As we make the transition from another fun-filled summer to fall, there are plenty of events to keep you entertained in the Santa Ynez Valley. Our charming towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang are ready to welcome you in style for your next Santa Ynez vacation.
If you visited us in September for the 80th annual celebration of Danish Days in Solvang, you know that our area is full of culture and fun events. The list of fun things to do in Santa Ynez Valley is endless. If you’re the foodie type, you will love our Santa Ynez Valley restaurants.
Enjoy These Fall Activities in the Santa Ynez Valley
The fall season is full of fabulous fun in Santa Ynez Valley. Check out these opportunities for adventure:
Celebration of Harvest Weekend: October 7 – 10, 2016
Held over Columbus Day Weekend, this is an annual celebration of the year’s bounty. Vintners take a break from the vineyards and cellars to pour wine and share harvest tales at the Festival Grand Tasting on Saturday, October 8, 1-4 p.m., at Old Mission Santa Inés in Solvang. Taste wines from all 100+ winery members, enjoy food sampling from the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, and food purveyors, and listen to live music. Throughout the weekend select wineries host their own events, ranging from winemaker dinners, library tastings, new wine releases, to barrel tastings. Want to visit the tasting rooms on an all-inclusive tasting pass? Get a Vintners Visa for unique and complimentary offerings at your choice of 12 tasting rooms, or peruse our website, put together your very own Santa Ynez wineries map, and then head out for a wine tasting adventure.
Los Olivos Day in the Country: October 15, 2016
This special day is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy country living. The day include a fun run, parade through town, vintage tractor & antique car display, wine roundup, beer garden and much more. And best of all, attendance is free!
Solvang Faeriefest: October 15, 2016
Embody the spirit of magic, wonder, adventure, and beauty of the faerie realm as over 50 artists come together to recreate a magical land at Solvang Festival Theater! Whether you enjoy dressing up, listening to otherworldly music, art and beauty, or just want a day to enjoy a magical experience with your family and friends, this is the place for you.
Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest: October 7 – November 7, 2016
The scarecrows return to Santa Ynez Valley October 7 – November 7! What started out as Solvang Third Wednesday’s Scarecrow Fest has since become the Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest – expanding throughout the Valley’s six towns – so the humorous, good-natured feelings that the scarecrows impart can not only be seen in Solvang, but also in Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Buellton, and Ballard. The Valley will boast nearly 200 scarecrows this year, on which the public is invited to judge and vote for their favorites in the “field.”
Quick Draw & Arts Festival: November 4 – November 6, 2016
This annual celebration of the arts has been expanded to the entire Santa Ynez Valley. From museum gatherings, to nature hikes, to the “art of brunch”, there will be endless opportunities to celebrate the arts. The Quick Draw on Saturday at Flag is Up Farms will be the main event, with over 20 featured artists completing original works of art within 60 minutes. Afterward, the art will go home to the lucky bidders of the live auction! This event includes a Fine Art Walk, Food Vendors, Silent Auction, and live music provided by local singer/songwriter Stephanie Croff (2:00-3:30).
There is always something fun going on in the lovely towns of Solvang, Santa Ynez, Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, and Los Olivos. We hope you will join us this season in the Valley.
About The Author: Shelby Sim grew up just 30 minutes south of the Santa Ynez Valley on the coast in Goleta, CA. After living in many different states and traveling the world, he returned to the area and discovered the many quality wines being produced here. Shelby has worked in the area for the last 11 years as a wine tour host, while acting as director of business development with the Goleta chamber, and later as a sales manager for Bacara Resort and Spa. He recently moved his family to Buellton and is honored to be executive director of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, the premier destination marketing organization (DMO) for the region.
About VisitSYV.com:
Visit Santa Ynez Valley provides listings of the best Santa Ynez wineries, best places to eat in Solvang, Santa Ynez hotels and inns, and things to do in Santa Ynez Valley. Visit the website at www.VisitSYV.com for complete travel and visitor services. “Like” the Facebook page for ideas on planning Santa Ynez vacations. Email info@VisitSYV.com for help planning your next vacation in the Santa Ynez Valley.