Your Weekly Events Update

Our second annual Godmothers Day will celebrate another year (!) of magic, love, and story-sharing, and the community that makes it all possible: you—and the very special women in your lives.

Mother’s Day can be complicated, but Godmothers Day is joyfully simple: Celebrate the women who lit your way. 

Visit us on Sunday, May 03, for all-day festivities—and the special events below. We hope you bring the “godmothers” in your life—the friends, cheerleaders, mentors, goddaughters, and other women who water your magic seeds.

Before the big day, we'd love for you to share a handwritten reflection about the women who lit your way for our Godmothers Day living installation. (One selected piece will be shared on our Substack, giving it a wider life beyond the installation.) Tell us about your godmother and the wisdom she gave you. A memory, a moment, a lesson you still carry. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just honest. A few simple guidelines: Please write it by hand on lined 8.5 x 11 white paper, using black pen. Drop it at our front desk or mail it to: Godmothers, c/o Riley Reed, 2280 Lillie Ave., Summerland, CA 93067. We’ll be gathering submissions through April 30, and would love to fill the space with as many voices from this community as possible.

LITTLE G’S: Godmothers Day In the Kids Corner An extra-special morning for our littlest guests: We’ll be in the Kids Corner with music, stories, and fun surprises. Come play (and celebrate!) with us. (May 03)

GODMOTHERS GROW: Magical Window Stars Like an ordinary woman (a teacher, a neighbor) can make your life extraordinary, the simple act of folding can transform sheets of paper into objects of beauty. In this all-ages, hands-on workshop, join Ashley Moore—co-founder of Women’s Heritage—for a morning of making Waldorf-inspired window stars: luminous, geometric forms crafted from translucent paper that glow like stained glass in the light. (May 03)

GODMOTHERS GATHER: Godmothers Day Afternoon Tea Join us for an extra-special afternoon tea in honor of Godmothers Day. Gather your circle—or come solo and find yourself among kindred spirits. It’s sure to be an afternoon spent in good company. (May 03)

GODMOTHERS GROW: The Secret Language of Flowers Craft a bouquet infused with meaning to share with a godmother who lit your way: Julia Ernst of Lucky Star Creative Studio will introduce the centuries-old practice of finding the deeper meaning in flowers, share the symbolism behind various stems, and then guide participants in approaching flowers as tools for intuition and creative expression. (May 03)

Scroll down for more details on all of our Godmothers Day events—and everything on our upcoming events calendar

With love,

Godmothers

p.s. If you’d like to receive a printed copy of our monthly events calendar, we’d love to mail you one. Simply share your mailing address here, and we'll be sure you’re included in the next shipment.

The Sacred Circle: Calling Forth the Poet Within

The Sacred Circle is a warm and welcoming gathering for women 60 and over. Facilitated by Diana Raab, Ph.D., The Sacred Circle offers a space to gather, reflect, and connect with kindred spirits.

JOIN US Saturday, April 11 @ 2 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW The Sacred Circle With Diana Raab, Ph.D.

Living Joyfully & Mindfully—and Treating Life’s Details With Creativity and Care

This event is sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

Jenni Kayne—who grew her eponymous clothing line into an all-encompassing lifestyle brand rooted in modern California minimalism—takes the stage to discuss her third book, “Pacific Natural Everywhere,” which features inspiring interiors from an array of artisanal houses and shows readers how to create spaces that encourage living well and sustainably in comfort and style. She’ll be joined in conversation by award-winning actor and producer Jennifer Aniston.

JOIN US Saturday, April 11 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Jenni Kayne & Jennifer Aniston

Build a Beautiful Container Garden—and Learn How To Grow Herbs That Thrive

There’s something transformative about cooking with herbs you’ve grown yourself. In this hands-on workshop, garden designer Nicole Goldman—founder of Santa Barbara Garden Project—will introduce participants to the fundamentals of growing culinary herbs at home. Drawing on her work helping families create beautiful, food-forward gardens, Nicole will share practical guidance on selecting herbs, understanding their light and soil needs, and harvesting them in ways that encourage healthy growth.

JOIN US Sunday, April 12 @ 11:00 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW Grow Your Own Herb Garden,

With Nicole Goldman

A Fun, Delicious, Big-Hearted Book

New York Times-bestselling author Emma Straub takes the stage to present “American Fantasy,” an irresistible story about what happens when your teenage fantasy comes true after you’re an adult. She’ll be joined in conversation by Claudia Ballard, a literary agent and a partner at William Morris Endeavor.

