Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Fodor's choice
The city celebrates its Spanish, Mexican, and Chumash heritage in early August with events that include music, dancing, an all-equestrian parade, a carnival, and a rodeo.
10 Best Performing Arts in Santa Barbara, The Central Coast
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Santa Barbara - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Arlington Theatre
This Moorish-style auditorium presents touring performers and films throughout the year.
Center Stage Theatre
This venue hosts plays, music, dance, and readings.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC)
The company stages classic and contemporary comedies, musicals, and dramas.
I Madonnari
Artists of all ages create 150 large-scale pastel drawings on the pavement near the Old Mission steps during an Italian street painting festival held Memorial Day weekend.
Lobero Theatre
A state landmark, the Lobero hosts community theater groups and touring professionals.
Music Academy of the West
The academy presents orchestral, chamber, and operatic works every summer.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Built in 1936 and recently renovated to meet the highest standards of visiting musicians, the 4,500-seat Bowl attracts world-class entertainers (past acts include Radiohead, The Who, John Legend, and Natalie Merchant), from April through October.
Summer Solstice Celebration
More than 100,000 revelers celebrate the arts at this mid-June event whose highlight is a huge parade of costumed participants who dance, drum, and ride people-powered floats up State Street.
The Granada Theatre
A restored, modernized landmark that dates from 1924, the Granada hosts Broadway touring shows and dance, music, and other cultural events.
