Free Summer Events & Acitvites in Santa Barbara
If you're looking to fill your summer calendar with local flavor, great music, and distinct art, look no further! Our guide to free Santa Barbara summer events is here!
Free Summer Cinema
Friday evenings at 8:30pm (July- August) | Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens
Watching a movie under the stars framed by the stunning Spanish architecture of the Santa Barbara Courthouse is a must this summer. Hosted by UCSB Arts & Lectures, this year’s "Mixtapes & Misfits" theme brings crowds together to enjoy classic coming of age films like Pretty in Pink and Napoleon Dynamite, in the tropical Courthouse Sunken Gardens. We recommend grabbing blankets, low-back chairs, and plenty of snacks to make the most of this fun outdoor movie event. Learn more here.
Concerts in the Park:
Thursday evenings from 6 - 7:30pm (July) | Chase Palm Park Great Meadow
Right along the Cabrillo Boulevard waterfront, Chase Palm Park will be hosting free concerts. This local tradition features a different musical act each week, from surf rock legend Spencer the Gardener to country classics from the The Mighty Cash Cats. Bring a picnic and blankets, and get ready to enjoy an evening of great music and community. Learn more here.
Kiwanis Music Nites at Elings Park
Select Thursday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30pm | Singleton Pavilion at Elings Park
For more outdoor music fun, head over to Elings Park for evenings of live music on the hillside. The Kiwanis Club hosts relaxed, family-friendly concerts featuring fantastic local bands like Velvet & Violet and Smelly Cat. Pack a meal and set up shop in the park's beautiful grassy meadow, an ideal spot for kids to play while you enjoy the music and sunset. Learn more here.
Paseo Nuevo + Makers Market
Weekends / Select dates | Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center (Downtown State Street)
If you need a break from the picnic blankets and live entertainment, take a stroll down the beautiful open-air corridors of Paseo Nuevo. Their weekend Makers Market pops up right in the heart of downtown, bringing together a brilliant collection of local artisans, crafters, and independent designers. It is the perfect place to grab a coffee, support local small businesses, and find handmade jewelry, ceramics, and clothing you won't find anywhere else. Learn more here.
