Fall and winter are some of the best times of year to explore California's 805 region. From Ventura County to Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County, the Central Coast comes alive with fall festivals, Halloween celebrations, wine events, cultural festivals, holiday markets, Christmas lights, winter concerts and family-friendly activities.
Unlike colder parts of California, fall and winter in the 805 usually mean comfortable daytime temperatures, beautiful coastal scenery and plenty of opportunities to enjoy events outdoors. Visitors can spend the morning exploring a beach or wine country, attend a festival in the afternoon and finish the day with holiday lights, live music or a festive dinner.
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
Whether you're looking for fall festivals in the 805, Halloween events in Ventura County, Día de los Muertos celebrations, holiday events in Santa Barbara, Christmas events in San Luis Obispo County or something fun to do with the family, there is plenty to put on your calendar.
This guide highlights some of the best fall and winter events throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Event dates and details can change, so check with individual event organizers before making travel plans.
Fall and Winter Events in Ventura County
Ventura County offers an impressive variety of seasonal events. The county's coastal cities, harbor communities, mountain towns and inland valleys each have their own fall traditions, making it easy to find something happening throughout the season.
Seaside Oddities Expo – Ventura
If you're looking for something different, the Seaside Oddities Expo offers a unique way to welcome the fall and Halloween season. The event features vendors, unusual antiques, artwork, collectibles, spooky displays, live entertainment and other oddities.
2026 Date: September 26–27
Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, California
The event is a fun choice for visitors searching for unusual shopping, spooky-season activities and offbeat entertainment in Ventura.
Seaside Highland Games – Ventura
The Seaside Highland Games brings Scottish culture and traditions to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Visitors can watch Highland athletic competitions, listen to bagpipes and Celtic music, see traditional dancing and explore Scottish food, clothing, crafts and merchandise.
2026 Dates: October 10–11
Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, California
The festival is one of the more distinctive fall events in Ventura County and is a great choice for families, history enthusiasts and anyone interested in Scottish culture.
Oxnard Multicultural Festival
Oxnard's diverse population is celebrated throughout the year, and the annual Multicultural Festival provides an opportunity to experience the city's many cultures through food, music, performances, art and community activities.
2026 Date: October 3
Location: Downtown Oxnard
For visitors looking for a free or family-friendly cultural event in Ventura County, the Multicultural Festival is a great addition to a fall weekend itinerary.
Fiestas Filipinas – Oxnard
Fiestas Filipinas celebrates Filipino American culture, history and community with traditional food, cultural performances, live entertainment, vendors, youth activities and Filipino games.
2026 Date: October 4
Location: College Park, Oxnard
The free event is a particularly good choice for families interested in experiencing the cultural diversity that makes Oxnard one of the 805's most distinctive communities.
Panteón Fest – Oxnard
Día de los Muertos is an important cultural tradition throughout the 805, and Panteón Fest in Oxnard offers an immersive celebration featuring decorated community altars, Aztec dancers, live music, food vendors and theatrical performances.
2026 Date: October 17
Location: Heritage Square, Oxnard
Visitors can experience the color, music and traditions associated with Día de los Muertos while learning more about the cultural heritage of the Oxnard community.
Halloween at Channel Islands Harbor – Oxnard
Channel Islands Harbor becomes a Halloween destination in October with several seasonal activities. The Pumpkin Paddle invites participants to decorate their kayaks and paddleboards and take to the harbor in costume.
The same day, the waterfront hosts the Parade of Frights, featuring family-friendly activities, trick-or-treating and a nighttime parade of decorated boats.
2026 Date: October 24
Family activities: Beginning at 3 p.m.
Boat parade: 7 p.m.
Location: Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard
This is one of the most unusual Halloween experiences in the 805 and a great option for families looking for something beyond a traditional neighborhood trick-or-treat event.
Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair
When December arrives, Downtown Ventura transforms for the annual Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair. Main Street fills with local vendors, food, entertainment and holiday shopping, while Wine Walk participants can sample wines and craft beverages at participating tasting locations.
2026 Date: December 5
Location: Downtown Ventura
The street fair is free to attend, while Wine Walk participation requires a ticket. The event is especially popular with adults looking for a festive night out in downtown Ventura.
Olivas Adobe Candlelight Tours – Ventura
For a quieter holiday experience, the historic Olivas Adobe offers special candlelight tours during the Christmas season. Visitors can experience the historic home decorated for the holidays while enjoying theatrical vignettes, entertainment and refreshments.
2026 Date: December 13
Location: Olivas Adobe Historical Park, Ventura
Advance reservations are required, making this a seasonal experience worth planning ahead for.
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Fall and Winter Events in Santa Barbara County
Fall in Santa Barbara County brings harvest season, wine festivals, seafood celebrations and cultural events. As winter approaches, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley become filled with holiday lights, performances and seasonal celebrations.
