What’s New in Solvang

The Marlo

Over the past few months, The M has been transformed into its new identity: The Marlo. Now a pet-friendly retreat, this stylish hotel sits in the heart of town. While renovations continue in the front courtyard, guests are invited to enjoy the newly redesigned guestrooms and the beautifully updated back lawn, offering a refreshed and welcoming experience throughout much of the property. Just steps from Solvang’s shops, tasting rooms, and bakeries, The Marlo blends modern comfort with the charming village vibe you love. It’s the perfect place to unwind.

Lilisod

Taking shape at the intersection of Mission Drive and Alisal Road is Lilisod, a hospitality property scheduled to open in early 2026. The property will embody Solvang’s Danish architectural traditions with a collection of half-timbered cottages set around a European-style garden courtyard. Lilisod will introduce a brand-new windmill, adding to Solvang’s signature skyline, and feature custom stained glass windows to add to the village charm.

Wine Outside

Cool off from the summer heat with refreshing wines. Try a tasting flight or perhaps just a glass. Start with a crisp white at Crawford Family Wines, then head to The Good Life Cellar for their hybrid bottle shop, tasting room, and bar. Refresh your palate at Sanger Family of Wines, explore bold Italian varietals at Toccata, and unwind with a chilled glass and curated bites at Clean Slate Wine Bar.

Favorite Outdoor Spots

Nothing beats an ice-cold drink in a breezy outdoor spot. Sit on the patio at Draughtsmen Aleworks while the kids play games on the "lawn" or soak in the shade in the famous Copenhagen Sausage Garden with a cold pint. Explore The BackRoom at Valley Brewers, a speakeasy-style outdoor patio with rotating taps. To ramp up the energy, head to the tropical patio at High Roller Tiki Lounge for a refreshing escape. And of course, you can’t miss The Vinhus in the center of downtown, where you can enjoy a nice bottle of wine while people watching.

PARc Place

PARc Place is a courtyard oasis perfect for shaded relaxation. Enjoy elegant pours at Alma Rosa Winery, Dascomb Cellars, Cordon of Santa Barbara, and McClain Cellars, each offering inviting outdoor seating. Pair your glass with a cheese board or a local cider from Cailloux Cheese Shop, where the patio often comes alive with live music and laid-back vibes. With shade, fire pits, and a peaceful setting, PARc Place is an ideal escape from the summer sun.

California Nature Art Museum Yosemite Exhibit

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to present Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone, a solo exhibition by award-winning nature and landscape photographer William Neill on view March 8th, 2025, through August 31st, 2025. Featuring more than 40 photographs and spanning over 41 years (1982-2023), this magnificent exhibition showcases Neill’s extensive and longstanding dedication to the beauty of one of California’s first National Parks, celebrating everything from its grand vistas to the tiniest and most intimate details.

Elverhøj Museum: “The Cloth as Canvas”

Now showing through June 15, 2025, “Cloth as Canvas” features 11 local artists from Fibervision, showcasing unique and time-honored textile artworks. The exhibit at Elverhøj Museum of History and Art highlights the talents of Diane Acevedo, Debra Blake, Maren Johnston, and others. Visitors can also join special programs where artists share their techniques and materials, offering an inside look at the craft.

Solvang Viking Museum

The Solvang Viking Museum has expanded inside THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE with a special display on Viking women’s fashion featuring costumes from Vikings: Valhalla and The Northman, including looks inspired by Danish Queens Emma and Ælfgifu. Later in the year, visitors can look forward to new archeological artifacts from Denmark and England, a 32-foot replica of the Gokstad Viking ship, and a hand-carved runestone by master carver Erik Sandquist.

Solvang Festival Theater

Get ready for a season of unforgettable performances at Solvang Festival Theater (also known as Solvang Theaterfest), the Central Coast’s only open-air performing arts venue. While there’s a full calendar of music and theater, mark your calendar for these top shows.

The 2025 Music in the Garden series at Solvang Festival Theater kicks off on June 22 with a performance by acclaimed country singer-songwriter Jeffrey East (June 22), followed by bluegrass headliners The Storytellers (July 13), and concludes with Billboard-charting artist Mat Kearney performing in the theater on September 10.

Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s summer shows also return to Solvang Festival Theater opening on June 19 with the performance of “Waitress” (June 19-July 6, 2025), followed by “Holmes & Watson” (July 11-July 26, 2025), “Something Rotten!” (August 1- August 23, 2025), and “Songs for Nobodies” (August 28-September 7, 2025).

Fourth of July

Summer in Solvang sizzles with one of the city’s most beloved traditions: the Solvang Rotary’s Annual July 4th Parade, stepping off at 10:00 AM. The parade winds its way through Solvang’s charming streets, featuring a colorful lineup of classic cars, prancing horses, energetic dance troupes, lively drum lines, and brass bands. Local favorites such as high school marching bands, car and motorcycle clubs, creatively crafted floats, and patriotic pets bring small-town spirit and star-spangled fun to life.

Starting at 12 pm, head to the lawn near Old Mission Santa Inés for the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary’s Fireworks Festival where, in the evening, a spectacular display lights up the night sky in celebration of Independence Day.