Celebrate 'Parks Make Life Better Month' with July Events
July is Parks Make Life Better Month and the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is offering plenty of opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate!
Fourth of July Celebration
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate this Independence Day, there’ll be no better place than Santa Barbara's waterfront. A full slate of festive, fun, and family-friendly activities is planned throughout the day, including free live music on the beach. The festivities will be capped off with a bang during a 20-minute fireworks display.
Concerts in the Park
This free, family-friendly summer tradition brings musical acts to the Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park on Thursday evenings. Main acts take the stage from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and some friends to enjoy an evening of music along Cabrillo Boulevard. Local vendors will also be onsite with food for purchase.
Volunteer Gardening at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
Grow your green thumb this summer while tending to one of Santa Barbara's most cherished parks, Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. Every Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, volunteers are welcome to attend and tackle tasks like pruning, weeding, deadheading, and mulching. No experience is necessary, and tools and instruction are provided. Drop-in volunteers are always welcome.
Can't make it during the week? Join a special volunteer event on Saturday, July 6 from 9:00 a.m. to noon!
Free, Seasonal Pools
The Oak Park Wading Pool and Ortega Park Swimming Pool will provide a splash of fun for kids this summer. Both pools are free to use and have lifeguards on duty.
Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show
The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show features local artisans selling handmade items along Cabrillo Boulevard each Sunday. A special Saturday show will be held on July 6 for the holiday weekend.
Friday Night Swing
Friday Night Swing, held at the Carrillo Recreation Center, features beginner and intermediate swing dance lessons before a live band takes the stage for an evening of dancing and prizes. Join Carl Sonny Leyland and His Boogie Woogie Boys on Friday, July 19. Lessons begin at 7:30 p.m., and the dance runs from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.