CHILD’S PLAY

GROVER BEACH: The Grover Beach Community Library 230 North 9th St., offers a reading programfor preschool children in the Kids’ Korner, featuring treats and a special project. Info: 481-4131.

In Spanish: 10:30 to 11 a.m. the first Saturday of the month.

In English: 10:30 to 11 a.m. all other Saturdays.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: Central Coast Gymnatics is holding their Holiday Super Camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., also half days from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 22 and 23 and 29 to 31. Ages 4 to 12. Info: 549-8408 or www.iflipforccg.com.

SANTA MARIA, Dec. 4: K-2 students at Pacific Christian School (corner of Santa Maria Way and Bradley) will be performing “Angel Alert” 6:30 p.m. Cost: free. Info: 934-1253 Ext. 146.

SANTA MARIA, to Dec. 11: The Santa Maria Public Library presents, “Gigglin’ Granny Preschool Story Time,” features stories, fingerplays, and a book-on-film for preschoolers, ages 3 to 5. Story time is offered at 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. Info: 925-0994 or 925-4354.

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ARROYO GRANDE: The Arroyo Grande Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department offers art classes in drawing and painting. The class is for 5-to 12-year-olds. The class is ongoing from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. for 5- to 7-year-olds and 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. for 8- to 12-year-olds. Wednesdays from September to May at Peggy’s Art Studio, 809 E. Grand Ave. Cost: $42 for four lessons and includes materials. Info: 473-5474 or Peggy Valko at 489-1200.

DANCE

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 6 and 7: The Gustafson School of Dance and State Street Ballet Young Dancers presents, “Rudolph” 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6. at the Lobero Theatre, 33 Canon Perdido. Cost: $23 adults $15 children. Info: 963-0761 or www.lobero.com.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 13 and 14: State Street Ballet presents “Nutcracker” 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14, and 7 p.m. Dec. 13, at the Granda Theatre. Info: 899-2222.

SANTA MARIA, Dec. 13 and 14: Allan Hancock College Youth Dance presents the 18th annual performance of “The Nutcracker” 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 14, Santa Maria High School’s Ehtel Pope Auditorium, 901 S. Broadway and 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22 at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. Cost: $9 to $18. Info: 922-8313 or 489-9444.

SANTA MARIA: Dance the afternoon away from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 E. Park Ave. All ages welcome. Cost: $5, includes refreshments. Info: Ardeth Cox at 925-3775.

First Sunday each month: Music by the Leo Juarez Combo.

Third Sunday each month: Music by Jim Enos and Charlie B.

EXTRA, EXTRA

LOMPOC, Nov. 28 and 29: The Lompoc Valley Historical Society will hold is annual Victorian holiday open house 1 to 4 p.m., at the Fabin-Mckay-Spanne House, 207 North L St. Info: 735-4626 or www.lompoc.com.

LOS ALAMOS, Nov. 28: “Gobble Gobble Death and Trouble Murder Mystery Dinner” 7 p.m. at the Union Hotel, 362 Bell St. Enjoy murder mystery dinner theater. Dinner guests are also the actors. Cost: $60. Info: 344-2744 or www.unionhotelvictmansion.com.

PISMO BEACH, to Feb: The Monarch Butterfly Grove, home of thousands of butterflies during the months of Oct. through Feb. is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with presentations given by docents 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Grove is located 1/2 a mile south of Pismo Beach just off Highway 1. Info: 773-4382 or www.MonarchButterfly.org.

SANTA MARIA, Fridays: Friday Night Wine Downs 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Costa de Oro for wines, music and snacks. The tasting room is located near Cool Hand Luke’s at Stowell Road and Highway 101. Info: 922-1468 or www.cdowinery.com.

SANTA BARBARA, to Nov. 30: Maritime Museum hosts dockside tours aboard a replica of Christopher Columbus’ ship the Nina, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students and children under 4 are free. Info: 886-9078.

SANTA YNEZ, Dec. 6: The Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association is holding its “Holiday in Wine Country” event 11 a.m to 4 p.m. at the Bridlewood in Santa Ynez, Arthur Earl in Los Olivos and Lucas & Lewellen in Solvang. Cost $35. Info: 563-3183 or www.santaynezwinecountry.com.

