27th Annual Mission Creek Gala

Nocturnalis: Into the Night - March 20, 2027

The Museum inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world and is committed to providing exceptional educational programs for the Santa Barbara community. Since 2000, the annual Mission Creek Gala has raised more than $9 million in support of school programs, helping connect generations of students with the wonders of science and nature.

Nocturnalis: Into the Night invites guests to explore the remarkable world that comes alive after sunset. From the epic journeys of migrating birds navigating by the stars to night-blooming flowers and their pollinators, from elusive nocturnal mammals to the extraordinary movement of life beneath the ocean's surface, the evening will celebrate the beauty, mystery, and scientific wonder of the natural world after dark.

This special event will illuminate the fascinating adaptations that allow plants and animals to thrive at night while highlighting the Museum's mission to inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship of the natural world. Through immersive experiences and inspiring stories, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of nature that unfold beyond daylight hours.

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring imaginative décor, exceptional cuisine by duo catering & events, outstanding wines, inspiring speakers, and the company of fellow Museum friends who share a passion for making a difference.

Together, we will make Nocturnalis: Into the Night a night to remember, not only for the experience itself, but for its lasting impact on the thousands of children and families who benefit from the Museum's educational programs each year. By supporting the Gala, guests help ensure that future generations can discover, explore, and develop meaningful connections to the natural world.

Tables are now available for sponsorship.

TABLEAU SPONSORS

Choose your theme (only one of each available)

  • Bat Cave 
  • Mammals
  • Owl Barn
  • Moonlight (sold)
  • Ocean (sold)

$35,000 - Exclusive table for 10 guests in a specially designed alcove and includes

  • Private server, Bubbly toast, Signature Cocktail, VIP parking for 3 cars
  • 2 guests take part in gala menu tasting
  • Museum Honorary Patron memberships for guests
  • Dinner for ten in the Butterfly Pavilion (Summer 2027)

$25,000 - Exclusive table for 8 guests in a specially designed alcove and includes

  • Private server, Signature Cocktail, Bubbly toast, VIP Parking for 2 cars
    Museum Honorary Patron memberships for guests

$20,000 - Exclusive table for 6 guests in a specially designed alcove and includes

  • Private server, Bubbly toast, VIP Parking for 1 ca
  • Museum Honorary Patron memberships for guests

MOONRISE TABLE SPONSOR $12,000

  • Table for 10 guests well-located for viewing
  • Bubbly toast
  • Museum memberships for guests

STARLIGHT TABLE SPONSOR $10,000

  • Table for 8 guests
  • Museum memberships for guests

EQUINOX SPONSOR $2,000 - 2 event tickets

Contact Caroline Baker, Director of Philanthropy, at 805-682-4711 ext. 109 or cbaker@sbnature2.org to become an event sponsor.

2027 Gala Committee

  • Stacey Byers
  • Sheri Eckmann
  • Venesa Faciane
  • Elisabeth Fowler
  • Heather Hambleton
  • Bethany Harkrider
  • Kenneth Kelly, Ph.D.
  • Bobbie Kinnear
  • Jackie McBride
  • Karen Nicholson
  • Susan Parker

The March 21, 2026 Gala Revealing the Colors of Nature celebrated the vibrancy of the natural world while supporting education and science programs. The event raised $741,000 to support the Museum’s mission and education programs serving more than 10,000 schoolchildren each year.

Gala Museum

Thank you to our generous supporters and sponsors of the April 12, 2025 Mission Creek Gala: Flora & Fauna who contributed $665,000 to support the Museum’s education programs.

Mission Creek Gala Cocktail Party

Mission Creek Gala supporters and donors

Past Galas

The 2024 Mission Creek Gala Mineral Masquerade raised $675,000!

Guests enjoying the Mission Creek Gala at the Museum

Board Chair Tory Milazzo with his wife Kelly. Photo by Baron Spafford

Board Chair Tory Milazzo with his wife Kelly. Photo by Baron Spafford
Photos by Baron Spafford

The Galactic Gala was held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 and raised $570,000!

Staff event speakers and support Isabella Figueroa, Charlie Thrift, Krissie Cook, and Luke Swetland. Photo by Baron Spafford

Staff event speakers and support Isabella Figueroa, Charlie Thrift, Krissie Cook, and Luke Swetland. Photo by Baron Spafford

Sponsors Heather and Rob Hambleton and their table guests enjoying the Gala. Photo by Baron Spafford

Sponsors Heather and Rob Hambleton and their table guests enjoying the Gala.
Photo by Baron Spafford

2022 Seahorse Soiree

Seahorse Soiree at the Sea Center

Sea Center on Stearns Wharf lit up for the Seahorse Soiree

Thanks to the generous sponsors and donors to the Seahorse Soiree the event raised $500,000 to support our important nature and science education programs for schoolchildren in our tri-county area. These funds will be used to fund hands-on learning opportunities that provide an understanding and appreciation of the natural world thereby fostering the next generation of ecologists, policy makers, and informed citizens. For many, the Museum is their first introduction to the wonders of nature, and the remarkable region in which we live. This sets the stage for a life-long interest in both science and the natural world.

Heather Hambleton and Melissa McCann enjoy the opening reception at the Seahorse Soiree

Heather Hambleton and Melissa McCann enjoy the opening reception at the Seahorse Soiree.

For more information contact Caroline Baker at 805-682-4711 ext. 109 or cbaker@sbnature2.org.