandy Fisher with a show called Diverse Beauty of California and the West. Featured artists are Skip Lau, Mardilan Georgio, Bonny Butler, Gloria Cassidy, and Charlotte Mullich.

The Gallery features figurative works, interiors, and cityscapes, by some of today’s finest nationally known local and Oak Group artists. Enjoy works by Ray Hunter, Derek Harrison. Wyllis Heaton, Camille Dellar, Ann Sanders, Thomas Van Stein, Nancy Davidson, Rick Garcia, Ellie Freudenstein, and Ralph Waterhouse.

Stop by The Crafter’s Library for an evening of fun with crafting, cocktails and karaoke! You can let your inner child out or your inner diva out or both at this fun and free event (cash bar).

Join us as we Celebrate Spring. Enjoy a beverage. View the work of Featured Artist Martha Moran a sculptor, fountain-builder and designer of "Art Showers" and “Rock-Stackers”. Looking for locally handmade gifts or something special for yourself? Look no further than The Yes Store-Local Arts Gallery

We welcome you to join us for a magnificent evening at our photography gallery, featuring the natural beauty of earth and space. Every piece is captured by Santa Barbara local, J K Lovelace. Enjoy fine wine as you explore our latest exhibit, "Passage."

Award-winning artist and Artist Member of the California Art Club Mary Kay West will have an open studio and exhibit of current work featuring her renowned classical realist trompe l'oeil and bird compositions. She will also do a live painting demonstration from 6-7pm!

Is there anything more artistic than a beautiful plate of oysters on the half shell? At Finch & Fork we invite you to join us to eat a little, drink a little, stroll a little and honor this beautiful, peaceful corner of the planet that we call home. We are serving up some $2 oysters, paired with some wine and accompanied by some uplifting vibes from our in house DJ.

Is there anything more artistic than a beautiful plate of oysters on the half shell? At Finch & Fork we invite you to join us to eat a little, drink a little, stroll a little and honor this beautiful, peaceful corner of the planet that we call home. We are serving up some $2 oysters, paired with some wine and accompanied by some uplifting vibes from our in house DJ.

The Blue Owl will present a jam on the first Thursday of each month. Hosted by guitarist Tony Ybarra, this Jam session will feature local jazz instrumentalists and vocalists. Backed by Santino Tafarella and Matt Perko, it will be a fantastic night of Jazz!

We have just completed our First 6 week program "The Dancing Net Skirt" funded in part by a grant from the City of Santa Barbara's Arts and Culture Department, fiscally sponsored by the Santa Barbara Dance Institute and NewGrit. We will share stories about our workshop, participants will be on-site to talk about their art pieces, there will be opportunities to learn how to create cordage, and to connect with local Indigenous Artists.

Join us in early May to celebrate all moms at Paint at Paseo, led by @Rabbit.Print, a local Santa Barbara illustrator. Let Rabbit guide you through a 90-minute acrylic painting experience suitable for all ages and skill levels, inspiring creativity along the way. All materials, including canvases, paints, aprons, and brushes, will be provided. The best part? This monthly event is free and open to everyone!

Galanos 100th Birthday Fashion Exhibit: Celebrate the award winning designer nicknamed the “Dior of America,” with his iconic 1950s designs, reconstructed dresses, original patterns, and more. Discover identical dresses in the MET and Philadelphia Museum of Art’s permanent collections. A Couture Pattern Museum special tribute. Complimentary wine.

May's First Thursday is not to be missed! Swing by The Eddy on the 2nd to feast on hot chewy Chinese noodles by LA's Woon Kitchen, sip on wine and beer from Satellite, and shop non-gendered clothing inspired by food from LA-based independent brand Meals. All ages are welcome!

Featured artist Vera Long at Historic Anacapa School of the Presidio. Bold wildly colored figures & large assemblage. Twenty foot blacklight installation "Faerie Forest of Urban Decay". Topiaries, films, underwater art by brilliant adventurous students. Band @ 6 PM. Ines Izares DJ's vinyl. Pizza by the Little Dom's of Carpinteria!

Join us after-hours with wine and live music for the opening of our newest exhibit, Here Comes the Sun: Celebrating 50 Years of Santa Barbara Summer Solstice. This is a free event, all are invited to partake in the fun!

Pedro de la Cruz, a Santa Barbara artist, is influenced by local traditions and global masters like Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. His vibrant art, inspired by music and morning coffee, reflects community diversity. With a focus on positivity and joy, he aims to illuminate lives through colorful expressions.

Spring fling at idyll! Swing by 5-8 for local art and craft cocktails by our sponsor Wildcat Lounge. Looking forward to gathering in community with you!

Get inspired at Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 21st annual juried student art show at the Jodi House gallery. The show, called “What the Channel Means to Me,” features artwork produced by local high school students that honors the remarkable beauty and biodiversity of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Join us for the posthumous exhibit with live music honoring Leroy Seay (1945-2012). Leroy had been drawing abstract art all his life with the idea of fantasy within reality. He was a farmer, carpenter, Peace Corpsman, hippie, vagabond, and a father. People maintained his interest more than anything. Live music!

Venture to the Funk Zone to enjoy our exhibition in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. Entitled “Changing Nature” this first installation of the MCASB Satellite at the Riviera Beach House features local artists Stephanie Dotson and Madeleine Eve Ignon.

Welcome to Doty Studio to see current works by Cheryl Doty, Annie Hoffman and Susan Tortorici. Featuring abstract and contemporary oils by the artists, the show also includes an inspirational tribute to Santa Barbara’s ocean lifestyle.

Join us for the opening reception of Things with Wings, featuring fine art by Betzhi Walton, photography by Liselle Wilsnagh, and textile art by Lori Moore. We’ll be pouring Margerum wines, nibbling on cheese and charcuterie from The Nook, and enjoying live music by Liselle Wilsnagh. Art & Soul in the Funk Zone, through the patio at Lama Dog.