JOIN US Sunday, Apri 12 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Emma Straub & Claudia Ballard

A Great Lesson in Perspective for Little Ones

Godmothers presents “Others: A Story for All of Us,” a universal story of kindness, compassion, and the importance of looking for the best in others.

LITTLE G’S “Others,” With Godmothers

JOIN US Monday, April 13 @ 11 a.m.

Explore Meaningful Themes Through a Blend of Guided Conversation, Embodied Reflection & Curated Literature

Introducing The Unapologetic Circle, a monthly gathering that’s facilitated by private transition coach Jenny Calcoen and designed for women in the middle of life who are navigating the profound transition from “performing” a role to living more truly as themselves. Each month, we’ll gather with a specific theme and corresponding book in mind.

JOIN US Tuesday, April 14 @ 4:00 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW The Unapologetic Circle,

With Jenny Calcoen

Get the Insider Edge So You Can Spot Winners & Play Smarter From the Very First Tile

This event is sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

This event is not suitable for first-time players. Knowledge of American Mah Jongg with playing experience is required.

The 2026 National Mah Jongg League card is here, and it’s full of opportunities, surprises, and winning hands just waiting to be uncovered! Join Santa Barbara Mah Jongg instructors Cynthia McClelland and Sandra Walther for a two-hour intensive class where we share our in-depth study, insights, and strategies to help you play smarter and win more.

JOIN US Wednesday, April 15 @ 10 a.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW The NEW NJML Mah Jongg Card

For Everyone Tired of Feeling Like a Bystander or Passenger in Their Own Life

Emma Grede, the ultimate modern mogul, joins us to discuss “Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life,” her game-changing, no-BS guide for anyone seeking meaningful success on their own terms. She’ll be joined in conversation by Godmothers co-founder Jennifer Rudolph Walsh.

JOIN US Thursday, April 16 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Emma Grede

Get the Insider Edge So You Can Spot Winners & Play Smarter From the Very First Tile

This event is sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

This event is not suitable for first-time players. Knowledge of American Mah Jongg with playing experience is required.

The 2026 National Mah Jongg League card is here, and it’s full of opportunities, surprises, and winning hands just waiting to be uncovered! Join Santa Barbara Mah Jongg instructors Cynthia McClelland and Sandra Walther for a two-hour intensive class where we share our in-depth study, insights, and strategies to help you play smarter and win more.

JOIN US Friday, April 17 @ 10 a.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW The NEW NJML Mah Jongg Card

A Wonderfully Rich & Deeply Human Portrait 

Film, stage, and television star Blair Underwood joins us to discuss “A Soldier's Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood,” his moving biography and memoir that pays homage to his mother, sharing her well-lived life, and key lessons learned as a fashion designer, mother, and soldier’s wife.

JOIN US Sunday, April 19 @ 6:00 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Blair Underwood

Play, Learn, Connect: Instructor-Guided Mah Jongg

This event is sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

This event is not suitable for first-time players. Knowledge of American Mah Jongg with playing experience is required.

Join us around the Mah Jongg tables for an evening of instructor-guided games. Santa Barbara Mah Jongg instructors Cynthia McClelland and Sandra Walther will lead this two-hour event, which is suitable for those with beginner- to intermediate-level playing experience. Sign up with friends, or join solo and make new ones.

JOIN US Monday, April 20

GODMOTHERS GROW Instructor-Led Mah Jongg

Art That You Look at—Then Get Lost In

Visual artist Janet Echelman—who creates experiential sculptures at the scale of buildings that transform with wind and light—takes the stage to discuss “Radical Softness,” a striking compendium of her oeuvre, including detailed project documentation, archival source materials, and a fascinating illustrated chronology.

JOIN US Monday, April 20 @ 6:00

GODMOTHERS GATHER Janet Echelman

A Must-Read for Every Woman Who’s Struggled To Find Peace With Her Body, Her Mother & Her Relationship With Food

New York Times–bestselling author Geneen Roth takes the stage to present “Love, Finally: Untangling the Knot Between Mothers, Daughters, and Food,” an illuminating inquiry into the complicated relationship between what we eat, what our mothers taught us, and what we believe about ourselves.

