Santa Barbara Social Club upcoming events

Amazing Chocolate Making (4 Jun 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Food and Wine presents:

Menchaca Chocolate Workshop

& Tasting Experience

Explore a family-owned, small batch, chocolate factory located half way underground in the corner of El Mercado shopping center on North State where you will create your own Chocolate Bars and paint a wooden box in which to put them!

First you'll pour your choice of Dark, Milk and White chocolate into the bar molds. Then you'll top your chocolate from a choice of 25 inclusions (nuts, dried fruit, peppermint, marsh mellows, goji berries, seasonings etc.)

While the Chocolate is setting up you can paint, stain, stamp, stencil and washi tape your box using all the Art supplies in our ART BAR located out side in the Paseo.

These chocolate boxes are always a great Mother's Day or birthday gift for someone you love-- including yourself!

Join us on Thursday June 4th from 11am-1pm.

You will create two 6" chocolate bars and a keepsake box.

We will need at least 10 participants to qualify for that pricing, but we can likely add extra people so definitely put your name on the waitlist if the event is full when you sign up!

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON MAY 31st!

*Afterwards, we may decide to have lunch at the La Palapa restaurant which is right next door. If so, each person would pay their share of whatever they order.

What Makes Menchaca Chocolates Amazing?

VEGAN - ORGANIC - MICRO BATCH - SINGLE ORIGIN
Milk chocolate (40% Cacao)
White Chocolate

Strawberry White Chocolate

THE PROCESS

Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Makers - seven types of VEGAN Chocolate:

Dark chocolate (60, 70, 80, & 90% Cacao)

BEANS & INGREDIENTS

Certified Direct Trade beans from Cahabon, Guatemala, & Costa Esmeraldas, Ecuador.

For our dark chocolate lovers, premium ingredients are used which include organic cane sugar, naturally deodorized cacao butter, and a pinch of non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin.

To keep our chocolate vegan-friendly (and create a rich creaminess), we add oat milk powder to our milk, white, and strawberry flavors.

Crafting fine chocolate means we can experiment with each bean's origin, adjusting roasting profiles and showcasing regional farms in our small batches. We don't use any bulk fillers, stabilizers, or preservatives. The process involves roasting, cracking, winnowing, followed by blending, tempering, and molding the liquid chocolate.

Our passion extends to our packaging, featuring original artwork on labels and hand-painted boxes. Handmade is a rarity these days, but it's what drives our passion, and we hope you can taste it in every bite.

SUMMER WINE SOCIAL (14 Jun 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Food & Wine presents:

Summer Wine Social

Join us for an early evening of socializing while Wine Tasting with accompanying light hors d'oeuvres in a beautiful setting with ocean views.

This annual special event at a Private Home with both Ocean and Mountain views will be a treat for the eyes and the palate as well!

This year's theme is "the best value wines from around the world", accompanied by delicious hors d'oeuvres. We will socialize while tasting 8 different wines, 4 white including an opening champagne and 4 reds. As well as enjoying each other's company we hope individually and collectively to find some really great wines at an affordable price. Join us for the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Santa Barbara: great food, great wine, and great people, enjoyed in the great outdoors. If the weather is chilly we’ll go inside and onto a heated deck.

You are encouraged to carpool as parking is somewhat limited.

Out to Lunch - Merci (17 Jun 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Food & Wine Presents:

Out to Lunch - Merci Montecito

Apologies to our regulars who were looking forward to a special luncheon at Monte's. But when I got word that the $75 price didn't include tax and tip (bringing cost to $97.50 without a drink!) I just couldn't justify that expense for a luncheon, as wonderful as the food might be! So instead I have chosen MERCI in the Montecito Country Mart (yes, right across from the entrance to Pavilions, but still with a certain small town charm!) They will reserve tables on the patio for our group. We have to queue to order, but that solves the problem of separate checks and service is still quite fast.

MERCI MONTECITO, created by acclaimed pastry chef Elizabeth Colling and partner Nick Barainca, is an artisanal cafe serving delicious organic homemade food. Their menu includes a hearty red lentil butternut squash soup topped with tahini yogurt, their famous Chicken Paillard, several sandwiches with homemade potato chips, choices of imaginative salads and vegetables, and fabulous desserts. Specialty teas, coffees, wine and beer are also available. While there is a large parking lot, finding a space is challenging so I'd recommend carpooling!

Click for Menu

Murder @ the Luau Planning Meeting (20 Jun 2026)

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Games & Sports Presents:

Murder at the Luau Planning Meeting

Join us on a monthly Zoom meeting to prepare for our murder mystery party on Sep 13th 2026. You will find an outline of the event here. Please feel free to share this invite with others who may be interested in helping deliver a fun event for our membership. Here are the notes from the last meeting.

