Summer Events in Santa Barbara

June 9, 2023

Summer is here!

We are excited for longer days and warmer weather, and a delightful season in Santa Barbara. This vibrant city is ready to welcome visitors from all over, offering a multitude of exciting events and festivals. Discover the captivating lineup of what Santa Barbara has in store for you this summer.

Ultimate Island Adventure

June 1st - 30th

Embark on an unforgettable summer adventure with Santa Barbara Adventure Company as they present "Summer at Channel Islands." Throughout the entire month of June, dive into a world of excitement with a variety of thrilling activities on Santa Cruz Island. Immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters for an exhilarating snorkeling experience, paddle through enchanting sea caves on a kayaking expedition, and indulge in scenic hikes that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Channel Islands. Get ready for a summer filled with endless exploration and unforgettable memories!

Prices start at $199/ person.

Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival

June 9th - 10th

Join Santa Barbara’s 3rd Annual Surf Film Festival, a celebration of the rich surf heritage and the captivating storytelling of filmmakers, artists, shapers, and surfers who have shaped it all. This two-day event will take place at the historic Lobero Theatre, where attendees will come together to honor and experience the essence of surf culture. The festival occurs on June 9th & 10th.

Friday:

Advance Purchase - General Admission: $46, VIP $81.

At the Door - General Admission: $56, VIP $106

Saturday:

Advance Purchase - General Admission: $26, VIP $106.

At the Door - General Admission: $31, VIP $126.

Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Summer Solstice Celebration

June 23rd - 24th

Welcome the arrival of summer at the highly anticipated 49th Summer Solstice Celebration in Santa Barbara, held at the picturesque Alameda Park. The excitement begins on June 23rd with an incredible ticketed concert performance accompanied by a delectable array of food vendors and captivating merchant tents. The festivities continue the next day with the not-to-be-missed Summer Solstice Parade, as it makes its way to Alameda Park, where the rest of the celebrations await.

Free Admission.

Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration

Santa Barbara Lavender Festival

June 23rd - 24th

Celebrate the artistic expression of lavender at the Santa Barbara Lavender Festival, located at the Old Mission Santa Barbara on Saturday, June 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This captivating arts and crafts festival brings together artisans, local lavender farms, and small business owners to showcase their creativity through lavender-inspired themes. Discover over 75 artisans and small businesses offering lavender-infused food, beverages, and products. This is an event you and your family won’t want to miss!

Free Admission.

Music on the Water

Visit Website for Select Dates

Savor the musical voyage with Santa Barbara Sailing Center aboard the Double Dolphin, a magnificent 50-foot cruising catamaran. Every Friday evening from Memorial Day to October, experience the "Music on the Water" Sunset Cruise, featuring live performances by talented local musicians against the backdrop of a breathtaking Santa Barbara sunset and the majestic coastline. This year's lineup includes Justin Claveria (June 23), Ross Harper (July 7), and John Lyle (August 11).

$85 per person.

Santa Barbara 4th of July Celebration

July 4th

Celebrate Independence Day at the Santa Barbara Waterfront! Enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, and dance performances throughout the day. Don't miss the stunning 20-minute fireworks display starting at 9:00 PM, lighting up the sky from West Beach.

Stearns Wharf:

2:00 PM: Enjoy free face painting.
4:00 PM: Immerse yourself in live music featuring Area 51.

West Beach:

From 12:00 PM to 8:50 PM: Delight in live music at the West Beach bandstand. Experience a diverse lineup of talented acts including The Detar Music Review, Drifting Dimension, Sweetheart Sisters, Why Golf Why, Brandi Lentini and Band, Slideways, Fiesta dancers, Ridin’ the Storm Out, False Puppet, La Boheme dancers, and Petty Set Go.
9:00 PM - 9:20 PM: Brace yourself for a incredible fireworks display!

Cabrillo Boulevard sidewalk at West Beach:

From 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM: Indulge in festive food and browse through vendor booths featuring Timbers Roadhouse, Tinkers Hot Dogs, Lidos Philly Cheese Steaks, Bombazo's burritos, and more.

Free Admission.

Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Summer Courthouse Film Series

July 7th - August 25th

Enjoy a beloved local tradition: UCSB's Arts & Lectures brings you a free outdoor cinema series on Friday evenings. Located at the sunken gardens at the courthouse, the Summer Courthouse Film Series features films from various decades under the theme "Out of this World." Secure your spot on the Santa Barbara Courthouse lawn early, bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and don't forget to bring a cozy layer for the evening.

Free Admission.

Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

California Wine Festival

July 14th - 15th

Join the 20th Annual California Wine Festival in the stunning city of Santa Barbara, known for hosting one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state! This beautiful coastal city is where the California Wine Festival originated, offering a remarkable combination of wine, food, music, and beachside fun. As a world-class resort destination, Santa Barbara attracts discerning visitors from around the globe, many of whom indulge in a few days of beachside bliss and exquisite California wine tastings. Don't miss out on this highly anticipated two-day Festival, where a vibrant and sophisticated crowd of wine enthusiasts gathers, creating one of the most coveted consumer wine events of the year!

Free Admission.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta

August 2nd - 6th

Celebrate Santa Barbara's vibrant heritage during the iconic Old Spanish Days Fiesta. Dating back to 1925, this beloved event brings the city to life with music, dance, and captivating pageantry.

From August 2nd to 6th, 2023, immerse yourself in a five-day extravaganza showcasing the essence of this grand celebration. The festivities kick off with La Fiesta Pequeña, a charming "little festival" held at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. Experience the enchantment of traditional flamenco and folklorico dances, offering a captivating glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

Free Admission.

Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Indie Film Festival

August 26th - 27th

Join the Santa Barbara Indie Film Festival at the historic Alhecama Theatre to honor the art of cinema. Over two days, immerse yourself in a curated collection of independent and youth films, showcasing the talent and creativity of filmmakers. This event serves as a platform for networking and connecting with fellow film enthusiasts, uniting passionate individuals who take pride in celebrating the art of filmmaking. This festival occurs on August 26th & 27th, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

$10-$40 per person.

Santa Barbara Sailing Center/ Double Dolphin Cruises

Open Daily

If you're seeking adventure, look no further. The Santa Barbara Sailing Center offers an array of kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, tours, and expert instruction. Explore the thrill of sailing by learning the ropes, chartering a sailboat with a skilled captain, or renting various sailboats. For an unforgettable experience, embark on a Liveaboard Instructional Vacation to the renowned Channel Islands National Park. Additionally, indulge in the diverse selection of public cruises aboard our 50-foot Catamaran, where you'll encounter marine life and admire breathtaking coastal views. No matter your boating desires, the Santa Barbara Sailing Center has something exciting for all ages.

Prices Vary.

Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Sailing Center

Santa Barbara Bowl

Visit Website for Concert Dates

Discover the iconic Santa Barbara Bowl, nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara. Since 1936, this outdoor music venue has enchanted audiences with its scenic beauty. With a seating capacity of up to 4,562, every section offers a fantastic view for dancing and enjoying the show. As you enter through the corner of Milpas and Anapamu Streets, immerse yourself in the charm of the oak trees and shaded paths that lead to the intimate venue at the base of the Riviera neighborhood.

The Santa Barbara Bowl presents a lineup of incredible concerts and performances, with an average of 27 shows from April to November. With perfect weather and ocean views, it's the ideal setting for live entertainment. Before the show, savor the panoramic ocean view and breathtaking sunset while ordering food and drinks from the various concession stands. This stunning amphitheater invites you to rock out to live music, enjoy side-splitting comedy sets, and witness captivating performances. Renowned artists like Jack Johnson, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, and The National hold the Bowl in high regard, often returning for multiple performances.

Prices Vary.

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Visit Website for Polo Schedule

Since its establishment in 1911, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club has gained global recognition as a premier polo destination. With four exquisite polo fields and a rich history, it stands as the third oldest polo facility in the United States. Witness the captivating world of international outdoor polo competition on the lush fields of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, with exciting events happening every Sunday through October.

Prices start at $30/ person.

Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

Every Sunday

Experience the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show, a living showcase of local artisans' creative talents. Spanning Cabrillo Boulevard from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez, this vibrant event takes place every Sunday throughout the year and on select Saturdays during major holiday weekends.

Free Admission.

Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition

Now Through September 4th

Now through the beginning of September, experience the remarkable reproduction of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling paintings, meticulously recreated using cutting-edge technology to preserve the artwork's essence. Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the exhibition offers a modern and up-close encounter with intricate details, allowing visitors to appreciate the art in a way that is impossible within the confines of the Sistine Chapel.

Adults (age 18-64) $25, Seniors (age 65+) $22, Youth (ages 5-17) $18, Children (age 5 and under) Free, Active Military (ID Required) $22.

Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Butterflies Alive!

Now Through September 4th

Step into a stunning garden where you'll be surrounded by the graceful flight of nearly 1,000 live butterflies. This captivating exhibit showcases a dazzling array of butterfly species, ranging from beloved local varieties to exotic tropical specimens. Note that the exhibit is open every day except for Tuesdays, and it runs from now through September 4th.

Adults (age 18-64) $19, Seniors (age 65+) $17, Teen (age 13-17) $17, Child (age 2-12) $14, Children (age 2 and under) Free, Museum Member Free.