Culture Beyond Campus
Santa Barbara's endless natural beauty and close proximity to Los Angeles create a vibrant and inspired art scene. With a variety of local musical and theatrical ensembles, classical music, dance, art galleries, an international film festival, Santa Barbara mixes a big-city art scene with small-town charm.
Local Arts
Once a month, downtown galleries open their doors to visitors for First Thursday art walks, which feature live music on street corners and in storefronts. Similarly, the Funk Zone, named for its unique combination of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, hosts monthly art walks and open studios. Visitors continue to stroll along the waterfront each weekend for Santa Barbara's 50-year tradition of an open-air arts and crafts show.
Some of the annual festivals and events include:
APRIL: Earth Day Festival MAY: Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival JUNE: Summer Solstice Celebration | AUGUST: Old Spanish Days Fiesta SEPTEMBER: California Lemon Festival OCTOBER: Harbor and Seafood Festival, New Noise Music Festival, California Avocado Festival |
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Every year, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival brings filmmakers, actors, and movie lovers from around the world to downtown Santa Barbara. Students can attend film screenings, panel discussions, and celebrity tributes while experiencing one of the city’s most celebrated cultural events.