Goleta Lemon Festival
The Goleta Lemon Festival celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Goleta Valley with food, entertainment, family activities and plenty of local community spirit.
2026 Dates: September 26–27
Location: Girsh Park, Goleta
The festival is a popular family-friendly event and a good way to experience the local character of Goleta during the beginning of fall.
Palm Tree Music Festival Montecito
Music lovers can enjoy a two-day festival at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club when Palm Tree Music Festival Montecito returns in October.
2026 Dates: October 10–11
Location: Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
The event combines live music with the scenic setting of the Santa Barbara County coast and surrounding wine country.
Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
Fall is harvest season in Santa Barbara Wine Country, making October an ideal time for wine enthusiasts to visit the Santa Ynez Valley. The Santa Barbara Vintners Festival brings together regional wineries, food producers, restaurants and live entertainment.
2026 Date: October 17
Location: Firestone Estate, Santa Ynez
The festival features wines from dozens of local wineries along with food from regional restaurants and food purveyors. It is one of the premier fall wine events in Santa Barbara County.
Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
Seafood lovers should put the Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival on their fall calendar. Held at Santa Barbara Harbor, the event celebrates the area's commercial fishing industry and the abundance of seafood from the Santa Barbara Channel.
2026 Date: October 17
Location: Santa Barbara Harbor
Expect seafood, local vendors, demonstrations, entertainment and a distinctly Santa Barbara waterfront atmosphere.
Santa Barbara Fall Tasting Festival
Food and wine enthusiasts can also enjoy the Santa Barbara Fall Tasting Festival in November. The event focuses on seasonal flavors and local culinary producers, making it an appealing choice for visitors interested in Santa Barbara's food scene.
2026 Date: November 7
Location: Santa Barbara
Fall is an excellent time to explore Santa Barbara's restaurants, farmers markets and wine country, and this event adds another seasonal culinary experience to the calendar.
Solvang Julefest
Few places in the 805 embrace the Christmas season quite like Solvang. The Danish-inspired town transforms into a holiday destination during Solvang Julefest, a month-plus celebration featuring lights, decorations, music, holiday shopping and special events throughout the village.
2026 Dates: November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027
Location: Solvang, California
One of the biggest Julefest weekends includes the annual tree lighting and parade. The 2026 tree lighting is scheduled for December 4, followed by the Julefest Parade on December 5.
Solvang is an excellent destination for a holiday day trip or weekend getaway, particularly for visitors searching for Christmas towns, holiday lights and unique Christmas shopping in California.
Santa Barbara Holiday Season
Santa Barbara offers a different kind of winter experience, combining holiday traditions with a mild coastal climate. December brings holiday shopping, seasonal performances, Christmas activities and festive events throughout the city.
One highlight is the annual holiday programming around the waterfront and downtown Santa Barbara, where visitors can combine seasonal activities with restaurants, shopping, beaches and the city's historic architecture.
The Nutcracker – Santa Barbara
For a classic holiday tradition, State Street Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara.
2026 Dates: December 18–20
Location: Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara
The production is a popular choice for families and visitors looking for holiday performances in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Winter in the 805 doesn't end when the Christmas lights come down. Film enthusiasts can look forward to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, one of the region's best-known winter cultural events.
2027 Dates: February 3–13, 2027
Location: Various venues throughout Santa Barbara
The festival features film screenings, filmmaker discussions, industry panels, celebrity tributes and special events. For movie fans planning a winter visit to Santa Barbara, the festival can be a major reason to make the trip.
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Fall and Winter Events in San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County offers a different take on fall and winter. Wine country, coastal communities, small-town festivals, holiday lights and seasonal attractions create plenty of reasons to explore the county after the busy summer season.
Atascadero Fall Festival & Colony Days
The Atascadero Fall Festival combines carnival rides, games, live entertainment and community activities during a three-day fall celebration. The weekend also includes Colony Days festivities and the Colony Days Parade.
2026 Dates: October 16–18
Location: Atascadero
This is a particularly good choice for families looking for a traditional small-town fall festival in San Luis Obispo County.
Octoberfest at Madonna – San Luis Obispo
Oktoberfest celebrations are not limited to Southern California. San Luis Obispo hosts Octoberfest at Madonna, featuring German-inspired food, beer, live music, contests and other entertainment.
2026 Date: October 3
Location: Alex Madonna Expo Center, San Luis Obispo
This is a 21-and-over event, making it a popular fall option for adults visiting San Luis Obispo.
Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Park – Pismo Beach
Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach is an outdoor arts and crafts market overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Artists and vendors offer jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, sculpture, textiles, food products and other handmade items.
2026 Fall and Winter Dates: October 4, November 1 and December 6
Location: Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach
The combination of local art, shopping, live music and ocean views makes this a relaxed way to spend a fall or winter Sunday on the Central Coast.
