The Concierge Edit
October's Harvest Season, Halloween Magic, and Holiday Planning Ahead
The first pumpkin sighting is always the signal — from that moment on, the weeks fly by in a whirlwind of harvest celebrations, costumes, and holiday preparations. October is the perfect month to savor local wines, enjoy crisp evenings under the stars, and get a head start on making the holidays feel effortless.
🎶 October Highlights
Santa Barbara Bowl: Final Shows of the Season
There’s nothing quite like live music under the stars. Don’t miss the final concerts of the 2025 season:
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Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats — Thursday, October 2 — 🎟 Get Tickets
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HAIM — Saturday, October 11 — 🎟 Get Tickets
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Rebelution — Thursday, October 16 — 🎟 Get Tickets
California Avocado Festival
Friday, October 3 – Sunday, October 5 • Downtown Carpinteria
“Peace, Love & Guacamole” returns for its 39th year with free music across three stages, 60+ bands, arts & crafts vendors, food booths, and family-friendly fun. All proceeds support local nonprofits.
🥑 Learn More & See Schedule
Opening Night Celebration at SBMA: The First Impression – Paris By Night
Saturday, October 4 @ Santa Barbara Museum of Art
A Paris-by-night celebration marks the launch of one of SBMA’s most anticipated exhibitions: The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse and Encore: 19th-Century French Art. An elegant evening of art, culture, and community.
🎟 Buy Tickets
Jerry Seinfeld at The Arlington
Sunday, October 5
Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld brings his signature wit to Santa Barbara for one night only.
🎟 Buy Tickets
El Encanto Culinary Series: Chef Rivera-Río
Saturday, October 11 @ El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
Launching El Encanto’s new culinary series, this exclusive dinner features acclaimed Mexican chef Rivera-Río of Michelin-starred KOLI. Expect an evening of inspired cuisine showcasing a 5-course dinner paired with hand selected local Monterey wines, sweeping views, and Belmond’s signature elegance.
🍽 Reserve on Resy
Oyster Shucking Class with Flying Colors Co. & Tyler × Lieu Dit Wines
Saturday, October 11 @ Tyler × Lieu Dit Wine Bar
Learn the art of oyster shucking in this hands-on class with Flying Colors Co., paired with Tyler × Lieu Dit wines. A fun, educational way to celebrate harvest season downtown.
🦪 Reserve on Tock
Boo at the Zoo
October 17–19 & 24–26 @ the Santa Barbara Zoo
A family favorite: trick-or-treating, animal encounters, and spooky zoo fun. Costumes encouraged!
🎃 Buy Tickets
Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
Saturday, October 18 @ Vega Vineyard & Farm
Celebrate harvest with 50+ Central Coast wineries, live music, food pairings, and vineyard views.
🍷 Buy Tickets
Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
Saturday, October 18 @ the Harbor
Seafood lovers rejoice: fresh lobster, crab, oysters, and cooking demos. A free waterfront festival highlighting local fishermen and proprietors.
🦞 Learn More
Mission Creek Beer Festival
Saturday, October 18 @ the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Craft beer, local bites, and riverside community fun.
🍺 Buy Tickets
Fields of Funk
Saturday, October 25 @ Elings Park
A 21+ Halloween-inspired night of music, immersive art, and funky beats.
🎶 Buy Tickets
Outstanding in the Field
Thursday, October 30 on Stearns Wharf
A breathtaking long-table luncheon staged on the pier, featuring local chefs and seasonal ingredients. Always a sell-out.
🍽 Buy Tickets
🎃 Important Date Reminder
Halloween falls on Friday, October 31.
Trending costume ideas and inspiration for this year:
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Wednesday & the Addams Family, plus Nevermore friends
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Blue Origin Space Crew
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Labubu(s)
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K-Pop Demon Hunters
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Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter
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Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift
- Wicked Characters (Part 2 is coming!)
🕯 Holiday Planning Starts Now
It may feel early, but after that first PSL, the weeks fly straight into the holidays. Planning now means less stress and more joy later.
Holiday Cards
Start reviewing photos from the year — maybe a favorite Spring Break trip or a summer adventure that will shine on a holiday card. And don’t forget to update your mailing list! Best to compile everything now, design your cards and submit for production at the end of October, so they are in-hand ready for stamps and delivery in early December.
Thanksgiving
So many different options to consider! Will you host at home, will you join someone else (don't forget a gift for your host), will you dine out, or will you use the long weekend to travel?! A few starter ideas...
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A cozy family-style dinner at Black Sheep
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An elaborate feast at The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
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Or an alpine escape to The Little Nell in Aspen
🍷 Is wine your focus for a delicious feast, or the cherry on top? I can help with pairing suggestions for your menu, and even source special wines to make your holiday meals unforgettable.
December Holidays
From company parties and intimate holiday dinners to sparkling New Year’s Eve soirées, early planning ensures every detail shines. I can coordinate venues and menus for a night out, chefs and servers for celebrations at home, and all the thoughtful touches so you can enjoy the season stress-free.
👗 Wardrobe Styling Services
As sweater weather arrives, it’s the perfect time to refresh your closet. I’m now offering personal wardrobe styling services — drawing on my career in luxury fashion, from PR and runway shows at New York & Paris Fashion Week to styling clients for events worldwide. Whether you’re wanting to curate cozy fireside looks, update event attire, or build a timeless capsule wardrobe, I’ll ensure your seasonal transition feels seamless and inspired. Interested in more details and packages? Let me know!
✈️ Travel Inspiration
Thanksgiving Escapes
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Aspen, CO — ✈️ ~4.5 hrs (SBA → ASE): Alpine charm and luxury lodging.
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Deer Valley, UT — ✈️ ~2 hrs (SBA → SLC): Early ski season in style.
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Lake Tahoe, CA — ✈️ ~3.5 hrs (SBA → SAC + drive): Golden aspens and crisp air.
December Delights
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Cambria Christmas Market — 🚗 ~2.5 hrs: Millions of twinkling lights and festive cheer.
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Solvang Julefest — 🚗 ~45 min: Danish parades, lights, and Scandinavian treats.
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European Christmas Markets — ✈️ ~14–16 hrs: Magical holiday experiences with mulled wine, gingerbread, and historic squares.
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Tropical Islands — ✈️ ~7+ hrs: Trade your eggnog for a piña colada with a tiki umbrella. Think Hawaii, the Carribbean, Canary Islands, or the Maldives!
💶 Travel Note
Starting October 12, the European Union is rolling out a new automated Entry/Exit System (EES). The first time you enter or exit after that date, expect the process to take a bit longer as your biodata is registered. Afterward, the system is designed to help you sail through border checks more smoothly.
🔗 Learn more at the EU’s official site
🍷 Dining Spotlight
This harvest season, discover Tyler × Lieu Dit Tasting Room & Wine Bar in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. With an assortment of local wines and thoughtful small plates, it’s the perfect place to toast the season.
✨ Mention HLC or this newsletter for a complimentary market crudo in October.
Read the full interview with Manager Caroline and Chef Bane in The Concierge Edit: Spotlights →
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💌 I’d Love to Hear From You
What’s on your agenda this month? Whether you’re planning a Halloween party, coordinating Thanksgiving travel, or starting to map out your holiday gatherings, I’m here to help.
From reservations and wardrobe refreshes to wine selections and event planning, let me make the season effortless for you.
Best,
Harrison
Your private, trusted resource on the American Riviera
Harrison Lifestyle Concierge
📞 +1 805 245 7007
📧 harrison@harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
🌐 www.harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
