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 celebrating with a month full of opportunities to get outside, connect with others, and enjoy Santa Barbara’s parks and open spaces!
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.
Music and Dance
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.
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 Jazzboree on Friday, July 17.
Lessons begin at 7:30 p.m., and the dance runs from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Arts in the Open
Experience live music by the waterfront at Arts in the Open, a free community concert series held at the historic Plaza del Mar Band Shell. This July, enjoy a performance by Delta by the Beach on Sunday, July 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and celebrate the arts in one of Santa Barbara's most scenic outdoor venues.
Tea Dance
Enjoy an afternoon of music, movement, and community at the Tea Dance at the historic Carrillo Ballroom.
Join DJ Bob Taylor on Sunday, June 28.
Starting at 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., partners are encouraged and singles are welcome!
Seasonal Pools
Oak Park Wading Pool
This free pool is open seasonally from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily for children 7 and under.
Ortega Park Swimming Pool
This free pool is open seasonally for children 13 and under and their caregivers for recreation swim.
Monday to Friday 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Junior Lifeguard Competition
The Junior Lifeguard Fiesta Invitational Competition returns to East Beach on Friday, July 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cheer on the Junior Lifeguards as they demonstrate their ocean safety, rescue, and athletic skills while enjoying educational exhibits and vendor booths along the waterfront.
Summer Activities
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 4 for the holiday weekend.
At Louise Lowry Davis Center
Scrabble Club
Every Monday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Chess Club
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Bridge Club
Every Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Knitting & Crochet Club
Every Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteer Gardening
Join gardeners of all experience levels for a day of caring for the "Crown Jewel" of Santa Barbara, Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. Volunteers will grow in their horticultural knowledge and skills while spending a day serving their community and giving a boost to this beloved park.
Post Fourth of July Beach Cleanup
Following the Fourth of July Celebration, the City will partner with Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and Tidy Seas to host beach cleanups.
Beach cleanups will take place at Leadbetter Beach, West Beach, and East Beach at both Skater's Point and the Cabrillo Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.