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Your Weekend Guide to Santa Barbara
July 31 – August 2, 2026 · 18 events
This weekend in Santa Barbara, California brings 18 live events across the city — from music to comedy to festival. 13 events are free. Here's what's on.
Santa Barbara compresses a remarkable amount of culture into its stretch of coastline. The Santa Barbara Bowl, a 4,500-seat amphitheater built into the hillside above downtown, is one of California's most beautiful places to see a show, with ocean views from the upper rows. The Arlington Theatre's faux-Spanish-village interior and the restored Granada Theatre host touring artists, film, and the symphony, while the Lobero Theatre — one of California's oldest — leans into jazz and intimate performances. Old Spanish Days Fiesta takes over the city each August with parades and music, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival draws Hollywood north every winter.
Friday, July 31
Saturday, August 1
Sunday, August 2
Browse All Weekend Events
Santa BarbaraCaliforniaThis Weekend
18 events
Fri, Jul 31Music
Picnic Concert: Fantasias, Mozart & Brahms
Music Academy of the West
Santa Barbara, CA
Sun, Aug 2Music
Brass @ the Bandshell: All-American Fanfare
Music Academy of the West
Santa Barbara, CA
This Weekend by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's happening in Santa Barbara this weekend?
- There are 18 events happening in Santa Barbara this weekend (July 31 – August 2, 2026), including The Only Way Is Through: West Coast Premiere at Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara Rodeo at Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara Summer Comedy Series at Speakeasy Comedy Bar Shows (7:00 PM), Santa Barbara Friday Night Laughs at Speakeasy Comedy Bar Shows (7:00 PM). Browse the full lineup on VenuNite.
- Are there free things to do in Santa Barbara this weekend?
- Yes! There are 13 free events in Santa Barbara this weekend, including concerts, open mics, and community events. Browse them all on VenuNite.
- Where can I find things to do in Santa Barbara, California?
- VenuNite aggregates live events from venues across Santa Barbara. Browse by date, venue, or event type to find what's happening near you.
