What To Do in July in Santa Barbara 2025

July in Santa Barbara is one of those times that reminds you why you live here—or why you keep coming back to visit. Long days, cool evenings, music echoing through historic theaters, picnics on the courthouse lawn, local markets full of character, and the kind of gatherings that make you feel like part of a real community.

This summer, I’m especially looking forward to the return of the Summer Music Festival at the Music Academy of the West. I studied opera at the Academy years ago, and every time July rolls around, I feel this deep sense of connection. There’s something about the way the light hits the Miraflores campus in Montecito, and how the music pours out into the warm evening air. It’s a place that shaped me, and I love seeing it alive with energy again.

Summer Music Festival: Soundtrack to Summer

July 7 – August 9, 2025
Music Academy of the West | Granada Theatre | Lobero Theatre

The Summer Music Festival is one of the most exciting things happening in Santa Barbara this time of year. Hosted by the Music Academy of the West, it brings together some of the most promising young classical musicians from around the world, alongside renowned mentors and performers. This summer’s festival features more than 120 performances, masterclasses, and interactive experiences throughout July and early August.

The concerts range from orchestral programs to chamber music and vocal recitals. Whether you’re a lifelong classical music fan or just curious, there’s something powerful about hearing live music in such beautiful, intimate settings. You can attend performances at the Granada or Lobero Theatre, or take a stroll through the Montecito campus and catch a daytime event outdoors.

One of the best things about this festival is the accessibility—you don’t have to be a music scholar to enjoy it. It’s welcoming, inspiring, and a reminder that great music doesn’t have to feel distant or formal.

Free Summer Cinema: Dog Days of Summer

Friday Evenings in July & August
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

There’s something special about gathering with hundreds of others under the stars at the courthouse lawn and watching a great film projected onto the big screen. It’s nostalgic, communal, and completely free.

This summer, UCSB Arts & Lectures is bringing back its beloved Free Summer Cinema series with a fun theme: Dog Days of Summer. Every Friday evening, families, couples, and groups of friends fill the sunken garden for a lineup of dog-themed films, from heartwarming classics to laugh-out-loud comedies.

I’ve got my eye on Best in Show, which never fails to crack me up. It’s one of those movies that gets better each time you watch it, and as a dog lover, it’s easily my top pick of the series.

Here’s what you need to know before you go:

• Movies start at 8:30 p.m., just after sunset.
• You can claim a spot on the lawn starting at noon. Low-back chairs and natural fiber blankets are recommended to help preserve the grass.
• Bring layers—once the sun goes down, it cools off quickly.
• Outside food and drinks are welcome, so grab some takeout or pack a picnic.

And if you’ve never toured the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, now is the time. With its Spanish-Colonial architecture, iconic red tile roof, and lush landscaping, it’s one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Docent-led tours are offered daily, no reservations required, and they include access to the mural room and clock tower.

Sift & Sip at Seven Bar

July 13 | 3–7 p.m.
Seven Bar & Kitchen, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has a way of blending music, art, and community into spontaneous-feeling events that somehow feel perfectly curated. Sift & Sip at Seven Bar & Kitchen is one of those events that captures that spirit.

On July 13, you can browse vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, artwork, and other goods from local vendors while enjoying live music by Smooth Exchange and sampling mezcal. The mezcal tasting is reason enough to go, but I also love these events for discovering one-of-a-kind pieces and getting to know the artists and makers behind them.

This kind of pop-up is one of the reasons I love summer here—it’s casual, creative, and a great way to support small businesses while hanging out with friends or meeting new people.

Line Dancing at Casa Agria SB

July 19 | 5–10 p.m.
Casa Agria Specialty Ales, Santa Barbara

Sometimes you just need to switch things up, and that’s exactly why I’ve got line dancing at Casa Agria on my calendar this month. On July 19, they’ll be hosting a night of country tunes, dancing, and cold drinks at their taproom. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just in it for the fun, this is a great excuse to dig out your boots and give it a go.

Events like this bring such a good energy. There’s something about dancing with a group of strangers that makes you feel like part of something—plus, it’s a pretty fun workout.

More July Ideas for Locals and Visitors

If you’re looking to fill your calendar with even more Santa Barbara goodness this July, here are a few more local experiences worth checking out:

Sunset Kayaking Along the Coast

With long, calm evenings, July is perfect for booking a guided kayak tour. Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers trips out to sea caves, kelp forests, and even sunset paddles. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea lions, and migrating birds.

Explore the Funk Zone

Spend an afternoon hopping between tasting rooms, galleries, and boutiques in the Funk Zone. Try a flight at The Valley Project, grab a pint at Figueroa Mountain Brewing, and finish with dinner at The Lark or Loquita. It’s casual, walkable, and packed with local flavor.

First Thursday Art Walk

On the first Thursday of each month, downtown galleries open their doors for a free evening of art, music, and mingling. It’s a relaxed way to discover local artists, sip wine, and stroll through Santa Barbara’s vibrant creative scene.

Rattlesnake Canyon or Inspiration Point Hike

Start your morning with a shaded hike in Rattlesnake Canyon or head up to Inspiration Point for panoramic ocean views. Both are dog-friendly and easily accessible, but bring water—it gets warm quickly.

Farmer’s Markets & Coastal Picnics

Whether it’s grabbing peaches at the Saturday downtown Farmers Market or packing a coastal picnic for the Mission Rose Garden, July is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, local produce in a scenic setting. I often bring a cookbook from Ina Garten for inspiration and try to recreate something simple yet delicious to share with friends under the trees.

Why July in Santa Barbara Stays With You

Every city has its season, and in Santa Barbara, July is when the magic settles in. Maybe it’s the soft marine layer that rolls in just before sunset, or the way live music floats through town as if carried on the breeze. Maybe it’s a movie projected on the courthouse wall, or the taste of grilled street corn after a long beach day. Maybe it’s all of it—woven together into a month that always seems to go by too fast.

For me, July isn’t about flashy plans or big to-dos. It’s about catching up with friends, walking through a market, hearing a great performance, and feeling deeply connected to this place. I’ve lived here, studied music here, built community here—and every summer, it feels like a homecoming.

If you’re in town this month, I hope you get a chance to experience a few of these things for yourself. And if you have a favorite event or tradition in July, I’d love to hear it. Santa Barbara is the kind of town where new memories are made every day.