Admission is free to all Santa Barbara’s museums on Sunday, so go get some culture this weekend. There’s also a classic car show, outrigger canoe races, a free festival for children and a visit by Mark Twain.

FREE FREE FREE!

On Sunday, Santa Barbara museums are open for free in observance of National Museum Day. But it is worth noting that museum admissions are really not expensive — usually less than the cost of seeing a theater movie — and some are always free.

Take advantage of this “free day” to expand your horizons. Never been to the Maritime Museum? How about the Historical Society? Support the spirit of the day by strolling the Botanic Garden or seeing the new dinosaur exhibit at the Museum of Natural History.

'MY LITTLE DEUCE COUPE'

More than 400 hot rods and classic cars from around the country will fill the streets of Santa Barbara this weekend. They will “cruise” down State Street at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and be on view from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday on State Street, which is closed at De la Guerra. There’s also live music, food and drinks. (683-3869; www.wheelsandwaves.com).

WET AND WILD

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Ka Nai’a Outrigger Canoe Club hosts a series of wet and wild races on Saturday at East Beach. Clubs gather here to join the locals for six and 12 mile men’s, women’s and coed races. It’s free to watch. Reach East Beach via the Milpas Street exit, turn right and stop when you hit the ocean.

You can also check out one of the club’s Sunday open houses held weekly at 10 a.m. on the beach next to Stearns Wharf (at the foot of State Street). Wear comfortable clothes, slather on the sunscreen and look for the green and white canoes. (969-5595; www.kanaia.org).

PONY RIDES AND MORE

Saturday’s annual Children’s Festival celebrates the good works of the Family Service Agency, which provides assistance for those in need throughout our community. The free and fun event is at Alameda Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature face painting, blow-up jumpers, games, crafts and even pony rides (965-1001; www.fsacares.org). Take the Mission Street exit, turn toward the hills, turn right on Anacapa Street and proceed to East Micheltorena Street.

POLITICALLY INCORRECT ... WITH MARK TWAIN

Mark Twain had a thing or two to say about politicians. You can be sure that Hal Holbrook, in his award-winning portrayal of Twain, will have election year wit and wisdom to share with audiences during his appearance Friday night at 8 at the Lobero.

Holbrook portrays Twain as an outrageously entertaining combination of stand-up comedian, devilish intellectual, grandfatherly philosopher and political pundit. You could even say he was “politically incorrect!” Tickets cost $50 and $60 (963-0761; www.lobero.com).

QUICK PICK: ANTIQUE SHOW

Antique Show at the Earl Warren Showgrounds Friday through Sunday. This is “the” show for bargains and treasures, and it benefits a terrific cause (898-9715; www.calmantiqueshow.com).

Julia McHugh can be reached at southon101column@yahoo.com.