Harvest Moon Dance Festival

African, Caribbean, Funk, Reggae, and Latin grooves meet traditional fiddle music. It's the genre-bending future of the music of the past.
The Gaslight Tinkers' blend of global rhythms creates a joyously danceable sound around a core of traditional New England old time and celtic fiddle music, merging boundless positive energy with melody and song. Since its formation in 2012 the band has lit up the East Coast, the West Coast, and the Caribbean, headlining clubs, dances, and major festivals. Playing what The Valley Advocate describes as “Music that consistently fizzes and pops with unexpected textures and turns,” The Gaslight Tinkers’ shows are packed with delightful surprises, elated crowds, and exuberant musicianship. The sound and energy of I-Shea, Clara, Garrett, Elie, and Peter are universally irresistible.

Topspin is a new band made up of veteran dance musicians. Long-time collaborators Anna Patton and Owen Morrison (Elixir, The Figments) have teamed up with two of their favorite instrumentalists to create a dynamic contra dance experience. Emily Troll's (Anadama) powerful fiddling are adorned by Anna Patton's nimble and inventive clarinet. Owen Morrison's masterful guitar playing and Stefan Amidon's (The Sweetback Sisters) superb drumming combine for uniquely danceable rhythmic drive. While each band member is at home in many styles of music, a contra dance allows them to converse in their native language, providing a sonic tapestry in which dancers can interweave themselves.

Anna Rain, from Maryland, is a well-known caller for English Country Dance, however for many years, Anna called contra dances and is now eager to get back to her roots. Victor Garza, our sound man, recognized her incredible calling talent and enthusiastically recommended her. She is known for her engaging calling style and for her ability to guide dancers through intricate moves with clear instructions and enthusiasm. Anna is frequently featured at events across the United States, particularly in the Washington D.C. area, where she is based.

Rick Mohr, from Philadelphia, has enjoyed calling and writing contra dances for many years. His choreography has delighted dancers near and far, from local barn dances to dance weeks and weekends across North America. He says “My goal is always to make a fantastic experience for the dancers, so they really feel the joy of dance and music and community. That means planning programs that really shine, practicing clear calls and walkthroughs in advance, and creating a fun welcoming vibe.”

On-line Registration starts June 2nd. Please check back or contact Kelli below to be added to our email list and receive reminder emails.

Cost: $195 Friday evening through Sunday evening! Under 35 $95, or free for 5 hours of work trade. Under 18 free. All cancellations subject to a $20 administrative fee. If you cancel after September 10th, refund is contingent on us locating a replacement. Registration is nontransferable. A limited number of half-off work trade scholarships are available. The open Sunday night dance is included. $20 at door for non-Harvest Moon participants.

Meals: There will be an ongoing snack table with lots of goodies throughout the weekend, plus a scrumptious lunch on Saturday and Sunday. (We will do our best with a variety of food; however, please be aware that not all diets will be accommodated.) Dinners are on your own. Many restaurants and a large supermarket are within walking distance.

Facility: Harvest Moon will be held entirely at the Carrillo Recreation Center located at 100 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101. The Historic Carrillo Ballroom is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. This ballroom has a spring-loaded, maple floor, and it is one of the finest in the country for dancing. There is also a landscaped front and rear courtyard, a wonderful balcony in the dance hall, a large snack room, a lunch room, and the Moon Lounge, which will have fun raffle items, a place to get a massage, and an area for music jams.

Accommodations: There are many hotels and airbnb’s around Santa Barbara. Campgrounds are available at El Capitán, Refugio, and in Carpinteria. If housing is requested, every attempt will be made to house or tent participants from out of town with local dancers.