ONSTAGE

ARROYO GRANDGE, Nov. 28 and 29: The Studio of the Performing Arts will perform “A Night Before Christmas” 7 p.m. at the Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. Cost: $12. Info and Tickets: 489-9444, 473-0377 or www.thestudioofperformingart.com.

OCEANO, Nov. to Dec. 31: “A Christmas Carol” a celebration of the redemption of Scrooge in a tale of holiday magic, will play at the Great American Melodrama, 1863 Pacific Blvd. (Hwy 1). Show times are 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursdays, 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays. Cost: $16 and $20, discounts for children, seniors, students and active military. Info: 489-2499 or www.americanmelodrama.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Dec. 4: The musical thriller “Sweeny Todd” will play 7 p.m. at the Christopher Cohan Center on the Cal Poly campus. Cost: $56 to $68 general, and $44 to $54 students. Info: 756-2787 or www.calpolyarts.com.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 4 to 28: The holiday musical “Striking 12,” Tuesday to Saturdays 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara. Cost: $29 to $42. Info: 965-5400.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec 5: The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats, 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre. Cost: $45.50 adults and $25.50 children. Info: 63-0761 or www.lobero.com.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec 13 to 20: Lit Moon Theatre Company presents, “Humbug! A Lit Moon Christmas Carol,” 4 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 19 and 20. Cost: $20 adults and $12 students and seniors. Info: 963-0408 or www.centerstagetheatre.org.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 12 to 14: The Santa Barbara Revels presents “The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice” 7:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 14, at the Marjorie Luke Theatre. Cost: $12 to $75. Info: 963-0761 or www.lobero.com.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 20 to 28: “A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley” 2 p.m., Dec. 20, 21, 24, and 28 and 8 p.m., Dec. 20, 23, 26, and 27, at the Granda Theatre, 1214 State St.

SANTA MARIA, to Dec. 13: The Santa Maria Civic Theatre continues its 50th Celebration season with the comedy mystery, “A Christmas Cactus,” 8 p.m. Nov. 21, 22, 28, and 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 13. The Theater is located at 1600 N. McClelland. Cost: $12. Info: 922-4442 or www.smct.org.

SANTA MARIA, to Dec. 21: Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” will play at the Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Drive. Perfomance times include: 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and select Sundays. Cost: $16.75 to $28.25. Tickets & Info: 922-8313 or www.pcpa.org.

SHELL BEACH, Nov. 28 and 29: Comedian Bob Zany with special guest Jimmy Burns will perform his post-holiday show at the Spyglass Restaurant, 2703 Spyglass Drive. Info: 773-1222 or www.bobzany.com.

AUDITIONS

SANTA MARIA, Dec. 8 and 9: The Santa Maria Civic Theatre will being holding auditions for their play, “God’s Favorite,” 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland. Info: Jim Sullivan 937-4437.

FESTIVITIES

FESTIVALS

IN CONCERT

ARROYO GRANDE, Dec. 7: Celebration Chorus presents “Three Weeks Before Christmas” 2 p.m., at Paulding Middle School, 600 Crown Hill. Cost: $10, children under 12 free. Info: 481-8763.

ARROYO GRANDE, Dec. 7: The 2nd annual Central Coast Songwriters Festival, 7 p.m, at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks. Cost: $15 general, $10 students. Info: 489-9444.

ARROYO GRANDE, Dec. 14: The 2008-2009 season for the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony begins with a concert of holiday favorites, 3 p.m. at the Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. Cost: $15 adults and $5 children. Info and tickets: 489-9444.

LOMPOC, Dec 5 and 6: The Lompoc Valley Master Chorale will present their holiday concert, “A Christmas Festival,” 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 925 North F Street. Cost: $15 adults, $12 students with an ID. Info: 733-1071 or www.lvmasterchorale.org.

LOMPOC, Dec. 7: The Lompoc Pops Orchestra will perform “Magical Holidays,” 4:30 and 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St. Cost: $15 general admission, $5 students and children under 12. Info: 735-6463 or www.lompocpopsorchestra.org.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Dec. 5: Cal Poly’s Fall Jazz Concert, 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre on the Cal Poly campus. Cost: $10 general, $8 seniors, $6 students. Info: 756-2406 or www.music.calpoly.edu.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Dec. 6: Cal Poly Choir’s “A Christmas Celebration,” 8 p.m. in the Christopher Cohan Center on the Cal Poly campus. Cost: $17 to $20 general, $16 to $19 senior, and $10 students. Info: 756-2406 or www.music.calpoly.edu.

