Free Summer Cinema returns to Courthouse Sunken Garden with “Mixtapes & Misfits” series, July 10–Aug 28

UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture announced the 2026 Free Summer Cinema lineup, “Mixtapes & Misfits,” a seven-film series screening Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. from July 10 through August 28 at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden.

There will be no screening on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta. Admission is free.

This year’s selections celebrate iconic music, big emotions, and unforgettable characters who don’t fit the mold. The lineup includes: Pretty in Pink, Say Anything…, La Bamba, Rushmore, Love & Basketball, Napoleon Dynamite, and Hairspray. The series, launched in 2010, has become a staple of Santa Barbara’s summer arts calendar.

“This year’s ‘Mixtapes & Misfits’ lineup celebrates the joyful weirdness and emotional honesty of films that defined generations, with unforgettable soundtracks that will spark instant nostalgia,” said UCSB Arts & Lectures Miller McCune Executive Director Meghan Bush. “We’re deeply thankful to the Gainey Family Foundation and Montecito Bank & Trust for helping to make these free summer evenings possible and for helping create a shared experience for the Santa Barbara community.”

“Montecito Bank & Trust is delighted to continue its partnership with A&L’s Free Summer Film Series,” said Chairman and CEO Janet Garufis. “This cherished community tradition brings families and friends together for unforgettable summer nights under the stars, beautiful Santa Barbara weather, and a fun-filled lineup of classic favorites featured in this year’s ‘Mixtapes & Misfits’ series.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and low-backed, low-to-the-ground chairs and to respect the lawn by avoiding plastic, nylon, or tarp-style ground covers. Audience members may begin setting up at noon on the day of each screening.

Screenings are scheduled for: