Top 10 Things to Do This Month
🌴 Santa Barbara Events – July 2026
🇺🇸 July 1–4
Independence Week Celebrations
Celebrate Independence Day with concerts, family activities, patriotic events, and waterfront festivities throughout Santa Barbara and Goleta. Enjoy live entertainment, local food vendors, and community celebrations leading up to the Fourth of July.
🎆 July 4
Fourth of July Drone Light Show
Goleta
A free, family-friendly evening featuring live music, food trucks, activities, and a spectacular drone light show replacing traditional fireworks.
🎼 July 1–31
Music Academy of the West Summer Festival
One of Santa Barbara’s premier summer traditions, featuring orchestral concerts, chamber music, opera, vocal performances, and world-renowned guest artists throughout the month.
🎵 Thursdays in July
Concerts in the Park
Chase Palm Park
Bring a blanket and enjoy free outdoor concerts overlooking the ocean.
- July 2 – The New Vibe
- July 9 – Jason Libs & The Liberation
- July 16 – The Mighty Cash Cats
- July 23 – Spencer The Gardener
Free admission • Family Friendly • 6:00–7:30 PM
🐎 July 1–11
Santa Barbara National Horse Show
Earl Warren Showgrounds
One of California’s premier equestrian events featuring multi-breed competitions, hunters, jumpers, and nationally recognized riders.
🏇 Fridays
Friday Polo Happy Hour
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
Enjoy exciting polo matches in a relaxed atmosphere with food, drinks, and beautiful Montecito surroundings. A favorite summer tradition.
🥕 Every Tuesday
Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market
Fresh local produce, flowers, artisan foods, and products from Central Coast farms in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.
🥬 Every Saturday
Downtown Santa Barbara Farmers Market
Shop fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, and handcrafted local specialties while supporting area farmers.
⚽ July
FIFA World Cup Viewing Parties
Several restaurants, breweries, and sports bars throughout Santa Barbara host watch parties for FIFA World Cup matches during the knockout rounds.
🌅 Every Weekend
Sunset on the Waterfront
Spend your evenings strolling Stearns Wharf, West Beach, East Beach, and the Santa Barbara Harbor while enjoying spectacular Pacific sunsets, live music, waterfront dining, and summer activities.