SANTA BARBARA, Nov. 29: Jim Brickman will perform a holiday homecoming concert 8 p.m. at the Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. Cost: $52 to $62. Info: 899-2222.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 1: The University Singers - Men and Women’s Choruses will perform “Gaudeamus Igitur,” 8 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. Cost: $15 general $7 students. Info: 893-7001 or www.music.uscb.edu.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 2: German Violinist Christian Tetzlaff will perform 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido. Cost: $48 and $38. Info: 963-0761.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 2: The UCSB Ensemble for Contemporary Music presents “One-of-a-Kinds,” 8 p.m. at the Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall. Cost: $15 general and $7 students. Info: 893-7001 or www.music.ucsb.edu.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 5: The UCSB Gospel Choir will peform 8 p.m. at the Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall. Cost: $15 general $7 students. InfoL 893-7001 or www.music.ucsb.edu.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 8: Pianist Kevin Kenner to perform 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Craig Auditorium at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Cost: $15 museum members and $19 non-memebers. Info: 884-6423.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 10: Music Club Morning concert, 11 a.m., Unitarian Society, 1535 Santa Barbara St. Cost: free. Info: 683-0811.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 16: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s will perform a holiday show 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. Cost: $30 to $50 general, and $15 students. Info: 893-3535 or www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

SANTA MARIA, Dec 6: Coutry music singer-songwrite Adam Gregory to perform, 1 p.m., at Hyundai of Santa Maria 800 W. Main St. Cost: free. Info: www.adamgregory.com

SANTA MARIA, Dec. 11: Tri City Sound Chourus will hold their annual “Friends and Family Christmas Show, 7 p.m. in the Stahnke Hall at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 4725 S. Bradley Road. Free. Info: 736-7572 or www.tricitysound.org.

SANTA YNEZ, Dec. 11: Benefit concert for Toys for Tots, 8 p.m., Chumash Casino, artists to perform, Keith Anderson, Danielle Peck, and Kate and Kacy Coppola. Cost: $25 to $45. Info: 585-3737.

MAKE MUSIC

ARROYO GRANDE: The Gran Cortina Singers welcome anyone age 55 and older to join them. They practice 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at Cortina D’Arroyo Grande, 241 N. Courtland. Info: 473-2770.

ORCUTT: The Coastal Voices is seeking singers of all vocal ranges. Rehearsals are 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 3945 S. Bradley Road. Info: 934-2494.

ORCUTT: The Central City Chordsmen invite all men and boys who would like to sing a four-part harmony to practice at the Luthern Church of Our Savior, corner of Bradley and Patterson, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Info: 937-4919.

SANTA MARIA: The Saturday Organ Society meets 1:30 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at a member’s home. They have been a couples and singles club since 1990. Info: Cliff at 934-0025 in the evenings.

SANTA MARIA: The Silvertones invites the community to join in their nostalgic sing-along of songs from 1890 to 1955. Get a blast from the past, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Santa Maria Terrace, 1405 E. Main St. Info: 937-7972.

SANTA MARIA: The Tri-City Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines invites women of all ages to sing and perform with them. Practice is 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays in Stahnke Hall at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 4725 S. Bradley Road. Info: 736-7572.

SANTA YNEZ: The Valley Wind Ensemble invites newcomers who can read music and have their own instrument to join this community band of brass, woodwind and percussion players. Rehearsals are at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the Music Room of Santa Ynez High School. Info: 686-4489 or e-mail e.larrabee@verizon.net.

SPEAKERS

SANTA BARBARA: The Architectural Foundation is holding walking tours of Santa Barbara focusing on historic adobes as well as modern interpretations of the Spanish Mediterranean style. Saturday tours begin at the City Hall steps in de la Guerra Plaza, 10 a.m. Sunday tours begin at the entrance of the library (near Anapamu and Anacapa streets), 10 a.m. Cost: $10. Info: 965-6307 or www.afsb.org.

SANTA MARIA, Dec. 13 : The Santa Maria Valley Historical Society will host speaker Meg Smith, one of the founders of the Santa Maria Civic Center, 10 a.m. at the Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, as part of the society’s free lecture series, “The Valley Speaks” on the second Saturday of each month. Reservations should be made to ensure seating. Info: Shirley at 934-3514 or shirley2@impulse.net.

