A local landmark for more than a century, The Granada Theatre is the central coast’s premier performing arts venue. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the theater is home to the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) as well as its eight resident companies. The Granada also serves as a venue for regional and national touring productions and houses a state-of-the-art cinema system.
History of The Granada Theatre
In 1924, The Granada Theatre opened its door as a movie and performance art venue. The theater and eight-story office building became known as “Santa Barbara’s only skyscraper” and primarily served as a movie house during its early years. In 2003, the SBCPA launched a campaign to renovate the theater and reopened five years later with many enhancements, including a larger stage and world-class sound and light equipment, to name a few. Today, the theater attracts more than 100,000 guests each year and welcomes Broadway productions, nationally recognized musicians and local artists to its stage.
Learn more about Santa Barbara’s historic art and theater scene.
About the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts
The Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts is a privately funded nonprofit organization that aims to provide best-in-class productions throughout the region. Under the SBCPA umbrella are eight resident companies, the American Theatre Guild, Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara, Music Academy of the West, Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Choral Society, Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet and University of California, Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures, all of which call The Granada Theatre home. Each of these programs host productions at the theater throughout the year.
The Granada Theatre Tickets
Ticket prices and availability vary by performance. For more information, check out The Granada’s calendar of events.
Host an Event at The Granada Theatre
The theater is available to rent for private events such as weddings, fundraisers, corporate functions and private film screenings. Groups of 50 or less can book the balcony-level McCune Rounders Room for dinners, networking happy hours and other small events. The main stage, which offers an incredible view of the performance hall, is also available to rent and can seat up to 100 guests. Visit their website for more details.
More Things to Do in Downtown Santa Barbara
Located along the iconic State Street, The Granada Theatre is within walking distance to many other top attractions, shops and restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara. Explore 25,000 works of art in various mediums at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Go on a personal tasting tour at the Santa Barbara Public Market, where you’ll find everything from sushi and pizza to ice cream and hot chocolate. Or catch a film or comedy show at The Arlington Theatre, another iconic performing arts venue. Discover more in the downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood guide.
Directions & Parking
From the North: Get on Highway 101 and take the Carrillo Street exit. Turn right on Carrillo Street, drive four blocks and take a left down Chapala Street. Go two more blocks and turn right on Anacapa Street, where parking will be on your left.
From the South: Get on Highway 101 and take the Mission Street exit. Turn left on Mission Street, drive six blocks and take a right on Anacapa Street. Keep going for another seven-eight blocks and parking will be on your right.
Parking is located behind the theater at 1221 Anacapa Street. For events, parking is $5 (cash only); for non-events, the first 75 minutes of parking is free. Granada Theatre also offers passenger drop-off and pick-up for visitors with mobile needs.
