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December 9-11, 2026  |  Santa Barbara, CA

PUBLIC PROGRAMMING

The Ocean Belongs to Everyone

The California Ocean Summit extends beyond the Working Summit to engage the broader public through a series of cultural, educational, and community experiences. From film screenings and live performances to storytelling, public conversations, and immersive experiences, Public Programming is designed to foster a deeper connection to the ocean and inspire meaningful action.

Open to students, emerging leaders, ocean enthusiasts, and community members alike, these experiences celebrate the role each of us can play in shaping a more resilient future for California’s coast and ocean ecosystems. Come learn, connect, and be inspired alongside a community committed to the future of California’s ocean and coastal ecosystems.
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SCIENCE, POLICY & INVESTMENT

Working Summit

The engine of the Summit, bringing together leaders across sectors to collaborate, build partnerships, and advance actionable solutions.
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EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

Public Programming

Film, arts, storytelling, and community experiences designed to inspire the next wave of ocean leaders.

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Wednesday, Dec. 9   I   7:00 PM   I   Granada Theatre

Experience OCEAN in Concert

See David Attenborough’s OCEAN accompanied by the Santa Barbara Symphony performing the musical score live, hosted by UC Santa Barbara’s Arts & Lectures

Thursday, Dec. 10   |   All Ages Welcome  |   Santa Barbara Public Library

Visit the Santa Barbara Public Library For Free Ocean-Themed Programming

Visit the Santa Barbara Public Library on December 10 for ocean-themed activities throughout the day, including:
  • Documentary Screenings and Discussions: Explore sustainable seafood with a preview of Hope in the Water Season 2 and Q&A with Andrew Zimmern, Emmy-winning chef, TV host, author and sustainable food advocate. We’ll also learn about blue whale conservation through Battle of the Blues, and kelp forest restoration through Sequoias of the Sea and Harvest to Heal.  And see the new World Wildlife Fund short documentary Sea to Farm, which follows seaweed from Indigenous communities and coastal growers to scientists and farmers testing seaweed-based products in real-world conditions.
  • Author Talks and Book Signings: Featuring ocean-focused books, including The Blue Food Cookbook and Forest of the Sea books will be available for purchase and signing. Dreams of a Scientist: Lessons from the Sea will also be featured, with the book’s illustrator on site to sign copies.
  • Hands-On Activities: Cabrillo High School (Lompoc) Aquarium students will host outdoor touch tanks.
  • Youth Environmental Showcases: Local student environmental groups will share their work and impact in the community.
  • Children’s Programming: Live book readings and a screening of Not Just Water, a short documentary about youth access to the ocean, followed by a conversation with Sea League Executive Director Chris Ragland.
More details coming soon!

Thursday, Dec. 10   |   7:00 PM   |   SOhO Restaurant & Music Club

Step Into the Kelp Forest For An Evening of Live Music Featuring Zach Gill

Join us for an ocean-themed celebratory closing concert featuring Zach Gill and friends at SOhO. Immersive projections by The Hydrous will bring California’s kelp forests into the room for an evening of music and connection.

Volunteers neEded

Lend a Hand Behind the Scenes

Help bring the Summit to life and connect with other passionate ocean advocates by volunteering.

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The California Ocean Summit website is currently evolving. Subscribe to receive updates, programming announcements, speaker news, and opportunities to get involved as new information becomes available.
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Be part of the movement.

The California Ocean Summit website is currently evolving. Subscribe to receive updates, programming announcements, speaker news, and opportunities to get involved as new information becomes available.
We care about your data in our privacy policy.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
contact: info@calocean.org