Friday Night Swing Returns in 2026
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.
2026 Schedule
February 20 – The Soda Crackers
March 20 – Barrelhouse Wailers
April 17 – Death and Taxes Swing Band
May 15 – Dave Stuckey and the Hot House Gang
June 19 – Alpha Rhythm Kings
July 17 – Jazzboree
August 21 – Dawn and Her Daybreakers
September 18 – San Lyon
October 16 – TBD
November 20 – Dani and the Delinquents
December 11 – Jonathan Stout and His Campus Five featuring Hilary Alexander