The next planning meeting will be held on Jun 20th at Susan Aumack's home. We will be doing a walk thru of the space and discussing decor and food options.

Game day: Left, Right, Center (21 Jun 2026)

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Games & Sports Presents:

Join Us for this Thrilling Dice Adventure!

Left Right Center (LRC) is the perfect party game for any occasion! It has nothing to do with politics. It's a fast-paced game everyone will enjoy. Its simple rules make it incredibly easy to learn, so everyone can join in the fun. The gameplay keeps everyone engaged, as the chips quickly move from player to player, creating moments of both suspense and laughter.

It's a game of pure chance, meaning no strategic genius is required – just roll the dice and see what happens! It's a great icebreaker and a fun way to bring people together. LRC is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone rolling with laughter. It's a fantastic way to create lasting memories and enjoy some lighthearted competition.

Substitute quarters for chips to make the game more interesting.

Give it a try! Sign up today!

Music Academy Master Class and BYO Picnic (23 Jun 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Culture & History Presents:

Master Class and Picnic at Music Academy of the West

Join your fellow Club members at the Music Academy of the West for an entertaining Master Class, watching the famed Takács Quartet give chamber music pointers to some of music's most promising talent.

After the Master Class, join your fellow SBSC friends for a BYO picnic in Anne’s Garden, the beautiful and serene area by the Morton Bay Fig Tree next to Hahn Hall.. Bring some goodies to eat and maybe to share. We'll have a table in the beautiful area by the Morton Bay Fig Tree.

CURIOUS MINDS - SB Architecture - Robert Ooley (28 Jun 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Curious Minds Presents:

Join us for an afternoon discussion with Architect Robert Ooley

Ooley is the author of A Guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest. He will share his insights about local historic preservation and Santa Barbara’s distinctive architecture, in both public and private buildings.

Ooley is an engaging resource for exploring the city’s architectural and cultural treasures. With his thoughtful insights on neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and notable architects, he offers a captivating journey through Santa Barbara’s rich heritage and hidden gems.

For 30 years, Robert Ooley served as the Santa Barbara County Architect. He is the former president of the local chapter of the Architectural Institute of America, and currently serves on the Historic Landmarks Commission and on the boards of several preservation-oriented nonprofits, including the Pearl Chase Society.

Here is a link to his info: Robert-Ooley_Bio-and-Philosophy.pdf

Join us for a very special afternoon with this talented, knowledgeable and enthusiastic resident of Santa Barbara since 1977.

Beverages and light refreshments will be served.

Parking is somewhat limited so please carpool if possible.

Contact event organizer

Beer Night @ INSTITUTION ALE (30 Jun 2026)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Night Life Presents:

Beer Night @ INSTITUTION ALE

Join SB Social Club member, Winn and Janet Booth, for Beer + Food.

Institution Ale, 516 State Street, has a large selection of beers and food.

French Film Festival - Colors of Time (18 Jul 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Culture & History Presents:

COLORS OF TIME (La Venue de l'avenir)

Join us for an afternoon presentation of an award-winning French Film, selected as part of the SBIFF/Riviera Theater's French Film Festival.

"Colors of Time," a three-time César Award nominee, is a film about
a group of strangers—each a descendant of a woman named Adèle Meunier—gathers in Normandy, where the town hopes to purchase her long-abandoned property. Four of the these newfound “cousins” are appointed to oversee the transaction, setting in motion an unexpected genealogical quest that pulls them deep into the past. Their journey takes us back to Paris in 1895, as the City of Light stands at the edge of an industrial and artistic revolution.

Directed by Cedric Klapisch
Written by Cédric Klapisch, Santiago Amigorena
Starring Suzanne Lindon, Abraham Wapler, Vincent Macaigne, Julia Piaton, Zinedine Soualem
2h 6m long

Purchase your own individual ticket from the Riviera Theater at https://ticketing.uswest.veezi.com/purchase/13174?siteToken=2cztk1mvwkz3fx48bt5hpsez60, or if you have a subscription to the entire Festival, register and join us for this showing. We will gather outside at 2:00 where Social Club member, Ginger Rubsam, will be waiting for us and then enter together. The film begins at 2:20 but there is usually a line for tickets . If you come later, enjoy the film.

After the film we will gather with Social Club members for Happy Hour snacks and drinks outside at the Crocodile outside Tiki Bar. Food and drinks are at your own cost. Please bring cash.

REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR NAME BADGE SO WE KNOW WHO IS IN OUR GROUP.

Please let us know if you need to cancel so that we don't wait for you.

Bastille Day Social - Reg Opens 6/21 (19 Jul 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Food & Wine Presents.....

