Oui, We’re Going to the Dogs

UCSB Arts & Lectures’ annual series of free summer film screenings outdoors under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens might have come up with its smartest theme yet. Dubbed “Dog Days of Summer,” the series sports seven nights of dog-themed movies in one of the more spectacular venues in the heart of downtown, with picnicking, event tie-ins and music preceding each screening shortly after sunset. 

Walt Disney’s pre-CGI animated classic 101 Dalmatians (1961) kicks things off on July 11 with its beloved cast of canine heroes and the dastardly dognapper Cruella de Vil, with screenings of other mutt-centric fare continuing every Friday at 8:30 pm from through August 29, save for August 1 during Fiesta week. Come early for music and more with KLITE morning show host Catherine Remak, complementary puppy-themed face painting, info from dog trainers K-Nine Solutions, and raffle prizes that include a free day of doggy daycare from Dioji.

Other series highlights include Christopher Guest’s mockumentary masterpiece Best in Show (July 25) and Wes Anderson’s quirky Isle of Dogs, which rivals his great Fantastic Mr. Fox (August 15). 

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