The Concierge Edit
Summer's Twilight & Welcoming Early Fall
As summer eases into fall, this month is all about balance—soaking up the golden evenings, planning ahead for cozy celebrations, and embracing the Santa Barbara local's lifestyle in full stride. Whether you’re craving a new restaurant experience, a culture-packed weekend, or a fall escape, I’ve curated a guide to help you savor the best of this in-between season.
🗓️ Upcoming Events & Highlights
September Picks
🍺 Pints for the Park – Sept 7
An evening of local beer, food trucks, and live music at Elings Park—fundraising fun for a good cause.
Details & Tickets »
🎤 One805LIVE! – Sept 13
A star-studded benefit concert for local first responders at Kevin Costner’s oceanside estate—featuring country icon Trisha Yearwood alongside rock legends Good Charlotte, Sammy Hagar, Kevin Cronin, Nuno Bettencourt, Matt Sorum, The Fray, Donovan Frankenreiter, John Kay (of Steppenwolf), and local favorites Plastic Harpoons.
Explore Event »
🥃 On the Rocks: A Whisk(e)y Dinner – Sept 17
Hosted at Hotel Californian, this stunning outdoor culinary experience delivers daring drams from the storied Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia distilleries, paired with four exquisite courses, sure to make for a lively crowd.
✨ Early bird tickets include a complimentary night at the hotel! Book two seats at the table before September 1 for a staycation in the Funk Zone.
Reserve Early »
🐶 Rescue Rhythms Benefit Concert – Sept 21
Presented by Farmer & The Flea, this high-energy show supports local animal rescue orgs. Expect great music, good vibes, and local vendors. But be warned, you may go home with a new furry best friend!
Buy Tickets »
🌊 Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival – Sept 13–14
Two days of indie film premieres, live music, and surf culture at its best.
Festival Info »
🍋 Goleta Lemon Festival – Sept 28–29
Family-friendly fun with lemon treats, local vendors, a classic car show, and more.
Details »
🎤 Santa Barbara Bowl – September Lineup
- Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse – Sept 5
- Goo Goo Dolls – Sept 6
- Darius Rucker – Sept 7
- Gregory Alan Isakov – Sept 12
- Jon Batiste – Sept 20
- Disclosure – Sept 23
- Mac DeMarco – Sept 29
Conversations to Watch – The Godmothers Series
✨ Elise Loehnen & Courtney Smith – Sept 5
Bestselling author Elise Loehnen and renowned Enneagram coach Courtney Smith explore tools for “choosing wholeness over goodness.”
Reserve »
✨ Isabelle Boemeke & Orlando Bloom – Sept 19
Science influencer Isabelle Boemeke is joined by actor Orlando Bloom to discuss her visionary brand Rad Futureand its intersection with culture and creativity.
Reserve »
✨ Tess Sanchez & Max Greenfield – Sept 27
Casting director and author Tess Sanchez delves into her poignant essay collection We’ve Decided to Go in a Different Direction, joined by her husband, actor Max Greenfield for conversation and candid insights.
Reserve »
October Events to Book Now
🎙 Jerry Seinfeld at The Arlington – Oct 5
Comedy royalty in one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved venues.
Get Tickets »
🍷 Santa Barbara Vintners Festival – Oct 12
41st annual celebration of local wines, flavors, and live music at Vega Vineyard.
Festival Info »
🍻 Mission Creek Beer Festival – Oct 19
Craft beer, fall weather, and a great crowd.
Event Page »
🌊 Outstanding in the Field – Oct 21
This iconic open-air dining experience celebrating farm-to-table feasts, heads to Stearns Wharf. Book early.
Reserve »
🗓️ Dates to Remember
🇺🇸 Monday, September 1 – Labor Day
Labor Day was established in the late 1800s to honor the contributions of American workers. Whether you’re heading out of town or hosting a long-weekend barbecue, take a moment to celebrate rest, reward, and community.
🥂 Hosting & Entertaining Ideas
🏈 Football Season Kickoff
Whether it’s Thursday night NFL, college Saturdays, or Sunday smorgasbords—gather the crew and serve themed bites to match your team.
Or for the Montecito Club members, head to the men’s lounge for a wall of screens and full bar service.
📚 Book Club Season
Elevate your next gathering with delicate tea sandwiches, garden table settings, and a round of iced teas (spiked on request). Lemon verbena + tequila is a subtle knockout.
🎁 Holiday Party Prep
It may feel early, but venues and vendors are already filling up. Now is the time to reserve your holiday dates and start curating your guest list.
✈️ Wanderlust & Travel Planning
🦃 Thanksgiving Prep
Whether you’re planning to stay local or head out of town, now’s the time to design your ideal Thanksgiving. Imagine an easy, relaxed stay in Malibu or a cozy cabin escape in Tahoe—I’ll handle the logistics: reservations, accommodations, your chef, and just as important… the cleanup.
🎿 Or 🌴 for December?
Mountain or island? Ski chalet or warm winter waters? Either way, planning now ensures you have access to the best of both.
📸 Summer Glow, Captured
Still holding onto that sun-kissed, summer body look? Now’s the time to book your headshots or family portrait sessions—before the fall rush. Perfect for end-of-year branding, holiday cards, or just a beautiful capture of this season of life.
🍽️ Dining Spotlight: Rare Society Santa Barbara
This month’s feature is Rare Society, a modern steakhouse with 1920s glamour and a West Coast soul. Fresh off celebrating their 3-year anniversary in Santa Barbara, this hotspot continues to impress locals and visitors alike with its curated Boards, standout cocktails, and signature style.
I sat down with General Manager Sharon Kovar, a seasoned hospitality pro (and dear friend) whose experience includes managing the Michelin-starred Spruce in San Francisco. Sharon shares what makes Rare Society unique, what to order, and why Mondays are better with oysters.
To read the full interview, click over to Spotlights 📰
💌 I’d Love to Hear From You
What’s on your fall agenda? Looking for any fun date night ideas?
Are you planning a spooky Halloween party or dreaming of a winter wonderland celebration?
Let me know how I can help make it seamless.
Best,
Harrison
Your private, trusted resource on the American Riviera
Harrison Lifestyle Concierge
📞 +1 805 245 7007
📧 harrison@harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
🌐 www.harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