ON SCREEN

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Dec. 13: San Luis Obispo Art Center monthly movie night will show, “Real Men Knit” and “The Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend” 7 p.m. at the Art Center, 1010 Broad St. Cost: free. Info: 543-8562 or www.sloartcenter.org.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 1: “The World Accroding to Mansanto” a film of a company with a recrod of environmental crimes and health scandals, will show at the Faulkner Gallery, inside the SB Public Library on Anapamu. Cost: $5. Info: 369-0203 or info@hopedance.org.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 3: “Our Daily Bread” a view of the world of industrial food production and high-tech farming, 7:30 p.m. at the UCSB Campbell Hall. Cost: $6 general admission and $5 UCSB students. Info: 893-3494 or www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 3: Warren Miller’s “Children of Winter” 8 p.m., Dec. 3 at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido. Cost: $20. Info: 963-0761 or www.lobero.com.

LOS OLIVOS, Dec. 5: The Wildling Art Museum presents “Encounters at the End of the World,” 7:30 p.m., Stacy Hall at St. Mark’s-in-the Valley Church, 2901 Nojoqui St. Cost: free. Info: 688-1082 or www.wildlingmuseum.org.

THE WRITE STUFF

SANTA BARBARA, Dec. 9: Award-winning columist Starshine Roshell will sign copies of her book “Keep Your Skirt On” 7 p.m., at Sullican Goss: An American Gallery, 7 E. Anapamu St. Info: 450-8084.

GET SOME CLASS

ORCUTT, Mondays: Improv comedy classes from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Loading Dock, 315 S. Broadway. Cost: $5 per class. Info: 886-8355 or www.missionimprovable.org.

SANTA MARIA, Mondays and Tuesdays: The Central Coast Swing Dance Club offers dance classes 7 p.m. at The Maverick Saloon, 510 S. Broadway. Learn salsa Monday and West Coast Swing Tuesday, followed by open dancing. No experience or partner required. Cost: $10 per class, open dancing is free. Info: 937-1574 or www.centralcoastswingdance.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Dec. 6: Central Coast County Dance Society will hold their monthly Contra Dance, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. with an introductory workshop at 7 p.m. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St. Cost: $9. Info: www.cccds.org.

ART SESSIONS

LOMPOC, first Tuesday: The Lompoc Valley Art Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Alpha Clubhouse, 704 E. Ocean Ave. A social hour begins at 7 p.m., and the public is invited to attend. Info: 737-1129.

LOS OLIVOS, Dec. 3: The Artists Guild of the Santa Ynez Valley will hold its monthly ingathering and juried show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave. All members are welcome to submit ready-to-hang art works. Nonmembers are welcome to join and exhibit by picking up membership materials at the gallery. Info: 688-5290.

OCEANO, first Saturday: The California Poppy Decorative Artists meets 10 a.m., at the Oceano Sheriff’s Sub-Station, 1681 Front St. (Highway 1). Newcomers are welcome. Info: 772-1916 or 235-4966.

ORCUTT, second Friday: Los Padres Artist Guild meets from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Luis OASIS Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave. LPAG comprises artists, crafters and appreciators of all levels of experience. Visitors welcome. Info: 937-8828.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Wednesdays: The San Luis Obispo Art Center, 1010 Broad St., offers Life Drawing 9 a.m. to noon and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A model is provided, but no instruction. Bring your own art supplies. Tables and some easels are available. Sculptors should attend the evening session when there will be longer poses. Cost: $10 per class, members $8. Info: 543-8562 or www.sloartcenter.org.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, third Saturday: The Central Coast Woodturners of California meet 9 a.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St. New and beginner woodturners are welcome. Info: George Paes at 929-1423.

SANTA MARIA, Wednesdays: The Paint Club meets 9 to 11 a.m. to paint and socialize at the Mussell Senior Center, 510 E. Park Ave. Cost: 50 cents. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 207.

CALL FOR ARTISTS

LOMPOC: Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is calling for potters to support the Foodbank in making or glazing ceramic bowls for the “Empty Bowls” fundraising luncheon March 25 at the La Purisima Parish Hall. Potting classes will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Lompoc Valley Middle School, 234 S. North St. Info: 937-3422, Ext. 106.

