Founded in 2021, Black Dog Trivia has grown from a spontaneous opportunity into one of Santa Barbara’s most recognizable community-driven events.
Built on humor, inclusivity and a genuine desire to connect people, the trivia series has become a weekly ritual for locals across the city.
The idea for Black Dog Trivia began shortly after its founder, Daniel Schneider, moved to Santa Barbara in 2021 to work as a zookeeper at the Santa Barbara Zoo.
That summer, while attending a trivia night with coworkers, the host mentioned a search for someone to fill in. Stepping up on a whim led to hosting that first night, and the experience was immediately energizing.
The interaction with the crowd, the shared excitement, and the sense of connection made it clear to Schneider that trivia offered something deeply fulfilling. What started as a weekly side project soon took on a life of its own, eventually becoming Black Dog Trivia.
Although working at the zoo was meaningful, Schneider said the physical demands of animal care became increasingly difficult to sustain.
Over time, trivia grew into more than just a creative outlet. It became a powerful way to build community and bring people together on a regular basis.
In 2024, he decided to pursue trivia full time. While the transition came with challenges, the community response made the leap feel worthwhile.
Since then, Black Dog Trivia has expanded to nine weekly public venues along with a steady calendar of private events.
Growth has also allowed for the hiring of a dedicated team of hosts whose warmth, humor and enthusiasm are central to the experience. Each host brings his or her own personality to the room, helping create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps players coming back.
One of the defining features of Black Dog Trivia is its emphasis on fun over perfection. Teams are encouraged to write humorous answers when they do not know the correct one, and those responses can even win prizes.
This approach grew out of Schneider’s own experience as a trivia player, when writing something funny often felt just as rewarding as being right.
By embracing humor, trivia nights become more relaxed and inclusive. It removes pressure, invites creativity and allows everyone at the table to participate, regardless of trivia skill.
Some of the biggest laughs of the night come from those wrong answers.
The wide range of trivia themes reflects a similar level of care and intention. Ideas are often inspired by conversations with players during breaks, repeated requests and feedback gathered over time.
Past performance also plays a role, as does the nature of each venue. High-traffic locations tend to feature broader, more accessible themes, while quieter or more destination-style venues allow for niche topics like dog trivia or ocean-focused questions.
Schneider even encourages people to submit questions through his website. Click here for more information.
Designing question sets requires careful balance, aiming for questions that feel satisfying without being discouraging. Schneider’s goal is always to challenge players while keeping the experience welcoming and fun.
Click here for upcoming Black Dog Trivia events.
