Things to Do in Santa Barbara Tonight

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.