Solvang has always had a way of surprising people. A Danish village in the California hills that somehow keeps getting better, new places to taste and gather, a deeper arts scene, a packed summer calendar, and a welcome that extends to four-legged guests too. Here’s what’s new and what’s coming up.
New Food and Drink
CaliPaso Winery has opened a downtown tasting room, joining their Paso Robles and SLO locations. Also new at the freshly developed Founders Square (corner of Mission Drive and Alisal Road): the first-ever tasting room for boutique label Rooted Vine Cellars. Coming soon to the same address: Analogue Room, a vinyl lounge and wine and beer bar, and Santa Ynez Valley Creamery, an ice cream cafe.
Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor is now scooping from the blue windmill at Hamlet Square (Copenhagen Drive and Second Street). Across town, KANOK Thai Cuisine, restaurateur Preaw Chamchoi’s Solvang follow-up to Santa Barbara’s TAP Thai, has settled into the history-filled building across from the Alisal windmill. And at PARc Place, Joy Café is pouring rose lattes in a courtyard setting that doubles as a rotating gallery for regional artists.
More Dining in Solvang
Solvang’s Creative Scene is Having a Moment
Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) returns to the open-air Solvang Festival Theater with a summer lineup of evening shows and this year, midweek show-goers may enjoy discounted tickets through the theater group’s “Stay & Play” Solvang hotel partnership program.
Founders Square, another new corner of Solvang’s burgeoning art scene, is also home to spaces for multiple local talents: the pocket-sized studio of Natalie Groves Illustration; The Giving Ink, a stationery store, working art studio, and gallery; artisan jeweler, Andrea’s Heart; and, Hyde & Hound, an eco-minded gift shop.
Now through August 9, 2026, in the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art’s gallery space, is “Roland Petersen Undiminished: A Centennial Celebration.” The new exhibit celebrates Petersen’s 100th birthday and honors his distinguished art career spanning more than five decades.
In May, Solvang’s California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) celebrated the first birthday of resident pastry-lover, Lulu Hyggelig. CalNAM is also featuring two gallery exhibits, “Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities” and, “When the Earth Whispers Back: Nature’s Hope,” displaying 50 artworks juried from a pool of more than 100 submissions by Women Painters West (through September 6, 2026).
The Solvang Viking Museum, the only U.S. museum to be a member of “Follow the Vikings,” The Council of Europe’s Viking Cultural Route, has undergone renovations to introduce new exhibits and once again, an expanded footprint within Danish design store, THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE. Now on view, an exhibit about Viking women’s outfits, as well as a 32-foot long, hand-built Viking ship.
Things to Do in Solvang
A Summer Worth Staying For
SYV Pride month kicked off May 23 with winery- and saloon-hosted happenings throughout the valley, building to the main event: the fifth annual SYV Pride Parade and Festival in downtown Solvang on Saturday, June 13. The parade steps off at 11:00am, followed by a family-friendly festival in Solvang Park at noon, live DJ, food and drink vendors, beer and wine garden, face painting, rock climbing, and more.
Starting June 17 and running every Wednesday through August 26 (5–8pm), the Solvang Chamber of Commerce’s Music in the Park series brings ten bands to Solvang Park: free, family-friendly, and perfect alongside the weekly Farmers Market running the same evenings from 2:30pm along First Street.
Solvang Rotary’s July 4th Parade winds through town with classic cars, horses, marching bands, floats, and farm animals. After dark, Santa Ynez Valley Rotary’s fireworks show lights up the sky beside Old Mission Santa Inés.
Solvang Danish Days caps the summer September 18–20, the 89th celebration of Solvang’s founding, with aebleskiver events, Vikings, axe throwing, live concerts, Hans Christian Andersen storytelling, a craft marketplace, and kids’ LEGO activities.
Event Calendar
Bring the Dog. Solvang is Ready.
Solvang’s walkable downtown was made for dogs with watering stations posted throughout, pet-welcoming merchants, and the #BigRedClog outside @solvangshoestore for the photo op your feed needs. Solvang Park’s shaded lawn is a welcome pitstop, and dog-friendly parks and hikes await just outside of town. Forgot the squeaky toy? @lemospet805 and @hundnkat have you covered.
Stay: Dog-friendly lodging includes Royal Copenhagen Inn, Viking Inn, Solvang Inn & Cottages, Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, The Landsby, and Vinland Hotel & Lounge. New to the roster: The Marlo, with a rear courtyard built for socializing and dedicated dog amenities. Need a dog-free afternoon? The Ruff Ranch in Santa Ynez and the Buellton Veterinary Clinic both offer boarding and daycare nearby.
Eat & Drink: Outdoor patios at Paula’s Pancake House, CHOMP, Copenhagen Sausage Garden, peasants FEAST, peasants DELI, Ramen Kotori, Cecco Ristorante, Osteria Grappolo, Coast Range, Craft House at Corque, and several of the Danish bakeries all welcome dogs, Danish Mill Bakery even carries freshly-made doggie treats. Don’t skip an open-air aebleskiver stop at Solvang Restaurant or Æbleskivehuset. For drinks, The Good Life, Solvang Brewing Co., Lucas & Lewellen / Toccata, Casa Cassara, Sanger Wines, Feliz Noche Cellars, Draughtsmen Aleworks, High Roller Tiki Lounge, and Clean Slate Wine Bar all have pet-friendly outdoor spots. Finish with a pup cup at Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates or Drover’s Doughnuts.
Please confirm current pet policies, hours, and operating days with each business before visiting.
Dog-Friendly Solvang Stops
Two New Ways to See Solvang
Secret Solvang now leads two guided experiences through the village streets. The Food, Wine & Culture Tour (Fri–Sun, advance booking required) takes guests on a culinary quest through Solvang’s best bites and sips, with wine tastings en route for guests 21+. Secret Solvang’s Viking Kids Tour (select Saturdays, ages 5–12) weaves in Viking history and games, a feast of fresh aebleskiver, a visit to the Solvang Viking Museum, and game tokens at the Arcade at peasants DELI.
Book Your Tour
Your Excuse to Stay Longer Just Got Easier
Solvang in summer has a full calendar, a growing restaurant and tasting room scene, two new guided tours, and dog-friendly patios around every corner. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a quieter midweek escape (which comes with shorter waits and a more local pace) current lodging specials make it easy to extend the trip.
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Velkommen til Solvang in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country.
