My SBnature

Tickets are non-refundable. One date change is permitted when requested 24 hours prior to the day of your visit.

For more information on what to expect during your visit, click here.

Ticket Cost:
Member: Adult (18+ years): Free
Member: Teen (13-17 years): Free
Member: Child (2-12 years): Free
Member: Child (under 2 years): Free
Adult (18-64 years): $19.00
Senior (65+ years): $17.00
Teen (13-17 years): $17.00
Child (2-12 years): $14.00
Child (under 2 years): Free

Discover the wonders of ocean life at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Located on historic Stearns Wharf, this highly interactive regional aquarium offers you close encounters with marine animals from the Santa Barbara Channel.

Purchase tickets onsite. No advanced reservations.

Ticket Cost:
Member: Adult (18+ years): Free
Member: Teen (13-17 years): Free
Member: Child (2-12 years): Free
Member: Child (under 2 years): Free
Adult (18-64 years): $15.00
Senior (65+ years): $13.00
Teen (13-17 years): $13.00
Child (2-12 years): $11.00
Child (under 2 years): Free

Presented by the Santa Barbara Audubon Society and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Amy Tan, acclaimed author of many celebrated books including The Joy Luck Club and a 2021 recipient of the National Humanities Medal, will present an illustrated talk based on her forthcoming new book The Backyard Bird Chronicles. Courtesy of Chaucer’s Bookstore, books by Amy Tan will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

In 2016, overwhelmed by the state of the world, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.

In The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Tan combines her literary genius and her drawing talent to chart her foray into birding and the natural world by mapping the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original color sketches.

Secure your seat for this popular event

Due to the popularity of this event, advanced registration is required (with a two-ticket limit per registrant). This will be an open seating event, so we strongly recommend you arrive 20–30 minutes before the event begins to secure your seat. Plan on arriving early and allow sufficient time to park and walk to the venue. Please carpool if possible. Parking is limited and will not be permitted in the neighborhood near the Museum.

Questions? Call Santa Barbara Audubon Society at 805-964-1468.

About the Speaker

Amy Tan is the celebrated author of several novels including The Joy Luck Club, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, The Kitchen God’s Wife and Saving Fish from Drowning. She is a co-producer and co-screenwriter of the film version of The Joy Luck Club and is on the board of the American Bird Conservancy.

Join us in 2024 to sip and savor 80+ of the Central Coast's best wineries and culinary delights while enjoying a splendid summer afternoon in the Museum's oak woodland along Mission Creek.

Early Entry: $175
Early entry at 1:00 PM to the Museum Backyard with catered hors d’oeuvres and entertainment.

Enjoy wineries and food purveyors across the Museum’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Includes a commemorative wine glass.

One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the Santa Barbara Wine + Food Festival® supports the Museum’s nature and science education programs.

Ticket Cost:
Early Entry (Exclusive early entry at 1:00 PM): SOLD OUT
General Admission (Entry at 2:00 PM): SOLD OUT