Friday Night Swing Returns in 2025

Join the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with Sylvia Sykes and the Santa Barbara Swing Dance Committee for another year of Friday Night Swing. 

Friday Night Swing
Select Fridays
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Carrillo Ballroom, 100 E. Carrillo St.
Event Information

This monthly event, held in the Carrillo Ballroom at the Carrillo Recreation Center, brings an evening of dancing and prizes to Downtown Santa Barbara. Each event begins with beginner and intermediate swing dance lessons before a live band takes the stage. The band changes each month, with music ranging from jazz and jive to blues and rockabilly.

Admission is $20 cash at the door. All skill levels and abilities are welcome, and dance lessons are included with admission. The beginner lesson is designed as an introductory class to help new dancers gain confidence and have fun. The intermediate lesson is for more experienced dancers looking to improve their technique. The unique cantilevered floor of the Carrillo Ballroom flexes under every step, making it a fun and easy dance experience for all skill levels.

Lessons begin at 7:30 p.m., and the dance runs from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with a break for intermission and door prizes.

2025 Schedule
February 21 – Southwest Biscuit Company
March 14 – Dave Stuckey & the Hot House Gang
April 11 – Death and Taxes Swing Band
May 16 – Alpha Rhythm Kings
June 20 – Rob Rio
July 18 – To Be Announced
August 15 – Dani and The Delinquents (former Crown City Bombers members)
September 19 – Carl Sonny Leyland
October 17 – Dawn and Her Day Breakers
November 21 – San Lyon
December 12 – To Be Announced