Music Venues

The sound of music can be heard all year long in Santa Barbara. At clubs, restaurants and nightspots, you can sip a glass of wine or a cocktail, order a meal, or simply come to listen to musicians — from homegrown singer-songwriters to world-acclaimed ensembles — as they offer up rock, pop, world, blues, jazz, folk and other genres.

Theaters in town and on local campuses also play host to a lively event-filled calendar of visiting orchestras, singers, and musicians.

The warmer months promise a special seasonal bounty of tuneful listening, as bands take to the parks and other public spaces, providing open-air concerts that are family-friendly and often free of charge.

In addition, from April through October, major headliners of every musical genre — from country to jazz, reggae to rock, indy pop to mariachi, folk to… you name it — bring their talents to Santa Barbara’s historic outdoor amphitheater, the Santa Barbara Bowl. Nestled into a hillside, this cherished 5,000-seat bowl is a favorite stop on many celebrity musicians’ tours.

Classical music fans have their own summer festival from mid-June through mid-August, when promising young artists join faculty and visiting musicians in orchestras, chamber groups, and solo concerts. Open to the public, too, are the master classes for every instrument, as well as for singers who perform in scenes and fully-staged operas. Evening and weekend concerts take place in downtown theaters and at the lushly landscaped Music Academy of the West, a Montecito estate where pre-performance picnics are a delicious treat.

Live Music in Santa Barbara


Music Academy

The Music Academy of the West advances the development of 21st century classically trained musicians and cultivates discerning, appreciative, and adventurous audiences. Founded in 1947, the Academy operates on a 10-acre, ocean-side campus in Santa…


Granada Theatre

A local landmark for almost a century, The Granada Theatre is the central coast’s premier performing arts venue.  Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, The Granada is home to Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street…


Nomad Tango

Nomad Tango is a non-profit founded to promote Tango music, dance and social gatherings (milongas) as a way to expand well-being and a sense of belonging. We believe that tango needs to be understood as an art form, and take its place among ballet,…


Opera Santa Barbara

Founded in 1994 by Marilyn Gilbert and Nathan Rundlett, Opera Santa Barbara is committed to presenting productions and educational programs of the highest quality. Over more than two decades the company has staged some 50 operas and devoted…


Santa Barbara Bowl

Nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara, The Santa Barbara Bowl was built in 1936 and has served as one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic outdoor music venues since. The outdoor concert venue seats up to 4,562, so you’re guaranteed a…


Santa Barbara Symphony

The Santa Barbara Symphony delivers artistic excellence, outstanding music education stewardship and programming, and community collaboration - all through symphonic music. Under the artistic leadership of Maestro Nir Kabaretti as Music &…


Lobero Theatre

The Lobero Theatre has been the heart and rhythm of Santa Barbara for the last 150 years. Originally founded as Jose Lobero’s Opera House in 1873, the Lobero is the oldest continuously operating theatre in California and the fourth oldest…


Additional Experiences