Celebrate the Santa Barbara Channel’s bounty and the hardworking commercial fishermen who harvest it at the 22nd Annual Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Santa Barbara Harbor.

Timed with the opening of lobster season, the festival highlights the region’s freshest catch alongside live music, maritime education, free boat rides, sailing lessons, children’s activities, vessel tours, and merchant wares.

More than a feast, the Harbor & Seafood Festival is a reminder that Santa Barbara Harbor is a working harbor where some 100 commercial fishermen land millions of pounds of seafood each year, contributing $30 million to the local economy and beyond, the city said.


Visitors can enjoy sustainably harvested seafood; meet fishermen face-to-face; and take home fresh-caught lobster, crab, and sea urchin “uni.”

Local specialty food booths will feature fish tacos, oysters, mussels, barbecued albacore, clam chowder, and seafood paella.

While Juan Dolor, Spencer the Gardner, and Cornerstone entertain on the main stage, festival-goers can shop for art, clothing and keepsakes, or enjoy free vessel tours aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin and the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler.

Harbor boat rides will also be available aboard Celebration Cruises’ Azure Seas, and SunSwept Sailing’s Kelpie. New this year will be sailing lessons offered by Santa Barbara Sailing Center.
 
To encourage sustainable transportation, attendees can take advantage of free bike valet services provided by MOVE Santa Barbara County.

The Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival is presented by the city of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, Inc., Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants’ Association, and Santa Barbara Yacht Club with support from community partners and volunteers.

For event details and the full schedule, visit Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival.