Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Residents are invited to enjoy a safe Fourth of July Celebration at West Beach (99 W.

Cabrillo Blvd.) from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event includes free live music, dance performances, a 20-minute professional fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. and police will enforce rules on illegal fireworks.

More than 300 guests attended the sold-out 2026 Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic at Santa Ynez Valley Polo Club recently, where organizers Sean Pitts, Jodi Barrack Pitts, and TJ Barrack showcased polo and hospitality to support People Helping People’s programs aiding food access and housing stability for local families.

The Santa Barbara County Fair opened Friday at Santa Maria Fairpark for a three-day run and will resume July 8 after a two-day pause, offering a reimagined layout, lower prices, and improved amenities along with a varied lineup of live performances.

Goleta hosts a Fourth of July Drone Light Show today at the Dos Pueblos High School football stadium; the event will feature 250 drones lighting up the sky, food trucks + live music + dance lessons + free shuttle service from nearby parking areas.

At 3321 State St., Chaucer’s Bookstore will host a book talk and signing with author Paul Skokowski and Dr. John Cervantes as he discusses his new book Sensing Qualia on Tuesday, July 21 at 6 p.m.

Local resistance singers held an early practice for today’s Fourth of July parade, rehearsing 'America the Beautiful' and other patriotic tunes to set a festive tone for the celebration.

Their rehearsal highlights a shared local spirit (a nod to enduring traditions) as neighbors prepare to enjoy fireworks and music later today.

In celebration of our 250th anniversary, Santa Barbara honors its forgotten role in America's independence when early residents in 1782 donated 264 pesos to support Spain's military effort (archival records at UC Berkeley now help verify ancestry for DAR and SAR membership).

San Marcos High School announced a new student-led mural developed by Santa Barbara artist Michael Matheson in collaboration with students during a semester-long arts program.

The project, funded by the Royal Pride Foundation, continues a tradition of student-driven public art on campus.

Cabrillo High School in Lompoc earned a Career Choices Bronze Medal from Academic Innovations as its program teaches budgeting and career exploration to help students develop practical life skills (with some students already exploring entrepreneurial ventures).

California legislators canceled $5.5 million for Compass, the free online research resource for K-12 schools, last week.

The budget cut will take effect on July 1 (2027), prompting librarians to launch a campaign to protect a vital resource for students.

Santa Barbara residents can soon apply for rebates to support electric vehicle purchases, charger installation, and electrical work through the Residential EV Program (offering up to $4,000 for battery electric vehicles).

Applications open Tuesday, July 7.

Local winemaker Amber Hogan credits mentor Ken Brown for inspiring her shift into winemaking — she launched Amber Rose Wines using grapes from Broken Oak Vineyard.

Her tasting room at Ken Brown Winery in Buellton is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Santa Barbara Foresters lost a close 3‑2 game on Thursday against the MLB Academy Barons at MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton; the team — 19‑4 this season — will host the Coastal Dodgers at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Eddie Mathews Field.

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.

26th Annual Woodies at the Beach

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Santa Barbara City College — Free admission — Explore beautifully restored Woodies overlooking the Pacific Ocean in a picturesque coastal setting.

The Hidden Life of Wolves - Film

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets starting at $140 — Experience the captivating journey into the hidden life of wolves in this must-see film event.

Slow Flow Yoga Class

10:30-11:45 AM — Yoga Soup — Registration required — Experience a gentle vinyasa and restorative class designed for all levels.

Asian American Film Series Closing Night

6-9 p.m. — Alhecama Theatre — Suggested donation of $5 — Celebrate AAPI-centered stories and filmmakers at the closing night of the series.