SANTA MARIA: The Good Neighbor Bakery, 2660 Industrial Pkwy., is looking for artwork to display in their bakery. Info: Lynda at 925-9700.

MUSEUMS

ARROYO GRANDE, Saturdays and Sundays: The Barn, 127 Short St., is the South County Historical Society’s Museum Annex and houses antique vehicles, fire equipment, printing presses and agricultural artifacts. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free. Info: www.southcountyhistory.org.

ARROYO GRANDE, Saturdays and Sundays: The Heritage House, 126 Mason St., was built in the late 1800s and houses period clothing, photographs, kitchen items and more. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free. Info: www.southcountyhistory.org.

ARROYO GRANDE, Saturdays and Sundays: The Santa Manuela Schoolhouse, 127 Short St., is a one-room schoolhouse, built in 1901. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free. Info: www.southcountyhistory.org.

GUADALUPE, ongoing: The Guadalupe Cultural Arts and Education Center, 1065 Guadalupe St. (Highway 1), is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Info: 568-3990.

GUADALUPE, ongoing: The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1055 Guadalupe St., preserves the geology, flora and fauna of the dunes environment and its multicultural history. It features natural science exhibits and the Cecil B. DeMille Lost City exhibit of artifacts from the film location for his 1923 movie “The Ten Commandments.” Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. Donation: $2, children 11 and younger free. Info: 343-2455 or www.dunescenter.org.

GUADALUPE, Saturdays and Sundays: Rancho de Guadalupe Historical Museum, 1005 Guadalupe St., is open 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment. Info: 343-5901.

LOMPOC, ongoing: Fabing-McKay-Spanne House, 207 North “L” St. is a restored turn-of-the-century home featuring a carriage house, reference room and the anchor of the USS Chauncey, a destroyer wrecked off the nearby coast during the 1923 Honda Point tragedy, the Navy’s largest peace-time disaster. Hours are 8:30 to 11 a.m. Monday and Thursday, and the fourth Saturday each month. Donation. Info: 735-4626.

LOMPOC, ongoing: La Purisima Mission, 2295 Purisima Road, offers a guided tour at 1 p.m. except when special events are scheduled. Advance tour reservations required for groups larger than 10. Info: 733-3713; groups: 733-1303, or www.lapurisimamission.org.

NIPOMO, Saturdays and Sundays: The Dana Adobe, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., begun in 1839 and completed in 1851, offers tours from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Special tours, schools and group tours are also available. Donation. Info: 929-5679 or www.danaadobe.org.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, ongoing: The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, 801 Grand Ave., exhibits historical maps of the United States from World War I to the present. Artifacts contributed by local residents, and photos and biographies of area veterans. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Children welcome. Free. Info: 543-1763.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, ongoing: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa exhibits historical artifacts, including Chumash Indian vessels, religious vestments and the original mission altar. Free. Info: 546-6850.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Wednesdays through Sundays: The San Luis Obispo County Museum and History Center, 696 Monterey St., features a simulated 1880s San Luis Obispo kitchen, laundry room and parlor where women took on the full-time job of keeping house and cooking using many “modern kitchen gadgets.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Free. Info: 543-0638.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Fridays and second Sunday: Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, at 1185 Pacific St., is open to the public two days a week. Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and second Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Docents are on hand to give tours on Sundays. Admission is free. Info: 543-0638.

SANTA BARBARA, ongoing: The Gladwin Planetarium, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, invites you to experience the wonders of the night sky as never before with a fully digital star projection system. Tickets: $4 per person with paid museum admission, members free. Museum admission: $8, seniors and teens $7, children $5, ages 2 and younger free. Info: 682-4711 or www.sbnature.org.

SANTA BARBARA, ongoing: The Karpeles Manuscript Library, 21 W. Anapamu St., houses the world’s largest private holding of original manuscripts and documents of literature, science, religion, history and art. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Free. Info: 962-5322.

SANTA BARBARA, Tuesdays through Sundays: The Santa Barbara Historical Society, 136 E. De La Guerra St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Info: 966-1279 or www.santabarbaramuseum.com.

SANTA BARBARA: The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, houses a quarter-scale working replica of the Lougheed Brothers’ F-1 Seaplane, with its 18-foot wingspan. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission: $6, seniors, students and youth $3, children ages 1 to 5 $1. Info: 962-8404 or www.sbmm.org.

