The Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival, now in its 11th year, will be held Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 12-13 at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara.

The 2026 festival boasts its largest lineup yet of more than 50 curated ocean artists and jewelry makers, plus a look into the intersection of ocean art and octopus neuroscience, organizers said.

“Bringing the festival back to Earl Warren Showgrounds means an expanded lineup of incredible artists and more opportunity for attendees,” said Louise Sciutto, Santa Barbara Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival president.

“These two days will be filled with spectacular opportunities for ocean lovers to learn from artists and experts while perusing handmade creations,” she said.

A highlight of this year’s festival is guest speaker Angelique Allen, a doctoral student in the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Oregon.

Allen, who is working on her Ph.D studying visual processing in octopus brains, uses fMRI-like scans to watch brain activity in real time while octopuses watch movies, adding to our understanding of how they perceive the world around them.

Allen is a co-founder of “Dreams of a Scientist,” a children’s book and community aimed at making cutting-edge science accessible through storytelling and art.

At the festival, Allen will present Guided by the Ocean: The Connection between Scientists and Artists, discussing her latest findings in cephalopod perception and challenging the notion that we must choose between being a scientist or an artist.

Other festival features include:
• Treasure Contest — Bring your best beach-combed sea glass for a judged competition on Sunday, Sept. 13. Entries are accepted from 10 a.m.-1:25 p.m., with winners announced at 2:45 p.m.
• Creative Arts Workshops — Hands-on crafting throughout the weekend, with workshops in:
◦ Sea Glass Wire Wrap Pendants
◦ Sea Glass Mobiles
◦ Coastal Crushed Glass Art
◦ Coastal Macramé (Keychain & Bracelet)
• Speakers — Alongside Allen there will be presentations by Jo Fry (“A Few of My Favorite Things”).
• California Coastal Arts & Ocean Alliance — Explore a new front-lawn exhibit open both days of the festival.
• Handcrafted Marketplace — Shop unique, ocean-inspired handmade jewelry, decor, and fine arts from over 50 curated vendors.

For event details, workshop registration, or to buy presale tickets, visit https://www.santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com/.