Photo Credit: Becky Davis Photography
July brings a vibrant atmosphere filled with festivals and endless sunshine, creating abundant opportunities for lifelong memory-making in The American Riviera®. With an average high-temperature of 78 degrees in July, take to the beach to embrace seaside relaxation and enjoy endless on-the-water fun. Indulge in the finest local wines at annual festivals and along the Urban Wine Trail. As the sun sets, relish in the melodies of an outdoor concert or find solace under the night sky at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, where free movie nights and star-gazing await.
Begin the month with a city-wide Fourth of July celebration, an eagerly anticipated holiday in Santa Barbara, with festivities that promise nothing less than breathtaking spectacle. Needless to say, Santa Barbara has you covered when it comes to signature events and summertime fun.
FOURTH OF JULY
It wouldn’t be Fourth of July in Santa Barbara without watching the annual fireworks display by the sea. Each year, the City of Santa Barbara regales locals and visitors alike with an epic night time firework performance along the waterfront, accompanied by a series of festive events to celebrate Independence Day at Stearns Wharf, including a historical cannon firing, face painting, live music and more.
Other festive events happening this year include: public and private fireworks cruises with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center and Condor Express and a coastal cookout at Rosewood Miramar Beach.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
The Santa Barbara National Horse Show at Earl Warren Showgrounds is a major and beloved city tradition. The event is divided into two main competitions: the Multi-Breed Show from July 1-4 and the Hunters & Jumpers from July 8-12. July 10-23, take a cinematic trip to France at the French Wave Film Festival at Riviera Theatre. Featuring new films from France’s most notable filmmakers, this is a must-catch event this July.
July 11-12, head to Alameda Park for Jackalope, a lively artisan market featuring handmade goods, local food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities, all celebrating independent makers and one-of-a-kind finds.
July 16, set sail aboard the Double Dolphin for Sipping on the Sea, a sunset cruise featuring tastings from High Seas Mead. Enjoy locally crafted meads, meet the makers behind the pours and take in sweeping coastal views as you cruise along the Santa Barbara coastline. Also on July 16, Kiwanis Music Nites brings live music, dancing and community spirit to Elings Park for a free, family-friendly summer concert series. Grab a bite from local food vendors, browse community booths and take in an evening of entertainment, all while supporting local youth programs and nonprofits.
Enjoy some of the best wines California has to offer at the annual California Wine Festival. Held July 17-18, this two-day event starts with a Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting event at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and ends the weekend with a bustling beachside festival at Chase Palm Park complete with live music, delicious food and wines from up and down the coast.
July 25 marks the 26th Annual “Woodies at the Beach,” which brings beautifully restored wood-bodied vehicles from across the country to Santa Barbara City College’s Great Meadow. Set against sweeping ocean views, this beloved event celebrates vintage craftsmanship and coastal nostalgia with food, merchandise, raffles and a silent auction.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy the annual Free Summer Cinema series presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures, a free outdoor cinema series on Friday evenings offered each year in July and August. The film series features movies from across the decades (this year’s theme is Mixtapes & Misfits) and is set in the Santa Barbara County Courthouse’s sunken gardens, with the architectural landmark building adding drama to the picturesque backdrop. Insider tip: Come prepared and arrive early. Blankets can be set out as early as 12 p.m. day of and attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring movie snacks to enjoy during the film.
July in Santa Barbara wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beloved Santa Barbara Bowl, a 4,500-seat, open-air amphitheater nestled in a picturesque hillside of east Santa Barbara, renowned for hosting a wide range of concerts in its scenic, outdoor setting. Here, you can enjoy live music underneath the twinkling night sky by some of your favorite artists such as Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (July 17), Young the Giant (July 18) and Rainbow Kitten Surprise (July 19).
July 17-19, the Santa Barbara Antique, Decorative Arts & Vintage Show and Sale at Earl Warren Showgrounds is a premier event for antiques, vintage items and decorative arts on the West Coast. With over 60 top dealers from across the nation, the showroom offers a vast selection of goods ranging from the 17th century to the mid-20th century.
OUTDOOR FUN
With such stunning outdoor adventures awaiting in The American Riviera® — the only issue is choosing what to do first. Take a scenic hike on one of these popular Santa Barbara hiking trails, venture out to the pristine Channel Islands National Park or learn to surf at one of Santa Barbara’s beginner-friendly surf breaks.
July in Santa Barbara means there are bound to be prime wind conditions, so if you’re feeling adventurous, soar to new heights with Santa Barbara Parasail or set sail out on the calm waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Opt for these other activities along the waterfront to make the most of your visit to this seaside city this summer.
For more inspiration for your next July Santa Barbara getaway, heed this three-day guide curated especially for nature-lovers. It’s the perfect time of year to hit the great outdoors, after all.
