Good morning, Santa Barbara.

After a seven-month renovation, Sandbar Cocina Y Tequila will reopen tomorrow at 4 p.m. in Santa Barbara, offering a refreshed menu that brings Mexico’s Riviera Maya & Caribbean flavors to the beloved venue.

Santa Barbara County approved over $56,000 in grants for the 2026-27 Arts Making Impact program (administered by the Office of Arts & Culture), awarding up to $5,000 each to 12 local arts projects that offer music therapy, youth art education, and dance workshops for older adults across the county.

Christopher Cross performed a sold-out show at Lobero Theatre on Friday, June 5, playing classics from his Grammy-winning debut album with three backup vocalists + a skilled band.

The Santa Barbara Rodeo returns at Earl Warren Showgrounds from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2, 2026 — offering PRCA rodeo events, bull riding, and a Mutton Bustin’ contest for young riders.

Tickets are on sale, and vendor applications are open for this celebration of Western heritage.

The City of Santa Barbara is sponsoring the 52nd Annual Summer Solstice Celebration, themed WAVE, with musical performances, food, and a parade running from June 19 to June 21 at Alameda Park and nearby streets & planned closures.

Check local details for updated parking and event areas.

The Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society invites residents to its free meeting on Saturday, June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at its research library (336 Castillo Street), where professional genealogist Nancy Loe will present Researching Ancestral Locations in Prussia.

Alex Fabros, who spent decades overcoming personal and health challenges to reclaim his lost dissertation after a laptop accident, became UCSB's oldest Ph.D. recipient on June 11 in a historic ceremony that honored his journey from veteran to scholar (his work on racial geography in Fresno provided unique insights).

Brush chipping begins in Mission Canyon this week, plus similar work in Painted Cave and East Camino Cielo to lower fire risks.

The county Fire Safe Council coordinates free curbside chipping to create defensible space in local neighborhoods (residents have been notified by postcard and town hall meetings).

Santa Barbara City Council approved redevelopment agreements that will convert the former Macy’s into Yardi Systems + event space offices and the Nordstrom building into 80-112 rental units, including 10% affordable, with formal approval on June 30 and construction set for 2027.

Santa Barbara officials confirmed a new case of the Australian backyard mosquito (Aedes notoscriptus) collected on Kenwood Road in Mesa on June 10, and they are increasing efforts to locate breeding sites and eliminate the threat to local residents.

Blind Fitness is hosting its 2026 Annual Surf Clinic on Saturday, July 11 for individuals who are blind or have low vision at Santa Claus Lane Beach in Carpinteria.

The event offers one-on-one support from trained volunteers & surf instructors and serves up all equipment, instruction and lunch.

On June 15, Cottage Health named Dr. Helen Matthews as Medical Director of its Ob/Gyn Clinic to expand women’s care throughout the region.

She will lead efforts to improve access and join a virtual event, Redefining Women’s Health, on Thursday, July 30 (4-5 p.m.).

A historic beachfront estate at 1465 Edgecliff Lane sold for $29.99 million on June 11.

The one-acre property (built in 1943 and offering 174 feet of ocean frontage) is among Montecito's most noted luxury sales this year.

Eternal Wave Concert

8 PM — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Tickets available — Enjoy live music as Where's West headlines with support from Eternal Wave.

Andy's VIP Backyard Bash - Toy Story 5

3 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Movie ticket not included — Celebrate the release of Toy Story 5 with trivia, activities, and goodie bags for all ages.

New Tree Planting & Pruning Workshop

10-11 a.m. — La Sumida Nursery — Free entry — Learn from a Certified Arborist about tree planting and pruning techniques.

Santa Barbara Auto Night

6-7:30 p.m. — Chase Palm Park — Free entry — Explore a showcase of vehicles from antiques to exotics at this vibrant car show.

Boho Tea Apothecary at Santa Barbara Lavender Festival

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Santa Barbara City College — Entry details not specified — Celebrate creativity with lavender-inspired artisans, food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Sinatra Under the Stars Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort — Full bar available — Experience iconic Sinatra hits in a stunning coastal outdoor setting.

Academy Festival Orchestra: The Planets, An HD Odyssey

7:30-9 p.m. — The Granada Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a cosmic journey through orchestral works accompanied by stunning NASA visuals.

Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket details not specified — Experience the roots music fusion of Grammy winners Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

Soccer Summer Camp in Santa Barbara

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — University of California, Santa Barbara — Registration required — Train with Real Madrid coaches and improve your soccer skills while making new friends.

Jah Ollin Live with Koalishon & Heavy Rotation

9-11 p.m. — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Tickets available — Experience an evening of heavy rhythms and Irie vibes with Jah Ollin and special guests.