Celebrating Writers & Readers

The Santa Barbara Literary Festival brings together readers and writers of every genre for a two day celebration of storytelling and inspiration. Engaging panels, enlightening workshops, pop-up events, and welcoming social gatherings, bring together established authors, emerging writers, and passionate readers in a uniquely intimate setting that fosters community centered around a shared love of the literary arts.

Location

SBLF is hosted throughout iconic Downtown Santa Barbara, showcasing the city’s vibrant community of businesses, non-profits, and cultural institutions while providing festival goers with an immersive experience capable of catalyzing creativity.

  • Downtown Santa Barbara

    SBLF panels, workshops, keynotes, and pop-ups activate local businesses and cultural institutions across beautiful downtown Santa Barbara.

  • La Arcada

    We’re thrilled to be partnering with the iconic La Arcada Plaza as a Cornerstone Partner for workshops, panels, activations, and more.

  • Lobero Theater

    We’re hosting our premier keynotes and panelists at California’s oldest operating and Santa Barbara’s own Lobero Theater for a storied experience that audiences will talk about for years to come.

  • The Canary Hotel

    Workshops, panels, and VIP events will be held at the Kimpton Canary Hotel, Downtown Santa Barbara’s premier boutique luxury hotel. The Canary is our Hospitality Partner and SBLF guests receive 10% discount on their stay. Sign up to our newsletter for this exclusive offer.

  • The Karpeles Manuscript Library

    Signature panels and workshops will be held in the historic The Karpeles Manuscript Library, home to the world’s largest private collection of manuscripts.

  • The CEC Hub

    Located in the heart of the Arts District, the CEC Hub will serve as a dynamic venue for both intimate workshops and wide-ranging panels.

  • Stay Tuned

    Sign up for our newsletter for updates on new locations and ways to explore Santa Barbara through prose, poetry, ideas, and imagination.

Apply To Host A Workshop or Panel

Are you a writer, storyteller, audiobook narrator, agent, editor, BookToker, or anyone with wisdom and knowledge to share about the literary arts?

Then apply to host a workshop or panel! It’s free to apply and we welcome submissions from all genres, professions and backgrounds.

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