Central Coast Railroad Festival
Train enthusiasts and families can explore the history of railroading during the Central Coast Railroad Festival. The event brings together model railroad displays, historic locations and railroad-related activities across communities in northern Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.
2026 Festival Dates: October 2–4
Participating locations extend across the Central Coast, so visitors should review the festival schedule before planning their route.
Cambria Christmas Market
The Cambria Christmas Market is one of the most spectacular holiday light attractions on the Central Coast. Cambria Pines Lodge is transformed with more than three million Christmas lights, creating a walk-through holiday experience surrounded by the natural beauty of Cambria.
2026 Dates: November 27–December 31, select dates
Hours: Generally 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Location: Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria
The event includes holiday lights, a German-inspired artisan market, food and drinks, live music, visits with Santa and train rides.
Because popular dates can sell out, visitors should check availability and purchase tickets before traveling to Cambria.
Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch
For a unique Central Coast Christmas experience, climb aboard the Jingle Bell Express at Santa Margarita Ranch. This holiday attraction combines a historic train ride with a visit to Santa's Village, seasonal decorations, food, entertainment and family activities.
2026 Dates: November 27–29, December 4–6, December 11–13 and December 18–20
Location: Santa Margarita Ranch, Santa Margarita
The event is particularly appealing to families searching for Christmas train rides and holiday activities near San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles.
Nature Lights – San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
During the holiday season, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden becomes an illuminated nighttime attraction with Nature Lights. Visitors can walk through illuminated garden paths while enjoying seasonal music and entertainment.
2026 Dates: November 25–December 27, select dates
Location: San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
Nature Lights offers an alternative to traditional Christmas light displays and is a great choice for couples, families and visitors looking for a more relaxed holiday evening.
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Best Types of Fall Events to Find in the 805
Fall in the 805 is about much more than changing leaves. Because of the region's Mediterranean climate, many seasonal events take place outdoors and combine local food, agriculture, wine, music and cultural traditions.
Halloween Events
From haunted attractions and costume events to family trick-or-treating, Halloween boat parades and pumpkin activities, the 805 offers plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween. Ventura County is especially popular for waterfront Halloween events at Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor.
Día de los Muertos Celebrations
Día de los Muertos celebrations are an important part of the cultural calendar in the 805. Events in Oxnard and other communities feature altars, music, dance, food, artwork and opportunities to learn about the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos.
Oktoberfest and Beer Festivals
Fall is also the season for Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the Central Coast. Visitors can find German-inspired food, craft beer, live music and traditional festival activities in communities from Ventura to San Luis Obispo.
Wine and Harvest Festivals
Wine country is especially attractive during harvest season. Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County offer wine festivals, tasting events, vineyard experiences and seasonal food throughout September, October and November.
Best Winter Holiday Events in the 805
Winter in the 805 may not come with snow-covered streets, but there is no shortage of holiday atmosphere. Christmas markets, light displays, parades, concerts, tree lightings and seasonal festivals make November and December an excellent time to explore the region.
Some of the most popular winter experiences include Solvang Julefest, the Cambria Christmas Market, Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch, Ventura's Winter Wine Walk, holiday events in Santa Barbara and Nature Lights in San Luis Obispo.
Tips for Visiting 805 Fall and Winter Festivals
Check Dates Before You Go
Many events in the 805 are annual, but dates, hours, ticket prices and locations can change. Always check the event organizer's website before leaving home.
Buy Tickets Early
Popular holiday attractions such as the Cambria Christmas Market and special seasonal experiences can sell out on popular weekends. If an event requires reservations, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
Plan for Different Weather
Fall and winter weather along the Central Coast can change quickly. Daytime temperatures may be mild, while evenings near the ocean can be cool. Bring layers if you're attending an outdoor event after sunset.
Make a Weekend Out of It
One of the best things about the 805 is how close many communities are to one another. A weekend trip can combine a festival with wine tasting, beaches, hiking, shopping, restaurants or holiday attractions.
For example, a trip to Solvang can include the Santa Ynez Valley wine country, while a visit to Cambria can be combined with Hearst Castle, Moonstone Beach and other Central Coast attractions. A holiday weekend in San Luis Obispo can include downtown shopping, restaurants and Nature Lights.
Experience Fall and Winter in the 805
From Ventura's coastal Halloween celebrations to Santa Barbara's wine and cultural festivals and San Luis Obispo County's Christmas markets and holiday light displays, the 805 offers an impressive variety of things to do during fall and winter.
Whether you're a longtime local looking for something new or a visitor planning a Central Coast getaway, seasonal events are a great way to experience the communities, food, culture and traditions that make the 805 special.
The best part is that there is always something happening. As fall turns into winter, new festivals, concerts, markets, community celebrations and holiday events continue to appear throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Search Fall and Winter Events
Looking for something happening on a specific date? Search our events calendar for festivals, concerts, community events, holiday activities and other things to do throughout Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.
Updated & published September 14, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)