SANTA BARBARA, Tuesdays through Sundays: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. Now on exhibit: “Picasso on Paper: Drawing and Prints from the Permanent Collection (1899 to 1967)” until Dec. 7; and “Ten: Gifts of SBMA PhotoFutures” until Dec. 21. Cost: $9 for the general public, and $6 for seniors, students and children ages 6 to 17. Free Sundays. Info: 963-4364 or www.sbma.net.

SANTA BARBARA: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road,. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost: $8, seniors and teens $7, children $5, ages 2 and younger, free. Info: 682-4711 or www.sbnature.org.

SANTA BARBARA, Thursdays through Sundays: The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation is open noon to 4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. Admission: $3, free for Trust members. Info: www.sbthp.org.

SANTA BARBARA: The Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Drive, has two highly endangered snow leopards on view. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cost: $9, seniors 60 and older, and children age 2 to 12 $7, under age 2 admitted free. Parking: $3. Info: 962-5339 or www.santabarbarazoo.org.

SANTA BARBARA: The Ty Warner Sea Center, 211 Stearns Wharf. Learn more about the species found in the Santa Barbara Channel and the impact humans have on sharks and their habitats. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost: $8, seniors and teens $7, children $5, ages 2 and younger, free. Info: 962-2526 or www.sbnature.org.

SANTA MARIA, Tuesdays and Thursdays: The historic Santa Maria City Hall, 110 E. Cook St., is open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., by reservation only. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 1117.

SANTA MARIA, Wednesdays to Sundays: The Santa Maria Natural History Museum, 412 S. McClelland, invites visitors to enjoy multisensory exhibits with a regional focus. “Titans of the Pacific,” features a life-size killer whale, great white shark and dolphins. There’s a beaver habitat, bat barn and “touch” table, plus the new exhibit and original video “From the Beginning, Under the Sea,” about plate tectonics and how they relate to our local area. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Donation. Info: 614-0806 or www.naturalhistorysantamaria.com.

SANTA MARIA, Fridays through Sundays: The Santa Maria Museum of Flight, 3015 Airpark Drive, features early aviation and present-day displays of aircraft and artifacts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $5 for the general public, $4 for seniors, $3 for ages 12 to 18, $1 for children 6 to 12. Info: 922-8758.

SANTA MARIA, Mondays through Saturdays: The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, 705 S. McClelland St., has a 3,000-gallon shark tank, a paleontology dig, live rain forest friends, the creation station, a shipwreck and the Mars terrain climbing wall. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday. Cost: $8; children 2 and younger free, seniors 65 and older $5. Info: 928-8414 or www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org.

SANTA MARIA, Tuesdays through Saturdays: The Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum, 616 S. Broadway, houses local ranch memorabilia, a room honoring Capt. G. Allan Hancock and artifacts of the Central Coast. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Donation. Info: Richard Chenoweth at 922-3130.

SANTA MARIA, Saturdays and Sundays: The Santa Maria Valley Railway Historical Museum, Santa Maria Town Center Mall, second floor, preserves the railroad heritage of California, the Central Coast and Santa Maria Valley. The museum features exhibits, vintage rolling stock and a large model railroad. Hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Info: 714-4927 or www.smvrhm.org.

SANTA YNEZ, Wednesdays through Sundays: The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum, 3596 Sagunto St. Admission, features items of historical interest. Regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Regular admission: $4, ages 15 and younger admitted free. Info: 688-7889 or www.syvm.org.

SOLVANG: The Motorcycle Museum, 320 Alisal Road, displays vintage motorcycles. Cost: $5, children under 10 free with parent or guardian. Info: 686-9522.

SOLVANG: Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, features hand-painted murals by Indian artists, European art and sculptures, a garden and more. Cost: $3, free for children 12 and younger. Info: 688-4815.

ART GALLERIES

ARROYO GRANDE: Carried Away Art, 1200 E. Grand Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Free. Info: 481-4364 or www.carriedawayart.com.

AVILA BEACH: Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Bay Drive, is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Info: 595-7302.

AVILA BEACH: Salisbury Fine Art Gallery, 1250 San Luis Bay Dr., is open noon to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Info: 878-8374.

AVILA BEACH: Visions Art Gallery, 425 First St., features works in various mediums by nationally and internationally known artists. Info: 772-5083 or 595-2230.