All Things French...Bastille Day Dinner & Social

Everything French!

Celebrate Bastille Day dinner with SBSC friends at a gorgeous home with a lovely view from the Riviera in Santa Barbara certainly comes close to being a perfect evening out.

Join us for an evening full of fun and good company.

Food and Beverage Contributions:

A beverage of your choice AND a dish to share.

For partners, please provide double the above.

Please NOTE that this is BYOB.

Happy Hour @ BUENA ONDA (23 Jul 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Nightlife presents:

SBSC Happy Hour at BUENA ONDA!

Join SBSC organizer, Teo Yatman, for a festive self-pay Happy Hour. Meet up with SBSC friends at Buena Onda to enjoy delicious Argentinian food, drinks, and stimulating conversation. You will love their traditional organic handmade Argentinian baked empanadas. Make sure you're one of the first to sign up because this event will generate a waiting list. Their Special Happy Hour prices end at 6:00 but you can stay as long as you want.

5-Star Reviews

“We loved this place. The empanadas are fresh hot out the oven. Beautiful patio outside to enjoy your empanadas.”

Menu: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5601cf0de4b043318d3c219b/t/65259931960e1609e990b49e/1696962876894/haley-menu-dark-8.5x14+low.pdf

Please contact the organizer if you need to cancel. Don't be a "no show."

Pre-Fiesta Catered Picnic - SAVE THE DATE (2 Aug 2026)

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Special Event:

"BIG PRE-FIESTA CELEBRATION"

REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR NAME BADGES

Celebrating 100+ years of Fiesta, we kick off the season in style with our own special event. Join us for a Pre-Fiesta Party in the most secluded and shaded area of Tuckers Grove Park, next to bathrooms, a separate parking lot and a large grassy area with a volley ball net and room for other games. OPEN TO FAMILY & FRIENDS!!

Catered taco bar (chicken, meat, roasted veggies)
Homemade tortillas on-site
Lots of fresh, delicious accompaniments
Wine, margaritas & non-alcoholic beverages

And popular award-winning local Spanish guitarist Tony Ybarra!

Join us for the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Santa Barbara: great food, great wine and great people, enjoyed in the beautiful outdoors. Many of our amigas/amigos from The Graduates are joining forces with us to make this an especially big festive party. Sign up early for this special event!

ATTIRE: casual... Fiesta colors or fashion encouraged but not required. Site is surrounded by trees but you may want a hat, sunglasses or light wrap as weather determines.

You are encouraged to carpool, however we are next to a separate parking lot at the end of the road in Tuckers Grove.

Happy Hour - Linden Square (22 Aug 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Night Life Presents:

Happy Hour in the "Newish"

Linden Square Public Market

Join SBSC members, Mindy Fogg, Carrie Mullen, and your SBSC friends at the Linden Square public market in Carpinteria.

Linden Square features some of the best local restaurants, retailers and experiences on the Central Coast. Come sip, shop, dine and relax in our outdoor courtyard with special events and live music. Located just seven blocks from the beach in Carpinteria, California.

We will save a couple of large tables on the patio. Three local restaurants are currently open for food and drinks: Third Window Brewing Co., Corazón Cocina, and TiNA’s Pizza (from BETTiNA). More will be open soon – check out their website for updates: https://www.linden-square.com/

We have timed this event for the easiest travel between Santa Barbara and downtown Carpinteria.

Murder at the Luau (13 Sep 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Food & Wine Presents:

It's a real 'Whodunnit'

Help us catch a murderer at the Luau!

Santa Barbara is a small town outside of Hollywood that is a celebrity vacation destination with beautiful beaches, excellent weather and wonderful resorts. A local magician is hosting a to-die-for backyard luau party. Everybody in Santa Barbara is talking about what an epic party this will be. Rumors have flown around the grapevine that the guest list might not contain only the crème de la crème of high society, but why should anybody question the host's motives? He has said that it will be a fun time in the sun with exciting party games, wonderful luau-inspired delicacies, and stimulating conversation. You have received your invitation, and it is time to pick out your most festive luau attire for the party. This is where the story begins...

So put on your best Hawaiian attire and join us for this festive killer event! We'll have lots of tropical food and drinks, music, and prizes.

The Cast

Put your sleuthing skills to the test. Can you identify the murderer among us?

Diner en Blanc - SAVE THE DATE (8 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Food & Wine Presents:

Dinner in White aka: Diner en Blanc

Please join us for our take on this classic French affair called "Diner en Blanc" has is now celebrated world wide.

More information will follow soon.........................This will be a special catered event.

Here is a link to read more about Diner en Blanc: https://www.dinerenblanc.com/

Pictures from past events........