Upcoming Programs/Events — News — California Nature Art Museum

August 9 | Free Admission: End-of-Summer Family Day

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

At the California Nature Art Museum

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a free-admission, end-of-summer Family Day on Sunday, August 9th 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This annual event invites visitors to participate in a variety of free art and nature inspired activities.

Show your wild side with a face paint design, create your own upcycled art piece, shake paws with dogs and kittens from Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, wonder at a live bee hive with Santa Barbara Hives, and enjoy a nature-inspired assortment of local organization booths.

August 26 | Sip, Science, Art! - Untamed Desert

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 / 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
At Firestone Walker Brewing Co. - Barrelworks 620 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA 93427

Learn about the surprising vibrancy that thrives in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the surrounding areas. Paulette Donnellon is an award-winning nature and wildlife photographer. She is known for capturing the hidden beauty of desert ecosystems, from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the Salton Sea.

Sip, Science, Art! Enjoy a 60-minute lecture with the opportunity to purchase delicious Firestone Walker apps, entrées, and beverages. Q&A to follow!

September 19 | Coastal Cleanup Day at the Santa Ynez River

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

At the Santa Ynez River with the California Nature Art Museum

Join the California Nature Art Museum for Coastal Cleanup Day at the Santa Ynez River on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Get outside, enjoy nature, and remove harmful debris from this beloved local waterway!

The largest volunteer effort in California, Coastal Cleanup Day is a community-based opportunity to give back to the ocean, beaches, rivers, and creeks. The CalNAM team will be meeting at the bridge on Alisal Road in Solvang (coordinates: 34.5846642, -120.1446122).

October 2 - 4 | Santa Cruz Island, 2-Night Stay at UC Field Station

FRI. OCTOBER 2 - SUN. OCTOBER 4, 2026

At the UC Field Station on Santa Cruz Island, with CalNAM

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a two-night trip to Santa Cruz Island on Friday, October 2nd 2026 - Sunday, October 4th 2026. Guests will be staying in the dorms at the UC Field Station, which cannot typically be accessed by the general public.

Throughout this trip, guests may enjoy fully-included, structured activities such as hiking, species identification, nature journaling, swimming, tidepooling, and travel through the use of the on-island vehicles.

October 21 | Nature Journaling at Manzanita Nursery

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

At Manzanita Nursery with the California Nature Art Museum

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a nature journaling session on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Manzanita Nursery.

This program will include a short introduction to nature journaling, a group warm-up activity, and an invitation to walk and explore the nursery’s abundant plant life, or examine select native plants at the CalNAM artist table. All participants are welcome to enjoy use of CalNAM watercolors, watercolor paper, pencils, and brushes or to bring their own supplies.

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