LOMPOC: The Cypress Gallery, 119 East Cypress Avenue. Open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Info: 737-1129.

LOMPOC, to Nov. 29: The Lompoc Valley Arts Council presents the 20th Annual “Best of the Best” art exhibition at the Grossman Gallery of the Lompoc Public Library, 501 E. North Ave. Info: 736-3477.

LOMPOC, to Jan. 8: The Lompoc Museum, 200 S. H St., will host “Lompoc Abstractions,” a collection of paintings by Elizabeth Monks Hack. Museum hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. weekends. Info: 736-3888 or email lompocmuseum@impulse.net.

LOMPOC: Lompoc Valley Hospital, 508 E. Hickory Ave., exhibits works by members of the Lompoc Valley Art Association in the lobby. Info: 737-3300.

LOS ALAMOS: Gallery Art Brut, 458 Bell St., presents works by Nipomo artist Rupert Trinidad and California Impressionists of the 1930s and ’40s. The gallery also features fine art, antiques and represents a dozen Central Coast artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Info: 344-4440.

LOS ALAMOS: The C Gallery, 466 Bell St., is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. to Dec 12 the gallery will feature “Flesh and Blood and Clay” a mother/daughter art show. There will be an opening reception 2 to 4 p.m. Info: 344-3807 or connie@thecgallery.com.

LOS OLIVOS: The Carina Cellars, 2900 Grande Ave., will feature artist Suzanne Huska and her artwork Santa Ynez Valley Landscapes, Dec. 1 to Jan. 31. An artist reception 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Info: 688-2459 or www.carinacellars.com or www suzannehuskasart.com.

LOS OLIVOS: The Judith Hale South Gallery, 2884 and 2890 Grand Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Info: 693-1233.

NIPOMO: The Mission Community Bank on Tefft Street features art displays by local artists from the El Camino Art Association. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Free. Info: 929-2440.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: The Gallery at the Network, 778 Higuera St., will hold their annual Artful Holiday Gift Show beginning Nov. 28. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; open to 8 p.m. Thursdays and to 5 p.m. Sundays. Info: 788-0886.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Mondays through Fridays: Gulliver’s Travels, 605 Santa Rosa St., is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Info: 489-1487.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: The San Luis Obispo Art Center, 1010 Broad St., is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Monday, closed Tuesdays. Featuring J.J. L’ Heureux with his work “Ice-thetics: Painting Inspired by the Ice Fields of Antartica” unitl Dec. 3 . Cost: free. Info: 543-8562.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: The San Luis Obispo Art Center, 1010 Broad St., will hold their CraftArt Market, Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 in the Nybak Wing. The Center is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Monday, closed Tuesdays. Admission is free. Open Christmas and New Year’s Eves to 3 p.m. Info: 543-8562.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: The Steynburg Gallery, 1531 Monterey St., is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Info: 929-1444.

SANTA BARBARA: Tamsen Gallery, 3888 State St. opened Oct. 27. The modern art gallery is 3, 300 sq ft. that displays the work of Santa Barbara artist, author, and psychologist R.W. Firstone. Info: 687-2220 or info@tamsengallery.com.

SANTA BARBARA: The Art From Scrap Gallery, 302 E. Cota St. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays. Info: 884-0459, Ext. 15, or www.artfromscrap.org.

SANTA BARBARA: The Arts Fund Santa Barbara, 205-C Santa Barbara St., is open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Info: 965-7321.

SANTA BARBARA: The Channing Peake Gallery, 105 E. Anapamu St., first floor of the Santa Barbara County Administration Building, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Free. Info: 568-3994.

SANTA BARBARA: Gallery 113, at 8 La Arcada Court, 1114 State St., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Info: 967-6519.

SANTA BARBARA, to Dec. 21: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., features “PhotoFutures,” a photography collection. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Cost: $9 general, $6 seniors, children and students. Info: 963-4363 or www.sbma.net.

SANTA MARIA: The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission presents “The Essential Worker,” a photographic exhibition of ten Tri-Counties photographers curated by Brett Leigh Dicks, to Feb. 13 at The Betteravia Gallery in the Betteravia Government Center, 511 E. Lakeside, Santa Maria. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Free. Info: 568-3990.

SANTA MARIA: The David Ryan Gallery, 205 E. Clark is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy an Art and Wine Party on the first Friday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30. Info: 937-1058.