Harvest Moon is a Zero-Waste Event

For more info: contact Kelli Butler at:

For housing questions, please contact Donnalyn at:

or call 805-682-1877

The Thirty-Seventh Annual
	Santa Barbara Harvest Moon Dance Festival October 10–12, 2025 ~ One incredible venue ~ Join us in Santa Barbara on our legendary sprung floor at the Carrillo Ballroom. This is one of the best contra weekends on the West Coast! You will have an amazing contra time... Featuring two fantastic bands! Two fantastic callers! The Gaslight Tinkers, and Topspin Rick Mohr, and Anna Rain African, Caribbean, Funk, Reggae, and Latin grooves meet traditional fiddle music. It's the genre-bending future of the music of the past. The Gaslight Tinkers' blend of global rhythms creates a joyously danceable sound around a core of traditional New England old time and celtic fiddle music, merging boundless positive energy with melody and song. Since its formation in 2012 the band has lit up the East Coast, the West Coast, and the Caribbean, headlining clubs, dances, and major festivals. Playing what The Valley Advocate describes as “Music that consistently fizzes and pops with unexpected textures and turns,” The Gaslight Tinkers’ shows are packed with delightful surprises, elated crowds, and exuberant musicianship. The sound and energy of I-Shea, Clara, Garrett, Elie, and Peter are universally irresistible. Topspin is a new band made up of veteran dance musicians. Long-time collaborators Anna Patton and Owen Morrison (Elixir, The Figments) have teamed up with two of their favorite instrumentalists to create a dynamic contra dance experience. Emily Troll's (Anadama) powerful fiddling are adorned by Anna Patton's nimble and inventive clarinet. Owen Morrison's masterful guitar playing and Stefan Amidon's (The Sweetback Sisters) superb drumming combine for uniquely danceable rhythmic drive. While each band member is at home in many styles of music, a contra dance allows them to converse in their native language, providing a sonic tapestry in which dancers can interweave themselves. Anna Rain, from Maryland, is a well-known caller for English Country Dance, however for many years, Anna called contra dances and is now eager to get back to her roots. Victor Garza, our sound man, recognized her incredible calling talent and enthusiastically recommended her. She is known for her engaging calling style and for her ability to guide dancers through intricate moves with clear instructions and enthusiasm. Anna is frequently featured at events across the United States, particularly in the Washington D.C. area, where she is based. Rick Mohr, from Philadelphia, has enjoyed calling and writing contra dances for many years. His choreography has delighted dancers near and far, from local barn dances to dance weeks and weekends across North America. He says “My goal is always to make a fantastic experience for the dancers, so they really feel the joy of dance and music and community. That means planning programs that really shine, practicing clear calls and walkthroughs in advance, and creating a fun welcoming vibe.” On-line Registration starts June 2nd. Please check back or contact Kelli below to be added to our email list and receive reminder emails. Cost: $195 Friday evening through Sunday evening! Under 35 $95, or free for 5 hours of work trade. Under 18 free. All cancellations subject to a $20 administrative fee. If you cancel after September 10th, refund is contingent on us locating a replacement. Registration is nontransferable. A limited number of half-off work trade scholarships are available. The open Sunday night dance is included. $20 at door for non-Harvest Moon participants. Meals: There will be an ongoing snack table with lots of goodies throughout the weekend, plus a scrumptious lunch on Saturday and Sunday. (We will do our best with a variety of food; however, please be aware that not all diets will be accommodated.) Dinners are on your own. Many restaurants and a large supermarket are within walking distance. Facility: Harvest Moon will be held entirely at the Carrillo Recreation Center located at 100 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101. The Historic Carrillo Ballroom is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. This ballroom has a spring-loaded, maple floor, and it is one of the finest in the country for dancing. There is also a landscaped front and rear courtyard, a wonderful balcony in the dance hall, a large snack room, a lunch room, and the Moon Lounge, which will have fun raffle items, a place to get a massage, and an area for music jams. Accommodations: There are many hotels and airbnb’s around Santa Barbara. Campgrounds are available at El Capitán, Refugio, and in Carpinteria. If housing is requested, every attempt will be made to house or tent participants from out of town with local dancers. Harvest Moon is a Zero-Waste Event For more info: contact Kelli Butler at: For housing questions, please contact Donnalyn at: or call 805-682-1877 CREDITS The Harvest Moon Dance Festival is brought to you by the Santa Barbara Country Dance Society & the City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department. [ Previous year's page ] [ Last modified September 15 2024 12.58.36 PT ]

Santa Barbara Harvest Moon Dance Festival