The Sounds of Summer and More

Does music sound better in the great outdoors, or is it just the ambience that adds something special? Does it matter? Not so much when it comes to Santa Barbara’s enormously popular weekly series, which get a new entry this season in a more sporadic format by the beach. 

The first show of the summer comes from the newest series, with Arts in the Open at Plaza del Mar logging only its second year at the recently refurbished bandshell across from Los Banos and the Santa Barbara Harbor. Presented by the Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the PARC Foundation. The season kicks off on the weekend of June 27-28, starting with the only non-purely musical act on the program in Bob Baker Marionettes, the longstanding Los Angeles-based troupe who employ handcrafted puppets, imaginative storytelling, and lively music; elements that come together in a clever, often stirring performance that would please the protagonist of Being John Malkovich. Beloved by generations of audiences, this whimsical show offers family-friendly entertainment for all ages in a production that doesn’t skimp on the artistry and technique. Wonder at the wizardry in two one-hour shows at 11 am and 1 pm on Saturday. 

The next event takes place the next day, with Coastal Sounds, a celebration of emerging artists and independent music from the area that mashes up a dynamic mix of surf rock, indie rock, and melodic acoustic vibes. The lineup on Sunday includes Frogs, Green Room Paradise, Ladyfinger, Looking West and Charity Kiss, with sets every 45 minutes 3-6:45 pm. 

Following a month-long hiatus, the focus shifts to the big green space across from East Beach. Chase Palm Park’s Concerts in the Park series resumes on August 2 as the Music Academy of the West launches its final week with the second annual Brass @ the Bandshell event. The Academy brass fellows perform an array of works anchored by American composers in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. As appetizer to this main course, the event will lead with an instrument exploration station and games for family and friends to enjoy.  

Prime Time Band, the ever-popular community-based ensemble of more than 60 local adult musicians, plays a pops-style concert at Plaza del Mar on August 30 before the series comes to a close September 5 with a return performance by Salty Strings, the Santa Barbara group whose harmony-laden acoustic music encompasses bluegrass, folk and Americana influences. 

Visit www.parcsb.org/events

Chase the Blues Away by the Beach

A Santa Barbara summer sensation since 2000, Concerts in the Park has long-since scaled back from its eight-concert, two-sets heyday in the 2010s to just four events that go straight through from 6-7:30 pm every Thursday evening in July. The shows take place at Chase Palm Park’s Great Meadow, a gently sloping grassy area that has a level area for dancing in front of the stage. On tap for 2026 are The New Vibe (funk with a hip hop twist) on July 2; Jason Libs and the Liberation, featuring the multi-instrument/vocal prowess of the guy who plays every evening at the Red Piano downtown, along with his full band to focus on classic rock on July 9; The Johnny Cash-tribute band, The Mighty Cash Cats, on July 16; and the needs-no-introduction Spencer the Gardener, the longtime local favorite who plays pop, surf rock, and Latin-flavored rock. 

Visit https://tinyurl.com/SB-Music-Park-26

Stow Away to the Ranch for Rock, Pop and More

Salty Strings, the only act to play more than one of the summer series, gets opening night honors for Music at the Ranch, the Tuesday Night Concert Series on the grounds of Goleta’s Stow House, aka Rancho La Patera, host to perhaps the most picturesque environs of the three venues mentioned in this piece. Apart from the tree-lined and variously shaded space with its spectacularly verdant vibe, the grounds and farm are fun to explore, and it’s only about a two-minute walk to reach Lake Los Carneros, where you can still hear the music, albeit muted by the short distance and riot of acoustically absorbent foliage. The concerts take place 5:30-7:30 pm, which gets you back home safe and secure before darkness sets in. 

The string band plays July 14, followed by more local faves in Mezcal Martini on July 21, Do No Harm on July 28, Nombres on August 4, Doublewide Kings on August 11, and Out of the Blues August 18. 

Bring your own lawn chairs and/or blankets to each of the events as well as a picnic if desired – or take advantage of the onsite food trucks. Setup is allowed early at each location although timing varies. And leave the private alcohol at home. Stow House offers beer and wine.  

Visit https://goletahistory.org/music-at-the-ranch

Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo

In the “It’s so obvious why hasn’t it happened before” department, the Santa Barbara Film Festival and the Santa Barbara Zoo are teaming up to screen animal-themed animated movies at the hilltop zoo this summer, part of its new program of staying open to 7 pm through early September. Dubbed Zoovies, the series of three family films began earlier this week, with two more installments, including Oscar-winners Finding Nemo on July 8 and Zootopia (duh!) on August 12 screening respectively. Before each film, zookeepers will speak briefly about the importance of conservation in relation to animals like the ones who live at the Zoo. Screenings are free with standard Zoo admission, and SBIFF will be distributing 300 free Zoovies passes for each film through Santa Barbara-based Family Resource Centers. 

Visit https://sbifftheatres.com/zoovies or www.sbzoo.org/twilight-hours