Santa Ynez Valley Guest Calendar of Events

Current Calendar of
Community Events

JULY

Ongoing–Lake Cachuma bird-watching cruises: Tours continue through October. Reservations are “strongly recommended.” Short and easy nature walks starting and ending at the Nature Center are also offered. 688-4515 or 686-5050.

Ongoing–Elverhøj Museum: Selected works by nationally acclaimed and locally appreciated artist Merv Corning will be on display through Sept. 1. www. elverhoj.org or 688-7889.

Ongoing–PCPA Theaterfest–through October 15: For the complete schedule visit their website: www.pcpa.org.

1–Santa Ynez Valley Museum exhibit: “Rolling through the West.” An exhibit of photos and memorabilia through October complement a planned celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Parks-Janeway Carriage House. www.syvm.org

4–Independence Day Celebration: Hosted by the Solvang Breakfast Rotary, the day-long activites include a morning parade through Solvang and an evening of fireworks. 688-6144.

26–Santa Ynez Valley Museum’s Pioneer Jamboree. Honoree this year is the family of Ted Chamberlin, including centenarian Ailee. Proceedings include a live auction and dinner in the Parks-Janeway Carriage House. www.syvm.org or 688-7889.

AUGUST

10–Old Mission Santa Inés Fiesta. Community-wide celebration of the Valley’s Hispanic and Chumash heritage. Carnival, booths, mariachis, Folklorico dancing, etc. Proceeds go to Mission preservation. www.missionsantaines.org or 688-4815.

16—Los Olivos Quick Draw Contest and Art Show. Artists get 45 minutes to complete a work that is then auctioned off to the highest bidder. Other events include a BBQ, sculpture demonstrations, art gallery open houses, etc. 688-1222.

23—3rd Annual Solvang “Wheels ‘N Windmills” Car Show. At least 200 cars, trucks and motorcycles will be ogled by at least 3000 spectators (some from as far away as Neveda). Proceeds go to the Solvang Senior Center. www.wheelsnwindmills.com

SEPTEMBER

ONGOING–PCPA Theaterfest through October. Ticket information: 922-8313 or www.PCPA.org

6—Gourmet Challenge. 5k and 10k walk/runs and full century and half century bike rides starting and ending in Santa Ynez benefit the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation. For more info contact: Jim Sobell at 805-350-0284 or email: dsobell@comcast.net

19-21—Solvang’s Annual Danish Days Celebration. A weekend of folk dancing, music, food booths, Gade Maling (sidewalk painting), aebleskiver (spherical pancakes) and more, with a parade on Saturday and Children’s Parade on Sunday. www.solvangusa.com, 805-688-6144 or 800-468-6765.

26-28—Solvang Jazz Festival. Now in its second year, this festival is a serious attempt to honor the tradition of the noted jazz festivals of Monterey and Newport. www.solvangjazz.com or 805-688-0383.

26-28—Los Alamos Old Days. Sponsored by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club (whose membership, despite the name, now reportedly includes women), this event is designed to raise funds for local charities. Features include a Peddlers’ Mart, BBQ, a car show, a parade, and much more. www.lavmc.org

OCTOBER

13-14–A Celebration of Harvest. This year, local vintners and paying guests will celebrate the crushing of the grape at the historic Rancho Sisquoc. 688-0881 or www.sbcountywines.com

20–Los Olivos’ Day in the Country. 8 am-4 pm. Community parade at 10 am. Traditional events include craft and food exhibits, apple pie contests, a pancake breakfast, vintage tractors, and a five kilometer foot race. This year for the second time there will also be a “Zoo to You” small animal display at the Wildling Museum. 688-1222.

NOVEMBER

10-11–Pepper Tree Art Show. Over 100 artists will display for sale over 500 original works. By invitation only (call 688-6205, 688-4089 or, better yet, go to www.peppertreeartshow.com.)