JOIN US Tuesday, April 21

GODMOTHERS GATHER Geneen Roth

Discover the Joy of American Mah Jongg

This event is sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

If you’ve been eager to be a part of the Mah Jongg madness, here’s your chance. During this welcoming, five-class series with Santa Barbara Mah Jongg instructors Cynthia McClelland and Sandra Walther, you’ll learn the fundamentals of American-style Mah Jongg. In less than two weeks, you’ll be playing with confidence.

JOIN US Wednesday, April 22 @ 10:00 a.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW Beginners Mah Jongg Series

An Inspiring Roadmap To Navigating Life’s Challenges With Grace & Grit

This event is sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

Beloved actress, designer, and entrepreneur Jennie Garth takes the stage to present “I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose & Embracing Reinvention,” her fiercely honest book about pursuing happiness, aging with confidence, and learning to love and prioritize yourself.

JOIN US Thursday, April 23 @ 6:00 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Jennie Garth

Kate Bowler Joins Us at the Miramar!

This event is sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

The magic of Godmothers, on the go! New York Times–bestselling author and Duke University professor Kate Bowler joins us at the Rosewood Miramar to discuss “Joyful, Anyway,” her profound, funny, and deeply human case for joy that doesn’t depend on everything getting better.

JOIN US Saturday, April 25 @ 4 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Kate Bowler

Colorful & Layered, Unafraid of the Occasional Gut-Punch of Raw Feeling & Vulnerability

This event is sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

New York Times–bestselling author and Duke University professor Kate Bowler takes the stage to present “Joyful, Anyway,” her profound, funny, and deeply human case for joy that doesn’t depend on everything getting better.

JOIN US Saturday, April 25 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Kate Bowler

Discover How Creating Simple, Intentional Rituals Can Help You Honor Life’s Transitions

Transitions—both subtle and seismic—shape every life. But without a way to acknowledge them, these moments can leave us feeling untethered or uncertain about what comes next. In this immersive workshop, Eve Gaines, the founder of Rituel, a land-based sanctuary for healing and renewal, will guide participants through the art of creating rituals that honor life’s threshold moments. Through a blend of teaching, reflection, and guided practice, participants will explore how rituals can support emotional integration, clarity, and intentional transformation.

JOIN US Sunday, April 26 @ 2 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW Creating Meaningful Rituals, With Eve Gaines

A Brave Reminder That Choosing Yourself Isn’t Betrayal, It’s Truth-Telling

Kerry Docherty, Molly Rosen & Jordana Brewster Kerry Docherty—co-founder of the lifestyle clothing brand Faherty—takes the stage to discuss “Selfish: Unlearning, Reclaiming & Telling the Truth,” her provocative memoir. She’ll be joined in conversation by Molly Rosen, the founder of the Brooklyn Writers Collective, an international creative community devoted to the power of personal narrative, and actor Jordana Brewster.

JOIN US Sunday, April 26 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Kerry Docherty, Molly Rosen & Jordana Brewster

An Unvarnished Story of Mothering in a Culture Not Fashioned To Support Women and Families

Writer, speaker, and advocate Libby Ward joins us to discuss “Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself,” an unflinchingly honest and disarmingly funny memoir from an exhausted mom who broke under the pressure to do it all, faced her past, found herself—and learned to let go of perfection and just serve the dang chicken nuggets. She’ll be joined in conversation by New York Times–bestselling ghostwriter Samantha Rose, who most recently tried to unravel the mystery surrounding her mother’s suicide in “Giving Up the Ghost,” which was named the best memoir at the San Francisco Book Festival.

JOIN US Monday, April 27 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Libby Ward

The Private Shopping Event You’ve Been Waiting For

This Mother’s Day, consider Godmothers your personal gifting headquarters—no last-minute scrambling required. We’ll welcome reps from the biggest publishing houses to share their very best book picks for every kind of mom. (And anyone else you’ll be celebrating on Mother’s Day.) The reps will be on hand after-hours to help you find something just right, whether you’re shopping for a devoted reader, a lifelong learner, or someone who swears she doesn’t need another book. (She does.)

JOIN US Thursday, April 30 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Reps Pick Mother’s Day Event

A Sacred Invitation To Return Home to the Messages From Your Body

Somatic educator and life coach Luis Mojica joins us to share “Food Therapy: Conscious Eating to Navigate Anxiety, Stress & Trauma,” which explores the vital connection between nutrition, stress, and trauma recovery. He’ll be joined in conversation by Sah D'Simone, a Brazilian-born meditation teacher, spiritual guide, and transformational speaker.

