Happy Trails

Some people celebrate spring by dancing around a maypole. The Santa Barbara Downtown Organization opts instead to throw a giant, gluttonous progressive party, all smoothly cloaked under the guise of cultural enrichment! Tickets are on sale now for this year’s Downtown Art & Wine Tour, during which various venues south of Carrillo Street will open their doors and welcome revelers with food, drink, and art. The tour is self-guided, so you can indulge as much or as little as you want at each stop, lingering at exhibits that draw you in — or venues with the best grub. Along the way, you’re certain to see many of your fellow Barbarinos, identifiable by their wine glasses and plates, and you might even spot someone fall into a bush (you know who you are; don’t worry, my lips are sealed). It all culminates in an after-party at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where the insatiable will be met with more food, more wine, live music, and a silent auction. In its 15 years, this has become one of S.B.’s signature, guaranteed sell-out events; get your tickets now.

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The Downtown Art & Wine Tour takes place next Thursday, May 23, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $60. For info (and tickets), visit santabarbaradowntown.com.