Daily
Santa Barbara
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 5th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation is hosting its first annual Mother’s Day Furbaby Stroll & Costume Parade in Old Town Orcutt to raise funds for animals in need. The free event features a costume contest, live music, vendors, and a sidewalk stroll with a paws-sport passport. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council is fighting wildfire risks by offering free workshops and home assessments across the region — approved Firewise communities have grown from 22 to 72 since early 2025, helping residents plan for fire safety and potential insurance discounts. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Isla Vista held its fifth annual Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday at Anisq'Oyo Park, where live mariachi music, dancing, and free tacos brought community members together. The Isla Vista Recreation and Park District partnered with Associated Students Raíces de mi Tierra to honor Mexican culture and history. Noozhawk
- ➤ El Presidente Colin Hayward unveiled the official 2026 Old Spanish Days Fiesta poster today by artist Pedro De La Cruz as the city prepares for the Fiesta in August. The colorful poster features Santa Barbara landmarks + dancing flamencas, mariachis, and vaqueros and is available at local outlets. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association is hosting free country line dancing classes every Wednesday in May from 6 to 7 pm with instruction by Christy Grant followed by open dancing until 8 pm on State Street in front of Best BBQ and Apna Indian Kitchen — the series will continue with West Coast Swing Dancing in June. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Singer Lizz Wright will perform at Lobero Theatre (33 E. Canon Perdido St.) on May 14 at 7:30 p.m., showcasing her blend of gospel, jazz, soul and blues in an intimate live event. Her performance reflects a rich musical journey that brings local flavor to the stage. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Blue Man Group performs at the Granada today and tomorrow + Jim Messina, choreographer Kyle Abraham and local art tours bring music, dance and film to town with events running through May 13. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara comedian Carol Metcalf is set to headline an improvisational comedy series at Intermezzo’s Wine Cask Gold Room on Saturday, May 9. Dinner seating begins at 7 p.m. with a $15 cover charge for the show starting at 8 — featuring local and touring acts. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Education Foundation raised a record-breaking $300,000 at its 40th Celebration to support public school programs. Around 200 guests attended and live performances showcased local talent, with proceeds aiding Teacher Grants, Student Grants and Keep the Beat. Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center on Stearns Wharf invites locals to celebrate World Oceans Day on Saturday, Jun. 6 with free admission and ocean-themed activities from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests can explore interactive exhibits and meet marine animals while learning about local ocean conservation efforts. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ A pair of dark eyed juncos raised their brood on a local patio after rebuilding their nest when their first clutch was lost, showing resilience amid neighborhood noise during a child’s birthday party. Their story highlights the need for native plants to support insects (and local wildlife) in urban areas. Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara is hosting two meetings to update on the Lower Eastside Transportation Safety Enhancements Project (offering safer school routes, bike lanes, and Salinas Street improvements). The virtual session is on May 13 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and the in-person meeting is on May 20 at Franklin Elementary. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness opened its new South County Child and Family Services Center at 315 West Haley Street on Friday afternoon, funded by the California Department of Health Care Services, and officials plus community members toured the facility set to deliver mental health and family support services. Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Noozhawk Sports Editor Diego Sandoval highlighted outstanding athletic achievements in the Athletes of the Week feature on May 4 — the listing spotlights top performances for local sports fans. Noozhawk
- ➤ At Monday’s SBART luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe, local high school teams gearing up for postseason track and swim events received updates while SBCC athletes recorded a second-place finish in women’s swim at the state tournament and prepare for Saturday track finals. Noozhawk
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Candlelight Tribute to ABBA & Queen
6:15-9:30 p.m. — Music Academy of the West — Enchanting concert — Immerse yourself in a magical evening with live string renditions of iconic hits in a stunning candlelit setting.
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California Baptist Lancers vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Baseball
4:35 – 5:35 PM — The Cove Santa Barbara — Cost info not provided — Watch an exciting college baseball matchup in the beautiful Santa Barbara setting.
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May Area Meeting
6-8 PM — Sullivan Goss Gallery — Free admission — Engage in a creative discussion with artists and uncover the journey of artistic expression.
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Integrative Flow Yoga Class
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Check website for pricing — Experience an active and mindful vinyasa class that fuses breathwork and relaxation techniques.
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Lavender Bliss Martini Class and Lunch
12-2 p.m. — Jane At The Marketplace — Ticket price includes lunch and drinks — Shake, sip, and learn to craft a Lavender Bliss Martini with an interactive cocktail class.
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Mahler's Resurrection Symphony
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Granada Theatre — Paid — Experience Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 2 in a powerful concert led by Nir Kabaretti, with soloists and chorus.
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Integrative Restoration (iRest) Meditation
12:15-1:15 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Accessible entry — Experience therapeutic meditation that calms the nervous system and fosters emotional integration.
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Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series
6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Registration required — Experience a vibrant evening on the beach with aquathlon, 5K run, and open water swim during summer sunsets.
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Glen Phillips Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Ticket prices apply — Enjoy an evening with the introspective singer-songwriter known for his work with Toad the Wet Sprocket.
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Gem Faire
10 AM - 5 PM — Earl Warren Showgrounds — Entry fee required — Discover an array of gems, minerals, and jewelry from over 300 vendors.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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