JOIN US Friday, May 01 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Luis Mojica & Sah D'Simone

An Extra-Special Storytime!

Bestselling author Scott Rothman joins us to share “Judgy Bunny & the Terrible Beach,” a hilarious picture-book introduction to Judgy Bunny, who thinks every new experience is THE WORST. Especially if she wasn’t invited. Or if she might not be good at it. Or if it just looks awesome ... er, terrible, that is.

JOIN US Saturday, May 02 @ 11 a.m.

LITTLE G’S “Judgy Bunny & the Terrible Beach,” With Scott Rothman

What if Your Relationship With Food Could Become a Pathway to Greater Calm, Clarity & Self-Understanding?

In this interactive workshop, somatic educator and life coach Luis Mojica invites participants to explore the principles of “Food Therapy” through experiential practices designed to deepen awareness of the body’s signals. Building on themes from his book, Luis will guide the group through a series of somatic exercises that illuminate how stress, trauma, and nervous system states influence the way we eat.

JOIN US Saturday, May 02 @ 1 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW Conscious Eating, With Luis Mojica

The Untold Truth Behind the Spectacle

Spencer Pratt—reality TV’s original villain—takes the stage to discuss “The Guy You Loved to Hate,” his explosive, wildly entertaining new memoir that charts his rise and fall as America’s most notorious reality TV villain on “The Hills”—and how, from the ashes of the Pacific Palisades fires, he’s finally ready for his redemption arc. He’ll be joined in conversation by Godmothers co-founder Victoria Jackson.

JOIN US Saturday, May 02 @ 6:00

GODMOTHERS GATHER Spencer Pratt

New! Join Us in the Kids Corner for a Delightful Morning!

An extra-special morning for our littlest guests: We’ll be in the Kids Corner with music, stories, and fun surprises. Come play (and celebrate!) with us.

JOIN US Sunday, May 03 @ 10:00 a.m.

LITTLE G’S Godmothers Day In the Kids Corner

New! A Fun-For-All-Ages Hands-on Workshop!

There are few things more satisfying than simple sheets of paper, folded with care, and transformed into objects of beauty. In this all-ages, hands-on workshop, join Ashley Moore for a morning of making Waldorf-inspired window stars: luminous, geometric forms crafted from translucent paper that glow like stained glass in the light. With just a few folds and a bit of patience, the stars begin to take shape—calming to create and joyful to behold.

JOIN US Sunday, May 03 @ 10:00 a.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW Magical Window Stars, With Ashley Moore

New! We’ll Raise a Teacup to Our Wonderful Community—and the Women and Girls You Love

Join us for an extra-special afternoon tea in honor of Godmothers Day. Gather your circle—or come solo and find yourself among kindred spirits—for a welcoming pause amid the day’s festivities. We’ll serve a selection of teas and an assortment of dim sum, inviting you to linger, connect, and celebrate the relationships that sustain you. It’s sure to be an afternoon spent in good company.

JOIN US Sunday, May 03 @ 1:00 a.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW Godmothers Day Afternoon Tea

New! Let the Flowers Choose You

There are things you know without knowing how: a color you’re drawn to, a feeling that arrives before you have the words to describe it. In The Secret Language of Flowers, Julia Ernst of Lucky Star Creative Studio will introduce the centuries-old practice of finding the deeper meaning in flowers, share the symbolism behind various stems, and then guide participants in approaching flowers as tools for intuition and creative expression.

JOIN US Sunday, May 03 @ 3:00 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW The Secret Language of Flowers, With Julia Ernst

Your Guide to Meals That Are Simple, Delicious & Good for Everyone at the Table

Sabrina Rudin, the founder of Spring Cafe, joins us to discuss “Healthy with a Side of Happy,” which teaches families how to create healthy plant-based recipes to enhance their overall well-being. She’ll be joined in conversation by Sarah Wright Olsen, co-host of The Mother Daze podcast and co-author of “The Zen Mama Guide To Finding Your Rhythm in Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond.”

