Saturday, September 19, 2026
4:30-9 p.m.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Join us on Saturday, September 19, at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for an unforgettable evening of seasonal cuisine, exceptional local wine, live auction experiences, and meaningful community connection in support of climate action on California’s Central Coast.

Guests will enjoy a lively welcome reception and Green Gala Market, followed by a seasonal, climate-smart dinner created by Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian and The Ranch Table, prepared in partnership with Duo Catering.

We hope you’ll gather with us for a special evening celebrating what’s possible when communities come together in support of a more sustainable future.

Begin the evening exploring the new Green Gala Market, where you'll meet local farmers, ranchers, artisans, and makers while enjoying tastings and discovering one-of-a-kind auction experiences. Then gather for a seasonal, climate-smart dinner created in collaboration with Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian and The Ranch Table, followed by an inspiring program celebrating local climate solutions and raising critical funds for CEC's work across the Central Coast.

THE EXPERIENCE

New this year, the Green Gala Market reimagines the traditional silent auction as an interactive celebration of the Central Coast's people, products, and places.

During the reception, guests will meet local farmers, ranchers, artisans, makers, and food and beverage partners whose work reflects this year's theme, Rooted in Hope. Enjoy tastings, demonstrations, and conversations while discovering the people cultivating a more resilient future.

NEW! explore The green gala market

Raised on her family’s historic Rancho San Julian on California’s Central Coast, Elizabeth Poett brings a deep passion for seasonal cooking, sustainable agriculture, and gathering people around the table.

Known for her work on Ranch to Table and The Ranch Table cookbook, Elizabeth will help shape this year’s Green Gala dining experience, featuring locally inspired cuisine rooted in stewardship, connection, and celebration of place.

A Dinner Inspired by the Land

Supporting Local Climate Solutions

Proceeds from the Green Gala support the Community Environmental Council’s work advancing clean energy, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and environmental justice throughout California’s Central Coast.

For more than 50 years, CEC has worked alongside communities, businesses, farmers, and local leaders to create practical, people-centered climate solutions that protect the region we call home.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Green Gala sponsorships offer meaningful visibility while directly supporting local climate action on California’s Central Coast.

A range of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, foundations, and community partners interested in aligning with one of Santa Barbara’s signature environmental events.

In addition to event sponsorship opportunities, we also welcome silent and live auction donations, paddle raise match support, and Honorary Committee participation.