SBCC Science Discovery Day

The activities are almost endless on Saturday afternoon, March 14, at Santa Barbara City College’s science-centric annual open house on the East Cliff Campus. Presented by the SBCC STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Transfer Program students and faculty, the event is designed to showcase the wonders of the world with interactive displays and hands-on activities. Visitors can explore the sky and the sun safely through solar telescopes; play in the augmented reality sandbox to shape mountains, carve rivers and watch landscapes come alive with interactive topography; examine microfossils under microscopes and encounter much larger ones including dinosaurs; test our knowledge at mineral and rock identification stations; and get involved in icy space chemistry as experts create “comets” using dry ice. Also available are chemistry stations to conduct fun experiments, pattern recognition instruction from math students to aid in making predictions, and hands-on demonstrations from local high-tech companies working in cutting-edge science. Parking is free, maps are available on site. 

Visit www.sbcc.edu/stem/science-discovery-day.php

VADA Draw

Santa Barbara High School’s Visual Arts & Design Academy’s largest fundraiser of the year not only provides 30-40% of the school-within-a-school’s annual operating budget, it’s also the rare benefit where patrons all get to actually take something home with them. Every paying guest leaves the event with a one-of-a-kind piece of art, an original piece created and donated by a local artist, that are raffled off for no additional cost. It’s also a fabulous party featuring local food and beverages, music, a room full of creative energy, and the joy that comes from supporting future artists. This year’s VADA Draw takes place at 7 pm on March 14 at the Community Arts Workshop (SBCAW). 

Visit www.vadasbhs.org/the-vada-draw

Green for a Day 

Kerry Irish Productions has canceled its 2026 tour of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, the dance and music extravaganza that was slated to appear at the Lobero in Santa Barbara on March 17 – spot on the holiday itself. On the other hand, not to tout a competitor, but the Independent’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Stroll is still on. All are invited to don something green and meet up in the parking lot of the Indy’s offices 223 E. De la Guerra St. at 5 pm for the stroll down State Street that starts at 5:30 pm. The destination is Institution Ale, at 516 State Street, just a couple of blocks away, so you’ll still have plenty of strength to lift a pint or two. A jig or a sea shanty is also welcome.