Fall is a perfect time to visit our neighboring cities and wine areas! Harvest is almost finished and folks are celebrating with award-winning wine, delectable dishes from renowned local chefs, specialty foods, and area restaurants. Check out these fun food and wine events in Solvang, Pismo Beach, Los Olivos, and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Santa Barbara Vintners Festival in Solvang
Location: Old Mission Santa Inés, Solvang
Date: October 8, 2022
Photos: Santa Barbara Vintners
About the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
In its 38th year, the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival is truly the Original Santa Barbara Wine Festival.
Taste wines from 50+ wineries and savor regional cuisine from dozens of restaurants, chefs, and food producers. Meet winemakers and winery owners and learn first-hand why Santa Barbara County was named 2021 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Stop by the Bubble Lounge to sample the region’s best sparkling and enjoy live music and culinary and viticulture demonstrations.
An Early Entry Admission ticket grants access to the festival at noon, 60 minutes prior to General Admission tickets, providing the opportunity to interact more personally with winemakers, owners, and chefs in a more spacious, open, and uncrowded environment. Transportation options are available from neighboring cities to ensure you have a safe, stress-free, and comfortable ride to and from the festival.
Pismo Beach Clam Festival
Location: Pismo Beach Pier
Date: October 14-16
Photos: Experience Pismo Beach
About the Pismo Beach Clam Festival
A community tradition since 1946, the 76th annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, attracts generations of families and visitors from all around, who look forward to spending three days overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Pismo Beach.
This family friendly event features the Clam Festival parade on Saturday morning at 10am. Join us on Price Street for the Under the Sea themed parade this year!
The Clam Festival is a free event that includes live music, local vendors and food trucks, and a huge FREE Kids Zone that includes bounce houses and inflatables! Saturday morning Esteem Surf Shop will be hosting an awesome Surf Contest and you won’t want to miss the annual Clam Dig on Sunday for kids 11 and under.
There is also a Clam Chowder Cook-Off: Best Local Clam Chowder Contest and a Wine Walk.
Day in the Country in Los Olivos
Location: Los Olivos, CA
Date: October 15-16
Photos: Liz Dodder, Cali Coast Wine Country
About Day in the Country
Los Olivos’ most highly acclaimed festival of the year, the popular Day in the Country is back! Join us for a weekend of fun with the NatureTrack 5k & Fun Run, small-town parade, 100 vendors, specials, food, live music, Wine Roundup, Beer Garden, and everything you love about our small town.
This special day is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy country living the way it used to be in simpler times. And best of all, attendance is free!
Day in the Country Schedule:
NatureTrack 5k & Fun Run – 7am (register early!)
Small town parade – 10am
Vintage Tractors & Cars
100 Vendor Booths
New expanded Beer & Wine Garden
Wine Roundup throughout town (get your pass early, good through Oct 16!)
Live Music & Food Trucks!
Plus, don’t miss our Scarecrow Festival! Walk around town to see all the scarecrows, and vote for your favorite. You’ll see scary ones, humorous ones, all-natural plus scarecrows that depict our businesses. Held each year from October 1-31.
Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley
Location: Santa Ynez Valley (6 towns)
Date: November 3-6
Image: Visit the Santa Ynez Valley
About Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley
Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley returns November 3-6, 2022 with Sunset magazine! This four-day, six-town culinary festival celebrates the superb restaurants, wineries and activities that capture the spirit of the Santa Ynez Valley in Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Ballard, and Buellton.
Among the many highlights of Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley include curated wine tastings, chef-driven long table dinners, lunches and activities, and events hosted by Sunset editors, all celebrating the many special offerings of this powerhouse California wine country destination.
Fall Fest in Buellton
Location: Avenue of the Flags, Buellton
Date: November 11-13, 2022
This is the ultimate family event: a Carnival and Fall Festival on Avenue of the Flags in Buellton. You will find carnival games and rides, including a huge Ferris Wheel right on on Avenue of the Flags, more than 25 Bands on 2 different stages, a fun Street Faire and awesome Food Vendors. Plus, admission is free for all!