JOIN US Monday, May 04 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Sabrina Rudin & Sarah Wright Olsen

The Elsewhere Book Club Returns

Some books are tickets that take you somewhere new; others are lenses that change the way you see where you are. The Elsewhere Book Club is for readers who want both. If you’re looking for books that expand the world around you and the one inside you, join us. Let’s go elsewhere

JOIN US Wednesday, May 06 @ 5:30

GODMOTHERS GATHER The Elsewhere Book Club

Mandala Painting as a Pathway To Focus, Creativity & Seasonal Renewal

Join local artist Kathy Leader on the patio for a restorative, hands-on workshop centered on the meditative practice of mandala painting. Drawing inspiration from the energy of spring—renewal, growth, and quiet transformation—participants will be guided step-by-step in creating their own painted mandala.

JOIN US Saturday, May 09 @ 2:00

GODMOTHERS GROW Paint a Spring Mandala, With Kathy Leader

New! Being True to Yourself—Even When You’re on Constant Display

Author Eliza Reid—the former first lady of Iceland—takes the stage to discuss “The First Lady Next Door: A Memoir of Iceland, Identity, and Unexpected Adventure,” her witty, behind-the-scenes memoir that reveals how resilience, humor, and boldness can turn unexpected challenges into extraordinary opportunities.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Eliza Reid

JOIN US Sunday, May 10 @ 6 p.m.

New! Honor the Nurturing Energy of Motherhood

Celebrate the abundance of spring with a Mother’s Day flower crown workshop inspired by the traditions of May. In many cultures, May is a time of renewal, beauty, and connection to nature. Flower crowns have long been woven during this season as symbols of love, growth, and abundance. Participants will be guided step by step in crafting their own crowns using fresh, seasonal blooms and greenery, and learn simple techniques to shape something both natural and meaningful.

JOIN US Sunday, May 10 @ 11:30 a.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW The Godmothers Within, With Dina Cantin

Explore Meaningful Themes Through a Blend of Guided Conversation, Embodied Reflection & Curated Literature

The Unapologetic Circle, a monthly gathering that’s facilitated by private transition coach Jenny Calcoen, is designed for women in the middle of life who are navigating the profound transition from “performing” a role to living more truly as themselves. Each month, we’ll gather with a specific theme and corresponding book in mind.

JOIN US Tuesday, May 12 @ 4:00 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW The Unapologetic Circle,

With Jenny Calcoen

New! The Most Raw, Tender, Against-All-Odds Story of Parenthood

Author Stephanie Fairyington visits us to discuss “Ugly: A Letter to My Daughter,” her interrogation of life on the margins of American culture as a self-described “ugly” woman. She’ll be joined in conversation by Jane Ward, professor and chair of feminist studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

JOIN US Tuesday, May 12 @ 6:00 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Stephanie Fairyington & Jane Ward

Find Your Personal Style, Dress for Your Destiny & Manifest Your Most Magnetic Life

Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh takes the stage to discuss “The Art of Intentional Dressing: Your Essential Style Guide for Manifesting a Magnetic Life,” her transformative approach to practicing what she calls “manifestation in fashion form.” She’ll be joined in conversation by Godmothers co-founder Jennifer Rudolph Walsh.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Erin Walsh

JOIN US Wednesday, May 13 @ 6 p.m.

Welcome to Our Newest Book Club!

Introducing the Enduring Classics Book Club, devoted to the enduring classics that shaped the literary world—and continue to shape us.+++Led by Riley Reed, Godmothers’ head of live & digital storytelling, and Caroline Nuhn, a Godmothers’ keyholder, The Classics Book Club is a space to return to the novels that have shaped the literary landscape, and to read them slowly, thoughtfully, and in good company.

JOIN US Tuesday, May 26 @ 5:30

GODMOTHERS GATHER The Enduring Classics Book Club

A Steady Guide, Teaching Us How to Genuinely Care for People

New York Times–bestselling author Alex Elle takes the stage to present “The Company We Keep: Friendship, Connection, and Redefining What It Means to Grow Together,” her vulnerable exploration of the friendships that shape us, stretch us, and sometimes wound us.

JOIN US Saturday, June 06 @ 6 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GATHER Alex Elle

Explore Meaningful Themes Through a Blend of Guided Conversation, Embodied Reflection & Curated Literature

The Unapologetic Circle, a monthly gathering that’s facilitated by private transition coach Jenny Calcoen, is designed for women in the middle of life who are navigating the profound transition from “performing” a role to living more truly as themselves. Each month, we’ll gather with a specific theme and corresponding book in mind.

JOIN US Tuesday, June 09 @ 4:00 p.m.

GODMOTHERS GROW The Unapologetic Circle,

With Jenny Calcoen